Transport · Trains

Riding SNCF TGV INOUI, Ouigo & TER for the First Time: Tickets, Platforms & Etiquette

Everything you need to know about booking, boarding, and storing luggage on France's high-speed trains.

Everything you need to know about booking, boarding, and storing luggage on France's high-speed trains.

What travelers should know

Whether you are spending your time in Paris, Nice & the French Riviera, and Lyon or venturing into smaller towns among France's 34,742 municipalities, a little advance preparation makes every day smoother.

Practical tips

  • Check train schedules on official SNCF TGV INOUI, Ouigo & TER apps.
  • Book major sights and intercity trains ahead of peak weekends.
  • Browse our France City Directory to explore every municipality by region.

Frequently asked questions

How far ahead should I plan for France?

Book flights and flagship hotels 2–4 months ahead, and high-speed rail tickets 3–6 weeks before departure.

Official sources & further reading

Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: