Taking the train in France can be quite intimidating! Here you’ll find a list of vocabulary and phrases you’ll need to get started for your trip. These terms cover both buying tickets and things you’ll need to stay while in the train. Bon voyage!
| LES BILLETS ET RENSEIGNEMENTS | TICKETS AND INFORMATION |
|---|---|
| Je voudrais un billet pour Paris. | I'd like ticket for Paris. |
| un aller, un aller-retour | a one-way ticket, a roundtrip ticket |
| première/deuxième classe | first, second class |
| Je voudrais reserver une place/deux places. | I'd like reserve a seat/two seats. |
| une couchette | berth |
| une place en wagon-lit | a berth in the sleeping car |
| Combien coûte le billet? | How much does the ticket cost? |
| Puis je avoir un remboursement? | May I have a refund? |
| Quel est le prix du billet pour La Rochelle? | What's the price of a ticket for La Rochelle? |
| À quelle heure/quand part le train pour Strasbourg? | What time/when does the train for Strasbourg leave? |
| À quelle heure est-ce que le train arrive a Paris? | What time does the train arrive in Paris? |
| Est-ce que je dois changer de train? | Do I need to change trains? |
| Est-ce qu'il y a un wagon-restaurant? | Is there a dining car? |
| Est-ce que le train part à l'heure? | Is the train leaving on time? |
| Avez-vous un horaire? | Do you have a schedule? |
| De quel auai part le train pour Lille? | What platform does the train for Lille leave from? |
| Sur quel quai arrive le train de Montpelier? | What platform does the train from Montpelier arrive at? |
| Est-ce que j'ai assez de temps pour changer de train? | Do I have enough time to change trains? |
| Est-ce que c'est un train direct? | Is it a direct train? |
| DANS LE TRAIN | IN THE TRAIN |
| Pardon, je pense que c'est ma place. | Excuse me, I think this is my seat. |
| Cette place est occupée. | This seat is taken. |
| Nous sommes à quelle gare? | Which station are we at? |
| Pouvez-vous me le dire quand nous arrivons à Nantes? | Can you tell me when we arrive in Nantes? |
| J'ai la place côté fenêtre. | I have the window seat. |
| Le train est en retard. | The train is late. |
| Où est le wagon-restaurant? | Where is the dining car? |
| LES BAGAGES | LUGGAGE |
| Pouvez-vous m'aider avec mes bagages? | Can you help me with my luggage? |
| Est-ce qu'il y a une consigne automatique? | Is there a luggage locker? |
| Puis-je déposer mes bagages? | May I leave my luggage? |
| Je voudrais faire enregistrer mes bagages. | I'd like to check my bags. |
| Je cherche a chartiot à bagages. | I'm looking for a trolley. |
| un porteur | a porter |
| MORE ESSENTIAL WORDS | |
| fumeurs | smoking section |
| non-fumeurs | non-smoking section |
| un train express | long-distance, express train making few stops |
| un train régional | a train making many stops |
| une couchette | a berth |
| un wagon-lit | sleeping car |
| le quai | platform |
| changer à | change at... |
| une correspondance | a connection |
Bonjour! My name is David Issokson. I'm based in Victor, Idaho and have helped hundreds of students to learn French via Skype or Zoom since 2014. 
