TRAINS & BUSES

Trains

The French railroad system is an extensive and a relatively inexpensive means of travel. There are the classic, slower trains, which offer both first- and second-class seats, and couchettes or berths, as well as the Trains à grande vitesse (TGV), which travel at speeds ranging from 200 to 320 kilometers per hour. The SNCF always offers various discount cards and reductions for families, couples, young people, etc. Be sure to inquire about the possibilities when purchasing your ticket. 

The SNCF also offers a low-cost service called Ouigo, with tickets starting at 10 euros. Only certain itineraries are included. Note that on Ouigo, passengers are allowed only one piece of hand luggage and one suitcase; extra luggage costs 5 euros per item. There are no free tickets for infants.

For further information, or to make reservations, visit an SNCF office at any railroad station or an SNCF boutique. Reservation web sites: https://www.sncf-connect.com/ or https://www.thetrainline.com/. Look out for special deals (“promos”). It should be noted, however, that for international travel, the SNCF site does not have complete train routes and times.

Special passes

• • • Pass Interrail: For a reasonable sum this will permit you to travel throughout Europe and offers various packages. Reduced prices are available for those under 28 years of age. For more information: https://www.sncf-voyageurs.com/fr/voyagez-avec-nous/en-europe/le-pass-interrail/. 

    • Carte Avantage Jeune 12-27: it costs 49 euros and is valid for one year. It offers 25-50% reductions on travel within France and outside. You can easily apply for one at a train station or SNCF office, or purchase one online. It pays for itself after only a few trips! For more information: https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/catalogue/description/carte-avantage-jeune. 

    • Carte Avantage Adulte 27-59 ans : its costs 49€ and is valid for one year. It offers 30% reductions on travel within France and outside. You can easily apply for one at a train station or SNCF office, or purchase one online. It pays for itself after only a few trips! For more information: Carte Avantage Adulte - SNCF 

    • Another useful train company for travel within Europe is the Eurostar, which goes from Paris or Lille to London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne, and Rotterdam.

Buses

The equivalents to Greyhound for European travel include:

• • • FlixBus

    • BlaBlaCar

The trips are long but generally much less expensive.  

Traveling in France

France has many wonderful places to visit. See the official tourism website with ideas for destinations and activities here: https://www.france.fr/en.