FRANCE | Travel | Transport

Travelling to France

France is located in the West of Europe and it is not difficult to reach. Depending on preferences and budget, you can reach it by train, plane, car, bus or ferry. 

Airplane

France has a very well developed air traffic system. The national airline "Air France" offers competitive prices for several national, European and international destinations. Tickets can be purchased on the internet.

Train

... is a convenient and widely used means of transport in France. The French railway network is extensive and connects major cities as well as many smaller towns. The SNCF (National French Railway Company) service offers high speed TGV INOUI and OUIGO trains, INTERCITÉS long-distance trains and regional TER trains. Tickets can be purchased online or via the SNCF Connect app, as well as at stations. Ticket prices vary depending on the type of train, route, travel date, demand, booking time and class of travel. Reservations are compulsory on TGV INOUI and OUIGO trains and on certain INTERCITÉS services. Regional TER trains generally have different ticketing and reservation rules that depend on the region. Make sure that you have a valid ticket for your journey.

SNCF offers several discount cards and subscriptions:

• The Carte Avantage Jeune is available for travellers aged 12 to 27. It costs 49€ for one year and offers a 30% discount on eligible TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS journeys. Discounts on TER services vary by region.
• The Carte Avantage Adulte is for travellers aged 27 to 59. It also provides discounts on eligible journeys.
• For young people who travel frequently, the MAX JEUNE subscription is available for travellers aged 16 to 27. It allows travel at no additonal ticket cost on certain TGV INOUI, OUIGO Grande Vitesse and INTERCITÉS  services.
• International rail passes such as Interrail can also be used for eligible journeys in France. Travellers should check whether a seat reservation or an additional fee is required for the train they wish to take.

Travelling within France

Bus, tram and metro

Several types of tickets and passes exist in the public transport network of large cities. Ticket prices vary depending on the destination (zone) or on the time (validity for 30 to 120 minutes/1 day). Some attractive offers can be purchased at ticket desks or from machines (set of tickets, ticket for under 26, 7-day pass, monthly pass, annual pass, leisure package etc.). Some tickets have to be stamped before starting the journey in order to print the current date (orange terminals located at railway stations). Public transport also runs at night in large cities - to find out the night timetables and the stops, get information at ticket desks or at the Tourism Office.

Driving by car

In France, you drive on the right-hand side of the road and speed limitations are 130 km/h on the auto-routes (110 km/h during rain), 110km/h or 90km/h beyond the city limits (motorways), and 50 km/h or 30km/h within the city. One has to pay for using most of the auto-routes, tunnels and bridges, which is indicated by the board "péage" (toll) on the access route to the road. You pay at automats and toll stations. A green arrow above the station means that the desk is covered by an employee. To avoid paying toll, several alternatives are possible: using other highways that rather go through small cities and villages of the countryside. You are advised to comply with the speed limitations as well as the traffic regulations since radar checks are very widespread in France. The used fuels are unleaded petrol 95 and 98 and diesel. The service-stations on the motorways are open until late or even 24/7 with automatic machines operating at night (payment credit card or sometimes cash).

Renting a car

In order to rent a car, a driving licence must be presented that has been existing for at least one year along with a credit card and a valid passport (or identity card). Minimum age is 20 to 25 years depending on the rental agencies and type of vehicle. In France, the concept of car pooling also exists, i.e. travelling with other passengers and sharing expenses. Information is available on the internet to find drivers, passengers, expenses, and contacts.

Taxi

Taxi stands are located near airports, railway stations, and hotels. Parisians usually take taxis at night. The prices differ depending on the rate zones and the time. Be careful with taxis that are available at airports to get to the city - the rates can be quite high.

Using a bicycle

Cycling is an increasingly popular way to get around in France, and many cities have developed a dedicated cycling infrastructure. When cycling, you should follow French traffic regulations and use designated cycle lanes and paths where available. Pay particular attention to other road users, intersections and parked cars. France also has an extensive network of cycle routes (véloroutes) and greenways (voies vertes) for longer journeys and leisure cycling. These routes combine dedicated cycle paths, traffic-free greenways and roads with low levels of motor traffic. Cycling also has a strong cultural presence in France, not least through the Tour de France, the world-famous cycling race held each summer.

Student discount

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) offers many benefits, services and student discounts on transport, lodging, cultural and leisure activities etc. It can be obtained either in the student's country of origin, via internet, or from the STA Travel agencies or ISIC branches on presentation of the student card, a photo and a moderate payment.