When my sister called from Lyon, she was half laughing, half sighing. “It took me longer to buy the tickets than to ride the train,” she said.
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My sister with her children
Her family of five had spent an entire evening comparing routes, times, and prices before finding something they could afford. What they discovered is what many travelers to France now face: the country’s beautiful, efficient railways have become a puzzle of price rules, classes, and timing.
1. Know the System Before You Click “Buy”
France’s trains fall into three main types:
TGV INOUÏ and OUIGO — High-speed trains run by SNCF. They use dynamic pricing. Book early for cheap tickets; wait too long and prices double or even triple.
Intercités — Long-distance routes that are slower but often cheaper.
TER (Transport Express Régional) — Regional trains. Prices are more stable and set by local authorities.
