Using trains in France can be a great way to get around for visitors to the country, but so many people worry about not speaking French, not understanding how to use the stations or find their way around.
Don’t be put off, its not that difficult with a little in advance homework and checking. These basic French words and phrases for train travel in France will help you find your way round stations and on the train and read our tips on how to take a train in France for more great advice.
| English | French |
| Train | Un train |
| Station | La Gare |
| Where is the station | Ou est la gare (du Nord etc) |
| Ticket | Billet |
| Metro ticket | ticket de métro |
| Train ticket | billet de train |
| Platform | Voie or Quai |
| Carriage | Voiture |
| My luggage | Mes baggages |
| Trolley | Chariot |
| Luggage rack | Porte-baggages |
| Ticket counter, ticket office | les guichets |
| Return trip | un aller-retour |
| One way ticket | Un billet simple |
| A single to… (Paris) | un aller pour Paris |
| Can you give me a timetable? | Pouvez-vous me donner les horaires des trains? |
| Arrival time | heure d’arrivée |
| Which direction(destination) do I take to go to…? | Quelle direction dois-je prendre pour aller à…? |
| The first/last/next train | Le premier/dernier/prochain train |
| What time does the train leave for…? | À quelle heure part le train pour….? |
| Is this the right platform for the Paris train? | Est-ce que c’est le bon quai pour le train de Paris? |
| Is there a cash machine in this station? | y a-t-il un point d’argent dans la gare? |
| Price | Prix |
| First/Second class | Première/Seconde classe |
| I would like to reserve a seat | Je voudrais réserver une place. |
| Punch your ticket | Composter de billet |
| Exit | Sortie |
| Where can I find a taxi? | Où est-ce que je peux trouver un taxi? |
