Travelling by Train in France
Train service in France is efficient, punctual, and comfortable. The train is one of the best and most popular ways of getting about in France, allowing travellers to view the countryside in a fast, but relaxing manner. And with a bus terminal near every SNCF station, the train-bus combination is an inexpensive way to see the country. France's railway network is very developed (especially from Paris) and connects large cities and towns throughout the country by either TGV or TER (regional express trains). Smaller towns without train stations are generally linked by bus service to the nearest station. They are operated by the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer or SNCF), which provides most intercity connections via its network of express trains and high-speed train service known as the TGV or Train à Grande Vitesse. The high-speed network also includes European routes, featuring the Eurostar which connects Paris to London, and the Thalys going to Brussels and Amsterdam. For added convenience, the Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and Lyon Saint-Exupery Airports have high-speed train stations.
SNCF offers a variety of services designed to improve the convenience of train travel, including:
Hotel ticket delivery
Hotel pickup and delivery of baggage
Baggage assistance at stations
Baggage checking
Reserved meals on the TGV
For more information on services, schedules, rates and reservations visit the
SNFC official website
Ticket prices vary according to comfort level, that is depends on whether you choose first or second class, as well as on the time and date of travel. Travel by TGV is not always more expensive than by regular trains, depending on departure date and time and fare options. There are a variety of affordable price options and flexible passes (non-consecutive days of rail travel) reserved for foreign travellers (Europass, Eurodomino, Inter-Rail…), which can be obtained from your country before you leave, including packages available for the U.S. and UK traveller through your travel agent or Rail Europe.
Rail passes for France include the France Railpass, the France Rail'n Drive, Eurail. Rail Europe also offers combo-country passes, including the France n'Italy Pass and the all new France'n Spain pass. Most passes offered by Rail Europe have specially priced youth versions as well as special passes for seniors. Point-to-point tickets can also be purchased in the U.S. For more information visit the following websites:
All Rail Europe France-specific rail passes & point-to-point tickets
All Rail Europe products & point-to-point tickets
Remember that you must always validate your ticket before boarding a train in France using the orange ticket punching machine (composteur), located near the entrance to the platform area. Tickets must be punched and used on the same day. If your ticket is not properly punched advise the ticket inspector straight away (so that you may be able to avoid fine) as an onboard agent will check your ticket later.
Information and reservations are available by telephone from 07h to 22h daily at 08.36.67.68.69 (approx. 0.35€/minute). Ticket booths and automatic ticket machines are located in rail stations, SNCF boutiques, and travel agencies.
Useful Links
Pass'Entreprise
TGV.com
Eurostar
Thalys
Elipsos
TER
Ile de France
Travel in France with a rail pass from Rail Europe
Rail Europe Single Country Passes
Eurail and Britrail Passes from Europe on Rail-European Train
France Country Passes
French Motorail - The easiest way to take your car to the South of France
