Revamped Ouigo Trains: Explore SNCF’s Affordable Travel Experience with a Fresh Interior Design

Revamped Ouigo Trains: Explore SNCF's Affordable Travel Experience with a Fresh Interior Design

SNCF is modernizing its Ouigo fleet to celebrate the brand’s 10th anniversary, with renovations set to complete by 2029. The first updated train features improved comfort, additional seating, and bike storage. Inside, passengers will find new electrical outlets and a relaxation zone, enhancing the travel experience. Plans include expanding the network to new regions and increasing station service while maintaining affordable ticket options, aiming for significant growth by 2030.

The SNCF is embarking on an exciting journey to modernize its Ouigo fleet, celebrating the brand’s 10th anniversary in 2023. The first renovated train has just been launched, with plans to gradually update the entire fleet by 2029. While the exterior remains largely unchanged, there is a notable addition: a bicycle logo now adorns the doors, highlighting the availability of eight bike-secured spots on board.

Enhanced Comfort and Modern Amenities

Step inside, and you’ll discover a transformed environment vastly different from the original Ouigo trains. A technician describes the updates, saying, ‘There is a little less pink than before, the blue has evolved.’ The new design boasts electrical outlets at every seat, ensuring passengers can charge their devices without incurring additional fees. ‘Each passenger can store their cabin luggage under the seat. In terms of dimensions, we’re similar to the first generation of Ouigo, but the comfort levels have significantly improved.’ The new seats are slimmer yet more comfortable, allowing the SNCF to add nine additional seats to the train compared to previous models.

To learn more about this transformation, TF1 journalists gained exclusive access to the Technicentre of Bischheim in Bas-Rhin, where classic TGVs—averaging 15 years in age—are being converted into Ouigo trains. The exterior receives a fresh coat of paint, while the interior undergoes a complete overhaul. ‘We will keep the blinds. However, the seats, which are around fifteen years old, are removed and sent for recycling. A full transformation takes about four months, and approximately 80 people work daily on this project,’ a technician elaborates.

Introducing a Relaxation Zone

This renovation project is a top priority for the SNCF. With increasing passenger demand on TGVs, converting older models into Ouigo trains enhances capacity. ‘To maximize space in the new Ouigo, we opted to utilize the passenger area instead of retaining a central luggage compartment. Luggage storage is now available at the train’s entrances and exits,’ highlights TF1 journalist Pierre Gallaccio.

The revamped Ouigo trains can accommodate 653 passengers, a notable increase from the previous capacity of 644. Additionally, the SNCF has successfully created space in the former bar car, converting it into a relaxation area—a first for Ouigo. However, this space will not feature catering services as seen in Inoui TGVs.

As part of its expansion plans, Ouigo is set to broaden its network significantly. By the end of 2025, these affordable TGVs will reach the Basque Country, servicing stations in Bordeaux, Dax, Bayonne, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Hendaye. Starting this December, a third daily round trip will be added between Paris and Rennes, as well as Paris and Bordeaux. Moreover, by 2026, Ouigo plans to operate on the Paris-Lille route. These updates aim to enable Ouigo to capture a larger market share, with a goal of having three out of ten high-speed trains operated by Ouigo by 2030.

With these ambitious projects, Ouigo is poised for growth, intending to service around 75 stations by 2027, up from the current 60, while continuing to provide affordable, non-exchangeable, and non-refundable ticket options.