Tripologiste’s Training Guide For French Train Travel
(8 minute read)
If you’re heading to France and want to get around in style, comfort, and speed, hopping on a train is the way to go. Since moving to France, this has been my main mode of transportation and I can’t recommend it enough. France’s rail system is super convenient and efficient, making it the perfect choice for getting from one city to the next or even exploring the picturesque French countryside. With a train network operated by SNCF (Société nationale des chemins de fer français), you’re in for smooth, comfortable, and often affordable journeys. Let’s break down everything you need to know about traveling by train in France.
Types of Trains in France
France offers all kinds of trains, depending on how far you’re going and what kind of experience you’re after. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse): These high-speed trains are the ones you’ve probably heard of, connecting major cities like Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Nice. They go super fast (up to 320 km/h or 200 mph!), so you can get from one city to another in no time. From my home in the countryside, Paris is a 4-hour drive, but only a 1-hour train ride!
OUIGO: Think of this as the budget-friendly version of the TGV. OUIGO trains run on some high-speed routes, but the tradeoff is that you might not get as many amenities (like flexible seating). It’s great if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a few less luxuries.
Intercités: These are slower than the TGV but still comfy and reliable. They connect cities and towns that aren’t on the high-speed network, so you’ll be covering some ground at a more relaxed pace. Reservations are recommended but not always a must.
TER (Transport Express Régional): These regional trains are perfect for shorter journeys within specific regions. Not as fast as the TGV, but still a great way to get from point A to point B in a relaxed manner.
Night Trains: Want to travel while you sleep? France has some cool night trains, like those running between Paris and Nice, where you can book a couchette or even a full sleeper compartment for a comfy overnight ride.
Booking Train Tickets
Booking train tickets in France is super easy and can be done online, at the station, or even via mobile apps. Here are a few ways to get your ticket:
Advance Purchase: Want to save some cash? Buy your ticket in advance! SNCF offers some pretty sweet discounts for tickets bought early (sometimes up to 50% off). Just remember that these tickets are usually non-refundable, so make sure your plans are set.
Rail Passes: If you're planning on hopping on and off trains across France, a rail pass might be worth it. France offers passes like the Eurail Pass and the France Rail Pass, which let you travel on most trains. Just be aware that some passes don’t include seat reservations, so you might need to pay a little extra for that, especially on the high-speed trains.
Point-to-Point Tickets: Not doing much traveling around? If you're just taking a couple of train rides, it might be cheaper to buy point-to-point tickets. Make sure to check prices and see if buying tickets ahead of time gives you a better deal.
Discounts: There are discounts available for young travelers (under 27), seniors (over 60), and families. The SNCF also offers discount cards for travelers, which can save you money on both tickets and rail passes. If you're traveling with kids, some trains offer free or discounted tickets for little ones.
Train Travel Tips for Tourists
Once you’ve got your ticket, here are some helpful tips to make your train experience in France as smooth as possible:
Seat Reservations: If you’re taking the TGV or other high-speed trains, you’ll need to reserve your seat. Book as soon as you can, especially during busy travel times. You can reserve a seat online or at the station.
Validate Your Ticket: If you’re on a regional train like the TER, make sure you validate your ticket before boarding by stamping it at one of the machines at the station. You don’t want to get caught without a valid ticket. However, you can avoid this situation by just making sure you have a digital ticket on your phone.
Arrive Early: Train stations in France, especially in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, can be pretty big and busy. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your train departs to avoid rushing and give yourself enough time to find your platform. Keep in mind that trains typically don’t stay in stations for very long, often only a few minutes before departure. This means you’ll need to board quickly once the train arrives, so getting to the station early ensures you’re not scrambling to make it on board in time.
Train Connections: If your trip includes a connection, allow at least 30 minutes between trains. While French trains are usually on time, delays can happen, and you’ll want enough buffer in case your first train runs late. If you're connecting in a major city like Paris, be extra careful: sometimes you'll have to transfer between different train stations (like Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon). In that case, give yourself at least an hour. A little extra time between connections can make your travel day a whole lot less stressful.
Luggage: Trains usually have luggage racks, but during busy times, space can get tight. Be prepared to store your stuff in designated areas, and be mindful of space, especially on high-speed trains where there’s less room for large bags. Also, the amount of luggage you're allowed may be limited depending on the train, so it’s a good idea to check the baggage policy beforehand.
Food and Drink: On longer trips, many trains, particularly TGVs, offer snack bars or dining cars. But if you’re looking to save a little cash or just want to pack your own, bringing snacks and drinks on board is totally fine (including alcohol).
Connectivity: While some trains offer free Wi-Fi, it’s not available on all routes. If staying connected is important to you, download any necessary apps or content before your trip.
France Rail Passes: Are They Worth It?
Thinking about getting a rail pass? If you plan to travel a lot by train across France, a rail pass might be a great deal. France has a variety of passes, like the Eurail Pass and France Rail Pass, that offer unlimited travel for a set number of days. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:
Seat Reservations: Even with a rail pass, you may still need to pay for seat reservations on certain trains (especially TGV). It’s an extra cost, but it’s worth it to get a guaranteed spot.
Best for Long Distances: Rail passes are generally a better deal if you’re traveling long distances or making several journeys. If you’re only taking a couple of short trips, point-to-point tickets might be a better option.
Flexibility: One big perk of rail passes is the flexibility they offer. You don’t have to lock in your travel dates, and you can change your plans on the go. Perfect for those who want to roam and explore!
Booking in Advance: Even if you have a rail pass, it’s still a good idea to book your seats in advance for popular routes, especially around holidays or peak times when trains can fill up quickly.
Advantages of Train Travel in France
Convenience: France’s train system is known for being super punctual and efficient. Most cities are well-connected, and you can even get to smaller towns with ease using regional trains.
Comfort: Trains in France are comfy, with spacious seating, air conditioning, and plenty of legroom. If you're in a high-speed TGV, you can even treat yourself to a business-class upgrade for a little extra comfort.
Scenic Views: One of the best things about taking the train is the beautiful scenery. Whether you're passing through vineyards, mountains, or coastal regions, you’ll have some great views along the way.
Eco-Friendly: Traveling by train is one of the greenest ways to get around compared to flying or driving, and France’s rail network is one of the most eco-friendly in Europe. So not only do you get to enjoy the journey, but you’re also doing your part for the planet!
City-Center Access: Unlike flying, where you typically land at an airport far from the city and have to figure out transport into the heart of town, trains take you straight to the city-center. This makes it incredibly convenient and saves time, allowing you to jump right into your exploration of the city without any hassle.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives: International Train Companies
While the SNCF is the main operator in France, there are also international train companies that can sometimes offer cheaper options, especially for routes that cross borders. For example, Trenitalia (Italy’s national rail service) operates trains between France and Italy, and they can often offer lower fares than the TGV for certain routes. Other companies like Renfe (Spain’s rail network) also run cross-border trains that might be more affordable than the French domestic services. It’s worth checking out these companies, even if you are only traveling within France, as they can provide good deals. We recommend using an app called Trainline, which lets you search and book tickets across 27 different European rail operators in one place—it’s a great tool for comparing prices and finding the best routes.
Get On Board
Train travel in France is one of the best ways to explore the country. With a reliable network, plenty of ticket options, and scenic views, you can travel around easily and comfortably. Whether you’re zipping through cities on a TGV or taking it slow on a regional train, there’s something for everyone. So, plan ahead, book your tickets (or rail pass), and get ready to enjoy the journey!
