Trains in France
Train travel in France – who runs French trains, where to go and how to buy tickets
Thinking about traveling on trains in France but not sure where to start? We’re here to help. The aim of this guide is to give anyone thinking about rail travel in France a strong understanding of how the rail system works and just how easy it is to buy tickets and travel by train.
Whether you’re visiting France for a family holiday, a business trip, a backpacking adventure or studying in Paris for a semester, we’ve got you covered. From the train companies that operate in France, the types of trains and how to buy cheap French train tickets, keep reading to discover our guide to trains in France.
Eurostar and Thalys join forces!
Your European trips just got simpler: Eurostar and Thalys have joined forces under the Eurostar name!
London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne are just some of the destinations that are within reach as Eurostar expands across the continent.
There are now two types of Eurostar trains: Eurostar’s classic blue trains for journeys to/from the United Kingdom, and red trains (formerly Thalys trains) for all other trips to France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
So, what’s changed? 😎
✔ You’ll be able to buy tickets for all routes that used to be operated by Thalys with Eurostar (for example, trains from Paris to Amsterdam)
✔ There will be 2 separate sets of Eurostar travel classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium for trains in Europe, and Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier for trains to/from London.
✔ Boarding the train will look different depending on where you’re headed: if you’re traveling to/from the United Kingdom, you’ll need to check-in and go through security
✔ All travelers, regardless of destination, can sign up to Club Eurostar (Eurostar’s loyalty scheme).
Want to book your next adventure with Eurostar?
France train tickets
There are four main train ticket types for high-speed TGV INOUI trains in France. Read on for more information on each of the different ticket types and what they’re best for.
Prem’s
The cheapest ticket type, Prem's go on sale up to four months in advance, usually at their cheapest price so tend to sell out quickly.
Prem's tickets are now refundable and exchangeable under certain conditions. You may have to pay an admin fee to refund or exchange tickets less than a week before your train's departure.
These tickets are available to buy for travel on TGV and Intercités trains. We'll show these tickets as PREM'S in our Journey Planner.
Best for
- Budget travelers
Seconde
These are Second Class (also known as Standard) tickets. Seconde ticket prices increase as the departure date approaches.
Seconde tickets are refundable and exchangeable. You may have to pay an admin fee to refund or exchange tickets less than a week before your train's departure.
These are available to buy for travel on TGV and Intercités trains. We'll show these tickets as SECONDE in our Journey Planner.
Best for
- Saving money by buying in advance
Première
This is the name for First Class train tickets in France. Prices for these tickets will also increase as the departure date approaches.
Another flexible ticket option, Première tickets are also refundable and exchangeable. You may have to pay an admin fee to refund or exchange tickets less than a week before your train's departure.
These tickets are shown as PREMIERE in our Journey Planner.
Best for
- Extra comfort
Business Première
The most expensive ticket option, Business Première (Business First Class) is available on all TGV INOUI services. Tickets are always a flat rate price.
Access to SNCF lounges in certain stations and priority boarding are just a few of the added extras this ticket provides. Tickets can be exchanged or refunded for free up to 30 minutes after your booked train's scheduled departure.
You'll see these tickets in our Journey Planner as BUSINESS PREMIERE.
Best for
- Business travelers
- Extra comfort
Other trains and ticket types
Apart from TGV INOUI trains, there are now other trains which run on the high-speed routes in France, each with its own ticket types. Keep reading for a brief overview of these trains and tickets.
OUIGO France
OUIGO trains are run by SNCF, France's national rail company (the same company that runs TGV INOUI trains). However, OUIGO aims to offer low-cost rail travel to customers, so there's only one class of seating and two ticket types.
Essentiel is the most basic ticket type. You can take a cabin bag and one piece of hand luggage with this ticket. On the other hand, OUIGO Plus offers you the chance to take more baggage, plus other extras like larger seats and the chance to pick your seat.
Both types of ticket are non-refundable and can only be exchanged online under certain conditions before traveling, and you may be charged an admin fee.
Trenitalia France
On certain routes in France, it's possible to travel on an Italian Frecciarossa train, operated by Trenitalia. If this option is available, it'll show in our Journey Planner.
Trentitalia offers a Serenità fare, which can be exchanged for free an unlimited amount of times before departure. If you decide to cancel, you can get 80% of the ticket price refunded (provided your ticket costs more than €10).
How pricing works for French train tickets
TGV and Intercités tickets can normally be booked up to four months in advance, usually at their cheapest price, except during the following times on year when the SNCF sale runs:
- Between mid-December and mid-January, when tickets go on sale two months in advance.
- Between February to April, when tickets go on sale four months before the date of travel.
Ticket prices for TGV and Intercités trains increase as the train fills up and it gets closer to the departure date. Tickets for TER trains are always sold at a set price.
OUIGO tickets can go on sale between two and nine months beforehand. Trenitalia tickets also go on sale a few months in advance. Check our Journey Planner to see ticket availability.
Discover more by reading our guide on cheap train tickets in France.
How to book train tickets in France
Buying train tickets in France with us
As trusted sellers of tickets for SNCF trains, OUIGO trains and other cross-border services in France, we’ll show you train times, ticket options and highlight the cheapest prices. Here’s a step-by-step guide to booking train tickets in France with us:
- If you're on our website, put your departure and arrival stations into our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you're on our app, enter them in the Search tab. Don't know the name of the station? You can also search by city.
- Enter the date and time you’d like to depart (and return if you're buying a return ticket), along with the number of passengers and any relevant Railcards/Loyalty cards you have them.
- If you're looking for tickets on our website, hit Get times and prices. If you're using our app hit Find times and prices to start your search.
- Select a time and the class you'd like to travel in from our search results. Once you’re happy with your choice, continue to choose your seat preference, seat type and which deck you'd like to sit on if it's a double-decker train. (Note: you may not be able to choose your own seat on all services.)
- Enter an email to send your ticket confirmation to, along with the full name of each passenger you’re booking tickets for (the name must match their IDs).
- Continue to the checkout and book your tickets!
Collecting at the machine
Many services in France now accept e-tickets. However, if you’ve bought your ticket online before your journey and need to print it out, all train stations in France will have a self-service ticket machine you can collect them from. If you’ve booked with us, simply enter your booking reference and lead passenger name to print your tickets.
Finding cheap train tickets
If you’re planning a journey on a TGV, OUIGO or Intercités train, cheaper tickets are often released up to four months in advance (except when the SNCF seat release is running). They are quick to sell out though, so snap them up when you can!
Find out more in our guides to how to buy train tickets for France and cheap train tickets in France, and don’t forget to check out the latest offers in our European train deals section.
Rail passes in France
If you want to visit several destinations during your visit to France, sometimes a train travel pass can work out cheaper. There are two main rail passes that allow you to travel around for three days to three months, and you’re likely to qualify for either one of the other.
Eurail Pass
These passes can only be used by non-European citizens or residents (like citizens of the US and Canada). Apart from that, everything about the Eurail Pass is the same as the Interrail Pass. You can use it to travel just around France or combine it with travel in other countries as part of your trip - as part of the "Superloop" of Europe, for example!
Learn more about the Eurail Pass.
Interrail Pass
These passes can only be used by European citizens and permanent residents of Europe. An Interrail Pass offers unlimited train travel around France using a One Country Pass, or you can include cross-border travel with a Global Pass.
Discover the Interrail Pass.
France rail map
It's easy to travel by train in France. Thanks to SNCF, France's national state-owned railway company, and its high-speed services, you can eat a croissant in Paris at 9:00am and drink a glass of wine in Bordeaux by lunchtime. Sounds like heaven? Well, if you're planning a trip to France and want to see as many cities as possible, the train is definitely your best friend.
SNCF operates the 4 main rail services in France:
- TGV, the high-speed rail service which links together the major cities of France like Lyon, Bordeaux and Marseille. With TGV, you can go to more than 230 destinations in France and Europe. If you want to learn more about TGV routes and other fast trains across the continent, visit our high-speed trains in Europe page.
- TER, the regional network for local trips in the different regions of France. There are 11 TER regions, which represents more than 5,000 stops and SNCF stations.
- Intercités, the non-high-speed rail service which offers an alternative route around France for all the cities not served by the TGV network.
- OUIGO, the low-cost train service which allows you to travel around France at high speeds. A great option to discover a lot of French cities with cheap train tickets.
Trenitalia, Italy's national rail company, also runs high-speed services in parts of France, including from Paris to Lyon. Spain's national rail operator, Renfe, runs services in the south of France and across the border into Spain, including between Lyon and Barcelona and from Marseille to Madrid.
You may find that on certain routes, like if you're traveling between Lyon and Paris, that there's more than one operator to choose from. With our Journey Planner, you can search times, tickets and prices to see which one best suits your travel plans.
Ready to start planning your trip to France? Check out our interactive France train map, as well as our top 3 tips for planning your first trip around Europe.
Train companies in France
If you’re hopping on a train in France, it’s likely you’ll be boarding an SNCF service as they’re the main train company in the country. If you’re traveling from France to another country, there are a few different cross-border train companies you need to know. We’ve broken down the different brands and their services below.
SNCF
- Domestic routes
- Main train operator in France
- High-speed and regional services
As the main train company operating in France, step on a train here and it’ll most likely be an SNCF service, especially for domestic routes. The main types of SNCF train are high-speed TGV, Intercités and slower regional TER services. You can find out more about these further down the page.
Find out more about SNCF trains.
OUIGO
- Domestic routes (6 in total)
- Low-cost operator
- High-speed: up to 300 km/h (186 mph)
A low-cost alternative to high-speed train travel in France, OUIGO trains are still part of the SNCF brand, but usually cost less than traveling on TGV INOUI services, although they also come with fewer onboard amenities. OUIGO operate on popular routes such as Paris to Marseille, Paris to Lyon and Paris to Strasbourg. They can even take you to Disneyland Paris and Charles-de-Gaulle Airport from certain locations.
Find out more about OUIGO trains.
TGV Lyria
- International routes from France to Switzerland
- High-speed: up to 320 km/h (198 mph)
A collaboration between SNCF and SBB (the main train operator in Switzerland), TGV Lyria trains offer quick connections from Paris, Dijon and Marseille to popular Swiss cities like Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich.
Find out more about TGV Lyria trains.
Eurostar
- International routes from France to the UK
- High-speed: 321 km/h (200 mph)
Eurostar operate high-speed services between major cities in France and London (via a trip through the Channel Tunnel), as well as France and the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Find out more about Eurostar trains.
Eurocity
- International routes between France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Poland and Italy
- Connects major European cities
A slower form of international train travel than some of the others we’ve mentioned, Eurocity trains usually visits at least two countries on most of their routes.
Find out more about Eurocity trains.
Types of trains in France
There are three main types of trains you'll find yourself traveling on in France. SNCF operate a mix of high-speed services on major routes and slower regional services between smaller stations around France. Find out more about each train type below.
TGV
- High-speed: up to 320 km/h (198 mph)
- Connects Paris with major cites in France
- Double-decker trains
One of the most popular modes of transport for traveling long-distances in France. These modern trains run on around 50 high-speed routes and always require a reservation in advance.
Find out more about TGV trains.
Intercités
- Stops at cities not part of the TGV network
- Day and night services
- Night trains between Paris and Toulouse, Rodez, Briancon and Latour-de-Carol
Intercités trains are mainly used for medium-distance journeys across France. Although not as high-speed as TGV trains, they service a lot of stations across the country that aren't on TGV routes.
Reservations are usually required on most Intercités services.
TER
- Regional trains
- Low-cost
- Stops at smaller stations around France
TER stands for Transport Express Régional and there are a number of different regional TER services operating across France. Popular with commuters, you’ll likely board one of these trains for shorter distance travel to smaller cities and towns throughout France. You won't need a reservation to board a TER train.
Find out more about TER trains.
Sleeper trains
- Overnight travel to several destinations in France
- Comfortable and secure cabins
- Opportunity to save on accommodation
If you want to save money on accommodation during your trip, taking a sleeper train lets you wake up feeling refreshed at your next destination. Choose from a Couchette, Standard or Premium cabin to travel in.
Find out more about night trains in Europe.
Train classes
Want to know whether if it’s worth spending that extra cash to sit in First Class? Or whether Standard Class will do just fine? We’ve highlighted what you can expect to find in each class when traveling by train in France below, and you can also check out our guide to First Class v Second Class trains in Europe.
Second Class
Available on all trains in France
Second (or Standard Class) on trains in France can vary depending on the type of train you’re traveling on. Usually though, you can expect to find the following in Second Class cars:
- Fold down tables
- Shared access to power outlets
- Duo or four passenger seating options
- Free WiFi (TGV INOUI only)
- Baggage storage areas
First Class
Available on TGV and Intercités trains
Not available on TER and OUIGO trains
Depending on the train you’re traveling on and the ticket you buy, First Class travel on trains in France can include the following extras on top of Second Class amenities:
- More spacious and comfortable seating
- Solo, duo or private cabin seating options
- Power outlets at each seat
- Travel in Quiet areas
- Access to First Class lounges in certain stations
Popular rail routes
Trains from France to other countries
Not only is it super easy to travel by rail within France, it’s also well-connected with other countries in Europe, which makes cross-border travel a breeze. Whether you want to travel from France to Spain, Italy, the Netherlands or Brussels, there’s no need to fly when the train can whisk you from city center to city center in no time. And with no weight restrictions on your baggage, the train is a great way to travel around Europe.
|
Route |
Train operators |
Fastest time |
|
Eurostar |
2 hours, 16 minutes | |
|
SNCF, Trenitalia, DB, TGV Lyria |
6 hours, 37 minutes | |
|
Renfe |
5 hours, 2 minutes | |
|
Renfe |
7 hours, 42 minutes | |
|
Eurostar |
1 hour, 22 minutes | |
|
Eurostar |
3 hours, 19 minutes |
Places to visit in France
Did you know France is the most visited country on earth? And for good reason. Plenty of good reasons actually. The main one? France has everything. Whether you prefer spending your holidays swimming, skiing or walking, France has beaches, mountains and countryside.
Côte d'Azur (French Riviera)
The Côte d'Azur (French Riviera). Just its name brings glorious sunshine into the room. Locally known as the Côte d'Azur, it's one of the most beautiful parts of France. Ideally located in the southeast, the region is a year-round holiday destination. It's even on our list of the best European destinations to visit in September, so it's not all about summer! Check out our rundown of the French Riviera's most famous hotels if you need more travel inspiration.
It’s no surprise that so many famous artists such as Monet, Picasso and Renoir have been inspired by the magical light and intense colors of the French Riviera. And once you're on the pebble beaches of Nice or enjoying a walk on the famous Promenade des Anglais, you'll certainly wish you were a painter too. Looking for some glamour, The Promenade de la Croisette of Cannes and the yachts of St. Tropez are waiting for you. For nature lovers, don't miss the picturesque mountaintop villages of Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Main stations
Airport transfers
French Alps
Nature lovers and sports fans, here is your spot. From snowy mountains to green valleys, from Annecy's blue lake to Chamonix's view of Mont Blanc, the French Alps will charm you with the diversity of its landscapes and its fresh air - and it's one of the best European destination for extreme sports.
In winter, get on your skis or hop on a snowboard. L'Alpe d'Huez, Courchevel or Val Thorens open their doors - and their slopes - to you. Miles of pistes stretch in front of you. Going in summer? Put on your walking shoes and go on an adventure among the chamois and groundhogs. The French Alps are perfect for hiking or rock climbing and - why not? - going for a romantic picnic in the middle of nature.
But the Alps are not only made of mountains. Discover Annecy and have a walk along its famous lake. Get to know the region's cuisine: its fondue next to a fireplace, its raclette to taste with family and friends. All of this with a view on the Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe. For more information, take a look at our guide to skiing the Alps, or our rundown of the best European ski resorts you can reach by train. And don't forget, during the ski season you can even go from London to the Alps on a Eurostar ski train!
Main train stations
Paris
The City of Love. The City of Lights. You've heard the nicknames, now it’s time to find out why.
Start your journey at the top of the Eiffel Tower, so you can take in the rest of the city you’ll be exploring. Then go down and down again to visit the hidden Catacombs of Paris 135 feet below ground or head over the iconic Pantheon's dome, before wandering through the Latin Quarter and marveling at the gorgeous Jardin des Tuileries. Or check out two of Europe's best indie bookstores located in Paris! There's so much to see and do.
Don’t forget to fill your stomach with French cuisine. Which obviously includes cakes, viennoiseries and chocolate. Paris is home of some of the most world-famous pastry chefs, and from the macarons of Ladurée to the Ispahan of Pierre Hermé, your sugar fix is in good hands. Why not head to the Café de Flore and see why it's so famous?
Main train stations
Airport Transfers
Bordeaux
If the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Bordeaux is wine – we can’t blame you! It is the world’s wine capital after all. So, if you're into Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, this city located in the southwest of France is definitely a destination worth visiting.
Of course, how can you not partake in a little wine tasting or vineyard tour during your stay? If you're traveling to Bordeaux for its wine, we've got a guide for you. You’ll get to visit châteaux (castles) or villages in the Aquitaine region as part of many trips. And don't miss La Cité du Vin, a modern and unique museum celebrating all things wine. Even if you don't drink, there's plenty to do in Bordeaux – the city is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable urban and architectural unity created in the Age of Enlightenment.
Main train station
Lyon
Do you want to experience the true French joie de vivre? Look no further, Lyon is a brilliant mix of culture and architecture, food, art and peace.
Did you know this French city is the capital of gastronomy? The temptation is everywhere in the numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, the traditional bouchons (small bistros serving Lyonnaise cuisine) and the prestigious Les Halles de Lyon indoor market, to name a few.
Why not head to Vieux Lyon, one of the largest Renaissance neighborhoods in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stare in wonder at the Gothic style Saint-Jean Cathedral and lose yourself in the charming 200+ hidden passageways (traboules) around the city.
Main train station
Airport transfers
Travel tips
We want to make train travel in France as easy as possible for everyone. Whether you're backpacking through the country, visiting on a work trip, studying abroad in Europe or planning a family holiday, we've put together some of the most important things we think you need to know about visiting France and traveling by train.
Student/budget travelers
Visa requirements
If you hold a valid US, UK, AU, NZ or CA passport, you won’t need a visa if you’re staying in France for less than 90 days.
If you’re studying in France, you’ll need to apply for the visa that covers the amount of time you’ll be spending there. Short stay visas are for courses not exceeding 3 months. Temporary long-stay visas are for courses between 3 and 12 months.
Discounted train travel
For long-distance trains, look for OUIGO tickets rather than TGV tickets – these no-frills, low-cost trains are a cheaper high-speed travel option.
You can apply for a Carte Avantage Jeune TGV INOUI. It costs just €49 and gets you 30% off travel on TGV INOUI and Intercités trains, plus discounts on TER trains, for 1 year.
If you know your travel plans ahead of time, SNCF release Prem’s tickets up to 4 months in advance. These cheap tickets get snapped up quickly so secure them when you can!
Business travelers
Visa requirements
If you’re staying in France for less than 90 days and hold a valid US, UK, AU, NZ or CA passport, you won’t need a visa.
If you’re traveling from the US, you’ll just need to show proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket to enter the country.
First Class or Standard Class?
Amenities in Standard and First Class vary depending on the train you’re traveling on. For example, with First Class, you'll likely get an individual power outlet at your seat so you can charge your devices on the go.
Business Première Class is available on TGV INOUI trains including on routes from Paris to Bordeaux, from Paris to Nantes and from Paris to Rennes. With a Business Première ticket, you can access the TGV INOUI Grand Voyageur lounges at a number of stations including Paris Gare du Nord, Lyon Part-Dieu and Bordeaux Saint-Jean.
First Class is not available on regional TER trains.
Family travelers
Visa requirements
If you’re visiting France for less than three months, you won’t need a visa to enter the country if you hold a valid UK, US, CA, AU or NZ passport.
Child train tickets
Babies and children up to 4 years of age can travel for free on TGV, Intercités, TER and all cross-border services. They won’t be able to have their own seat, so will have to sit on your knee during the journey.
Fares for children aged 4 years and older vary depending on the train company. TGV, Intercités and cross-border services usually allow children between 4 and 12 to travel on a half-price ticket.
Most TGV trains have dedicated family-friendly cars.
Good to know
Wondering when to buy your train tickets or how much baggage you can take on trains in France? We've got answers to some of your most frequently asked questions below.
Buying train tickets
Can you buy tickets on the train?
Should I buy train tickets in advance?
Can you get train tickets on your phone?
On the train
Do I need a seat reservation?
Are dogs allowed on trains?
Can you take bikes on trains?
How much baggage can I take on French trains?
Miscellaneous
What is the high-speed train in France?
What are OUIGO trains?
What are TER trains?
Are there train strikes in France?
Recommended itineraries
If you’re in need of some ideas for your trip, look no further than our France travel inspiration hub. Our dedicated travel writers have been putting together exciting and inspiring guides to traveling around France by train. We’ve highlighted some of our most popular itineraries below.
Learn more about French train travel
So you’ve come to the end of our guide to train travel in and around France. We hope you now know your Prem’s from your Première and your TGV from your TER. We’ve covered domestic and cross-border train travel, how to buy your tickets and which ones can save you the most money.
Ready to book your train travel in France? Start your search for times and tickets in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. Not quite found what you’re looking for yet? Check out our other pages about train travel within France, or our guides to taking the train in other European countries.