Voyages-sncf.com announces the new booking window opening for summer reservations

 At Voyages-sncf.com we want to take the mystery out of booking rail travel and show people the easy way to do it. We understand that while many travellers are really comfortable with booking flights, there is still a certain amount of uncertainty about booking European train tickets. Voyages-sncf.com is the one stop shop for booking tickets and passes and our experts have put together their top tips for how to get the best fares and when to book your summer holiday travel this year.

The golden rule in booking rail travel is to book as early as possible. The lowest cost fares always sell out first so it pays to be organised. Train operators have different booking horizons or windows and it's important to check how far in advance you can book if you want to benefit from the lowest cost fares.

Rail prices do not rise automatically because it is the summer holiday period.  The rates are linked to availability rather than date – as the availability reduces, so the price increases. It is therefore advantageous to reserve as soon as you can, to enjoy a relaxed journey to your summer holiday destination.

We've selected some of the major European carriers and looked at when their services go on sale for the summer. Please see attached image.

If you're thinking of heading to France during the summer holidays, you'll be able to book your tickets from Thursday 2nd April. Destinations included in this new longer booking horizon are Paris to Nice, Marseille, Avignon and Aix en Provence and in the south west, Toulouse, Biarritz and Lourdes. 

Reservations and information - To book or for more information, visit www.voyages-sncf.com, download our free app, call 0844 848 5848 or call into the Voyages-sncf Travel Centre at 193 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9EU. You can also book through hundreds of appointed travel agents throughout the UK.

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Note to Editors:

• Voyages-sncf.com was created in 2000, as the travel agent and ticket distribution outlet of SNCF (French National Railways).
• *France Spain High Speed services can be booked through to 4th August from this date due to planned engineering works.
• TGV Lyria services retain their usual 3 month rolling booking horizon, but from 17th March can also be booked between 5th July and 30th August.

About Voyages-sncf.com:  Voyages-sncf.com is a subsidiary of the French National Railway Company SNCF and an expert in railway travel to Europe and French destinations. It is a key player in the European tourism industry employing over 1,000 people across its European business. In 2013, the group sold 75 million tickets with annual sales revenue of €4 billion, across more than 30 countries. Voyages-sncf.com comprises 15 websites in 8 languages, mobile sites and apps, 5 travel centres and an integrated call centre service. 

For more information: http://corporate.voyages-sncf.com/

About SNCF:  Present in 120 countries, SNCF is a world leader in mobility and logistics. Its total workforce of 250,000 generated revenue of €32.2 billion in 2013, with over 25% of sales from markets outside France. A public sector group dedicated to public service, SNCF builds on its foundations in rail to offer a broad range of services, delivering seamless door-to-door mobility for transport and logistics operators, passengers and the regional and local governments that are its organizing authorities. www.sncf.com