There are four primary means of transportation in France: trains, vehicles, buses, and planes. The best mode of travel for you will rely on the areas in France you’re visiting, your budget, and your timeframe. This guide to getting around France will help you select which way of traveling makes the most sense for you.
I’ve been living in the capital city of France for ten years now. I’ve explored various areas of the country using all forms of transportation available. In this article, I’ll examine the advantages, disadvantages, and costs of each mode. Then, you can select the best way to travel for your trip
Be sure to read all the way to the end of the article to discover what my top tips for traveling in France are! Save yourself money and time with my local advice.
Ready? Let’s go!
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Table of Contents
4 Ways to Get Around in France
The most popular methods of transportation in France are trains, automobiles, buses, and airplanes. The best option for your trip depends on your budget and preferences. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of each way to get around France.
Trains
🚆 Best for: Saving time, comfort
💵 Cost: $$-$$$
👉 Where to Book:SNCF
Train travel is the most suitable way to travel within France, especially when journeying between major French cities. I have taken multiple trains in France. They have all been clean and rapid. The efficient trains become even more advantageous when taking a TGV (train à grand vitesse, or high-speed train). TGV trains can significantly lessen the time for a trip.
Train rides can be scheduled ahead of time on the site of the French National Railroad, which has an English version available. Traveling via train is common and receives partial funding from the government. This keeps prices reasonable.
The lack of availability in more distant rural areas can be an impediment for rail travel in France. I`ve taken trains to smaller French communities located in the Loire Valley and Normandy regions, but then faced difficulties reaching my ultimate destination. For those with limited mobility, driving may offer a better solution to complete longer journeys due to this constraint. That said, the trains themselves tend to be reasonably accessible.
Pros of Trains:
- Reasonably priced
- Comfortable and clean
- Extensive railway network
- Faster than driving for most locations
Cons of Trains:
- Difficult in more remote locations
- Rail workers can strike
- Last-minute trips may be expensive
👉 Pro Tip: Book trains as ahead of schedule as feasible. Costs increase according to how many travelers have purchased tickets, so you’re likely to pay significantly more for a last-minute ticket.
Cars
🚗 Best suited for: Independence to investigate; locations that are remote and rural
💵 Expense: $$$
👉 Where to Reserve:Discover Cars
Driving within the borders of France is usually pleasant. It has extensive highways, quality roads, and clearly marked signs.
American driver`s licenses are valid for 90 days with a residence permit extending the validity to a year. Licenses from the EU and UK before 2021 are also valid in France.
You may need to convert your driving permit and have the translation officially certified if it is not in French. Be sure to finish these processes within three months of your trip. Alternatively, obtaining an international driving license is usually more practical and affordable if you intend to rent a vehicle in France.
Car rentals in France are best reserved ahead of time. Try to rent outside of Paris to avoid hefty charges and traffic congestion. Driving in Paris can be tricky—I was once stuck going around the Arc de Triomphe for half an hour! A rental vehicle features unlimited third-party liability insurance. Still, additional coverage policies are recommended.
Pros of Cars:
- Your best bet for smaller towns
- You can see the beautiful country at your own pace
- Easier for travelers with disabilities
Cons of Cars:
- Gas is expensive
- Manually operated transmissions are more readily available than automatic
- Ground rules for transportation differ than in other nations, notably non-EU countries
- Difficult to use in major cities
- Helplines and roadside assistance may not speak English
Buses
🚍 Best for: Saving money
💵 Cost: $
👉 Where to Book:Rome2Rio
Public transportation options provide some of the best values when touring locations in France. The cost of a train from Paris to Biarritz is around $130, while utilizing bus services would be roughly half that amount. However, buses are better suited for shorter trips unless extra time is available. Buses within cities are particularly convenient. Details on Paris buses indicate they can also offer scenic transportation alongside swift commutes.
Unreliability is the major issue with French buses, particularly in rural areas. Plan on using other modes of transport at night, when buses may not run or take a long time to arrive. Check information on transportation strikes before taking a bus.
Pros of Buses:
- Inexpensive
- Great for scenic trips
- Environmentally friendly
Cons of Buses:
- Can be slow/take a long time to come
- Not reliable at night
- Drivers may not speak English
- Stops may be hard to find
Planes
✈️ Best for: Extended trips
💵 Cost: $$$$
👉 Where to Book:Kayak
France spans a large area by European standards. For trips between distant points, flying may be preferable. For example, driving from Paris to Nice on the Mediterranean coast takes around nine hours by road. The train requires similar time and transfers. But the trip takes only around 90 minutes by air.
Air France operates many flights between significant French cities. You can find other budget airlines going to airports outside of Paris, as well. Bear in mind that any flight out of Paris Beauvais (where many local flights depart from and arrive at) necessitates extra travel time. The airport is more than an hour outside the city.
Pros of Flying:
- Fastest travel method
- Reasonably priced if booked well in advance
- Convenient in most regions of France
Cons of Flying:
- Relatively expensive for last-minute trips
- Airports can become crowded, especially during peak periods
- Passport and customs checks slow down international travel
13 Tips For Getting Around France
Tip #1 – Prioritize Public Transportation in Cities
Traveling through the heart of major destinations by vehicle can frequently result in very slow movement. In large cities like Paris and Bordeaux, public transportation is often quicker. This applies not merely to subways and trams but in addition to buses, which have their own dedicated lanes.
Tip #2 – Stay Aware of Strikes
Public transportation workers have the right to strike, which can disrupt trips. I’ve arrived at a Paris train station more than once to find that no trains were running! Check the news to stay updated about train strikes and strikes on other public transport the day you travel.
Tip #3 – Prepare for Driving in Advance
French motorists stay on the same side of the road as North American motorists, but not all road regulations are the same. Speed limits are generally lower, for example. Meanwhile, you’ll need to brush up on roundabout rules.
Tip #4 – Allow Extra Time
Getting around any foreign nation takes longer than at home. This is particularly accurate in France. Traffic jams, transport strikes, and crowds can make French transportation slow. A good rule of thumb? Add 15 minutes to any estimate for in-city transport. Add an hour if you’re going longer distances.
Tip #5 – Budget for Extra Costs
It is wise to budget funds in advance for unexpected minor costs that may arise during travel. For instance, gas prices fluctuate over time. Or, a train delay could require purchasing food from a station. Planning ahead financially prepares for potential small costs like these unpredictable situations.
Tip #6 – Consider Worst-Case Scenarios
Nobody wishes to consider unfavorable happenings, but preparation makes difficult times easier. It also offers peace of mind. Consider worst case scenarios and get ready for them. For example, consider extra insurance coverage for roadside assistance.
Tip #7 – Fact Check GPS Apps
Apps like Google Maps and Waze ease driving but imperfections arise, particularly in rural France. They instructed turns into streams or walks along tracks. When driving in France, retain a paper map for possible needs.
Tip #8 – Check Trains First
What should you do when multiple transportation options for your destination seem great? First check trains. They are often faster than automobiles. This is particularly accurate for TGV trains or any train travelling between significant cities. They are also fairly low in cost.
Tip #9 – Pay Attention to Stops on Public Transport
Public transportation in France can be amazing for saving time and money, but stops are not always clearly marked or announced. Count the number of stops on bus and train routes before boarding, then note which stops you`ve passed along the way.
Tip #10 – Keep an Eye Out for Transfers
Travelling between French destinations using trains or buses may seem convenient. However, be sure to carefully examine any transfers listed on your itinerary – they can consume significant time. This is particularly accurate if you need to change from one form of transportation to another at a large station like Paris Montparnisse.
Tip #11 – Be Wary at Transport Hubs
Train stations and bus terminals are hubs for travelers—and so they become hubs for petty theft. Keep purses fastened, wallets in front pockets, and an eye on your belongings. Do not engage with anyone who tries to speak with you, even if it’s awkward.
📚 Related Reading: Is Paris Safe?
Tip #12 – Don’t Assume You Can Charge Your Phone on Transport
📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Community Website | 🏫 Education District Website | 👉 Browse Evergreen Lodging on Booking for Your Evaluation Visit
Tip #13 – Avoid Renting a Car in Central Paris if You Have Other Options
Those starting their France trips in Paris should avoid renting a car in the Paris city center if possible.
It will be expensive and require dealing with heavy traffic flows.
Instead, take a train to the new city and rent a vehicle there if possible. Or, take the metro to Paris suburbs and rent a car there.
FAQ About Transportation in France
Is there good public transit in France?
What are the best apps for transportation in France?
Two highly useful transportation applications for travel in France include SNCF Connect for train schedules and Air France for flight information. Those exploring Paris will benefit from adding the Bonjour RATP app featuring public bus and subway details.
Map of France
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I hope you feel more assured about the different options for getting around France. Ready to begin your French adventure? Check out my guide on the top things to do in France. Then, come back to this guide to assist in planning for those attractions!
(Featured Visual Credit: olrat / Shutterstock)
