How does train system work in France?

The TGV (“train à grande vitesse”) system offers high-speed links from Paris to many regional capitals. French inter-city public transportation doesn't get more efficient than this. Tickets for these trains must be booked in advance and all seats are pre-allocated.



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For long-distance trains including all TGV, Intercités & Intercités de Nuit overnight trains, reservation is compulsory, but there are usually seats available even on the day of travel and you can buy a ticket immediately before the train departs. But there are much cheaper fares if you pre-book.

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Many French trains need to be reserved in advance, and seats can be limited at times. Make your train trips in France comfortable and reserve your seats before the journey even begins! Most French high-speed trains and night trains can be reserved up to 2 months in advance.

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At large train stations in France you'll scan the barcode or QR code on your ticket (paper, or smartphone e-ticket) to pass the fare gates and board the train; but in some smaller stations you may have a paper ticket which you must validate before boarding.

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In Paris, the train stations can be much larger and somewhat confusing. If you're unfamiliar with the station in Paris, you should arrive from 45 – 60 minutes before departure time. Just like in an airport, there are arrival and departure boards.

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A scenic ride through the French and Swiss mountains. If the Polar Express took inspiration from a real-life train journey, it would surely be the Mont-Blanc Express . This alpine train runs from Chamonix to Martigny in Switzerland, taking 90 minutes and going through 21 tunnels and over 28 bridges en route.

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While a little slower than flying, traveling to Nice via train is straightforward and direct, offering a scenic entrance along the Côte d'Azur.

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The best way to travel between French town & cities is by train, in comfort at ground level. France's world-famous TGV travels at up to 199 mph, from city centre to city centre, and if you pre-book direct with the operator you can find some really cheap fares, too.

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With your ticket, you can board with your choice of : 2 pieces of hand luggage no larger than 36 x 27 x 15 cm (height, width and depth) 1 piece of hand baggage no larger than 36 x 27 x 15 cm (height, width and depth) and 1 piece of cabin baggage no larger than 55 x 35 x 25 cm (height, width and depth).

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Breakfast, gourmet breaks or menus, you're spoilt for choice! On daytime trains, our sales staff will take you on a tasty journey using seasonal produce. You can also see our menu on the INTERCITÉS WiFi portal (Paris - Clermont, Paris - Limoges - Toulouse, Marseille - Bordeaux lines).

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The TGV is equipped with modern amenities and onboard facilities, including a buffet car with a bar, toilets, a nursery area with a changing table for small children, electric sockets for charging devices, large panoramic windows, plus, some trains even have free WIFi.

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What is the difference between first and second class on French trains? The short answer is: space and comfort. First class cars have more space and fewer people. I wouldn't bother on a trip from Nice to Avignon, but you might want to do 1st for Paris-Avignon, especially if you're travelling at a busy time (summer).

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You must validate (composter) all French train tickets before you board a train unless you have printed your ticket off at home or downloaded it on your mobile phone. Tickets that are bought or exchanged at a station self-service machine in the hour before you travel may be validated automatically, according to SNCF.

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Can you sit anywhere on a train? If the train company does not offer seat reservations on the train you are travelling on, the reservation ticket will specify the date and time of travel. In this case, you may sit in any available seat on the specified train, appropriate to the class of your ticket.

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Ways to save money on train travel in France
  1. Rail travel can be expensive in France but it is possible to pay less by knowing the system and planning out your trip. ...
  2. Remember the basics. ...
  3. Buy a railcard. ...
  4. Use the once a year 25% discount. ...
  5. Check for 'flash sales' ...
  6. Do not buy from the ticket office.


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OUIGO is a low-cost rail service company established in 2013 as part of the SNCF group. Unlike the TGV INOUI service, OUIGO trains only have one class, which is equivalent to second-class travel. This is why OUIGO tickets are so cheap - from €10 for adults (depending on the destination) and €5 for children.

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