How reliable are trains in France?

The French rail network is superb, and traveling by train is often just as quick as driving, generally very reliable and quite reasonably priced. Better still, you don't have to worry about parking, traffic, motorway tolls, or any unexpected breakdowns. Unfortunately, public transport in more rural areas can be patchy.



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The percent of French SNCF trains that arrive with a delay of less than 15 minutes is at 87%, according to a study released in 2022 (read here about it in French). So 13% of French trains are delayed by 15 minutes or more. This represents an increase in lateness over the decades since the 1950s.

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Conclusion: The Easiest Way to Book French Train Tickets We think Trainline is the best bet for almost all cases, because it gives you the same prices as you'll find from the official train operator SNCF but without the extra hassle.

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Trains à Grande Vitesse (TGV) TGVs or Trains à Grande Vitesse are SNCF's premier high-speed trains. They run on major routes covering most of France at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).

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It probably comes as no surprise that in a global 2019 survey of railroad efficiency, the top two places went to Japan and Hong Kong, with scores of 6.8 and 6.5 (out of seven) respectively.

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1. Switzerland. Tucked inside the small but incredibly beautiful country of Switzerland is one of the most efficient and scenic rail networks in the world.

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You should arrive at the train station from 30 – 60 minutes before the departure time of your train. In Gare Bordeaux-Saint-Jean, arriving 30 minutes prior to your train's departure is plenty.

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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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But there is added comfort in full class, and given the nominal price differnce and your travel companions, I would suggest that you choose first class. There's somewhat more room in first class and the seats are *supposed* to be slightly more comfortable. You can't be served a meal at your seat in second class.

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If you don't want to see ads interspersed with journey results, your best bet is either Railboard or TrainPal. The Trainline app mixes in banner ads with its results. TrainPal will show you offers and promotions, but we wouldn't consider these adverts, and they're certainly not mixed in with the journey results!

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The Paris Est Train Station now provides train transportation to major cities in Central Europe such as Zurich, Switzerland; Munich, Germany and Vienna, Austria. For assistance boarding the train, arrive to the platform at least 30 minutes before the train departure time.

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An old and underfunded railway network directly is responsible for delays which are turning French people off train travel, according to a study from consumer group UFC-Que Choisir published on Tuesday.

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With the most extensive train network in Western Europe, France is a great country in which to travel by rail. The national rail company, SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer), runs fast, efficient trains between the main towns. Buses cover rural areas, but services can be sporadic, with awkward departure times.

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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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If China is the largest exporter of rail technology in the world, its neighbour Japan is certainly the most technologically advanced manufacturer on the market. Having launched the first class of bullet trains in 1964, the country has continuously updated its models according to the latest technological advancements.

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