Overview
- SNCF said on September 19 that it has begun a progressive switch to three-digit seat numbers across all TGV Inoui services, with deployment underway since mid-September and completion targeted for December 14, 2025.
- The update also applies to TGV Lyria and Inoui routes to Germany (excluding ICE), Spain, Italy, Luxembourg and Brussels from French regions, and seat numbers will continue to appear on tickets.
- On trains formed of two rakes, the first digit points to the car: for cars 1 to 8 in the first rake it matches the car number, while for cars 11 to 18 in the second rake it corresponds to the second digit of the car number.
- Within each car, seat numbers will increase in order from left to right starting at the entrance, with duplex sets numbered 1 to 39 on the lower level then continuing from 40 on the upper level.
- SNCF says the change is intended to make seats easier to locate and to speed boarding, which the operator expects will ease aisle congestion and help keep station stops on time.