Transportation in France is fantastique. Locals tell us you'll have an option of buses, metros, intercity trains, and more. It can feel a bit overwhelming, which is why, with some local advice, we created this guide to French transportation.
It’s easy to see why SNCF (France’s rail system) is a popular way to travel between all the wonderful places to visit in France. SNCF services nearly every major city and operates one of the fastest trains in the world—the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse).
SNCF serves 150 cities within France and her neighboring countries and can get you from Paris to just about anywhere in the nation in a matter of hours. Paris to Nice, for example, is just a 5 ½-hour journey—and the ticket costs just €45. Locals note that SNCF is noted for its on-time performance and comfortable trains.
If you’re taking some long-distance rides or traveling to numerous cities, locals tell us that a Euro Rail France Pass gives you great flexibility and a great value. Alternately, single tickets are your best bet for occasional short trips.
Locals tell us that the best option is to buy your tickets online in advance. This way, there's no language barrier and you don’t have to figure out how to use the ticket machine or search for a ticket office. You can then print your tickets, download your ticket to your smartphone, or write down the reservation code to redeem it at a train station, ticket machine or travel agent.
Alternately, you can use a ticket machine; in Paris, there’s a single type of ticket machine for local (Île-de-France) and regional trains. This can be a little confusing and a good place to get some local insights.
Finally, you can always find a ticket agent. Stations in most big cities and large towns have human ticket agents you can buy a ticket from. And (at least in big cities like Paris) they'll most likely speak English.
France has 185 airports that service all major cities. Air France is the prime domestic airline, but other airlines like Ryanair and HOP! offer flights to most of the cities in France.
Locals tell us that getting around France is by bus is easy and budget-friendly.
They say that bus service is provided by three intercity operators: Ouibus, Eurolines and Flixbus, and it goes to just about every city in the country.
Buses also run on a regional level and most cities have a coach station.
If you’re sticking to the big cities, locals say that trains and air travel are the best ways to get around.
But if you want to explore smaller towns and villages (where locals say you'll find many of the best things to do in France, like eating fresh oysters in Cancale), getting a rental car is a good idea.
Popular rental agencies include Hertz, AutoEurope, Avis, and Europcar.
Here are some tips for renting a car:
Locals tell us that you'll find metros in most major France cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Rennes, and Toulouse.
Just watch out for pickpockets in any crowded metro station.
While there is Uber in France, it’s most prevalent in Paris—where you also have the option to take a traditional taxi. Your choice just boils down to individual preferences.
You can hail a taxi on any city street or, in Paris, you can call for a cab at 01 45 30 30 30 (try adding the French country code, +33, if the number doesn't work). If you use a taxi, make sure it’s a licensed taxi. Taxis in Paris are metered and all have the same standard rate. Their rate may be higher than Uber, but they can use the bus lanes to get through heavy traffic—Ubers can’t. Not all taxis take credit cards, so make sure to ask before you jump in. The Taxi G7 app is a great option because you can order a taxi ahead of time and they take credit cards.
Getting an Uber in Paris is a piece of cake (er, gateau). They are usually cheaper than taxis but Uber uses surge pricing, so it can cost be more than a taxi at certain times. Also, real Parisians may hate you for using it.
Locals say that biking around France is easy and cheap.
You'll find self-service pick-up and drop-off stations all over major cities. In Paris, more than 20,000 bikes are available using Velib, a bike rental system with over 1,800 stations dotted across the city. You pay a fee of €1.80 for a day-long ticket or €8 for a week-long ticket—and the first 30 minutes are free!
Our best advice for getting to and from an airport anywhere in France is to book a private transfer. There is no better way to travel to/from an airport than having a driver awaiting your arrival, and saving you from dragging your luggage to the nearest train, or dealing with an inability to get an Uber last minute. You can search for and book private transfers here.
The airport is 18 miles northeast of Paris in the suburb of Roissy.
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