When we first moved to France, we fell head-over-heels in love with trains. As compared to the expense (and, quite frankly, the inconvenience of train travel in the U.S.), for as much as the French love to complain about their trains, they’re actually, by and large, on time, inexpensive, and quite lovely.
As the weather gets nicer, it becomes more and more pleasant to hop on a train for a weekend away (or a little bit longer!) So with that in mind, here are our three guidelines to help you get the most out of your train travel.
1. Not all French trains are created alike.
There are several different categories of French trains, starting, of course, with the Paris métro. The métro is managed by the RATP and covers ground throughout Paris and its closest suburbs. To ride the métro, all you need to do is buy a ticket (1.90 euro) in any métro stop, and hop on board!
Another train also runs through Paris and its greater suburbs: the RER. This set of five suburban rail lines makes some stops within Paris but also goes out to the airports, Euro Disney, and other exciting spots. You can use the RER like the métro (with the same ticket) inside Paris, though rates increase once you leave. If you think you’ll be using the métro and the RER frequently while in Paris, you might consider getting an unlimited weekly pass servicing the zone or zones that you’re interested in visiting.
After the RER comes the Transilien, a network of trains running throughout the region of Ile de France, which contains Paris. These trains depart only from major train stations and can take you places like Chantilly, Fontainebleau, or Giverny.
Next you have the TER. These regional trains will take you even further, to other regions of France. Finally, you have the TGV; these high-speed trains also travel throughout France, but, as their name suggests, at higher speeds (and often with cushier seats).
2. You can book in advance.
While in the case of many trains, including TER regional trains, you can buy your tickets directly at the train station before departing, many trains can be booked in advance – and in the case of the TGV, often must be booked in advance.
To do this, you have two options. You can either swing by any train station or SNCF office throughout Paris and buy your ticket in person, or you can book online at the SNCF website (conveniently available in English!) In the case of some trains, you can book a specific seat or seats; other trains will only allow you to book passage, and you’ll have to find your seat yourself.
3. Enjoy!
Train travel can be a relaxing experience, if you plan ahead. While most trains have a dining car, we like to pick up a few odds and ends for a tasty train picnic before leaving, which has the benefit of being a bit less expensive (and usually more delicious). Pick up a baguette, some cheese, some charcuterie, and a tasty pastry (perhaps on one of our food tours?) and pack it up for the ride.
Trains will allow passengers to board until up to two minutes before departure time, but give yourself some leeway: the train’s track will be announced 20 minutes before departure, and in the case of Paris, which is the terminus of the train, you will be able to board well in advance and make yourself comfortable. Stash your bigger bags (with a baggage tag) on one of the luggage racks at the entrance of each car, put your smaller items above your head, and sit back, relax, and enjoy!