Why travel to France by train?

Rail travel is an environmentally friendly way to reach your holiday in France and get around once you’re there. With minimal check-in time and good luggage space, the train is also very convenient. The French rail network is fast and efficient, with easy connections, so enjoy the passing scenery and a meal or drink as you travel, then arrive feeling relaxed.

It's greener to go by train

Research carried out by Eurostar shows that passengers who go by rail between London and Paris generate ten times less emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) than travellers who fly. Planes also consume a lot of fuel on take-off and landing, increasing their energy consumption on short journeys, such as from the UK to France. Each passenger in a train uses five times less fuel per kilometre than each passenger in a car – and reduces the number of cars on the road and hence pollution and congestion. Travel by train with a clearer conscience!

Convenience, speed and value for money

St Pancras, Ebbsfleet and Ashford International are easily accessible and you’ll avoid long check-in queues, extra charges for baggage and flight duty. With the recently completed high speed rail link now in place, it’s even faster to get to Paris and other destinations using the Eurostar train service to France, with some excellent fare deals. London St Pancras to Paris takes 2 hours 15 minutes and there you can connect with TGV trains to the rest of France and SNCF trains for all types of journey. The French rail network is fast, efficient and good value for money.

A pleasant journey with changing views

See more of French towns and countryside than you would from a plane and even as a car passenger on the motorway. Eurostar services allow you to travel direct from the UK to Avignon in sunny Provence, taking in changing scenery and weather as you travel south. On Motorail drivers can relax while their car heads for the sun without using petrol. You can eat on board the train, comfortably read, stretch your legs and sleep in a cabin. Arrive feeling refreshed and ready to start your holiday.

More flexible holiday options

Travelling to France by train can be combined with many different types of accommodation to create a flexible yet hassle free holiday. For example you can go by train on a city break, or combine rail travel with booking a hotel short break. Or, with 3,000 self catering properties available online at French Connections, book a holiday rental in France and travel to the sun in comfort.