By: Stuart Kerr, Travel Correspondent
Published: 01/08/2025 · Updated: 01/08/2025
Contact: editorial@holidaymate.com | About the Author
The French Travel Dilemma: Rail or Air?
For travellers exploring France in 2025, the question of whether to take the train or hop on a domestic flight is more relevant than ever. With sprawling rail infrastructure and an increasing focus on eco-conscious travel, France presents a curious case: although budget airlines still lure with low sticker prices, the high-speed rail network offers a quieter, faster, and often cheaper alternative—particularly for journeys under 800 kilometres.
France has made significant strides in encouraging train travel, from expanding its TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) network to banning short-haul flights on routes where a rail journey of 2.5 hours or less exists. But is this shift truly practical for budget-conscious travellers? Or does air travel still hold its own?
Speed and Simplicity: The Train Advantage
At first glance, flying may appear faster. But when you factor in airport transfers, security queues, and check-in windows, the picture changes. A journey from Paris to Lyon, for instance, may take just over an hour by plane—but once airport time is considered, you're looking at closer to three hours and forty-five minutes. The train? A direct two-hour journey from city centre to city centre.
On the Paris to Bordeaux route, the difference is even more striking. A flight, including ground logistics, can exceed four hours. Meanwhile, the TGV whisks you there in just over two. The Marseille to Lyon connection? Faster by rail. Even on longer journeys like Nice to Paris, the time difference becomes negligible—around five hours each way—but the train spares you the stress of navigating airports.
It’s not just about minutes saved. Train stations tend to be centrally located, eliminating the cost and hassle of airport transfers. And with the ability to board as little as 15 minutes before departure, the TGVs cater well to both business and leisure travellers trying to make the most of their day.
Crunching the Numbers: Which Is Cheaper?
A common assumption is that flights are always cheaper. But data tells another story. A recent Greenpeace study in 2025 revealed that rail is actually more cost-effective than air travel on over 60% of domestic French routes—especially when tickets are booked in advance.
Take Paris to Lyon. A budget airline might offer fares from €70 to €110. But a TGV ticket? Prices start at just €29 if booked early. The Bordeaux line tells a similar tale: €55 to €90 for a plane ticket, versus €39 for a seat on OuiGo, SNCF’s low-cost rail service. From Marseille to Paris, flying might cost you around €65—but a train could be as little as €25.
As confirmed by the long-running rail blog Seat61, early booking is essential. Rail operators such as SNCF Connect and Intercités offer deep discounts on advance fares, especially for off-peak times or with OuiGo's no-frills options. Youth, senior, and regional railcards can shave even more off the price.
The Carbon Cost: A Planet-Friendly Decision
While price and speed matter, environmental impact has become a defining consideration for many travellers in 2025. Train travel stands head and shoulders above air travel in this regard. According to a report by Réseau Action Climat, high-speed trains emit up to 14 times less CO₂ per kilometre than planes. That’s a dramatic difference for anyone concerned about sustainability.
France's bold step to ban flights where a rail journey of 2.5 hours or less is possible shows how seriously the government is taking this. The move has received widespread praise from climate advocates and reflects a broader European shift toward reducing aviation emissions.
For routes where high-speed rail alternatives exist, there is now a moral imperative as well as a financial and logistical one. Choosing the train isn’t just about personal convenience—it’s a vote for a greener future.
But Why Are Flights Sometimes Still Cheaper?
It may seem contradictory that flying can still undercut train fares on certain routes. The explanation lies in how different modes of transport are taxed. Aviation continues to benefit from longstanding fiscal privileges: no VAT on international flights, no tax on kerosene, and substantial subsidies for airport infrastructure.
Rail, by contrast, carries the full load. Operators pay VAT, rail access fees, and the costs of maintaining the track network. These disparities skew the market and help explain why flying sometimes appears cheaper at the point of purchase, even when the total cost—environmental and otherwise—is higher.
Smart Booking Strategies for Trains
For those looking to travel France by train on a budget, a few strategies can go a long way. Booking two to three weeks ahead almost always guarantees the lowest fares—sometimes as low as €16 on select routes. Platforms like SNCF Connect or Trainline are excellent for comparing prices, routes, and offers.
Avoiding peak days—particularly Fridays and Mondays—can reduce fares considerably, and opting for travel in the middle of the day usually brings better deals. For younger or older travellers, dedicated railcards unlock further discounts. And while trains offer onboard food, packing a picnic can help avoid the steep price of sandwiches and snacks.
The French-English news outlet Connexion France also recommends looking out for combination deals, like accommodation-and-train bundles, particularly for weekend getaways or regional escapes.
So, What’s the Verdict?
In 2025, the verdict seems increasingly clear: for domestic travel under 1,000km, trains in France are not only greener but frequently faster, more reliable, and surprisingly affordable. There are still occasions where air travel may make more sense—long-haul journeys, last-minute trips with no rail availability, or travel to remote locations—but for most common routes, the high-speed train reigns supreme.
As environmental awareness grows and policy continues to shift in favour of sustainable travel, the French rail network is likely to play an even greater role in shaping how both tourists and locals explore the country. With calm stations, scenic routes, and smooth arrivals, you may just find yourself wondering why you ever queued for airport security in the first place.
About the Author
Stuart Kerr is a travel correspondent for Holidaymate.com, specialising in rail journeys, sustainability trends, and budget travel in Europe. You can reach him at editorial@holidaymate.com.
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