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- SNCF is the French national rail network; it covers the French Alps quite comprehensively.
- TER SNCF is the regional French rail system.
The timetable can browsed online. Tickets can also be booked online. Information booklets with train times and destinations for a local or longer trips are available at all stations and some tourist
offices
- The TGV is the fast train network in France. Bookings must be made in advance. The TGV runs services direct from Paris to the mainline stations in the area. For smaller stations such as Thonon-Les-Bains or Annecy, one change is usually all that is required.
- Go direct to the French Alps fast train service: Click here
- Eurostar operates services throughout the year direct from the UK to
the valley station of many alpine resort areas, including Aime, Moutiers, Bourg St-Maurice
and Chambéry. Online booking is possible: Click
here
- For motorists, Rail Europe runs an overnight motor-rail service from Calais to destinations in the south of France. For the Alps the only useful stop is at Avignon and then continue by road. Services are summer season only.
There are mainline stations at Grenoble, Chambery, Bellegarde, Aix-Les-Bains, and Albertville to name but a few.
Tickets can be booked online via the websites. SNCF English website carries details of promotions and special offers for travellers.
Local Services
Locally within the region, trains are operated by TER SNCF.
The website has searchable timetables and allows online booking. Information booklets with train times and destinations for local and national routes are available at all stations and some tourist offices.
Ticket information is available at any train station or by telephone.
Many travel agents are also SNCF agents and are permitted to sell tickets for local, national and international travel.
Some Tips & Points
- A ticket must always be validated before boarding
- Discounts are available on many routes for 12-25 year olds (Carte 12-25) as well as over 60s and
groups
- Discounts and special conditions are available for the disabled, information in the
Guide du Voyager à Mobilité Réduite
- For anyone wishing to travel extensively by train, Inter-rail passes are available for all ages subject to certain conditions.
- Dogs and cats may be taken on the trains, but there is a fee and conditions. Price depends on the size of the pet, and once aboard, a fellow passenger may, legally, request that
the animal be moved
- To find a local station contact details, go to the Pages
Jaunes website, type in "SNCF" and the department number
| Useful Numbers |
| SNCF |
Enquires: 3536 |
| SNCF - National |
Website |
| TER SNCF - Regional Rhône Alpes |
Website
Tel: 0891 670 027 |
| TGV - High speed |
Website |
| Eurostar - Channel train |
Website |
Tourist & Ski Trains
Ski–trains or snow trains (in conjunction with Eurostar) run from the UK (Waterloo or Ashford) via Paris, and on to the Alps once the season has started (January to April). The overnight service allows travellers to sleep or party at the on-board bar and disco.
- To book or check prices and destinations: Click here
There are also the tourist trains - the Mont Blanc Express - which runs from St Gervais-les-Bains to Martigny and the Train des Alpes from Grenobles to Gap. Both stop at lots of points en route where travellers can get off for lunch or a walk as they wish.
Cable Cars
In this area there are, of course, the various cable car services. Primarily for holiday makers, they are nevertheless used by local people. Bikes are normally carried free of charge.
Some services are clearly weather dependent. A few are listed below.
- Telepherique du Saleve – Opens seven days a week from May to September. Departures every twelve minutes
- Telepherique de Grenoble – Seasonal opening
Further Information
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