FRANCE | Travel | Transport

Arriving in 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. 

The train

... is one of the most preferred transport means in France. The railway network is highly developed and the SNCF (National French Railways Company) offers several rail link options (TGV, corail trains and regional trains). The ticket prices depend on the travel date and time, as well as the comfort level (1st or 2nd class). The tickets can be purchased from ticket desks or SNCF offices or from distributors. In some high speed trains and long distance trains, it is mandatory to reserve a seat. Do not forget to stamp the ticket to validate it before getting on the train - if you have forgotten it, try to contact the ticket checker immediately. There are several interesting offers and reduction cards:

• The "Carte 12-25" pass is very attractive for frequent and long distance travelling. You can avail several levels of reduction up to -60% depending on the reservation date.
• The "Carte Escapades" pass (for people aged between 26 to 69 years). The card offers reductions up to -40%.
• There are also other beneficial schemes that exist throughout Europe including France: Inter-Rail, Rail Plus, rates for the under 26 etc.

The 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.

The ISIC card

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. About the ISIC

The bus, tram and the 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.

Public transport in Paris and Île-de-France: RATP

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).

Information on French roads: Autoroutes.fr

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.

Car rental: UCar

Car pooling: BlaBlaCar France

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

Using a bicycle in the city instead of public transport is not as widespread in France as it is in some other countries. Using a bicycle, you are advised to take the side roads, follow traffic regulations carefully, pay attention to the traffic, and especially look out for cars. However, there are several bike paths by which you can discover the country.

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