Trains in France, Tickets and Timetables

Fri, Nov 06
+ Add return
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

More than 1,000 travel companies trust us to sell their tickets all in one place.

Deutsche Bahn
Renfe
Italo
Frecciarossa

Popular routes

Popular train routes in France

Looking for inspiration for your next train journey in France? Explore popular routes below, check train times and find useful information to help you plan ahead.

Paris to Strasbourg train

from $23
Direct trains available
1h41 average duration
16trains per day
Served by
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • TGV
  • SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187
  • SNCF | TGV Lyria

Paris to Nice train

from $23
Direct trains available
5h30 average duration
16trains per day
Served by
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • ZOU!
  • Trenitalia
  • SNCF | Intercités de nuit

Paris to Marseille train

from $23
Direct trains available
3h03 average duration
18trains per day
Served by
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • Trenitalia
  • SNCF | Intercités de nuit
  • TER

Paris to Lyon train

from $23
Direct trains available
1h47 average duration
34trains per day
Served by
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • Trenitalia
  • TER
  • SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187
  • SNCF | Intercités de nuit
  • SNCF | TGV Lyria
  • SNCF | Intercités

Paris to Bordeaux train

from $23
Direct trains available
2h03 average duration
21trains per day
Served by
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • SNCF | Intercités de nuit
  • SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187

Nice to Paris train

from $23
Direct trains available
5h29 average duration
20trains per day
Served by
  • Trenitalia
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • ZOU!
  • SNCF | Intercités de nuit

Strasbourg to Paris train

from $23
Direct trains available
1h42 average duration
16trains per day
Served by
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • TGV
  • SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187
  • TER
  • SNCF | TGV Lyria

Lyon to Paris train

from $23
Direct trains available
1h49 average duration
36trains per day
Served by
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • Trenitalia
  • TER
  • SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187
  • SNCF | TGV Lyria
  • SNCF | Intercités de nuit

Marseille to Paris train

from $23
Direct trains available
3h02 average duration
17trains per day
Served by
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • Trenitalia
  • SNCF | Intercités de nuit
  • TER
  • SNCF | Intercités
  • SNCF | TGV Lyria
  • ZOU!

Bordeaux to Paris train

from $23
Direct trains available
2h02 average duration
21trains per day
Served by
  • SNCF | TGV INOUI
  • SNCF | Intercités de nuit
  • SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187

Best train itineraries in France

Paris

France Itinerary: A Week of Parisian Charm, Lyonnaise Flavours & Riviera Glamour

Embark on a 7-day French adventure, beginning in the iconic capital of Paris. Journey by train to the gastronomic heart of Lyon, then continue to the sun-drenched French Riviera in Nice, with a glamorous day trip to Monaco. This trip combines cultural exploration, culinary delights, and stunning coastal scenery.

  1. 1Paris
  2. 2Lyon
  3. 3Nice
Paris

France Itinerary 5 Days: From Parisian Grandeur to the Côte d'Azur

Experience the best of France in five days, starting with the iconic landmarks and artistic charm of Paris before a scenic train journey to the sun-drenched Riviera city of Nice.

  1. 1Paris
  2. 2Nice
Avignon

South of France Itinerary: From Papal History to Riviera Charm

This 7-day South of France itinerary takes you from the historic heart of Provence to the vibrant Mediterranean coast. Begin in Avignon, explore the Roman heritage of Arles on a day trip, then journey to the bustling city of Marseille before concluding your adventure in the glamorous city of Nice, all connected by convenient train travel.

  1. 1Avignon
  2. 2Marseille
  3. 3Nice

France by trainTravelling by Train in France - The Scenic French Riviera

By Lara Fiorani

Lara FioraniSlow Travel Blogger
Lara Fiorani
Lara Fiorani is the founder of Alps2Coast, a blog specializing in the niche of slow travel in Europe. She believes train travel is the best way to feed the human need to explore while being kind to our planet.

A week ago, I was exploring the gems of the Côte d’Azur, after taking the Eurostar from London to Paris and travelling down to Nice. During my rail adventure, I tried various types of French trains. My conclusion? Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, France is a fantastic country to explore by rail. Before the deep blue of the Mediterranean becomes a distant memory, here are my France train travel tips.

A view of the Côte d’Azur from the train

A view of the Côte d’Azur from the train

Routes Overview

My favourite way to explore France is to catch a long-distance TGV to one of its cities and use the regional trains to discover the area. Beautiful Nice, with its Italian-style pastel historic centre, museums, endless city beach along Promenade des Anglais, and delightful Genoese-influenced food, is a classic example. It’s also the perfect base to explore the charms of the Riviera, visiting the likes of elegant Monaco, hilltop Eze, and the seaside ramparts of Antibes.

A view of the sea from the Nice to Menton train

A view of the sea from the Nice to Menton train

Onboard Experience

What to expect, besides great scenery, when travelling through France by train? On the long-distance TGV, we secured a good offer for First Class seats. We had leather seats, wider than in Standard Class, and more room for luggage. Both classes provide free Wi-Fi, which worked well on my trip. The highly affordable no-frills regional trains had unassigned seating, more limited luggage space and no Wi-Fi. However, with trains every 10 to 15 minutes and panoramic views from the upper deck, overall it was an excellent experience.

Station Tips

Regardless of train type, arrive at the station at least 20 minutes early, or 30 minutes in Paris. Larger stations in France have numbered waiting areas called Halles. Check the departure screens to find your train’s hall and wait there for the platform to appear, then head to the platform immediately, especially if travelling with children or luggage. SNCF guarantees access to trains only up to two minutes before departure. Buy regional tickets online before travelling, as SNCF kiosks are not always intuitive.

Best Time to Travel

Shoulder season is the best time to visit southern France. I love the longer days, greener countryside, and cooler temperatures of May and June. September and October, with their golden light, are ideal as well. If travelling with children and you can’t avoid high summer, book long-distance trains and accommodation early, and use local trains to discover less crowded places. Other busy periods include Carnival in Nice and the Advent and Christmas season. For a relaxed and affordable city break, I prefer winter.

Things to Know Before Traveling

An important thing to know when traveling through France by train is that not all regional lines have Wi-Fi or charging sockets. On the Région Sud trains, we had neither. Download your routes and any useful reading, and charge your phone before you travel or bring a power bank. If you are travelling through Monte Carlo, which is in Monaco and outside the EU, check your mobile plan before using data, as roaming charges may apply. You can also rely on Wi-Fi around the city where available.

Scenic Routes

The south of France is the perfect introduction to rail travel in Europe for first-timers. You’ll swap road traffic jams for one of the most scenic train journeys in France and Europe. For about 40 minutes between Nice and Menton, the track hugs the coastline. You’ll pass Nice’s old port, the beaches of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Cap Ferrat and Cap d’Ail, and the bay of Menton.

Booking Tips

Long-distance TGV trains can book up fast. The larger your group, the more important timing becomes. Check fares even before you have exact travel dates, as leaving a day earlier or later can make a difference. Taking several trips with a companion or travelling around France with children? Consider an SNCF Avantage card. Depending on the journey, it can offer 30% off fares for the cardholder and an accompanying adult, as well as reduced fares for accompanying children.

Travel Tips

Here are my two final France travel tips: 1) For a stress-free experience, I buy tickets online on Omio before I travel. Stations have ticket kiosks, but they aren't the most intuitive. 2) To change trains in Paris, you may need to change stations. I went from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon. Triple-check this when you book your connections, giving yourself at least two hours between trains, ideally more. Other major cities, including Nice, also have multiple stations."

Conclusion

In my experience travelling around France, a car is useful for reaching remote places, but overall, nothing beats the train. It makes the journey part of the holiday. After Paris, you might cross the Loire Valley or the hills of Champagne and Burgundy. From there, the train can take you towards the Atlantic, the Alps, the Vosges or the Mediterranean. My base will be Toulon next time I head south, so I can finally visit the car-free island of Porquerolles.

The exterior of Nice Central Station

The exterior of Nice Central Station

Paris to Lyon
Paris to Lyon
Paris
View times & prices
Paris to Marseille
Paris to Marseille
Paris
View times & prices
Paris to Bordeaux
Paris to Bordeaux
Paris
View times & prices

Overview of Trains in France

France boasts a highly efficient and extensive railway network, primarily operated by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français). At the heart of this network are the iconic TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) high-speed trains, which rapidly connect Paris to major cities across the country like Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille and Strasbourg, often reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h.

Beyond the TGV, SNCF operates Intercités for comfortable travel between mid-sized cities, and TER (Trains Express Régionaux) for regional and local connections, ensuring almost every corner of France is accessible by rail. French trains are known for their comfort, punctuality, and amenities, including Wi-Fi and power outlets on most high-speed services. Booking your tickets in advance through Omio is highly recommended, especially for TGV routes, to secure the best fares and ensure availability.

Explore the UK by Train
Explore the UK by Train
United Kingdom
Book tickets to the UK
Journey to Spain by Train
Journey to Spain by Train
Spain
Book tickets to Spain
Connect with Germany by Train
Connect with Germany by Train
Germany
Book tickets to Germany

Popular Trains Providers in France

Deals for Trains in France

There’s a range of deals and discounts available if you book in bulk, or belong to a particular demographic. Here’s a quick overview of the options.

  • Eurail France One Country Pass: For non-European residents, it offers unlimited train travel for a set number of days within France. Options include consecutive or flexible travel days (e.g. 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 days within 1 month).
  • Interrail France One Country Pass: Designed for European citizens, providing the same benefits as the Eurail pass for exploring France by train.
  • Youth & Senior Discounts: Eurail and Interrail passes offer discounted rates for youth (ages 12-27) and seniors (60+). Children under 4 travel for free without a pass, and children aged 4-11 can travel for free with a Child Pass when accompanied by an adult.

Travelling by Train in France FAQs

Booking Questions

The best way to buy train tickets in France, especially to save money and ensure a seat, is by booking online in advance through Omio. Omio allows you to easily compare options, select your destination, travel details, and preferred ticket class, making it convenient to plan your journey.

SNCF's TGV services typically offer different ticket types such as Standard, Prima, and Business Première, each with varying levels of flexibility, services, and pricing. Low-cost Ouigo trains have specific fare rules. You can find options for all these ticket types and classes when booking through Omio.

Yes, for high-speed TGV trains, Intercités trains, and international trains like Eurostar seat reservations are often compulsory and incur an additional fee, even with a rail pass. It's highly recommended to book these in advance, especially for popular routes, as pass holder seats are limited. It's easy to make these reservations through Omio.

On-Board Questions

SNCF generally has a relaxed luggage policy for most trains, allowing passengers to bring a reasonable amount of bags. However, Ouigo trains have stricter rules, often requiring a small fee for extra or larger bags. Most trains provide overhead racks for smaller items and designated areas at the end of cars for larger suitcases.

No, smoking is strictly forbidden aboard all trains and within train stations in France, including on platforms.

On high-speed TGV trains, you can typically expect comfortable seating, air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and a bar car offering drinks and snacks. Some premium classes may offer more spacious seating and at-seat catering. Regional TER trains offer more basic amenities.

Ticket Collection & Check-In

For e-tickets (e.g. for TGV or Intercités) booked via Omio validation is usually not required as they are validated upon issue. However, paper regional tickets (TER) still need to be validated by stamping them in the yellow machines ("composteurs") located near station platforms before boarding.

It's advisable to arrive at least 20-30 minutes before your scheduled departure for high-speed trains, especially in larger stations like Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon, where security checks or ticket scanning may be required. Platforms are usually displayed on departure boards ("Départs") around 15-20 minutes in advance. Always double-check your train's unique number.

Electronic tickets (e-tickets) are the most common for high-speed and long-distance trains when booking through Omio; you receive an email confirmation and can often use your phone as a ticket, eliminating the need for physical collection or validation. Paper tickets, typically for regional services, may need to be printed and validated at the station.

HomeTrains in France, Tickets and Timetables

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone