Summary: Ouigo is a low-cost TGV brand and commercial service launched by SNCF on 2 April 2013. On 26 May 2021, the same concept was extended to Spain with the creation of a subsidiary in that country, Ouigo España. Ouigo is therefore part of the SNCF’s brand policy revolving around the onomatopoeia ‘Oui’ (Ouigo, OUI.sncf, Ouibus and InOui). It is an offer inspired by low-cost airlines, with low prices but a single class and no bar (except in Spain). The aim – like IZY at Thalys – is to capture bus and car-sharing customers. The rolling stock used is the TGV Duplex of the Dasye generation, modified for this commercial brand, and capable of carrying 634 passengers. Originally, so as not to compromise the business model of its other TGVs, SNCF ran its Ouigo services from outlying stations such as Marne-la-Vallée rather than Gare de Lyon in Paris. In the meantime, its policy has changed, with departures from major Paris stations, to capture more customers. SNCF Ouigo now serves 42 destinations and covers the 12 biggest French cities. In spring 2022, a version based on classic Corail trains will be launched in France.

➤ See also: AVE (Renfe) – Avlo (Renfe) – Eurostar (since 2024) – Frecciarossa – ICE – InOui – Iryo – Lyria – NTV-Italo

➤ See also: High speed train in France – High speed train in Germany – High speed train in Italy – High speed train in Japan