The French National Railway - the SNCF - Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer, is a state-run rail system and is a source of national pride. It offers extremely comprehensive service which is rapid, reliable and affordable. The service prides itself for trains that always run on time.
It is a good idea to review the general information about trains before you go. You should also probably check the interactive map of the train system designed by Rail Europe. The SNCF offers a wide area of services available to its customers ranging from free bicycle transport, to train and hotel package, to car and bicycle rentals.
It is generally a good idea to make reservations ahead of time. This will ensure the certainty of sitting or sleeping arrangement. Even the most adventurous mind cannot be deriving that much pleasure from traveling overnight standing up, on the way to a ski trip or a Summer holidayÖ
Before you board the train, you will need to validate (composter) your ticket by inserting it in the ticket machine. If you omit to do so, you will be considered as traveling without ticket and are likely to be fined in case of a control.
Point to Point tickets can be purchased in France, or from a travel agent outside France. These are "open" tickets, which do not specify dates of travel or seat arrangements. You must still make seat arrangements and validate your travel date in the stamping machine at the platform entrance. Donít forget to validate your ticket and keep it as proof of payment and validation.
Some trains offer a wagon restaurant, with quality table service, some offer snack food and others, like the TGV, airline type service at your seat. In some small stations, vendors still sell sandwiches, snacks and soft drinks through the windows, while the train is stopped. Please note that tap water in the train is not drinkable.
If you want sleeping arrangements on the train, be sure to book in advance. First-class travel provides you with private accommodations for 1 or 2 people in the wagon-lit, or sleeping car. There are also couchettes, or sleeping berth, which sleep 4 (in first class) or 6 (in second class).
Many trains are equipped with smoking and non-smoking cars or sections - make sure that you specify which you prefer when purchasing a ticket.
General information is available on the internet directly from the SNCF or by writing to:
If you wish to determine the cost of travel by train you can do so by entering both points of departure and arrivals. You also get a approximation of the cost by simply entering the distance between two points. Verify these estimates against the numerous reductions offerd by the SNCF and described in the Passes and Discounts section.
The SNCF offer many different types of trains, as shown on the list below. It is a good idea for the traveler who intends to make extensive use of the train service, to familiarize oneself with the different names and their meanings.
TGV (train à grande vitesse) - are high speed trains servicing major cities. You must have a reservation to travel by TGV. Price includes travel ticket, seat reservation and meal service. If you have a rail pass, you do not need to pay for a supplement, but you still have to pay for the reservation. Make your reservation several hours in advance, as the reservation wicket may close.
Rapide - train stopping only at major cities.
Express - long-distance train stopping at both large and middle-sized cities.
Train de banlieue - commuter train carrying passengers to and from the suburbs of major towns and cities.
Corail - a modern set of train cars, usually with a dining car.
Trans Europe Express (TEE) - generally, a non-stop fast train between major European cities.
Don't make life easy for train thieves; keep all valuables on your person, especially if you economize by sleeping upright in a second-class seat rather than a lockable berth. When in doubt, also use common sense.
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