France Travel - French Travel Connection

Please note this page is for General Information purposes only, French Travel Connection is NOT a representative for French Rail, please contact Rail Tickets for bookings and more information. www.railtickets.com.au

The TGV (high-speed-train) with record speeds of 574.8 km/h is the fastest train in the world. For 20 years, it has regularly linked more than 150 destinations in France and Europe safely, quickly and comfortably.

The French rail system (SNCF) has an excellent easy to use website to obtain detailed timetables and various information as well as an on-line booking system.

Train service in France is efficient, punctual, and comfortable. It is one of the most popular ways to get around, allowing travellers to view the countryside in a swift, but leisurely manner. France's extensive railway network connects large cities and towns throughout the country. Smaller towns without train stations are generally linked by bus service to the nearest station. The French National Railroads' (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer or SNCF) network of inter-city rail links also provides frequent express and high-speed train service known as the TGV or Train à Grande Vitesse. Operating at a commercial speeds of 186mph, the high-speed network also includes European routes, featuring the Eurostar which connects Paris to London in just 3 hours and the Thalys going to Brussels and Amsterdam in 1h30 and 4 hours respectively. For added convenience, the Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and Lyon Saint-Exupery Airports have high-speed train stations.

The price of train travel in France depends on whether you choose first or second class, as well as on the time and date of travel. If you planning your rail travel before you go, there are a variety off affordable and flexible passes ( non-consecutive days of rail travel ), including packages available through your travel agent. Rail passes for France include the France Railpass, the France Rail 'n Drive, Eurail and new for 2002, the France n' Italy Pass. Most passes offered by Rail Europe have specially priced Youth versions as well as discounted passes for seniors.

Any five days to be used over a one-month period featuring three rail days in first or second class and two car days.

If you are buying a ticket in France, there are a large number of reduced fares for families, Seniors and Youth. As a guide, the minimum prices for the following journeys by TGV high-speed train are:

Once in France and at the train station, every passenger must validate his own pass or ticket before boarding the train. Passes should be validated by bringing your passport and pass to a railway official at the ticket window in the train station (not the conductor) who will enter the first and last date of your travel period.

For individual tickets, a large number of orange machines are located at the entrances to the platforms as well as in other train station locations. Once validated, the ticket is only good for that day. On board a conductor will check your ticket.

Baggage: Pick-up and delivery of luggage from your hotel to your final destination can be organized 24 hours in advance by contacting the SNCF Baggage Service at : 08.25.84.58.45 (If paying by credit card). Baggage is picked up and delivered Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at a cost for the 1^st bag of 18.10€ and 10€ for 2 additional items. Discounted rates for Senior Card holders apply.

Buses: All SNCF stations have nearby bus stations. A train/bus combination is a trouble-free way to travel in France. Whether for nearby excursions or regularly scheduled connections, contact the SNCF or the local tourist office.

Trains in France