SNCF train ticket collection from self-service machines
SNCF ticket collection is easy, and your passengers can collect their French tickets from SNCF collection machines at stations across France. This guide tells you how.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Where to find SNCF self-service machines
SNCF self-service machines can be found at 1,400 stations across the French rail network. They feature the SNCF logo and are bright yellow (or white if it's a newer machine).
Collecting tickets - Quick guide
- The travellers can collect tickets from any SNCF machine, not just at the departure station.
- Tickets are usually available to print a few minutes after a booking is complete. They can be picked up at any time prior to departure.
- The card used for payment is not required for picking up French rail tickets purchased via Rail Europe.
- To collect the French rail tickets, the travellers will need: the booking name, collection reference ("PNR")
- The travellers must validate their tickets prior to boarding the train. See Validating tickets at the station.
Collecting tickets - Step-by-step guide
- 1
- Select the language
To select the English option, travellers must firmly press the UK flag on the touchscreen menu. -
- 2
- Main menu
They must then select "File and Electronic ticket collection’" from the menu on the right-hand side. Then select the third box down on the left-hand side: "Collection with a file reference number." SNCF tickets booked on Rail Europe does not require the passengers to enter the credit or debit card.
- 3
- Enter the collection reference
The collection reference, sometimes called PNR (Passenger Name Record) or TOD (ticket on departure) reference, is a six-character code which can be found in the booking confirmation email. Please note that it is different from the Rail Europe order reference, which is 10 characters beginning with "S" or "W" or "K").
- 4
- Enter the booking name
Passengers must then enter the surname of the lead passenger exactly as it appears in the confirmation email. If they have any trouble, they can go to the SNCF ticket desk and present their collection reference (PNR).
- 5
- Printing the tickets
The booking reference may contain several journeys. Passengers must make the selection and press "Print tickets for this journey."
- 6
- Receiving the tickets
The tickets will now print from a slot beneath the screen. Each ticket and its print status will be displayed on the screen. The travellers must make sure that all of the tickets have printed before leaving the machine. 
Validating the tickets
Before boarding, the passengers must validate their ticket at the yellow "compost" or "automat" machines which they'll find either at the entrance to the platform area or on the platform itself. See also Validating tickets at the station.
