French rail company SNCF has reacted to increasing competition from low-cost airline Easyjet by launching a no-frills TGV train linking Paris and Marseilles. The route is expected to be the first of several low-cost train services aiming to match the prices of budget airlines.
SNCF's low-cost TGV train, branded the iDTGV, was launched in December with one-way fares of E39 for first and E19 for standard class. After the introductory period, prices are expected to rise by around 50%. By comparison, Easyjet usually charges between E24 and E62 for a one-way trip.
These low train fares are possible thanks to EU competition rules, which forbid airlines from cross-subsidising their fares but do not apply this restriction to railway companies. The iDTGV runs once daily from Paris Lyon, covering the 400 miles in a little over three hours. SNCF is using a modern double-deck TGV with first and standard class seating.
Passengers must book and pay online at (www.idtgv.com), with tickets printed from the website. The site is currently aimed at French residents so to navigate the site you'll need a working knowledge of the language.
SNCF's low-cost TGV train, branded the iDTGV, was launched in December with one-way fares of E39 for first and E19 for standard class. After the introductory period, prices are expected to rise by around 50%. By comparison, Easyjet usually charges between E24 and E62 for a one-way trip.
These low train fares are possible thanks to EU competition rules, which forbid airlines from cross-subsidising their fares but do not apply this restriction to railway companies. The iDTGV runs once daily from Paris Lyon, covering the 400 miles in a little over three hours. SNCF is using a modern double-deck TGV with first and standard class seating.
Passengers must book and pay online at (www.idtgv.com), with tickets printed from the website. The site is currently aimed at French residents so to navigate the site you'll need a working knowledge of the language.