Transport and driving in France

Transport and driving in France offers some of the densest road and railway networks in Europe. The country boasts some of the fastest high-speed trains in the world, making cross-country travel a breeze, while most of France’s cities also have tram lines that make getting around fast and simple.

Getting Around in Paris

Public transport in France

Trains

Public transport in France links all major cities with each other, as well as many other destinations in Europe, and the French rail system is dense and highly centralised. SNCF (French National Railway Company) operates most of the passenger and freight services on the national rail network, while RATP primarily serves Paris and the Île-de-France region.

The Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) is France’s high-speed rail network, which connects all its major cities. The TGV travels at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour (320km/h), so journeys between cities on opposite sides of the country are only one to three hours long.

Multiple rail pass options are available if you want to use the TGV and local trains frequently. The Eurail France Pass (for non-European residents) or Interrail France Pass (for European residents) allows you to hop on and off trains and travel to many destinations with just one ticket. You can also use the Transport Express Regional (TER) to travel short distances around France.

You can use trains to travel to neighbouring countries such as Germany, Spain, Switzerland and Italy. Direct high-speed connections link France with Brussels, Luxembourg, Frankfurt, and Munich.

Eurotunnel

Opened in 1994, the Eurotunnel (now branded as LeShuttle) links France and England via a dry-land tunnel under the English Channel. High-speed trains move cars, buses and passengers underneath the ocean. The shuttle runs every day of the year, with up to four departures per hour during peak times.

Buses

Buses in France are more affordable than trains but are slower and less luxurious. Most cities have urban bus routes, and long-distance coach services have expanded since the market started being deregulated. Major operators include FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus, offering routes throughout France and to neighbouring countries. Buses are more frequently used in rural areas, such as Brittany and Normandy, where there are few train lines.

Metro

The Paris Metro system is comprehensive and is the easiest way to get around the city. It’s fast, reliable and relatively easy to navigate. The network continues to expand with the Grand Paris Express project, including extensions to Line 14 that opened in 2024. Five other French cities also have metro systems: Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Rennes, and Toulouse, and twenty-six French cities have light rail or tram systems.

Useful links

• SNCF Connect
• Eurail France Pass
• Interrail
• LeShuttle (Eurotunnel)
• FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus

Taxis in France

Taxis in French cities are relatively affordable, and you can hail them from the street if the sign on their roof is lit. You can also call a nearby taxi station and book one ahead of time, but be aware that the meter typically runs from the moment the driver departs to meet you. If you don’t speak French, you may find it helpful to have your destination written down for the driver.

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Bolt and local options like G7 Taxi and LeCab are widely available in the country. If you can’t speak French, these apps may be your preferred option because they take care of communicating your destination. The Uber by Women service in Paris and the Île-de-France region offers female drivers for female clients.

Useful links

• Uber France
• Bolt France
• G7 Taxis
• LeCab

Driving in France

Highway driving in France is usually a relaxed affair. France has a large network of highways (autoroutes) connecting its cities. Many are toll (peage) roads, typically charging EUR 5 to EUR 10 per 60 miles (100km), except for those around major cities. Payment options include cash, credit cards, and télépéage (electronic toll collection).

City driving in France can be more stressful and difficult. It is often best to park in a suburban area before entering a city and then use trams, the metro or buses to get around. Be aware that many major French cities now have low-emission zones (ZFE) that restrict certain vehicles based on their environmental impact.

You will also need a certificate of registration (la carte grise) and a certificate of insurance. If you plan to stay in France for more than six months, you will need a French driving licence and must have your car inspected through the contrôle technique system. The minimum driving age in France is 18 years.

Driver’s licences

If you’re an EU citizen, you can drive in France with your national driving licence. If you’re not an EU citizen, you need to apply for an international driving licence. UK licences issued before January 2021 are still valid until their expiry date, thanks to Brexit negotiations.

Agreements exist with certain countries and states where an exchange can be done within the first year of legal residency in France. If your licence cannot be exchanged, you must take a full French theory and practical driving exam.

Useful links

• Service-Public: French Driver’s Licence Information
• French Motorways Information

Air travel in France

Air travel in France is served primarily by Air France, a full-service international airline that flies to 20 domestic destinations throughout the country. The national carrier continues to expand its network, recently adding routes from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to various destinations and increasing service frequencies on existing routes. Budget airlines like Transavia France also serve domestic routes, offering competitive alternatives to Air France.

The average flight time between cities in France is only one hour, and domestic flights are a quick alternative to trains for longer distances. Since 2021, France has banned short domestic flights where train alternatives exist for journeys under 2.5 hours, pushing for more eco-friendly travel options.

France’s two major international airports – Roissy Charles de Gaulle and Orly – are both in Paris. Bordeaux, Nice, Toulouse, Marseille and Lyon also have international airports that service many destinations within Europe. Several regional airports have shown impressive growth, including La Rochelle, Tarbes, Perpignan, Nîmes, and Calvi.

Most airports offer excellent transport connections to city centres, with major hubs like Charles de Gaulle providing direct train services in addition to buses, taxis, and private transfers.

Useful links

• Air France