The National Rail Service (SNCF) offers a number of discounts. Check the comprehensive list of reduced fares before you go. As well, when in France, you can obtain the brochure Calendrier Voyageurs at the train station that shows the range of discounts available for travel outside peak hours. The SNCF offers the largest discounts for travel started in a Blue Period time (Période Bleue), which is generally from Monday noon to Saturday noon, and Sunday until 3 pm. You are entitled to a 25% discount, if you: a) purchase a return ticket, b) are willing to travel on a Période Bleue day, and c) will be spending Sunday at your destination. Smaller discounts are available during White Periods (Période Blanche), which are generally from noon Friday to noon Saturday, and from 3 pm Sunday to noon Monday. During a Red Period (Période Rouge) such as a long holiday weekend, there are virtually no discounts. The SNCF also offers a variety of season tickets for frequent travel, valid for any period from a week to a year.

Young travelers under the age of 4 travel free. Those between the age of 4 and 12 enjoy a reduction of 50% on almost all transportation costs. For parents traveling with young children, the SNCF offers a large area of services as well as good advice. Travelers between the age of 12 and 25 can purchase the 12-25 card for unlimited travel in France. There also a number of opportunities to travel in France and throughout Europe thanks to a number of passes such as the Eurail Youthpass, the Eurail Youth Flexipass or the Europass. Check the list of Youth passes available to young travelers. Some of these passes are available only to residents of countries not included in the European Union. Check before you go.

Senior travelers who are over 60 are eligible for the Carte Senior, a card which offers a 50% discount on first or second-class during Blue Period days and a 25% discount on White Period travel. The Carte Senior can be purchased directly at major train stations.

There is also a wide variety of rail passes available, such as the Eurailpass, Eurail Flexipass, Saverpass, France Railpass and BritFrance Railpass. The Eurailpass must be purchased outside the EU and only residents of non-EU countries are eligible. Please inquire about these passes before you go.

if you are not planning on traveling widely, you can book and buy tickets online for specific journeys. If your planned travel include a combination of train and car, the Rail'n Drive program proposed by Rail Europe, offers interesting savings as well as good flexibility.