Traveling in France by Train: Ultimate Guide | 2025

Can You Get Around France By Train?

Yes, nearly every tourist destination in France is connected by train, so you can easily plan your entire itinerary using the rail network.

In fact, train travel is the best way to get around France!

Trains in France are comfortable, usually on time, fast, and can be quite affordable if you book in advance.

Unlike bus stations, which can be at random locations, train stations are usually in the city center, so you can start exploring right away!

Paris is the central train hub, and you can take a train from Paris to almost any part of the country.

With fast TGV trains, places like Lyon, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg are just 2 hours away despite being over 600km from Paris!

This centralization of Paris is also one of the downsides of the French railway system, as you’ll often have to go through Paris to travel between cities like Nice and Bordeaux, for example.

Another downside is that trains can get very expensive. For shorter distances, up to 4 hours, it might be better to get around France by bus.

Also, there are still some popular places you can’t reach by train and you need to take a bus, like Alsace villages, Saint Tropez, and Mont Saint-Michel!

That’s also a good thing, as popular places in France can get overcrowded quickly.

Types Of Trains In France

As I already said, France has several types of trains, including the TGV high speed trains. 

So, what is the difference between trains in France? 

The main difference between TGV and other trains is whether they are fast trains or regular. 

Also, you have regional trains connecting smaller towns within a region, and interregional trains connecting cities in different regions. 

Almost all trains on French railways belong to the national company SNCF. As there is virtually no competition, they have the freedom to dictate the prices. 

However, recently several foreign companies have started connecting France to neighboring countries as well!

For example, you have Eurostar from London to Paris, Thalys from Paris to Brussels, or Renfe from Barcelona to Marseille.

How To Book Train Tickets In France?

There are two methods for buying train tickets in France:

• online 
• in-person at the train station (ticket machine or at the counter)

You can’t buy tickets on the train! 

This is crucial to remember, as you’ll get a fine if you try buying a ticket from the controller on the train. I’ve seen it many times, they don’t care if you’re a tourist and “you thought” you could buy it on board.

The official SNCF Connect website is the best place to buy train tickets in France.

I always use their app to book train tickets, it is easy to use, you can see all departure times and prices at a glance, and you can quickly access your ticket QR code and platform information. 

You can also get train tickets from Omio or Trainline if you’re traveling to multiple countries and you prefer having all your train tickets in the same place. 

However, these third-party websites charge a booking fee, which you don’t get when booking directly with SNCF. 

If you’re buying your train tickets at the train station you can get them at the counter or at one of the ticket machines.

Smaller train stations will only have ticket machines. You can pay with cash or a card, and machines also have instructions in English. You will get a paper ticket when buying in person.

Sometimes, you need to validate these paper tickets before entering the train! Look for yellow “composting” machines next to the ticket machines and on the platforms. 

I suggest you book your train tickets online for long-distance journeys where you get a designated seat – those often sell out!

I don’t think TER trains have a limit on how many people are allowed on the train judging by how many times I was squished in the train corridors, so you can also get those last minute at the train station.

How To Save Money On Train Tickets In France

One thing you’ll quickly notice as you browse France train tickets is that they can get quite pricey.

Train travel in France is not as affordable as you might think.

Fast TGV trains can easily cost more than flight tickets, and even regional trains are more expensive than your average Ryanair ticket.

So, how do you save money when traveling in France by train?

You have several options:

• Book in advance for the best prices
• Get a rail pass or an advantage card

Booking in advance is quite self-explanatory. You’ll want to book your train tickets as soon as you know your travel dates.  Especially if you want to travel to seafront towns in France during summer!

Bookings open 3-5 months in advance, so you can’t really buy your tickets a year in advance. 

I feel like there are no rules with train prices in France as they vary wildly – the ticket might be double the price if you go an hour later or earlier! 

For TER trains, you can get discounted tickets up to 2 days in advance. 

Also, TER trains offer discounted prices for certain age groups regardless of when you book. For example, if you’re younger than 26 you can get a 30% discount on the app.

When it comes to rail passes in France, most only make sense if you’re staying in France long-term.

TGV Max is probably the best rail pass in France, and I regret daily that I’m not younger than 28 anymore to take advantage of it.

It is a minimum 3-month subscription card that allows you to take an unlimited number of train trips in France for 80€ per month. 

I don’t think other Rail passes are interesting for anyone who’s not commuting or living in France, as you’ll have to take a lot of trains to see the benefit.

However, if you plan on taking many last-minute train trips in France (because the discount is 30% of the full price, which is significantly higher than the price you can get when booking in advance) it might be worth checking out!

Another thing to consider if you’re staying in France for a significant time is getting regional passes. These are different in every region, but some offer really good benefits.

Interrail and Eurail passes are also an option for train travel in France. 

However, they have a whole set of their own rules with seat reservations and fees, so you’ll have to do the maths to see if Interrail is worth it for you.

Want to compare the prices of renting a car in France?
🚗 I always use this website to book cars in France!

Practical Information for Train in France

So, how do you use trains in France?

Train travel in France is no different than traveling by train in other European countries. 

Firstly, you’ll want to book your train tickets in advance to get the best price.

France is not cheap, and you might be surprised by train prices if you buy them last minute! To get an idea of prices, Paris to Bordeaux tickets start at 25€ and can go up to 170€.

TGV and Intercités trains can sell out as they have designated seating, so keep that in mind too. 

You can be more relaxed with TER trains, as the prices are significantly lower and virtually unlimited.

You can always buy TER tickets on the machines at the station.

You HAVE TO validate paper tickets from a ticket machine on the yellow “Compostage de billets” machine. 

Contrary to what I thought when I first saw them, you don’t use them to compost your paper tickets…French is a confusing language!

These yellow machines are not everywhere as they are being phased out, but if they are there – you have to use them.

Many French cities have multiple train stations, so make sure you’re going to the right one. For example, Paris has 6 train stations!

You used to be able to take as much luggage on board as you wanted, but nowadays many trains have luggage restrictions. 

Check how much luggage you’re allowed to take with you, and pay for additional luggage if you need it.

Also, don’t leave your luggage unattended, because the French will close down the whole train station to make sure it’s not explosive. I’ve had so many delayed trains because of the “suspicious package”.

If you’re taking a train with assigned seating, make sure to find your designated seat. People will move you if you’re in their seat.

When a controller comes around, show them your ticket so they can validate it. Sometimes there are controllers on trains, sometimes they’re not – don’t think you can get away with not buying a ticket.

Train Routes in France

So, where can you go by train in France? Basically everywhere!

Trains are the go-to public transport in France, and you can take them for short rides or cross-country journeys.

It’s a good idea to check the train lines when planning your trip to France, as some routes might be more complicated than others.

Paris has the most options, there is a direct train from Paris to basically everywhere in France. With TGV fast trains, you can get to the other side of the country in less than 2 hours!

Not all routes are as straightforward though.

For example, to travel from Bordeaux to Lyon, you first have to go to Paris, and change trains (and a train station!), before reaching your final destination.

I suggest you use the SNCF website when planning your trip. Sometimes, booking 2 individual tickets can be cheaper than booking transfer tickets so try all combinations.