How to Travel Cheaper in France
When traveling in France, the question often arises: is it cheaper to drive a car or use public transportation? The answer depends on several conditions. Sometimes, to travel cheaper in France is better to use a car, especially if several people are traveling together. In some cases, the train is more economical. Let’s figure out what is cheaper — driving or taking the train.
Is Driving in France Cheaper?
If you are leaning towards driving in France, remember three important things:
- Gasoline in Europe costs around €1.95 per liter! This is pretty high cost compare to some other countries.
- Highways in France are toll roads! Want to avoid them? Okay, no problem. You’ll spend two to three times more time on the road and the same amount of gasoline. And gasoline is expensive (see point 1)!
- Parking in France is a huge headache and often a significant expense, especially in large cities like Paris. In some cases, parking for a day in a parking lot (where else would you leave it for a day?) can be comparable to the cost of renting a room for the night.
Is Traveling by Train Cheaper?
Trains in France are quite convenient if there’s no strike. However, high-speed TGV trains are reliable and run on schedule. There can be problems with regional trains, but overall it’s better than in Italy. But be prepared for possible chaos in Paris, with trains being moved from platform to platform, cancellations, and other issues.
The main feature of French trains is the huge price variation depending on the time of travel. During off-peak hours, a ticket can be three times cheaper than during peak hours. Plus, there are regular ticket promotions, perhaps not in peak season, but still. So if you buy tickets in advance, you can find first-class tickets cheaper than regular second-class ones. TGV tickets are usually available for purchase 2-3 months before the travel date.
If you plan to make many trips, you can buy a pass, such as the Interrail France Pass. It is available for 3, 4, 6, or 8 days within 1 month from the first trip (days can be chosen non-consecutively). Each day, you can use the trains without restrictions (you can board a train in the morning and travel around until the evening). If you are under 26 years old, this ticket is especially advantageous due to discounts. Kids (4 – 11) travelling with adults are subject for free ticket!
Interrail France Pass Prices:
| Validity | Under 26 years | Adults | Seniors (60+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | 144 € | 165 € | 149 € |
| 4 days | 170 € | 196 € | 177 € |
| 5 days | 193 € | 223 € | 201 € |
| 6 days | 214 € | 247 € | 222 € |
| 8 days | 254 € | 292 € | 263 € |
Such a pass is especially cost-effective for long-distance travel, particularly for young people and families with children. The downside is that night trains and high-speed TGVs require seat reservations and an additional fee.
Is Traveling by Bus Cheaper?
There is a popular belief that buses are always cheaper than trains. But that’s not always true. With such a wide price range for trains, sometimes they are cheaper. You need to compare specific times, dates, etc. For long-distance intercity buses, Eurolines and Flixbus are the main companies. You can search for intercity bus tickets in France on their website. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the best price.
Comparing Costs
Let’s compare the costs of traveling from Paris to Marseille in August, during peak season, needing to travel today.
- By Car: The fastest route via highways through Lyon is 775 km, taking 7:49 hours and costing €139.30. This includes €57.80 for tolls and €81.50 for gas (approximately €1.50 per liter, though gas can be more expensive along highways).
- By Train: In peak season, buying tickets on the day of travel costs between €96.30 and €121 (second class). The journey takes only 3.5 hours. If you buy tickets in advance and not in the peak season, they start from about €19 one way. Nearly seven times cheaper than driving.
- By Bus: Prices for this popular route start at €19, but there may be no tickets left for the day of travel. The standard price is €39. However, the trip takes 14.5 hours! If you have time but not money, buses are the best solution.
What is Cheaper?
Planning and buying tickets in advance and using trains when possible is cheaper. If you are traveling with a large group, a car might be more economical. If your itinerary involves a dense schedule of visiting many small villages, a car is the only reasonable solution. Just remember the rules.