Why are French trains late?


Why are French trains late? An old and underfunded railway network directly is responsible for delays which are turning French people off train travel, according to a study from consumer group UFC-Que Choisir published on Tuesday.


Is TGV often late?

TGVs normally run on time. Better than any airline. However, as with any kind of transport, unexpected delays can occur.


How punctual are trains in France?

The percent of French SNCF trains that arrive with a delay of less than 15 minutes is at 87%, according to a study released in 2022 (read here about it in French). So 13% of French trains are delayed by 15 minutes or more.


What is the difference between 1st class and 2nd class on SNCF?

Both first and second-class tickets include free WiFi, power sockets, and access to the food carriage. The biggest difference between first class and second class on SNCF trains: Quieter coaches. Roomier seats with headrests.


How late do Paris trains run?

RATP is your ticket to Paris and the Ile-de-France region. Weekdays, the metro operates from 5:30 a.m. to about 1:15 a.m. On Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as on the day before a bank holiday, trains run until about 2:15 a.m. The RER operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to about 1:20 a.m.


When to buy SNCF tickets?

Tickets available on SNCF Connect tend to be cheaper when you book them in advance, up to 2 to 9 months before your train journey. Don't hesitate to subscribe to the SNCF Connect newsletter and be the first to see offers and special deals or to activate the notifications in our app.


Why are all trains running late?

The majority of the time Amtrak runs late is due to shared rail tracks. The freight lines own 99 percent of the tracks and Amtrak is a guest on those tracks. If a freight is broken down, derailed or doing a crew change the passenger train has to wait resulting in agonizingly long waits.


Is SNCF the same as TGV?

TGV is SNCF's high-speed rail service. Carrying passengers across France on trains exceeding 300kmh, TGV train has become one of the most popular modes of transport for travelling around the country.


Can you drink tap water in Paris?

Yes, tap water in Paris is perfectly safe to drink and is readily available wherever you go, even at public water fountains. As long as taps aren't labeled eau non potable—meaning “not for drinking” in French—everything else is potable. In fact, drinking water from the fountains of Paris has been encouraged.


Do you tip in Paris?

Tipping in France is not mandatory. Even though it is always appreciated, it's up to the customers to decide if they want to tip or not. Unlike other countries, the price of the service is included in the total cost of the bill. You will never be asked to tip, but it's common to leave one if the service was good.