Paris is more than just the Eiffel Tower and charming cafés—it’s the perfect launchpad for exploring some of France’s most incredible destinations.
Just a short train ride away, you can find yourself wandering the storybook streets of Colmar, marveling at the grandeur of Versailles, or even stepping into the enchanting world of Disneyland Paris.
For those craving adventure farther afield, Mont-Saint-Michel and the picturesque landscapes of Normandy await.
France’s efficient train system makes it easy to swap Parisian cobblestones for vineyard vistas, fairytale villages, or dramatic coastlines—all without the hassle of renting a car.
Whether you’re into history, culture, or just a change of scenery, these day trips by train will help you see a whole new side of France. Ready to venture beyond the city?
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Table of Contents
1. Dijon
Distance from Paris by train: 1 hour 35 minutes
If you are looking for easy train trips from Paris, Dijon is an amazing option. Dijon, France is the capital of Burgundy and… you guessed it — the birthplace of Dijon mustard!
This beautiful town is small but extremely charming, and can easily be explored on foot in one day.
Dijon’s unique, storybook-like architecture comes from its rich history as the capital of the powerful Duchy of Burgundy during the Middle Ages. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the dukes of Burgundy were some of the wealthiest and most influential rulers in Europe, rivaling even the kings of France.
They poured their resources into building a city that reflected their power and sophistication, resulting in the stunning architecture you see today. The city is known for its half-timbered medieval houses, which feel like something straight out of a fairytale.
For the best examples of this traditional Burgundian architecture, don’t miss Rue Verrerie (a street filled with cute architecture, specialty shops, and cafes), Place François Rude and Hôtel Aubriot.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the “toits bourguignons” (Burgundian roofs) with their colorful geometric patterns made from glazed tiles. They’re a signature feature of the region and add a distinctive pop of color to the skyline!
Other fun things to see and do in Dijon include the Palace of the Dukes, Jardin des Ducs, Musée des Beaux-Arts (in the Palace of the Dukes), Old Town Dijon, and the Central Market.
Train stations: Paris Gare de Lyon (TGV train is 1.5 hours, TER is 3 hours); trains depart almost every hour.
Recommended Tours
- Small-Group Burgundy Tour with Wine Tastings from Dijon
- Half-Day Tour of the Cote de Nuits Vineyards from Dijon
2. Disneyland Paris
Distance from Paris by train: 40 minutes
Located in Chessy just a quick train ride away from Paris are two epic Disneyland Paris parks right next to each other: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.
For first-timers who love rides, you absolutely cannot miss rides like Ratatouille: The Adventure, Crush Coaster, Phantom Manor, Hyperspace Mountain, or Big Thunder Mountain.
And when it comes to attractions unique to Disneyland Paris, we cannot recommend the super cool La Tanière du Dragon or Alice’s Curious Labyrinth enough!
For those of you celebrating something special (or just love dining at Disney’s creatively themed restaurants), I hope you’re reading this early enough because you’ll want to snag reservations at Auberge de Cendrillon, Bistrot Chez Rémy, or Captain Jack’s if they’re available.
We’ve personally dined at Captain Jack’s and loved our Caribbean-inspired meal — the pirate ship theme of the restaurant was also super cool to experience!
For an even more memorable experience, you can opt to stay at one of the fun, themed Disneyland hotels for a multiday experience.
Train stations: Gare de Lyon to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy train station (just a 2-minute walk from the Disney Parks)
Pro Tip: Visiting on a weekend usually means more expensive ticket prices. If you can visit on a weekday, not only will you pay less for tickets, but it’ll usually mean fewer crowds and shorter lines!
Recommended Tickets
- Disneyland® Paris 1-Day Ticket
- Disneyland® Paris 1 Day Ticket with Transportation from Paris
- Disneyland® Paris 2-Parks 1-Day Ticket – what I recommend for first-timers who want to see it all!
3. Strasbourg and Colmar
Distance from Paris by train: 1 hour 45 minutes
The Alsace region in France is drop-dead gorgeous. Honestly, I have never taken as much photos as I have in Strasbourg and Colmar.
Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, is reachable from Paris in just 1 hour and 45 minutes via the TGV high-speed train. From Strasbourg, it’s only a 20-minute regional train ride to Colmar, another Alsatian gem. With the fast and efficient rail connections, you can comfortably visit both cities in one day—although you may wish you had more time to linger!
Once you arrive, make your way to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, a breathtaking sandstone Gothic cathedral that dominates the city’s skyline. Climb the 330 steps to the viewing platform of the north tower for panoramic views, including the Black Forest on clear days.
Next, stroll to the Barrage Vauban, a historic weir and footbridge offering a picturesque view of Strasbourg’s canals and the Ponts Couverts, the iconic covered bridges with medieval watchtowers.
Wrap up your morning with a scenic boat cruise along the Ill River, which gives you a unique view of Strasbourg’s architecture and history.
Take a short train ride to Colmar and step into what feels like a living storybook. Begin in La Petite Venise, the town’s most famous area, with its canals lined by colorful, half-timbered cottages from the 16th century.
Adventure lovers will want to hop onto a bike and conquer the Alsace Wine Route, stopping at all the wineries along the way.
History lovers can visit the Unterlinden Museum, which houses the famed Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of German Renaissance art.
Afterward, wander the old town’s winding streets, popping into quaint shops, munching on pretzels, or tasting local Alsatian wines at a wine bar.
Visiting in the wintertime? Strasbourg hosts a massive not-to-be-missed Christmas Market every year that spans the entire old town and is lit up by endless Christmas trees and twinkling lights!
Train stations: from Paris Gare de l’Est; lots of train departures per day.
Recommended Tours
- Guided Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour
- Alsace Colmar, Medieval Villages & Castles: Small Group Day Trip – from Strasbourg
- Alsace Wine Route: Half-Day Tour with Tasting – from Strasbourg
4. Champagne
Distance from Paris by train: from 40 minutes
The Champagne region is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates history, scenic countryside, and, of course, world-class sparkling wine.
Just a short trip from Paris, this iconic area offers a chance to tour legendary vineyards, learn about the art of champagne-making, and sip bubbly straight from its source—all against a backdrop of rolling hills and charming villages.
You have a few choices to consider when visiting this part of France.
- In Reims, you can see an incredible cathedral, visit numerous champagne houses, and enjoy a thriving nightlife scene. No trip to Reims is complete without a visit to one of the famous champagne houses: Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin and Taittinger are great options.
- Alternatively, a stop in Epernay lets you explore the Avenue de Champagne while enjoying the quiet and comfort of visiting a smaller village.
- Several vineyards in the region provide all-day touring options, including a spa, pool, and family-friendly activities.
When it comes to champagne houses, you’ll be spoiled with choice. Having said that, one of the most unique to try is found at Mercier in Epernay. This experience is so cool because you’ll be taken on a train through the cellars!
Another popular champagne house to visit is Maison Ruinart. It was established in 1729, making it the oldest continuously operating one in the country. You can find it on the Avenue de Champagne.
Train stations: Paris l’Est to Reims, Champagne-Ardenne, to Epernay; several trains per day.
Recommended Tours
- Champagne Moet et Chandon & Taittinger Small-Group Tour with Tasting – from Reims
- Champagne Day Trip to Moët & Chandon and Family Winery with Lunch – from Reims
5. Palace of Versailles
Distance from Paris by train: 35 minutes
Located just 17 km southwest of Paris in the Ile-de-France region, Versailles is one of the most popular and easiest day trips from Paris by train.
The Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most popular attractions. It was built in the early 17th century and later expanded by Louis XIV.
This palace had humble beginnings in the 16th century as it was intended to be a hunting lodge and was originally a small countryside getaway. As the years progressed, King Louis XIII and the others in his family line continued building to create one of the greatest châteaus in France.
This royal residence became a museum in 1833 and now houses 60,000 pieces of art!
The Palace of Versailles has been featured in a long list of movies (mainly French), but if you watched the 2006 movie Marie Antoinette, you’ll recognize certain areas of the palace like The Hall of Mirrors.
There’s so much to see and do in Versailles that being bored during your day trip just won’t be an issue. You’ll very likely need a full day to see it all. If you plan a full day, you can visit the palace, the gardens, the Grand Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet.
You can explore the different street stalls and markets after you’ve seen the palace on your way back to the train station. Don’t miss the Market of Notre Dame, where you can sample some excellent cuisine!
Pro Tip: Aim to arrive before the palace opens to beat the insane crowds–this is what I did on my last visit and I was able to capture photos of the palace and gardens with virtually no one in them! I’d recommend you purchase a skip-the-line ticket if you’re arriving after the park opens.
Train stations: Paris Gare Saint Lazare (SNCF trains) or central Paris stations (Champs de Mars, Invalides, and Musée d’Orsay) by RER C trains; trains depart every hour.
Recommended Tours:
- Versailles Palace & Gardens: Ticket, Audio Guide & Transfer
- Versailles: Palace of Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
6. Provins
Distance from Paris by train: 1 hour 30 minutes
Provins is a medieval gem just an hour and a half from Paris, offering a fascinating glimpse into France’s past. Once a major hub for trade fairs in the Middle Ages, this UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its beautifully preserved walls, half-timbered houses, and landmarks like the Tour César, a 12th-century watchtower.
Provins is just about as far out of the capital as you can get without leaving the Île-de-France region. It takes about 90 minutes to get from Paris to Provins, but it is easy to explore the area on foot once you arrive.
The walk down the Rue du College is surprisingly beautiful, and there isn’t much traffic to manage on an average day. From there, it’s time to take things underground.
The underground tunnels in Provins, known as the “souterrains,” are a unique feature that sets this medieval town apart from the rest. These tunnels once served as storage spaces, escape routes, and meeting places for merchants during Provins’ heyday as a trade hub in the Middle Ages.
Today, guided tours take you through the dimly lit passages, offering fascinating insights into how they were used and revealing carvings left behind by those who worked or hid there centuries ago.
The medieval shows in Provins are another highlight, especially if you’re traveling with family or just love immersive experiences. One of the most popular is The Legend of the Knights. Expect an action-packed spectacle featuring jousting, sword fights, and horseback stunts that recreate the chivalric spirit of the Middle Ages.
Traveling to Paris in mid to late June? You may be able to catch the famous Medieval Festival of Provins, also known as the biggest medieval festival in France!
If you’re visiting during the holiday season in December, you must stop by the Christmas market.
Train stations: Gare de l’Est (RER train), get off at Provins station. Trains depart hourly.
7. Giverny
Distance from Paris by train: 40 min to 1 hour
Giverny is a must-visit for art and nature lovers, as it’s where Claude Monet lived and painted some of his most iconic works, including his famous water lilies.
In fact, Claude Monet worked in this Normandy village for over 40 years. His beautiful home and bursting-with-colors gardens are now part of a popular museum that can be one of several stops during your day trip from Paris.
Strolling through Monet’s property feels like stepping into one of his Impressionist masterpieces, with colorful flowers, the serene lily pond, and the iconic Japanese bridge.
Several artists came to Giverny to paint the landscapes found in the area over the years. Their works, along with others, are displayed in the Musee des Impressionismes.
A visit to the water lilies at the Orangeries is another fun stop, even if it chooses to rain during your stay.
This day trip is perfect for anyone with an interest in art history, gardening, or simply escaping the city to soak in the peaceful charm of the French countryside.
Train stations: Paris-Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny train station. Once you hop off at Vernon-Giverny station, you are still 6km away from Monet’s gardens. From here, take the shuttle bus to reach the house.
Recommended Tours
- Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip-The-Line Walking Tour
- Monet’s Gardens & House with Art Historian: Private Giverny Tour from Paris
8. London
Distance from Paris by train: 2 hours 15 minutes
If you’re looking for a day trip outside of the country of France, London is a great option!
With the help of modern high-speed trains, you can be in London in a little over two hours by train. Crazy, right?
Figuring out what to do in London with just one day is tough — I know. There’s just TOO much to do! If you happen to only have one day to spend in London, here’s what I recommend:
- Visit Covent Garden
- See the cute architecture on Portobello Road
- Learn all about London’s dark history at the London Dungeon (I love this kitschy attraction so much)
- See The Tower of London and the Tower Bridge (if you like history)
- Walk past Buckingham Palace for your photo opp, but don’t linger too long
- Spend a couple of hours in a food market like Borough Market or a traditional London pub
- Catch a Broadway-style show at West End
- A ride on the London Eye lets you get sweet views of the city!
Train stations: Paris Nord; over 15 trains depart for London per day
Recommended Tours:
- The London Dungeon – one of my absolute favorite things to do in London!!! Gotta love the city’s dark history!
- Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London
- Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Transport from London
- Private Tower of London Opening Ceremony with Changing of The Guard and Cruise
9. Lyon
Distance from Paris by train: 2 hours
For serious foodies, Lyon is a must. If you enjoy delectable food and wine, make sure to arrive feeling hungry because Lyon is considered France’s capital of gastronomy!
Frankly, Lyon deserves way more than a day trip — we were there for 3 days and even that wasn’t enough time for us! But I digress.
When you’re ready for a meal, consider a stop at Agastache Restaurant. Try the five-course set menu, and you’ll walk out of there feeling happy.
For something more casual, head to Croix-Rousse, a hotspot for trendy cafés, bistros, and small eateries tucked into its winding streets. The area was historically home to Lyon’s silk workers, and you’ll still feel that artistic energy today. Look for natural wine bars, creative fusion restaurants, and cozy brunch spots.
Alternatively, you could head to Presqu’île in the heart of Lyon. This area is packed with lively streets like Rue Mercière and Rue des Marronniers, where you’ll find a mix of traditional bouchons (serving classic Lyonnaise cuisine) and contemporary restaurants with global flavors.
From there, you could continue exploring by making stops at Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), Saône River Banks, Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, Parc de la Tête d’Or, and Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.
We absolutely love Lyon, and if you can carve out a few days of your France trip to dedicate to this incredible city, you won’t regret it—it’s absolutely worth it.
Train stations: Paris Gare de Lyon (TGV trains); lots of train departures per day.
Pro tip: During the week, trains to Lyon from Paris tend to fill up due to business travel, so be sure to book your tickets in advance!
Recommended Tours:
10. Château de Chantilly
Distance from Paris by train: 25 minutes
Chantilly Castle is seriously one of the best castles in France–and it’s located just a day trip away from Paris!
This castle is what art lovers’ dreams are made of. The grounds house two castles, the Petite Château and the Grand Château. The first was built in the 16th century, and the second, larger building was created in the 19th century.
The Duke of Aumale created this masterpiece to house his beloved collection of art and books. In the late 1800s, he gifted the castle and his collections to the Institut de France, on the condition that on his death, the museum be opened to the public and that its layout be preserved.
Lucky for us, now the Château de Chantilly is open to the public, so take advantage and tour the picturesque castle! Make sure to check out the second-largest art collection of paintings in all of France (after the famed Louvre).
The castle’s bedrooms are what you would expect, pure opulence with detailed gold accents all around and over-the-top chandeliers. The Reading Room is another area you won’t want to miss featuring the Duke’s famous book collection.
Train stations: Paris Gare du Nord to Trains to Chantilly Gouvieux train station; trains depart hourly.
Recommended Tours:
11. Château de Fontainebleau
Distance from Paris by train: from 1 hour
Château de Fontainebleau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that just happens to be one of the largest châteaus in France. Totally worth a day trip from Paris!
This castle, built in the 12th century in Fontainebleau, has housed many royals (specifically all of them) through the years. Each royal who lived in this château added their spin, turning it into the majestic presence found today.
Here’s a fun fact for you: Marie Antionette and Louis XVI used Fontainebleau Castle to escape during the French Revolution when they fled Versailles.
This château offers a Renaissance-style exterior along with Renaissance artwork spread throughout the fully furnished castle. Book lovers can enjoy the Gallery of Diana, featuring an exquisite library from Napoleon’s personal collection.
Stroll through the three distinct gardens and parks spread through the estate of the castle. This is a really unique experience as each garden allows a peek into the style of whichever monarch owned the castle at that time.
Train station: From Gare de Lyon in Paris, take train heading towards Laroche-Migennes, Montargis or Montereau. Get off at Fontainebleau-Avon. Then, take Bus line 1 heading towards Les Lilas to the ‘Château’ stop.
Recommended Tours:
- Château de Fontainebleau: Priority Entrance Ticket
- Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux Day Tour from Paris
12. Mont Saint Michel
Distance from Paris by train: 3-4 hours
Your first glimpse of Mont Saint-Michel seems like something from a fantasy novel.
It’s a beautiful island commune in Normandy known for its medieval architecture, dramatic tides, and an incredible abbey that appears as if it’s trying to touch the sky. The abbey is a masterpiece of Gothic design, which has been a place of pilgrimage since the 8th century.
Surrounded by vast sandbanks, Mont Saint-Michel transforms into an island during high tide.
The French government protects a total of 60 separate buildings for their historical value. The narrow streets and stone walls below offer a glimpse into the past, making Mont Saint-Michel a unique intersection of history, nature, and spirituality.
While visiting the area, stop at Cancale to have some oysters. La Mere Poulard on Mont Saint Michel offers one of the best omelets you’ll ever have, and you can always take a walk along the fortifications afterward.
Train stations: Paris’ Gare Montparnasse to Rennes (TGV train). From there, change trains at Rennes for the Pontorson-Mont St-Michel train station or take a Keolis bus to Mont St. Michel.
Recommended Tours
- Mont Saint-Michel Guided Day Trip from Paris – because of its lengthy distance from Paris, this is a full 14-hour day tour!
13. Chartres
Distance from Paris by train: ~1 hr 15 minutes
Chartres makes for a great day trip from Paris by train for several reasons. First and foremost, the train ride from Paris to Chartres is relatively short, taking only about an hour of your time each way.
Known for its gorgeous Gothic cathedral (one of the most famous in France!), the cathedral in Chartres is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its beautiful stained glass windows, which are considered some of the finest in the world.
In addition to the cathedral, Chartres is known for its charming old town, which is filled with narrow cobbled streets, cute bars, and cozy restaurants too. You can easily spend hours strolling through the town’s many squares and gardens, or explore its many museums and galleries.
One of the most popular attractions in Chartres is the Maison Picassiette, which is a house covered in mosaics made from broken glass and pottery. The house is a unique and colorful example of outsider art, and is a must-see for visitors to the area.
14. Lille
Distance from Paris by train: 1 hour
Lille is such an amazing town — it’s one of France’s best-kept secrets so don’t go telling too many people about this hidden gem of a city.
Situated north of Paris sits Lille, known for its history, architecture, good food, and beer culture. The city is famous for its Flemish influence, which is reflected in its beautiful buildings and charming streets.
Visitors usually start their visit at Old Town, enjoying the charming streets, historic buildings, and timeless architecture. From there, you can hit the city’s many museums and historic sites, including the Palais des Beaux-Arts, which is one of the largest art museums in France.
One of the most popular spots to hang out in Lille is the Grand Place, which is a beautiful square surrounded by pretty architecture and outdoor cafes. Enjoy a coffee or a meal while taking in the beauty of the square.
And for the foodies? There’s so much for your tastebuds to be happy about here. Lille is known for dishes like carbonade flamande (beef stew), moules-frites (mussels and fries), and waffles. Do not leave without eating these three dishes at least once!
15. Bruges
Distance from Paris by train: ~2 hr 30 minutes
Bruges holds a special place in my heart as being one of the most romantic and fantastical places I’ve ever been to. This is yet another storybook-style town — with the added benefit of finding Belgian fries, waffles, and chocolate at every turn!
The Belgian city sits on the cusp of France and Belgium and is often called the “Venice of the North” due to its many charming canals and unbelievably beautiful medieval architecture.
In addition to its historic/artchitectural sites, Bruges is known for its cute old town, which is filled with narrow streets, chocolate shops, and other gift shops selling the cutest little souvenirs ever.
If you’ve got limited time in town, I highly recommend taking a boat tour along the canals to see the city from a different perspective!
One of the most popular attractions in Bruges is the Markt, which is a beautiful square surrounded by colorful Flemish-style buildings and outdoor cafes. Enjoy a coffee, a platter of fries, or a meal while taking in the beauty of the square.
When it comes to food, some of the best dishes to try in Bruges include Belgian fries, waffles, and beer! And whatever you do, do NOT head back to Paris without picking up some famous Belgian chocolate!
Recommended Tours:
16. Rouen
Distance from Paris by train: ~1 hr 15 minutes
Rouen is known for its rich history and gorgeous Gothic architecture.
But first off, you’ll want to spend some time getting to know Joan of Arc better while you’re here–the city is famous for its connections to Joan of Arc, who was burned at the stake in Rouen’s Old Market Square.
With your time in town, you can explore the city’s many museums and historic sites, including the Joan of Arc Museum (a multimedia, documentary-style retelling of Joan’s story) and the Rouen Cathedral, which is one of the most picturesque in all of France.
If you’re into museums and art, you can continue the educational fun at places like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Flaubert Museum and History of Medicine, and the Wrought Iron Museum.
This town isn’t just about its historic sites, though. Rouen is also home to an incredibly charming old town, filled with quaint narrow streets, gardens, half-timbered houses, cute cafes, and small locally-owned shops.
To get a better sense of the local culture in Rouen, you need to try the local food! Rouen is known for its unique regional cuisine, including cheese such as Carré de Bray and Brillat-Savarin (one of my personal faves!), as well as dishes like duck confit, tripe, and calvados (apple brandy).
How To Buy Train Tickets In Paris
Buy Train Tickets In Advance Online
The easiest way to plan a day trip from Paris is to purchase your train ticket online. Several services, fares, and trains are available, including Eurostar, Transilien, and SNCF.
Depending on the operator, you can purchase tickets up to three months in advance.
Finding train routes, times, and prices is quick and easy. Just plug your starting and ending cities into Omio or Trainline and they’ll tell you what tickets/train times are available.
While the first thing you might do is head to the SNCF website, I actually don’t recommend doing this. The site is clunky, the Google translation is confusing and glitchy at times, and at times it even rejects certain foreign credit cards.
You’ll get such a better booking experience by using those third-party train booking sites I just mentioned.
Omio (Recommended)
Omio is a booking service that sells the exact same train tickets at the same price as SNCF, but with the huge added benefit of being a user-friendly site.
On Omio, you won’t have to deal with credit card issues, translation confusion, etc. While Omio does charge a tiny service fee, I think it’s worth it for the headache-less experience.
I’m all about efficiency and Omio gives me just what I need–a seamless booking experience so I can book my tickets and move on quickly to plan the rest of my trips out!
Trainline
Trainline is another transportation booking site that, again, sells the same French train tickets at the exact same price as SNCF.
Similar to Omio, they’ve made the whole buying process very user-friendly—you won’t have to deal with credit card issues, translation confusion, etc. You can even choose your seats!
In most cases, you’ll receive an e-ticket that you can access from your phone (via email or on the Trainline app). If e-tickets aren’t available, you can print/obtain your tickets at the train station.
The only downside to Trainline is that you pay a 3% service charge. Again, for such a painless user experience, I think it’s worth the price!
You can use Omio & Trainline to book any kind of train ticket in advance—from high-speed to local trains.
If you’re like me and like to have all your plans in order before the day of the trip, I’d recommend pre-booking your tickets for peace of mind!
Missed your window to buy your train tickets online? No worries, there are other options for you!
Buy Tickets At The Train Stations
There are 7 train stations in Paris: Gare d’Austerlitz, Gare de Bercy, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare Montparnasse, Gare du Nord and Gare Saint Lazare.
The French national railway company, SNCF, has been the French state-run rail service since 1937. This train is the most popular means of public transport in all of France.
There are 2 main types of trains:
- Long-distance trains (or Main Line trains) leave from Paris and travel to the rest of France and throughout Europe. For those trains, you need to buy a ticket in advance (on the SNCF website ).
- Transilien trains run between Paris and its suburbs. You can buy these at the station.
Ticket machines are available at each train station, or you can work with a ticket agent that will get you what you need.
The quickest way to get a train ticket is via automated ticket machines. However, do note that sometimes these machines don’t accept foreign credit cards.
You can also buy tickets from the ticket window. Note that these lines can get long during busier hours. Many of the ticket agents can speak English, but not always. If you’re at a station that doesn’t accept your credit card, you’ll have no other option but to head to the ticket window!
All in all, it might take 20 minutes or more to navigate these processes (wait in line, pick out your train times, etc.), so plan to arrive at the train station a bit earlier for some extra time to get your tickets.
How To Take The Train In Paris
Once your train ticket is secured, walk over to the platform your train is supposed to arrive at and hop aboard!
To find out which line or platform your train is on, check the following:
- For Main Line trains: the train number is written on your ticket
- For Transiliens: on the departure board, look for your destination and time of departure
Once you’re on the train, you can sit back and relax, or plan the rest of the itinerary for your adventure! Here are some of the top day trip destinations from Paris to try.
NOTE: Remember to check if your ticket is pre-validated or not. You have to have a validated ticket before you board your train. In case you forget to validate it, look for the train conductor and have them validate it for you before they come up to you to check your ticket.
Looking for more Paris travel tips? Read more:
- 15 Boutique Hotels In Paris Straight Out Of A Fairytale
- 10 Quirky Hotels In Paris Straight From A Wes Anderson Movie
- 12 Famous Streets in Paris You Must Visit
- 10 Best Castles in France You Must See For Yourself
- Paris: 25 Practical Travel Tips For First Timers
- Guide To Paris: For People Who Are Over Art Museums And Churches
- Photos That Will Inspire You To Visit Paris
- 42 Brilliant Ways To Travel Europe On A Budget
