In partnership with
Best Price Promise
If you find trains for a cheaper price elsewhere, let us know and we'll refund the difference*
Book Cheaper Tickets
Save more with a variety of promo codes. Book on the TrainPal app with no booking fees.
Efficient Customer Service
24/7 fast customer service with prompt responses to your queries
Fast Change and Refund
Seamless rail travel with easy changes and refunds for peace of mind.
Popular train routes in France
TGV INOUI high-speed trains
TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) INOUI, a type of SNCF, is the first high-speed train line in France with a speed of up to 320km/h and is currently one of the most popular forms of public travel.
When onboard TGV INOUI trains, you can enjoy various services designed to enhance your journey. These include a buffet car serving meals, electrical sockets for free charging, and fast Wi-Fi for entertainment or office work. Meanwhile, the TGV has adjustable seats for maximum comfort, nursery facilities for families with babies, and unlimited luggage space for a better experience. Please enjoy the whole journey!
As a high-speed train, the TGV has four ticket types: Prem's fare tickets, Second Class tickets, First Class tickets, and Business Première. With four types, there's always a ticket that fits your needs.
TGV INOUI, centred in Paris, has expanded to connect main cities across France and in adjacent countries by using combinations of high-speed and conventional lines. TGV reaches 200 destinations and some top destinations include Paris, Nice, Grenoble, Lyon, and so on. It takes you on a journey to explore the wider world!
TER regional trains
The TER (Transport Express Régional) trains are operated by SNCF and link smaller villages with main lines and larger towns in most of France. They're great for commuting to and from work and are a simple way to travel a region to enjoy scenery and views.
TER offers some user-friendly services: you can sit down casually after purchasing a ticket but have to reserve a seat in advance when travelling on the Normandy regional trains. Normally you can bring your bike on board for free, but certain TER trains may require reservations, and some restrictions may exist at peak times and weekends. You can bring up to two pets on the TER trains but you must purchase a special ticket and fares vary by region.
If you wish to travel with TER at a reduced cost, discount cards and season tickets are great options. They vary from region to region, so remember to compare prices when you're planning a trip. Meanwhile, your kids under 4 can travel free on TER trains when they sit on your lap, and regional differences exist in pricing for kids between the ages of 4 and 12.
TER trains also offer specific tour lines to begin funny journeys, such as The Train des Merveilles, The Train Jaune, and The Côte Bleue Train. These trains can take you through canyons, parks, and mountains to enjoy the scenery along the way. So if you get the chance, you should give it a try!
SNCF Intercités trains
The Intercités trains operate on France's traditional rail network, focusing on routes that radiate from Paris and link key provincial cities such as Nantes, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille. These trains offer a convenient option for cities not served by high-speed rail, including Clermont-Ferrand and Limoges.
Intercités trains provide services for a wide range of passengers, including free Wi-Fi, ample luggage storage, and the option to order your meal online in advance and have it served directly to your seat. Moreover, Intercités night trains have a night kit for the bunk bed, so you may sleep comfortably and wake up to a stunning view. Even better, women can choose the ladies-only compartment, located in the carriage closest to the controller's area.
Intercités trains have three types of fares: Second Class train tickets offer basic services, First Class train tickets are more comfortable with reclining seats, and Business Premiere train tickets are more flexible and can be exchanged or refunded within 30 minutes after departure. Select the ticket that best suits your needs!
Covering more than 200 destinations, Intercités connects a diverse range of regions across France, featuring well-travelled routes like Lyon to Nantes and Bordeaux to Marseille .Book your Intercités adventure today!
France Airport Trains
France boasts efficient train connections to its major airports like Paris CDG Airport and Lyon Airport. TGV high-speed trains and regional services provide convenient access, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. Check more details to plan your trip today!
Trains to Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport
The Paris CDG Airport railway station, located between Terminals 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F, is served by RER B regional trains and TGV high-speed trains. RER B trains connect the airport to central Paris, while TGV trains link the airport to various French cities, including Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lille.
Nearest train station:
- Paris CDG Airport (Aéroport CDG 2 TGV)
Train operator(s):
- SNCF TGV high-speed trains
- SNCF RER B regional trains
Trains to Paris-Orly Airport
The Paris Orly Airport (ORY) is located south of Paris and can be reached by two rail routes. The Paris Métro Line 14 offers a direct connection from central Paris to Orly Airport. Alternatively, you can take the RER B train from Paris-Gare du Nord to Antony station, where you can transfer to the Orlyval metro serving Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4. Antony station also provides convenient connections to various locations in Paris, and other TGV train stations, and extends to Paris CDG Airport.
Nearest train station:
- Antony station (RER B)
Train operator(s):
- Metro 14
- OrlyVal light metro shuttle
- SNCF RER B regional trains
Trains to Paris-Beauvais Airport
Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA) is one of three international airports serving Paris and Beauvais, primarily used by low-cost airlines. There is no direct train connection to Paris; however, you can reach the nearest train station, Beauvais, by bus or taxi. Beauvais train station, about 4 km from the airport, offers TER links to Paris Gare du Nord, Creil, and other destinations.
Nearest train station:
- Beauvais train station
Train operator(s):
- SNCF TER regional trains
Trains to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is the preferred departure point for travellers from southeastern France and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The airport is easily accessible via the Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV station and the Rhônexpress tramway. TGV high-speed trains connect the airport to destinations such as Paris, Valence, Avignon, the Alps, and Grenoble. The Rhônexpress tram provides a direct link from Lyon city centre to the Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV station, which is just 2 minutes from Terminals 1 and 2.
The train station of the airport:
- Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV station
Train operator(s):
- SNCF TGV high-speed trains
- Rhônexpress tram shuttle
Trains to Marseille Provence Airport
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is an international airport on the Mediterranean coast in southern France, serving the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur région. To reach the airport by train, you can take direct TER trains to Vitrolles-Aéroport-Marseille-Provence station from Marseille (19 mins), Miramas (24 mins), Nîmes (58 mins), Montpellier (1 hour 45 mins), and other locations. The LeBus+13 line connects the airport (bus station - Quai 5) to the Vitrolles-Aéroport-Marseille-Provence station in about 5 minutes.
Nearest Train Station:
- Vitrolles - Aéroport Marseille Provence station
Train operator(s):
- SNCF TER regional trains
Trains to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) , the third busiest in France, is close to Nice Saint-Augustin train station. From there, you can reach Terminal 1 by walking for 7 minutes or taking Tram Line 2 or 3 from Grand-Arénas station , which takes about 8 minutes. TER regional trains from Nice Saint-Augustin connect to Nice-Ville (5 mins), Menton (43 mins), and Cannes (30 mins).
Nearest Train Station:
- Nice Saint-Augustin station
Train operator(s):
- SNCF TER regional trains
France international trains
Eurostar trains
Eurostar trains offer high-speed travel from France to the UK via the Channel Tunnel and connect Paris to cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, and Cologne.
Starting November 4, 2024, Eurostar will offer three fare classes: Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus, and Eurostar Premier. There is no weight limit for luggage. Eurostar Standard and Eurostar Plus allow two pieces of luggage plus one handbag, while Eurostar Premier allows three pieces plus one handbag. Onboard amenities include free Wi-Fi, plug sockets, and the Eurostar Café, which offers drinks, snacks, and meals to enhance your journey.
Eurostar trains from Paris Gare du Nord primarily run to London St. Pancras International, Brussels Midi / Zuid, and Amsterdam Centraal. Popular routes include Paris to London, Paris to Amsterdam, Paris to Brussels, and Paris to Cologne.
Renfe AVE to Spain
Renfe AVE trains offer high-speed travel between France and Spain, known for their speed, comfort, and sustainability.
Renfe AVE provides effective services and personalised attention for travellers. Onboard amenities include free Wi-Fi, an allowance for up to three hand luggage items, and a café or mobile bar service. Additionally, you can bring a small pet onboard with a pet ticket.
The AVE International high-speed trains between France and Spain offer three fare options: Básico, Elige Estándar, and Elige Confort, catering to various needs.
Enjoy a superior travel experience from French cities such as Marseille, Lyon, Montpellier, and Valence to Spanish destinations like Barcelona, Girona, Zaragoza, and Madrid with Renfe AVE trains. Discover the unique charms of French and Spanish cities!
SNCF train ticket types
Seconde Prems
Get TGV tickets with Prem's fares starting at €15, available 4 months in advance. Enjoy great savings with Seconde Prems on TGV INOUI.
- Exchanged or refunded under certain conditions
- Travel in 2nd classes
- The cheapest fare on TGV INOUI
Seconde
Experience affordable and flexible travel with Seconde (or Second Class tickets), and save up to 35% by booking 3 months in advance.
- Conditional exchanges and refunds
- Travel in 2nd classes
- Affordable fares on TGV, TER, and Intercités trains
Première
Upgrade to Première Class (First Class) for exceptional comfort with reclining seats and flexible booking. Enjoy convenient seat selection.
- Exchanges and refunds with conditions
- Travel in 1st classes
- Available on TGV, Intercités, and selected TER trains
Business Première
Experience ultimate flexibility with the Business Première ticket. Enjoy access to the Grand Voyageur lounge and the exclusive Business Première area on board.
- Free exchanges and refunds up to 30 minutes after departure
- Travel in 1st classes
- The most flexible fares on TGV and Intercités trains
SNCF train classes
When you travel on the SNCF train, choose the right class based on your needs: First Class vs. Second Class. Here’s what you can expect to find in each class:
2nd Class
In France, Second Class (or Standard Class) amenities differ by train type but typically include:
- Seating for 2 or 4 passengers
- Storage for luggage
- Free Wi-Fi on TGV trains
- Shared power outlets
- Foldable tables
1st Class
First Class trains offer the following extras apart from Second Class amenities:
- Enhanced comfort and convenience
- Personal power sockets
- Free access to Quiet Areas onboard
- Seat selection
- More seating options
France Rail Pass
The France Rail Pass offers an economical way to travel on SNCF trains across France. Travellers can choose between two main types of rail passes: the Eurail France Pass and the Interrail France Pass. These passes are perfect options for exploring France.
Eurail France Pass for non-European Residents
View details
Interrail France Pass for European Residents
View details
More About France Trains
Where can I buy SNCF train tickets in France?
For purchasing SNCF train tickets in France, TrainPal is one of the best options for buying train tickets, offering many vouchers, Monthly Sales, and an all-in-one search function.
Is it cheaper to buy French rail tickets in advance?
Yes, buying French rail tickets in advance is cheaper. Train tickets are typically available for purchase 2 to 9 months before the travel date. Booking early ensures you get the cheapest tickets, as these tend to sell out quickly, leaving only the more expensive options.
How far in advance can I make a reservation with SNCF?
Generally, booking SNCF train tickets 2 to 9 months in advance is advisable for your train journey. Tickets available on SNCF Connect tend to be cheaper when booked early. However, be aware that booking times can vary between different train types and rail operators.
What is the difference between TGV INOUI and OUIGO high-speed trains?
TGV INOUI offers a higher level of comfort with features like first-class seating, power outlets, and Wi-Fi. Tickets for TGV INOUI are generally more flexible, allowing for easier changes and cancellations. These trains also provide onboard amenities such as a bar or café car, making the journey more enjoyable. TGV INOUI serves a wide range of domestic and international routes, connecting major cities in France and neighbouring countries.
On the other hand, OUIGO is a budget-friendly alternative with lower ticket prices. It offers more basic services and fewer amenities, with no first-class option and limited onboard services. OUIGO tickets are typically less flexible and often non-refundable. These trains may depart from secondary stations rather than main city centres, which can be less convenient but helps keep costs down. OUIGO primarily serves popular domestic routes, focusing on high-demand destinations within France.
In summary, TGV INOUI is ideal for travelers who prioritize comfort and flexibility, while OUIGO is great for those who are budget-conscious and willing to trade some comfort for lower fares.
How can I watch a movie on TGV INOUI trains?
To watch movies when onboard TGV INOUI trains, connect your device to WiFi. Simply go to your settings, and select the “_SNCF_ WiFi_INOUI” network. Once connected, the portail is available. Navigate to the entertainment section, where you can find movies, TV shows, and more during your journey.
How early can I board a TGV train?
You can typically board a TGV train about 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Here are some differences between TGV INOUI and TGV OUIGO.
If you’re traveling with TGV INOUI, we recommend arriving at the station 20 minutes before departure. This allows ample time to find your carriage, seat, store your luggage, etc. You can board the train up to 2 minutes before departure.
If you're travelling with OUIGO, you must arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure. Boarding is allowed up to 5 minutes before departure, after which we can no longer guarantee you'll be allowed to board the train. So try to arrive early!
Where is the TGV train station at Charles de Gaulle Airport?
The TGV train station at Charles de Gaulle Airport is located in Terminal 2. Specifically, it is known as "Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 - TGV" station. The station is situated between Terminals 2C-2D and 2E-2F, making it easily accessible from these terminals. Signage throughout the airport will guide you to the TGV station, and there are shuttle services available if you are arriving at or departing from other terminals.
How fast are TGV INOUI trains?
The TGV INOUI trains can reach a speed of over 300 km/h, ensuring a comfortable and swift journey to and from your destination.
New user welcome pack