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.

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.