What is the best way to travel around France? Well, there’s not really a simple answer to that question. It depends. Where are you traveling? How much time do you have? What is your budget? There are many factors that must be considered when determining the best way to travel around France. Let’s assume the starting point is Paris to make this as easy to understand as possible.
Travel France by Train
Traveling by train is my favorite form of transportation. There are no pesky TSA agents measuring the liquids in my carry on, which means I can pack my suitcase with all the wine it will hold. I can arrive minutes before the train leaves the station, the conductor isn’t telling me to turn off my electronic devices, and there is no seat belt light. Yes, train travel, especially in France, is quite civilized.
Thanks to the TGV {the high-speed train system}, most of the time it’s fastest and more convenient to take the train when traveling around France. Consider the time it takes to get from the Paris city center to either Charles de Gaulle or Orly, check bags, go through security, and board the plane. At a minimum, you’re looking at leaving your hotel three hours before takeoff. Throw in the actual flight time, along with waiting for checked bags and a cab ride or public transport to the city center, and travel time is 5+ hours from the time you left your Paris hotel room, until you arrive at your intended destination.
For example, let’s look at a trip to Bordeaux. Should you take the 1:05 flight from CDG to Bordeaux, considering the factors I outlined in the previous paragraph, it takes approximately four hours to get to a hotel in Bordeaux’s center. Conversely, it takes less than 30 minutes to get from the Paris city center to Gare Montparnasse. The TGV from Paris to Bordeaux currently takes 3:16. In July 2017, that trip time will be cut to just 2:04. A tram stop is directly in front of Bordeaux’s train station, and for two euros, you can be on the other side of the city in about fifteen minutes. I’m not so great at math, but a trip from Paris to Bordeaux by plane and by train both take about four hours. Though, once the new higher speed train begins service, the trip will take around three hours.
In the Bordeaux example, the time is about the same {for now}. However, the process of getting from Paris to Bordeaux by train is less taxing. Think about it: Is three hours of walking as strenuous as three hours running? Of course, the answer is no. I’d rather spend three hours sipping red wine in my train seat and one hour in transit than one hour in a plane seat and three hours in transit. When deciding the best way to travel around France, it’s important to consider all of the pieces of the puzzle, especially time, difficulty, and cost.
Travel France by Plane
Although nine out ten times, the best way to travel around France is by train, there are a few occasions when a flight is your best bet. Take Nice for example. The fastest flight time from CDG or Orly is 1:20. Figure in transport to the airport, check in, security, etc. and you’re looking at a travel time of about 4:30. In contrast, the quickest train from Paris’ Gare de Lyon to Nice is 5:37. Factoring in transport time to and from the train station, it will be about 6:30 before you’re basking in the South of France sun. With limited time, clearly flying is the best option from Paris to Nice.
Travel France by Bus
Traveling within France by bus once was limited to international companies passing through the country or by inter-regional service. Since 2015, the options for bus travel in France are expanding. Often the SNCF buses cover routes in which there is no train service, a void that needed to be filled.
If you have more time than money, the bus is a great option. I searched for a trip from Paris to Lyon. By high-speed train, the fastest travel time is 1:57 and costs around $118 {at the time I checked}. Conversely, the same route by bus takes 7:30 and costs $17. Spending 5:33 of your time will save $101. Is your time worth about $18 per hour? Only you can decide the answer to that question.
So, what’s the best way to travel around France? As you can see, there’s no clear-cut answer to that question. Circ*mstances, routes, and budgets all must be considered. The most important thing is to get out of the city. As much as I love Paris, there’s so much to discover in France. I think only seeing Paris is probably the biggest mistake that travelers make. And with the country’s superior transportation options, it’s simple and affordable to get out of the City of Light {as long as there’s not a strike}.
The mobility of a car lets you find cheaper accommodations in small towns and away from the train lines. You can also play it riskier, arriving in a town with no reservation — if the hotels are full, simply drive to the next town. And driving is a godsend for those who don't believe in packing light.
Conclusion. All things considered, we can say that bus travel is more comfortable and convenient than airplanes. Boarding a bus is faster and less stressful, so the whole trip becomes more peaceful than a flight despite the longer time.
Trains are a fast, comfortable alternative to budget bus travel, and with a Eurail Pass you can even enjoy unlimited travel across Europe using just one ticket at a fixed price.
Is it better to travel Europe by train or plane? Europe has an awesome network of airports — but its railway system serves exponentially more cities, towns, and middle-of-nowheres. Trains offer more time and destination options for traveling through Europe.
Planning should be fairly simple as long as you do it some time in advance. Indeed, you have several options. By train: The train is undoubtedly the easiest and most convenient way to travel in France.
Trains are one of the best ways to travel around France. The centralized network of tracks makes a train ride scenic, fast, and comfortable when traveling between cities or neighboring countries.
While jets are still much faster than trains, so you can save time on trips of more than 600 miles, there are many city connections where it's actually faster to take the train when you factor in total travel time – i.e., getting to the airport, tighter security checks, travel time to and from the airport, flight ...
“Generally speaking, traveling by plane is faster and more convenient, but can be more expensive and stressful. On the other hand, traveling by train is usually cheaper and more comfortable, but can take much longer.”
Passenger injuries and fatalities in air travel were significantly lower than in passenger cars and trucks for each year between 2002 and 2020. Flying is also safer than riding subways, trains, buses, and motorcycles.
Trains are a favorite way to travel for tourists and locals alike because of their convenience, affordability and accessibility. You can book scenic train tours with luxury accommodations, or hop on a last-minute train ride between cities (sometimes, with complimentary views).
Generally, European trains go where you need them to go and are fast, frequent, and usually affordable. And for many travelers, the pleasure of journeying along Europe's rails is as good as the destination. Compared to flying, both trains and cars keep you close to the scenery and to Europeans.
Trains. Train services in Europe are an excellent alternative to flights. You'll not only be reducing your carbon footprint, but train tickets are often cheaper and enable you to have a more interesting travel experience. If you're planning a trip to several European countries, The Eurail Pass provides a great option.
For me, traveling by Eurail pass proved to be cheaper, comfier, and more eco-friendly than flying. I would definitely do it again. Read more: I've spent 100 hours traveling over 3,000 miles by train in 5 countries. Here are my 7 tips for making time fly on long rail journeys.
Time-saving. In many parts of Europe, trains are by far the quickest way to get about. High-speed trains can whizz along at up to an amazing 200mph, meaning you can cover ground far more quickly than buses.
A morning departure is easily the better option to battle jet lag. Most eastbound transatlantic flights from the US are overnight, landing in the morning Europe time. Red-eyes help streamline airline operations, but many times at the cost of passenger sleep.
By train. Taking the train to France is quick and scenic. Hop on the high-speed Eurostar, and you'll zoom from London to Paris in just over two hours. It's quick, it's efficient, and it's a great way to travel if you want to make the most of your time.
We know that driving in another country can be a daunting prospect, especially if you don't speak the language or you usually drive on the other side of the road. But if you want to explore all of France's hidden gems, including some of the most beautiful villages in France, driving is your best option.
While France has an extensive rail network, a car is probably the best way to explore the country in total freedom. From motorways to departmental roads and country lanes, France has an extensive road network, and driving is a good option if you plan to explore the countryside.
If driving in a foreign country is new to you, France is a great country to get your feet wet. The roads are well taken care of and easy to navigate. Remember, everything about driving in France is practically the same as home; except signs are in French!
Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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