France
General train travel information for FRANCE. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
In 1827, the first commercial railway line opened in France, connecting the city of Saint-Etienne with the port of Andreu. In 1832, a section of the Paris Railway was opened, connecting Paris and Saint Germain. In 1857, the French State Railway (SNCF) was created, which brought together private companies and became the main operator of railway transport in the country. Over time, SNCF expanded and modernised its network, built new lines and offered improved passenger services. In 1981, SNCF introduced the TGV high-speed trains, which became a symbol of French railway technology.
General Information and Statistics
The SNCF, the national state-owned railway company, operates most of the passenger and freight services on the national network managed by its subsidiary SNCF Réseau. SNCF carried approximately 124 million passengers in 2020
There are 29 901 kilometres of railway lines in France. The 3054 railway stations in France are used by 10 million passengers every day
16,445 km of railway electrified (55%).
What connections to other countries there are.
There are frequent train services to all neighbouring countries including the Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg . There are also direct trains to Netherlands, Great Britain, and Austria.
Are trains fast in France in general? How much time to cross the country?
The French TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) high-speed rail system is renowned for its speed and efficiency. The average speed of TGV trains is 320 km/h (199 mph), but on some sections it can reach 350 km/h (217 mph). The journey from Calais to Marseille takes 6:04 hours and from Nantes to Nancy 5:02 hours.
What railway companies are available?
There are three railroad companies in France that serve only domestic routes: SNCF, TGV and OUIGO. SNCF is the main train operator in France, typically high-speed regional trains called Intercités and slower regional trains called TER. OUIGO offers just six routes and is known as a low-cost alternative to high-speed trains in the country. TGV also offers only a few routes, although it plans to expand its high-speed train network in the future. On the other hand, six railroad companies in France offer international routes. Thello is a joint venture between SNCF and Trenitalia, so provides day and night trains running between Marseille and Milan, as well as Paris and Venice. Lyria is a partnership between SNCF and SBB (Switzerland), providing high-speed services between Paris, Marseille and Dijon and the main Swiss cities. Thalys also offers high-speed trains from Paris to Amsterdam/Brussels/Cologne. High-speed trains operated by Eurostar run from France to London, as well as to Amsterdam and Brussels. The Renfe-SNCF partnership provides direct high-speed train routes from France's main cities to Barcelona and Madrid. Finally, Eurocity provides slower trains that connect France with major European cities.
What train types are available in France
France offers a variety of train types to cater to different travel needs. Some of the train types available in France include:
• TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse): The TGV is France's high-speed train network, connecting major cities within the country and offering fast travel times. It operates at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph).
• Intercités: Intercités trains are medium- to long-distance trains that connect various cities and regions across France. They offer both daytime and overnight services.
• TER (Transport Express Régional): TER trains are regional trains that serve shorter distances, linking smaller towns and cities within a specific region. They are a convenient mode of transportation for local travel.
• Ouigo: Ouigo is a low-cost, high-speed train service operated by SNCF. It offers affordable fares but with some limitations, such as operating from specific stations and having fewer onboard amenities.
• Eurostar: Eurostar trains connect France (Paris) with other major European cities such as London, Brussels, and Amsterdam through the Channel Tunnel.
• Thalys: Thalys trains provide high-speed connections between France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. They offer services between cities like Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
France has a well-developed network of high-speed trains known as TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse). TGV trains are renowned for their speed, efficiency and comfort. They travel at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph) and connect major French cities as well as international destinations.
Most important train stations / hubs.
The main railway hubs in France are Gare du Nord (Paris), Gare de Lyon (Paris), Gare Montparnasse (Paris), Gare Saint-Lazare (Paris), Gare de Lyon Part-Dieu (Lyon), Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles (Marseille), Gare de Lille Europe (Lille).
Websites to buy train tickets for France?
https://www.sncf-connect.com, www.omio.com, trip.com, raileurope.com
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in France?
SNCF has a nice app.
Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in France?
You can buy your ticket online or through a mobile app. You can also buy train tickets in France at any French train station. The fastest way is through ticket vending machines You can also buy tickets at a ticket office, but queues can be long at busy times.
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
If you want to get up-to-date traffic information, check train schedules, buy a ticket to travel to France or another country, or exchange or refund a ticket, you can call the SNCF hotline (3635) every day from 8am to 8pm.
Return the ticket.
Full refund: If you wish to return your ticket in full before the departure of the train, you can receive a full refund of the ticket price.
Partial refund: If you want to refund only a part of the ticket (e.g. one of several route segments), you can request a partial refund proportional to the unused route segment.
Refund conditions: Refund policies and refund options depend on the type of ticket, fare selected and conditions of purchase. Some fares may be non-refundable or subject to a refund fee.
Special circumstances: In case of serious circumstances such as illness or unforeseen events, SNCF may consider individual requests for refunds or exchanges.
Ticket Exchange: In addition to refunds, you may have the option to exchange your ticket for a different date or time. Additional fees may apply depending on fare conditions.
Train ticket prices
SNCF offers many different types of tickets, but don't let that put you off. SNCF strives to give its customers as much flexibility as possible. As with American trains, train tickets are cheaper the earlier you buy them, so don't delay and buy them as soon as possible. You can buy a long-distance ticket for 50 euros. For example for the train Toulouse – Paris.
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
Saver fares to neighbouring countries are available from SNCF. For example, from Lille to Brussels from EUR 17.90. And from Metz to Luxembourg from EUR 8.90.
Where to find timetables.
Find train schedules on https://www.sncf.com/en, https://www.tgv-lyria.com/fr/en/booking/timetables-and-fares/timetables
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
Train tickets are cheaper the earlier you buy them, so don't delay and buy them as soon as possible.
Types of tickets.
There are three main ticket types with SNCF: PREM'S, LEISURE AND PRO. These tickets all have different levels of flexibility and price, and when you book will also affect the price. If you're travelling on a OUIGO TGV train, the tickets will be cheaper. However, OUIGO TGV trains only travel on selected routes.
SNCF passes, such as the Forfait pass, are a convenient option for regular travellers, allowing unlimited journeys on a selected section for a week or month. They offer flexibility and money-saving benefits, making them an attractive choice for those who travel frequently on a particular route.
SNCF offers different types of discount cards, or Carte Avantage, which you can use to get a reduced price when travelling with your family or during the weekend, or if you're under 27
Interrail/Eurail Passes in France
The Eurail and Interrail Pass is available for France. The best option is to buy your Eurail or Interrail Pass on the official website using their app.
With your Interrail Pass you can travel on most trains in France. However, many French trains need to be reserved in advance, and some of them have limited seats for Interrail Pass holders.
Saver price.
Prema is the cheapest type of TGV ticket. It is available for purchase three months before travel. It cannot be exchanged or refunded.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.
Flexible tickets.
Flexible tickets are available. Semi-flex – Valid for TGV Lyria France-Switzerland only, can be exchanged before departure for €20.
Full-flex
Valid for France-Switzerland Lyria TGV train only. Exchange or refund before departure free of charge. After train departure, printed tickets are refundable at 50% if claimed within two months.
E-tickets can be returned 30 minutes after the departure of the train.
Rules of boarding.
Remember to bring a valid, original identity document to show when your ticket is checked—and don't forget your SNCF discount card or pass! Only passengers with tickets are allowed to enter the boarding area.
Discounts for group travel.
Save on group travel (10 to 36 people) on TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS, as well as on regional TER trains to selected destinations in France.
You can:
• Save up to 50% on adult fares
• Save up to 65% on fares for young people aged 12-27 years old
• Receive travel confirmation within 15 days
• Get a guarantee that your group will be accommodated in the same carriage
Do you want to travel by train with a group of more than 36 people for vacation or business?
You can:
• Travel in France on the TGV INOUI and Intercités and in Europe on Thalys
• Book a special train
• Book your trip 330 days in advance
Age groups and discounts.
• If you choose TGV inOUI, TER or Intercités, a child under four years of age travels free of charge, without a reserved seat, on your lap or in a carrier.
If you want your child to have a separate seat, choose our Forfait Bambin fare for just €9. This favorable fare is offered automatically upon booking.
• With Ouigo, children’s fares start at just €5
When you travel with Ouigo, choose from two simple options for all children under 12, including infants:
8€ for OUIGO Grande Vitesse
5€ for OUIGO Train Classique
Rates for large families
• Families with at least three children are entitled to the Carte Famille Nombreuse.
This free card entitles you to discounts on TGV INOUI trains, INTERCITES day and night trains, and TER trains.
Who is entitled to the discount:
30% Each family member with three dependent minor children
40% Each family member with four dependent minor children
50% Each family member with five dependent minor children
75% Each family member with six dependent minor children
• Student and apprentice passes (valid for travel within France only)
If you are:
Student under 21 years of age
Student up to 26 years old
Trainee under 23 years of age
You are entitled to a season ticket with which you can book 9 2nd class tickets per month at the booking price of your ticket.
After the 9th journey you can enjoy a 50% discount off the regular Loisir price.
• The "Carte Avantage Senior" card for people 60+ years old costs 49 € and is valid for 1 year.
With the Carte Avantage card you have access to limited 2nd class fares on TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS direct trains, even if you book at the last minute!
- journeys of less than 1 h 30 min = €39 max.
- journeys between 1 hour 30 min and 3 hours = €59 max.
- journeys longer than 3 hours = €79 max."
Also available:
- 30% discount on trips all year round*
- 60% off tickets for 3 children traveling with you*
Free exchange and refund of tickets 3 days prior to departure.
Age limitations for minors.
The JUNIOR & Cie escort service offers a service to ensure the safety and care of children throughout their journey. At the train station and on the train, your child (aged between 4 and 14 years) is looked after by a professional. At the destination station, your child is handed over to an adult you designate.
Minors can travel unsupervised from 14 years of age.
Handicapped passengers.
SNCF partners such as: Accès Plus, Wheelz, Destia provide services to assist passengers with disabilities
You can indicate whether you are traveling in a wheelchair or not, the type of wheelchair does not have to be specified
Subject to availability: all accompanying persons travel with you in 1st class
Up to 3 accompanying persons per wheelchair user will receive a 30% discount on the 1st class fare.
To travel with a wheelchair, you must comply with the regulations.
Wheelchair passengers can travel in the Premium carriage for the price of a standard ticket:
To Belgium: from €29
To the Netherlands: from €35
To Germany: from €35
Seat reservations in trains in France.
Many types of French trains always require paid seat reservations:
On TGV trains, the high-speed trains that serve most of France's main lines as well as some international routes, seats must be reserved. Seat reservations on domestic routes start at $11 and increase to $27 as seats sell out.
On international TGV trains, the cost of mandatory seat reservations varies (higher than domestic and often higher in first class, and the number of seats for pass holders may be limited). For example, on direct TGV Lyria trains between France and major Swiss cities, seat reservations are quite expensive (about $35 in second class or $70 in first class with the Eurail Global Pass), but cheaper on TGV trains within France.
Thalys trains, which have a monopoly on the direct Paris-Brussels route (and also go beyond Brussels to Amsterdam and Cologne/Dortmund), require seat reservations, which cost $25-35 in addition to a pass covering both ends of the trip (or $35-45 on direct Paris-Amsterdam trains). On Thalys trains to/from France, reservations should be made as far in advance as possible.
Eurostar trains across the Channel between London and France (Paris, Lille, Disneyland) accept the Eurail Global Pass, but not the France Eurail Pass. Reservations cost about $35 in Standard class or $45 in Standard Premier in addition to the start of the day pass.
Comfort classes on the trains.
French trains have 2nd and 1st class. Second class seats are usually comfortable, while first class has extra comfortable seats, single, double or private cabins, quiet areas, and meals on site.
On Intercités de Nuit night trains
The 1st class compartments have 4 berths per compartment, an upper and lower berth on each side of the compartment. They seem much more spacious than 2nd class compartments as they have a little more room, wider berths and only accommodate 4 people rather than 6.
The 2nd class compartments have 6 berths in each compartment, upper, middle and lower on each side of the compartment.
Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in France.
When travelling on Intercités trains offered by SNCF, passengers have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of dining options during their journey. A catering service is offered on board the Intercités train, which provides passengers with a variety of dining options.
The café-restaurant on the Intercités train offers a variety of meals, drinks and snacks. Breakfast, lunch or dinner can be purchased here, depending on the time of your journey. The menu offers dishes for a variety of tastes, including local and international cuisine.
In addition to the café-restaurant, a bar service is also available on some Intercités trains, where you can purchase soft drinks, coffee, tea, snacks and other snacks.
Night trains in France?
The Intercités de Nuit is a comfortable night train, connecting Paris with the rest of France.
The Intercités de Nuit runs on the following routes:
Paris – Toulouse – Daily all year round.
Paris – Foix – Latour de Carol – Daily all year round.
Paris – Toulouse – Perpignan – Portbou – Only on Fridays and Sundays till the 30th of June. Daily in summer.
Paris – Tarbes – Lourdes – Daily all year round.
Paris – Rodez – Only on Sundays till the 25th of June.
Paris – Marseille – Cannes – Nice – Daily all year round.
Paris – Briançon – Only on Sundays till the 18th of June.
Paris – Lourdes – Biarritz – Hendaye – Daily during summer season, from the 7th of July till the 2nd of September.
Important train routes in France.
Paris – Lyon / from 1:56 hours / from 34,90 EUR / 1-2 trains per hour
Paris – Nice / from 5:36 hours / from 53,90 EUR / 1-2 trains per hour
Paris – Bordeaux/ from 2:06 hours / from 30,90 EUR / 1-2 trains per hour
Paris – Marseille / from 3:04 hours / from 48,90 EUR / 1-2 trains per hour
Nice – Cannes / from 0:25 hours / from 6,90 EUR / 3-4 trains per hour
Marseille – Toulouse / from 3:49 hours / from 2,90 EUR / 1 train every 2 hours
Lyon – Dijon / from 1:28 hours / from 26,90 EUR / 1-2 trains per hour
International train routes.
There are direct international trains from France to the Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Great Britain, and Austria.
Tourist / scenic routes in France.
«Mont Blanc Express»
The Mont Blanc train ride is a scenic journey through France along the French Alps, where the mountains meet the sky. The best time to take this trip is in the spring when the snow melts and the views are spectacular. You will begin your journey in Chamonix, located 2,942 feet above sea level. From here, you'll set off on the famous Glacier Express route past the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Mont Blanc and Aiguille du Midi. Along the way, you will stop at various villages and towns to enjoy breathtaking views.
«Blue Coast Train»
The Blue Coast train in France is the best way to see the stunning scenery of Marseille. The French railroad passes through rocky hills and tiny settlements set in deep limestone calanques. Due to the difficult terrain, the road has to make a steep turn inland. There are ways to get to two places in half an hour, but if you want to explore the interesting parts of the city, this hour and a half trip is worth it.
This scenic rail route in France runs along the coastline and often descends steeply to the water, passing through 23 tunnels, two bridges and 18 magnificent viaducts.
Luggage information.
The ticket price includes one of two baggage allowances:
• two pieces of hand baggage up to 36 cm x 27 cm x 15 cm high.
• One piece of hand baggage (height up to 36 cm x 27 cm x 15 cm) and one hand bag (height up to 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm).
Bicycle on the train.
You can take your bicycle on board any SNCF train, subject to availability. There are two options: fold or disassemble your bicycle, place it in a case and take it on board the train free of charge.
• on the TGV INOUI train:
If you have a folding bicycle- keep it in its case and it will travel free with the rest of your luggage.
If your bicycle is not foldable, reserve a seat for it for 10 euros.
• When you fold or disassemble your bike and store it in a carrying case, you can bring it aboard your OUIGO train for €5.
• When travelling with OUIGO Train Classique, you have two options :
You may pay 10€ to bring your bike without disassembling it
Or you may pay 5€ to bring your bike either folded or disassembled
• Travel with Intercités
Book a space for your bike for just €10:
Aboard daytime Intercités trains not requiring reservations5
Aboard daytime Intercités trains reservations
Aboard overnight Intercités trains6
Ski or snowboard on the train.
Skis and snowboards are welcome aboard our TGV INOUI, Intercités and TER trains—but all gear must be packed in a bag and stowed securely in one of the luggage areas to avoid blocking your fellow passengers and SNCF staff.
Luggage lockers on the stations in France.
In some stations, you can leave your bags in our self-service lockers—for just an hour, or up to 14 days. When you store your luggage for 24 hours, the fee is just €7.50 for a medium locker and €9.50 for a large one.
Lost and Found Items.
Lost something at a train station or on a train? Found something? The SNCF Gares & Connexions lost and found department can help you.
If you have lost something, please report it online. Some major train stations also have lost and found departments.
Pets on the trains.
• If the animal is traveling in an animal carrier
It must travel in a bag or basket no larger than 45 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm, placed on your lap or at your feet. The ticket price for your pet is 7 euros.
• If the dog is traveling on a leash
It must be muzzled for the entire journey and must travel at your feet. The ticket price for a dog is €7.
• If your pet is a guide dog
It travels with you on board all SNCF trains. There is no fare and no ticket is required. If your guide dog normally walks without a muzzle, it can travel on the train.
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