One of the most popular ways to get around France beautiful landscapes, historic cities, and rich cultural heritage is by taking the train.
The country’s rail system is known for its efficiency, that ensures reduced travel times, frequent departures, and a vast network connecting major cities and regions.
If you’re planning a trip to France, there are a few things to know about its rail system.
What is SNCF?
One of the first things you should know is that SNCF is France’s national railway company. They’re a major player in passenger and freight transportation, operating various train services across the country. Their main services are:
- TGV INOUI: The high-speed rail network connecting major French cities.
- OUIGO: A low-cost TGV option for budget-conscious travelers.
- Intercités: Long-distance trains offering a balance between speed and affordability.
- TER: Regional trains connecting smaller towns and cities within a region.
- Transilien: The commuter rail network serving Paris and its suburbs.
TGV High-Speed Trains
The SNCF’s TGV High-Speed Trains are the fastest in France, running at an incredible speed of 300 km/h (186 mph and traveling to 200 towns all around France. This is not always a budget-friendly option, but the efficiency may be worth a few extra bucks.
All TGVs, excluding the ones that travel short distances, have a cafe bar. And as technology advances, most of the SNCF TVGs now have WiFi.
To enhance the comfort level, every first-class seat, and now some second-class seats have European-style two-pin 230v sockets that can charge devices, including laptops or mobile phones, on the go.
Trains are wheelchair accessible and equipped with baby-changing facilities. All trains are rigorously tested and feature advanced braking systems that ensure everyone’s safety.
Advantages of SNCF TGV Trains
The most significant benefit of SNCF TGV trains is their travel speed, which can get to 300 km/h (186 mph). This makes it easy and fast to reach different destinations like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and beyond.
These trains also offer flexibility with multiple daily departures, ensuring you can travel at your convenience.
Classes and Fares of SNCF TGV Trains
TGV Inoui trains offer first and second-class seating options. The fares can vary depending on many factors, including the destination and the travel season. Let’s discuss the two classes in detail:
- 1st Class: In first class on all TGVs, you’ll find spacious seats with armrests. Travelers can choose from single, double or 4-person seating. Each seat has a drop-down table large enough for a laptop if the seats face the same direction. If the seats face each other, there’s a fixed table with a table lamp. The 1st class seats also have European-style two-pin 230v for charging devices. You also have the freedom to exchange tickets before departure.
- 2nd Class: The second class on all TGVs has seats with armrests, arranged 2+2 across the width of the car, meaning two seats on each side of the aisle. There are drop-down tables that can easily accommodate your laptop. However, some second-class TVGs may not have power outlets.
Fare Types on SNCF trains
Here’s the information regarding the different types of fares for the SNCF trains:
First-class tickets:
SCNF has two types of first-class tickets: Flex Premiere and Business Premiere. They both include:
- Total Flexibility: Both tickets offer total flexibility without fees, even after departure.
- Exchange Policy: Both tickets are exchangeable up to 30 minutes after departure.
- Guaranteed Exchange: Both offer guaranteed exchange even for a fully booked train (without guaranteed seating).
- First Class Comfort: Both provide the comfort of First Class.
- Access to Grand Voyageur Lounges: Both tickets provide access to Grand Voyageur lounges where available in the station.
- Express Access: Both offer express access to sales and boarding where available in the station.
- Exclusive TGV INOUI Portal: Both provide access to the exclusive TGV INOUI portal for press, films, etc.
However, the Business Premiere fare includes:
- Dedicated Carriage: Business Première provides a dedicated carriage for a quieter and more serene environment.
- Complimentary Drink: Business Première offers a complimentary drink at the platform before boarding.
- Enhanced First Class Experience: Business Première elevates the First Class experience with added perks and amenities.
Second class tickets:
Known as Seconde, these tickets allow exchange or refunds on certain conditions. They are the go-to option when budget is the main thing on your mind. Travelers in this class have access to comfortable seating, access to bathrooms and bar cars.
Prem’s tickets
These tickets are reserved for the first people booking the trip and are as cheap as it gets. It’s possible to find them for both first and second class trips, though you’ll only find the by booking way in advance. They offer some flexibility, depending on the trip and when you need to make changes – usually subject to a fee. If you can plan ahead, it’s a good way to save a few bucks.
Luggage Policies on SNCF TGV Trains
Each person can travel with two pieces of luggage no larger than 70 x 90 x 50 cm and one hand luggage of up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm.
If you have special luggage, like a stroller, sports equipment or a musical instrument, you can bring with you – but know that you’ll then be limited to just 1 piece of larger luggage instead of two. Also, your special luggage can’t be larger than 90 x 130 cm.
Can you travel with a pet on TGV trains?
SNCF TGV trains charge €7 for your pet travel. If a pet’s weight is less than 6 kg, it should be in a pet carrier of size 45 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm and placed in your lap or at your feet. However, if they are heavier than 6 kg, then they should have leashes or muzzles and must stay at your feet. Gladly, guide dogs can travel free of charge, but for your other pets, you need to book a pet ticket at the desk along with your ticket.
SNCF Intercités
Intercités trains primarily connect major French cities that aren’t directly served by the high-speed TGV network. These trains are faster than the regional trains, but slower than the TGV, and can reach up to 200 km/h (124 mph). They also tend to be more affordable than the high-speed trains.
With an extensive reach, Intericités covers a vast network. These trains access over 135 destinations across France, serving as a link for cities beyond the reach of TGVs and ensuring broader regional connectivity.
OUIGO Trains
OUIGO high-speed trains are the first low-cost, high-speed trains in France to connect major cities at a budget-friendly price. These trains operate at an amazing 270-320 km/hr (160-199 mph) and currently cover major areas like Madrid Chamartín —Albacete—Alicante, Madrid Chamartín —Valencia, and Madrid Atocha—Zaragoza—Tarragona—Barcelona.
The overall interior resembles the SNCF TGV trains; however, it has quite fewer amenities. There are four chairs in a row, perfect if you are a group of friends travelling together. There’s also an XL option, which means if you want more comfort, you can choose an XL seat at a minimum fee.
Small, clean restrooms are located at the end of the train. OUIGO also offers free WiFi in Spain, called Ouifi; however, in France, you’ve to pay €3 extra to use it.
Advantages of OUIGO trains
The advantages of OUIGO high-speed trains are manifold, ranging from low fares to their high speed. These trains have excellent luggage storage areas along with a comfy sofa, which is perfect for spending some time alone or attending business or important calls. The seats are spacious with huge legroom, and there are clean restrooms, providing you with a pleasant travel experience.
Fare Types and Policies on OUIGO Trains
Let’s discuss the fare types and different policies of OUIGO high-speed trains in detail:
Fare Types
- OUIGO Essential: It’s the standard seating where you are allowed to take only one handbag and one suitcase per person.
- OUIGO Plus: However, in OUIGO Plus, you’ve got to pay an additional €9 to avail yourself of many perks. You can get an XL seat or opt for the desired seat selection option. Moreover, you are allowed to carry 1 handbag and 2 checked bags per person.
Luggage Policies
OUIGO high-speed trains in France have set some luggage policies that you must follow to have a smooth travel experience. On a standard ticket, you can carry one handbag of size that doesn’t exceed 36cm x 27cm x 15cm and a carry-on bag that doesn’t exceed 55cm x 35cm x 25cm. However, for extra luggage, you’ve got to pay an additional fee of €5.
Pet Policies
Traveling on OUIGO high-speed trains in France means adhering to strict pet policies. For instance, if your pet is under 6 kg, it should be in a carrier no larger than 55cm x 35cm x 25cm. Nonetheless, if the pet is over 6 Kg, it must travel with a valid animal ticket, which costs €30 per animal.
Rescheduling Policies
OUIGO trains enable you to reschedule your train 30 minutes before the departure time. But you are charged a €30 fee, which can be unpleasant. In addition, you should know that the OUIGO train tickets are non-refundable, and if you miss a train, you aren’t going to get your money back.
Eurostar Trains
Eurostar is a high-speed train service that covers major cities, including London, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne, ensuring you can explore Europe quickly and in comfort. Traveling at 300km/h, you’ll benefit from spacious seats, free WiFi, and easy access to snacks throughout the journey. The most unique feature is that Eurostar is taking steps toward sustainable and eco-friendly travel to go GHG-neutral.
Fare Types and Policies on Thalys and Eurostar Trains
Now, here’s a detailed overview of the fare types as well as other policies of Thalys and Eurostar high-speed trains in France:
Fare types of Eurostar
Eurostar has three different fare types given as:
- Standard: They are quite cheap, but this doesn’t mean they lack the necessary amenities to give you peace of mind. The standard Eurostar class includes free WiFi, a luggage limit of up to 85 cm, and the freedom to bring your own drinks. However, you must check in at least 45 minutes before departure. You can travel with 2 pieces of luggage + hand luggage.
- Standard Premier: It has all the facilities of a standard ticket, and you’ll also be served a light meal. There’s a power socket for each seat, ensuring your devices are charged, and you can work while on the go. Make sure to check in the same way you would with a standard ticket. You’ll be able to travel with 2 pieces of luggage + hand luggage.
- Business Premier: In this, you can check in 10 minutes before departure. On board, you’ll be given a three-course meal, roomy seats, and unlimited WiFi throughout the journey. You can also travel with 3 pieces of luggage + hand luggage and have access to a Business Lounge at the station.
Luggage Policies of Eurostar
Each piece of luggage can be up to 85 cm long. In Standard and Standard Premier classes, you are allowed to bring two bags of luggage and one piece of hand luggage. On the other hand, in Business Premier, you can bring around three pieces of luggage plus one piece of hand luggage. You should label your bag with your name and other information and ensure the registered baggage doesn’t exceed 30 kg.
Pet Policies of Eurostart
Firstly, guide dogs and assistant dogs are free to travel on Eurostar. Suppose you have a traditional pet that weighs less than 6 kg; they travel free of charge. They can travel in a carrier (max. 45 x 30 x 25 cm) for free. For dogs larger than 6 kg, you must pay a €30 fee and sit on your lap or at your feet. In all cases, you must not forget to contact the Eurostar team 24 hours before travelling with your pet.
Rescheduling Policy
Well, Eurostar gives you the freedom to change your ticket timing but not the destination. You’ll be charged a €30 fee for rescheduling your ticket. Gladly, they also provide you with the option to refund your tickets seven days or more before the date of departure.
Choosing the right train for your travel needs
Here are a few factors that you must take into account when choosing the right high-speed trains in France:
- Destination: Ensure the train service covers the cities and regions you wish to visit. TGV and Eurostar are the best travel options in France and all over Europe.
- Travel Goals: Determine whether you prioritize speed, comfort, or specific amenities during your journey and pick the train accordingly. The ideal choice that fulfills all your needs is indeed TVG, which offers a premium experience and fast speed.
- Budget: Consider how much money you are willing to spend, balancing cost with the level of service and convenience. For instance, OUIGO trains are suitable if you are tight on budget but don’t want to have an unpleasant travel experience.
Buses as an Affordable Alternative
If these high-speed trains in France are out of your budget, you must opt for buses as an affordable alternative. Here are some top options in this regard:
Flixbus
Another bus option you can try for a discounted and affordable French tour is Flxibus. Since its establishment in France in 2015, the company has claimed to carry around 1.6 million passengers. As of today, there are 60 bus lines of Flxibus in France catering to 130 destinations, making your travel experience a breeze.
Blablacar Bus
BlaBlaCar’s bus services in France, known as BlaBlaBus, offer affordable and comfortable long-distance travel across the country. Key features include low-cost tickets for budget-conscious travelers and modern buses equipped with reclining seats, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
The extensive network covers major cities and regions in France and extends to international destinations. BlaBlaBus provides various ticket options with flexible booking and cancellation policies, making it a convenient choice for many passengers. As an eco-friendly travel option, BlaBlaBus is committed to reducing carbon emissions.
With thousands of daily departures, primarily from cities like Paris, Brussels, and Lyon, BlaBlaBus offers a reliable and economical alternative for long-distance travel, appealing to a wide range of passengers.
Choose the best option for your trip
Whether for business purposes or a fun family tour, travelling in France or all around Europe is made easy with high-speed trains like SNCF TGV trains, OUIGO trains, and Eurostar. However, for a more affordable experience, you can opt for popular bus services.
Looking to book your next trip? Compare all your options in one place and book them easily with Busbud. It’s easy, simple and efficient!