Efficient journey times
On many routes, you avoid lengthy airport check-in and transfers between the airport and city centre. Board at the station and arrive close to the heart of the city.
Train travel in France
Travel quickly and easily by train in France
Plan rail journeys between Paris, the coast, the wine regions, the Alps and cities across France. Compare train services, choose the right station and book with SNCF Connect.
High-speed trains
TGV services connect Paris with many of France’s largest cities in just a few hours.
City centre to city centre
Many stations are centrally located, making it easy to continue on foot or by local public transport.
Regional connections
TER trains provide access to smaller towns, countryside, coastal areas and regional destinations.
Onwards through Europe
Continue your journey with Eurostar, TGV Lyria and other international rail services.
Official booking
Worth comparing
Compare both TGV INOUI and OUIGO when considering price, luggage, comfort and departure time.
Search and book train tickets
Find departures, fares and available services with SNCF Connect. Search for TGV INOUI, OUIGO, TER, INTERCITÉS and a range of international rail connections.
Compare departure times, train services, fares and ticket conditions before booking.
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Train travel makes it easy to see more of France
France has an extensive rail network that makes it possible to combine major cities, the coast, wine regions and smaller destinations without a car. TGV provides the fastest long-distance links, while regional trains make short detours and slower-paced touring easy.
Why travel by train?
Easy multi-centre trips
Combine Paris with Bordeaux, Lyon, Strasbourg, Provence, the French Riviera or the Loire Valley without collecting and returning a hire car along the way.
More of the scenery
Watch cities, villages, vineyards, mountains and coastal scenery pass by while you read, eat or plan your next stop.
Choose the right train service
Ticket conditions, luggage rules, reservations and comfort vary, so always check which service applies before booking.
TGV INOUI
High speed and comfort
TGV INOUI is ideal for fast journeys between major cities. Your ticket includes a reserved seat, and many services offer both first and second class.
OUIGO
Low fares on popular routes
OUIGO can offer lower fares, but check the rules on luggage, supplements, stations and ticket changes before completing your purchase.
TER and INTERCITÉS
Regional and longer-distance services
TER connects cities and smaller places within the regions, while INTERCITÉS serves several longer routes not always covered by TGV.
Popular train journeys in France
These routes are excellent starting points for combining several cities and regions in one trip.
ParisLyon
An efficient link between the capital and France’s celebrated food and cultural city on the Rhône.
Search this routeParisBordeaux
A convenient choice for wine trips, city breaks and onward connections towards the Atlantic coast.
Search this routeParisMarseille
Travel directly from Paris to the Mediterranean, then continue towards Provence or the Côte d’Azur.
Search this routeParisNice
A classic journey from the capital to the French Riviera, with onward trains along the coast.
Search this routeParisStrasbourg
Fast access to Alsace, its half-timbered towns, the wine route and onward connections to Germany.
Search this routeParisLille
A short and convenient journey north, with good onward connections to Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Search this routeTips before booking trains in France
Book high-speed trains early
TGV and OUIGO fares can change with demand. Weekend, school holiday and summer services should normally be booked early.
Check the correct station
Large cities may have several stations. Check the full station name and its distance from your hotel before choosing a departure.
Allow time for connections
Avoid tight connections, especially when changing stations in Paris or continuing on a separately booked ticket.
How to plan a rail journey through France
Begin by deciding which regions you would like to combine. The TGV network makes fast travel between major cities straightforward, while TER trains continue to smaller towns, coastal resorts and local destinations. A well-planned rail trip can therefore mix fast mainline journeys with shorter regional legs.
Always compare the total journey time, station, ticket conditions and luggage rules. A low fare can be excellent value, but check whether the ticket can be changed, which station the train uses and whether luggage or other services cost extra.
Train travel also suits travellers who prefer to stay centrally. You often arrive in the heart of the city and can continue on foot, by tram or by metro. This makes it easier to combine several destinations without a car and leaves more time to enjoy the trip itself.
When should I book?
Book early for TGV INOUI or OUIGO travel at weekends, during holidays and in the high season. Regional TER tickets are often more flexible, although conditions vary between regions.
Do I need to reserve a seat?
TGV INOUI and OUIGO tickets normally include a seat reservation. Many TER trains have open seating, although some regional products may follow different rules.
Can I take luggage?
Yes, but size limits, the number of items and any supplements vary by train service. Check OUIGO’s luggage rules carefully before departure.
Can I travel internationally?
Yes. France has rail connections to destinations including the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Spain.