15 France: Rail Transportation
Description
This article is from the Paris, France FAQ, by Thierry E. Toniutti and Delphine Kensit nemo_n@yahoo.com.
15 France: Rail Transportation
Long-distance train services in France are operated by the SNCF;
most "regional" trains are operated by SNCF on behalf of regional
authorities according to DIFFERENT rules, tariffs etc. Details of
regional train services are not widely available outside France
(Info on Minitel "3615 TER"). For info on public transport in the
Paris area, consult http://www.ratp.fr/ or Minitel "3615 RATP".
Applicable to travel wholly on SNCF network (summary only -
check if in doubt): Info + Reservations via Minitel "3615 SNCF"
or phone: +33.1.45.82.50.50. No Web service in Europe at present.
Basic non-TGV 2nd class fares depend on the distance by rail as
follows: (rounded up to a whole number of French francs, plus any
terminal charge)
Distance constant + NEW price per km < 8 km 6.45 + 0.2586 9 - 39 2.37 + 0.8840 40 - 79 12.41 + 0.6336 80 - 149 17.47 + 0.5838 150 - 249 29.97 + 0.5001 250 - 389 43.24 + 0.4471 380 - 599 60.39 + 0.4033 600 - 899 83.19 + 0.3654 900 - 1299 111.76 + 0.3338 > 1300 km 142.49 + 0.3098
First class non-TGV fares are approx. 50% higher, except during
July and August when a flat extra charge of 50 FRF is made. (Non-TGV
first-class coaches have a yellow stripe just below roof level);
TGV fares (including the compulsory reservation, which can be made up
to the scheduled departure time) are on a separate scale for each
route. E.g. Paris - Lille, 258 km, 2nd class: non-TGV 179 FRF, TGV
211 FRF.
Various discounts are available for advance purchase (Joker) etc.
50% discount for children over 4 and under 12 years old.
0% discount on 2nd class fare for pet animals (29 FRF in a
basket/cage)Any discount does NOT apply to the following charges
(payable also by pass-holders where applicable):
Seat reservation fee (included in published TGV fares): 19 FRF
Couchette (bunk in compartment with 6 sleeping-berths)
res/supplement: 89 FRF
Terminal charge (at 200 modernised stations): 2 - 6 FRF
Ticket validity: 24 hours from start of journey
(i.e. time *you* STAMPED it)
Longer break of journey permitted only if specified when buying
the ticket.
If your TGV arrives over 30 minutes late, you are entitled
(on application) to a travel voucher for the price of your
*supplement*.
NOTE: Before starting any journey, you must always STAMP your SNCF
ticket in the orange "composteur" machine at the track access point.
Paris Airport access:
There are two adjacent rail stations sharing a single ticket office in
Terminal/Aerogare 2 at the main international airport "Aeroport
Charles-de-Gaulle Roissy" (Paris CDG). One is the terminal of RER
(express metro) Line B3, with frequent trains to central Paris via
Gare du Nord, Chatelet, St-Michel, Denfert-Rochereau etc., some of
which continue via Antony where there is a connection by automatic
metro to the other main airport, Orly. The other is on the new
high-speed line linking Lille and certain other stations in northern
France with Lyons and certain stations in southeast France. Travellers
to these parts of France will generally find that direct TGV services
from this station are quicker than travelling via central Paris, and
vice versa.
Bicycles: (see the SNCF leaflet "Train + Velo"):
- may be taken free as accompanied baggage in the luggage van
(fourgon) of certain non-TGV main-line trains if the
traveller (un)loads it;
- may be taken as accompanied baggage on all TGVs ONLY if folded or
with wheels removed AND wrapped WITHIN not more than 120 cm x 90 cm.
- may be sent separately as "registered baggage" for a fee of 135 FRF
if boxed or 185 FRF if unboxed (this takes a few days).
- travel free with you on most "TER" (Regional trains), with a few
exceptions
- travel free OFF-PEAK on the "RER" network OUTSIDE central Paris
- can be hired by the day at some SNCF stations.
NOTE: Prices for food and drink on board trains are usually
MUCH higher
than off them, there are NO ice water dispensers - so stock up before
boarding!
(Special thanks to the contributor, Mr. Alan REEKIE, for this Rail
Transportation section)
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