07 May 2025

Student rail pass: how to travel while saving money

When you travel frequently, transportation costs can become a significant burden on your student or apprentice budget. To manage this, most students choose a student train subscription card, which offers more freedom and affordability.

There’s a wide range of options and promotions available. Understanding the pros and cons of each card depending on the rail operator is key to choosing the most cost-effective solution.

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The different student train subscription options

Several rail companies offer student train subscription plans, with conditions varying based on whether you travel with TGV or SNCF. In addition to long-distance services, local network options are also available.

TGV Max Jeune subscription: benefits and conditions

Students often move around a lot, especially younger ones. The TGV Max Jeune subscription allows unlimited travel on TGV trains for a fixed monthly fee of just €79.

You can reserve up to six trips at a time. This subscription offers great flexibility and covers most of France, as well as some cross-border destinations such as Luxembourg and Freiburg (Germany).

For example, you can easily travel between your student accommodation in Massy-Palaiseau or Villejuif and your study location. You can also book up to 30 days in advance using the SNCF Connect app and manage your travel even last-minute.

Note that a minimum 3-month commitment is required for new users. Early termination within the first year incurs a €15 cancellation fee.

You should also always book a seat in advance, as the number of spots available under the TGV Max Jeune subscription is limited.

SNCF Carte Avantage Jeune: discounts and offers

The Carte Avantage Jeune (formerly SNCF Carte Jeune) is designed for travelers aged 12 to 27. With this card, you get significant discounts:

30% off on TGV and Intercités
25–50% off on TER trains (depending on the region)
30% off for select European destinations (e.g. Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain)

The card costs €49 for one year and can sometimes be found at half price during special sales periods. It provides more freedom to explore France and beyond at a lower cost.

Regional TER subscriptions and local offers

For local travel, regional TER student passes are ideal. These are usually monthly or yearly and offered at reduced prices, depending on the region. In many cases, no seat reservation is needed, which is perfect for last-minute trips.

However, these passes are only valid within the region, and TER trains are slower and less comfortable than TGVs. If you need to go beyond your local area (for example, from your student accommodation in Noisy-le-Grand), you’ll need another solution.

How to choose the right subscription for your journeys

As a student, saving money on transportation is essential. Choosing the right student train subscription requires an understanding of your travel routine and researching the best offers.

Assess travel frequency and distance

Your ideal subscription depends on how often and how far you travel. For example, if you study remotely from your coliving accommodation, a national train pass may not be necessary.

Determine how often you go to campus and identify your main monthly destinations. This will help you choose between a monthly or yearly pass. Also, check if your transport provider includes your home-school route.

If your travel is mainly local, a TER subscription may be better than a TGV pass.

Compare costs and savings

Not all student train pass options offer the same value. Use comparison tools to assess your potential savings. Does a TGV Max Jeune subscription suit your needs better than a Carte Avantage Jeune?

Make sure your subscription fits within your student budget.

Estimate savings based on example trips

Run a quick simulation. For instance, a round trip without a subscription may cost €60. With the Carte Avantage Jeune at €49/year and a 30% discount on each trip, you can calculate how many trips are needed to break even — ideally within the first three.

Tips to save even more on your trips

A student train subscription is just one way to reduce your expenses. However, it’s only cost-effective if you stick to your usual travel routine. If you’re more mobile, you can enjoy greater flexibility. Plus, there are other simple tricks you can use to save even more.

Plan your trips in advance

A student train subscription is a great offer. But to make the most of it every time, you need to plan ahead and book your seats early. The simple trick here is to map out the trips you’re planning for the month and reserve your seats accordingly. This method helps you avoid paying for a subscription you barely use.

You should also know that, in general, ticket prices are often lower when you book earlier. As a result, by planning your routes properly, you could secure good discounts.

Alternatives to the train for certain routes

You don’t have to use the TGV all the time. For certain journeys, there are alternatives that can make student life easier. You can try carpooling or coach services, for example.

For shorter trips, public transport such as buses or trams can be even more budget-friendly than the train. However, you’ll need to check whether these alternative transport options are available in the areas you need to travel through.

Apps and tools to find the best deals

When it comes to student transport deals, your best finds may be online. The advantage of these platforms is their ability to combine data from several transport companies. This way, they provide you with a clear overview of your options. This allows you to compare offers more easily and choose the operator that best suits your journeys.

Most students living away from home use Citymapper. It covers several cities and also provides information on TER routes. There are also student-friendly apps like Kombo, which is very popular among young people. Otherwise, you can simply use the SNCF app (SNCF Connect) or Tictac Trip, which is also very comprehensive.

FAQ: common student questions about train subscriptions

What train pass should a student get?

Students aged 12–27 can choose between the Carte Avantage Jeune (up to 30% off tickets) or a regional TER student pass, depending on their travel needs.

How do I get SNCF student discounts?

Buy the Carte Avantage Jeune online or at a station (€49/year). For regional passes, you may need to show student ID.

What is the cost of a monthly SNCF subscription?

It varies by region and distance. TER student passes typically range from €30 to €100/month. Combined rail and city transit passes also exist.

How do I qualify for student fares?

Provide your student card or enrollment certificate when buying your subscription. Some regions may require additional registration.

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