You take public transport every day to get to work. Between the Navigo pass, TER subscriptions, TGV Max and the SNCF Avantage card, here’s how to choose the one that suits your route, budget and constraints.
Why choose a subscription over single tickets?
If you make the same journey at least twice a week, a subscription is almost always more cost-effective. In Île-de-France, a Navigo pass at €90.80 per month (all zones included in 2026) works out at less than €4.50 per day. Compare that to €8.45 for two single tickets. Your employer covers 50% of the cost—75% in the public sector.
No more queuing to buy a ticket. You can board any train or bus without worrying about schedules. Handy when a meeting runs late or to avoid the rush-hour crowds.
Navigo, TER, TGV Max… which one suits your journey?
It all depends on your route.
| Option | For whom? | Monthly cost (2026) | Benefits | Limitations |
| Navigo pass | Journeys in Île-de-France (metro, RER, bus, tram) | €90.80 (all zones) | Unlimited access to all public transport in the region, including RER | Only valid in Île-de-France |
| TER subscription | Regional journeys outside Île-de-France | Varies by region (e.g. €70 in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) | Unlimited travel on the chosen line, often valid on regional buses | Does not cover TGV or Intercités services |
| TGV Max | National TGV journeys (ages 26–35) | €79/month | Unlimited TGV and Intercités reservations (subject to conditions) | Reservations required; limited availability during off-peak hours |
| SNCF Avantage card | Occasional train travel (all ages) | €49/year | 30% discount on TGV and TER tickets | No unlimited access; reservations required |
The Navigo pass is unbeatable in Île-de-France. Once you leave the region, TER subscriptions take over. TGV Max is ideal for under-35s who travel frequently by TGV—just watch out for limited availability during peak hours.
Remote working, staggered hours… how to adapt your subscription
If you work from home two days a week, the Navigo pass remains cost-effective from three days in the office. However, if you only use public transport once or twice a week, a TER subscription or SNCF Avantage card might be more worthwhile.
For staggered hours, some TER subscriptions offer cheaper off-peak fares. In Île-de-France, the Navigo pass is valid all day. But if you travel by TGV, TGV Max requires reservations during peak hours—impractical for night workers.
How to get reimbursed by your employer
Your employer covers 50% of your subscription cost—75% in the public sector. To benefit, provide them with a subscription certificate, available online from the SNCF or Île-de-France Mobilités websites. Some employers even advance the cost to avoid you paying the full amount upfront.
If you combine public transport with carpooling, the sustainable mobility allowance can top up your reimbursement to €600 per year—up to €900 if combined with a transport subscription.
What if you move or change jobs?
Most subscriptions can be cancelled at any time. For the Navigo pass, simply don’t top it up the following month. For TER or TGV Max subscriptions, an online request or visit to the station is enough. If you move regions, switch to a local TER subscription without fees.
If you change employers, check that your new contract includes transport reimbursement. It’s mandatory, but some forget to mention it.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Forgetting to book TGV Max journeys. Even with the subscription, book your seats in advance—especially during peak hours. Without a reservation, you’ll pay full price.
- Choosing a TER subscription without checking connections. Some only cover one line. If your journey requires multiple connections, make sure they’re all included.
- Not declaring your subscription to your employer. Without a certificate, you can’t get reimbursed. Submit it as soon as possible.
- Taking out an annual subscription without trying it first. Some TER subscriptions offer monthly options. Test it before committing to a year.