Train Adventures
France by train
Comfortably and rapidly travel to France by train, the land of high-speed lines, connecting Brussels to Marseille in 4 hours and 48 minutes. Enjoy comfortable TGV trains. Eurostar from Amsterdam to Paris and Lille in 3 hours and 19 minutes. The earlier you book, the more cost-effective it is. (Book early!)
How to Book Cheap Train Tickets to France?
1. Book as early as possible.
- Eurostar can be booked 6 months before departure.
- TGV can be booked 3-4 months before departure, except during the summer period, usually available from February.
2. Ensure you book Prem tickets, the most economical fare.
3. Travel outside peak hours.
4. Avoid the weekend when many Parisians take the TGV to the south.
International Train Tickets
Reservation is mandatory for Eurostar trains to/from Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany; Eurostar trains to/from London; and all international TGV trains to/from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain. Rates start from €35 for Thalys from Amsterdam to Paris, €40 for Eurostar from London to Paris, and €49 for TGV from Barcelona to Paris. To secure the most affordable train tickets, book well in advance. Tickets for TGV and Thalys can be booked 4 months before departure, and for Eurostar, 10 months before departure.
Domestic Train Tickets
For all TGV and long-distance trains, a mandatory reservation is required. The ticket is only valid on the date and time for which you booked the train ticket. Rates start from €15 for short-distance trains, such as Paris to Lille. Longer journeys start from €25 one way. It is recommended to book early to obtain the cheapest rates, especially during weekends and holiday periods. Train tickets can often be booked approximately 3 months before the departure date, and in the summer period, often 3 to 6 months before the departure date.
Rates for regional TER trains are based on kilometer tariffs. No mandatory reservation is needed for TER trains. Tickets for regional trains are valid on all trains within the validity of the ticket.
Rates to France
Route | Starting Price | Booking Period |
---|---|---|
Amsterdam - Paris | €35 | See "When are tickets bookable" |
Paris - Marseille | €25 | See "When are tickets bookable" |
Amsterdam - Marseille | €60 |
Rates Within France
Traject | Starting Price |
---|---|
Paris - Lyon | €25 |
Lyon - Marseille | €15 |
Marseille - Nice | €20 |
Paris - Bordeaux | €25 |
Bordeaux - Toulouse | €10 |
Nice - Monaco | €5 |
Lyon - Grenoble | €10 |
Paris - Nantes | €20 |
Toulouse - Montpellier | €15 |
Paris - Strasbourg | €30 |
Duration for Popular Train Travel to & Within France
Traject | Duration |
---|---|
Amsterdam - Paris | 3h16 |
Amsterdam - Marseille | Circa 8 hours |
Amsterdam - Lyon | Circa 7 hours |
Paris - Lyon | Circa 2 hours |
Lyon - Marseille | Circa 2 hours |
Marseille - Nice | Circa 2.5 hours |
Paris - Bordeaux | Circa 3 hours |
Bordeaux - Toulouse | Circa 2 hours |
Nice - Monaco | Circa 30 minutes |
Lyon - Grenoble | Circa 1.5 hours |
Paris - Nantes | Circa 2.5 hours |
Toulouse - Montpellier | Circa 2 hours |
Paris - Strasbourg | Circa 2 hours |
Efficient high-speed rail network
Explore iconic routes like Paris to Provence, Bordeaux Wine Route, and the French Riviera.
High-speed trains: reach speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph).