To the point
Find out about the prices and benefits of the SNCF's Max Actif and Actif+ passes, and which product is best suited to your needs.
Do you find yourself taking the same train route several times a week? Subscribing to the SNCF ‘s Max passes could be the right ticket for you. These passes are essential for young people, senior citizens and professionals who have to travel on a weekly basis, as they allow them to book train tickets free of charge. Here’s a look.
What are Max, Max Actif and Max Actif+ passes?
The SNCF offers four types of Max season passes, subscribed for on a yearly basis.
The Max pass is aimed at young people and seniors looking for a flexible solution that doesn’t require them to plan ahead, while the Max Actif and Max Actif+ cards are designed for professionals who travel between 3 and 5 times a week.
Review on SNCF Max Actif cards - How they work and benefits
The Max Actif pass entitles the holder to 250 journeys per year on a predefined route, Monday to Thursday, on TGV and INTERCITÉS trains, while the Max Actif+ pass entitles the holder to 450 journeys per year on TGV, INTERCITÉS and TER trains.
| Subscription | Target | Advantage |
| Max Pass | Young people aged 16 and 27 |
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| Max Pass | Seniors over 60 |
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| Max Actif Pass | Professionals who travel 2 to 3 times a week |
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| Max Actif+ Pass | Professionals who travel 4 to 5 times a week |
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Max Jeune Pass
The Max Jeune pass is for people aged between 16 and 27. It allows you to travel on selected TGVs INOUI , INTERCITÉS only with a reservation and OUIGO trains to destinations in France, Luxembourg, and Germany, for just 79 euros a month.
Its advantages include the ability to :
- Get unlimited free tickets on TGV INOUI, OUIGO and INTERCITÉS trains, Monday to Sunday (excluding peak periods).
- Make up to 6 simultaneous reservations
- Up to 1 month’s advance booking (depending on the train)
- Cancel all your tickets free of charge up to 5 p.m. the day before departure
- Get a 15% discount on car rentals with AVIS
- Unlimited hot drinks with the purchase of a 3 euro cup
Max Senior Pass
For senior citizens, the benefits are the same. However, journeys must be made on weekdays from Monday to Friday, with the exception of busy periods such as Friday afternoons and evenings, Monday mornings and the days preceding major holidays, and long week-ends.
Max Actif Pass with TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS
If you find yourself making multiple trips every week on the same route, all year round, the Max Actif Pass could be the ideal solution for you. Designed specifically for remote work professionals who travel two or three times a week, this subscription offers a range of essential benefits, such as the possibility of :
- 250 free reservations, valid from Monday to Thursday
- Cancel all your tickets free of charge, up to 30 minutes after train departure
- Anticipate up to 2 months’ bookings
- Manage your travel budget with 12 monthly payments
- Obtain Grand Voyageur Le Club status in the SNCF loyalty program and enjoy all its benefits,
Max Actif+ Pass with TGV INOUI, INTERCITÉS and TER Trains
The Max Actif+ pass offers the same benefits as the Max Actif pass, but is aimed at travelers who travel four to five times a week. It offers 450 free trips, unlike the Max Actif pass, which only offers 250.
Max, Max Actif and Max Actif+ - Rates
The price of the Max pass for both young people and seniors is set at 79 euros per month. The price of Max Actif and Max Actif+ passes, on the other hand, is calculated according to several criteria, including the class chosen and the distance covered.
| Subscription | Price | Cancellation |
| Max Jeune and Senior Pass | 79 €/month | After 3 months |
| Max Actif Pass | Between €300 and €600/month | After 12 months |
| Max Actif+ Pass | Between €500 and €990/month | After 12 months |
According to the SNCF, with a Max Actif pass, a second-class journey costs an average of 18 euros, while a classic ticket costs between 40 and 45 euros on average. This calculation takes into account recent price changes.
Of course, the greater the distance, the higher the cost.
- For a journey between Paris and Lille, the price of an SNCF Max Actif pass is 406 euros in second class and 495 euros in first class. A Max Actif+ card costs 646 euros in second class and 824 euros in first class.
- For a journey between Paris and Dijon, the price of an SNCF Max Actif pass is 377 euros in second class and 527 euros in first class. A Max Actif+ pass costs 601 euros in second class and 879 euros in first class.
- For a journey between Paris and Lyon, the price of an SNCF Max Actif pass is 396 euros in second class and 553 euros in first class. A Max Actif+ pass costs 631 euros in second class and 923 euros in first class.
SNCF Max Actif pass - Cancellation policy
SNCF Max Actif and Max Actif+ passes are taken out for the year, although they are payable monthly. In the event of early termination, a charge equivalent to one monthly payment will be levied.
SNCF Max Actif card - Offers and promotions
For the time being, there are no special offers on the SNCF Max Actif card: the price remains unchanged. We will, of course, keep you informed if this changes.
SNCF Max Actif Pass - Review and Conclusion
Max passes for young people and senior citizens, as well as Max Actif and Max Actif+ passes, are ideal for customers who need to take the train several times a week, on the same route.
To be worthwhile, however, a passenger would have to travel 3 to 5 times a week, and must be flexible, as there are sometimes capacity constraints. It is also important to check the SNCF website to find out which TGV INOUI lines are available with Max Actif and Max Actif+ cards, as they are offered on a limited and defined list of routes.
SNCF Max Actif passes review - Frequently asked questions
How do I get the SNCF Max Actif pass?
To obtain the Max Actif pass, first go to the SNCF website. Next, choose the type of subscription, Max Actif or Max Actif+, the arrival and departure station, and the travel cabin.
How does the SNCF Max Actif pass work?
What is the price of the Max Actif and Max Actif+ annual pass with SNCF?
The price of the Max pass for both young people and seniors is set at 79 euros per month. The price of Max Actif and Max Actif+ passes, on the other hand, is calculated according to several criteria, including the class chosen and the distance travelled with the SNCF.
Which SNCF pass offers the best value?
The best train pass subscription for you depends on your age and how often you travel. If you travel a lot for work, the SNCF‘s Liberté Card is a great way to avoid the sometimes exorbitant cost of last-minute bookings. If you’re travelling with your family for personal reasons, you may be better off with the Advantage Card, which is more affordable.
What's the best SNCF pass for professionals who work remotely a few days a week?
How can I get a free Max Actif pass for the TGV?
It is impossible to obtain a free Max Actif pass. In 2023, fraudsters posed as SNCF and invited travelers to buy Max Actif+ passes at knocked-down prices in order to obtain their bank details, but it was a scam. Watch out!
Is the Max pass worthwhile for TGV travel?
The SNCF Max Actif pass is a cost-effective way to take the TGV if you travel frequently on the same route, at least two or three times a week. With monthly fares ranging from 300 to 600 euros, it offers significant savings on regular journeys. Each ticket costs an average of 18 euros, compared with 40 to 45 euros without a subscription. The benefits of the pass are even greater if you make regular trips and take full advantage of the 250 annual trips included.
