How to Find Train Times for French Railways

Planning a trip to Paris? Want to travel across France? You may want your first stop to be a train station. French Railways offers a comfortable way to travel the country and see the French countryside, without driving yourself. Follow these steps to plan your trip.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Passport
• A computer with Internet access and a printer
• Photo I.D.

Find Train Times for a Trip Between Two Cities Online

1. Visit the official French Railways Web site (see Resources below) and select the "Information Scheduling and Booking" option on the left-hand side of the page.

2. Type the location you want to start your trip from in the "Leaving from" box. Enter the date and time.

3. Type your destination into the "Going to" box. Enter the date and arrival time you want.

4. Select the number of adults traveling.

5. Select first- or second-class travel.

6. Choose the "Search Timetable" button.

7. Select the country where you wish to pick up your tickets from the drop-down menu.

8. Push the "Search" button.

9. Review the results and select the train times you want.

10. Print out a hard copy of the schedule times for your records.

Determine French Railways Schedules at the Station

1. Locate the train schedule board. Most are wall-mounted poster boards, but more modern train stations will have digital timetable boards.

2. Be aware that arrival timetables have a white background, and departures will be yellow.

3. Determine if you want a regular or fast train schedule. Fast trains are in red lettering, while regular are in black.

4. Record the scheduling information you need for future reference. Know that timetables will be listed in order by time from 0:00 to 24:00 and will have departure, arrival and platform numbers. The name/number of significant stops on the particular route schedule may also be listed.

5. Look for an 'i,' the international symbol for information, and ask for help if you have problems,.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have trouble online, you can call French Railways at 011 ([phone] for additional information.

• There's only a small price difference between traveling first class and second class in French trains; but there's a huge difference in the facilities.

• If you plan to stay for a few days in Paris, buy "Paris Visite" Passes. With them, you'll have unlimited use of the train, buses and metro for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days.

• You'll need a reservation, which will require a supplemental fee, to ride the TGV fast rail, in addition to the standard rail pass or ticket purchase.

• Travel light with bags you can handle yourself. Few stations have porters. Plus, you'll be required to climb steps with your luggage.

• Cell phone use in first class areas of the TGV trains is forbidden. There's a telephone area for you to call ahead for restaurant and hotel reservations or to reserve a taxi upon your arrival.