Cheap Ways to Get Around France: Trains, Buses, Ride Shares, and More

France is a large and well-connected country, making travel between cities and regions efficient—but not always cheap. Luckily, budget-savvy travelers can make the most of public and shared transport options to explore France without overspending. This guide covers affordable ways to move around, from trains and buses to carpooling and insider booking tips.

1. Trains – Save with Smart Booking

France’s SNCF train network connects most major cities and even smaller towns. High-speed TGV trains are fast but pricey, while regional TER trains are slower and more affordable.

Book early: TGV and Intercités tickets are cheapest 2–3 months in advance. Prices rise closer to departure.
Use SNCF Connect or the Trainline app for booking and comparing fares.
Ouigo is SNCF’s budget high-speed train brand. Fares start as low as €10, but baggage rules are stricter and stations may be farther from city centers.
Regional TER trains often have fixed pricing. Some regions offer day passes or discounts (e.g., €20/day regional passes).
Travel off-peak: Mid-week or midday trains are often cheaper.

2. Long-Distance Buses – Cheapest Across the Board

Long-distance buses are the most affordable way to travel between cities, though journeys take longer than trains.

FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer widespread coverage with fares from €5–€20.
Book at least a week in advance for the lowest prices.
Bring snacks and entertainment—some routes can take 10+ hours.
Look out for deals and bundle passes for multiple rides.

3. Ride Sharing – Social and Flexible

BlaBlaCar is France’s most popular ride-sharing platform, connecting drivers with passengers going the same way.

It’s usually cheaper than trains—e.g., Paris to Lyon for €20–€30.
Choose drivers with good reviews and confirm details in advance.
Offers flexibility for last-minute trips when trains or buses are full or expensive.

4. Local Transit – Buses, Trams, and Metros

Within cities, France’s public transportation systems are affordable and extensive.

Most cities have day or week passes (e.g., Paris’s Navigo Découverte for €30/week with unlimited rides).
Bike and scooter rentals like Vélib’ (in Paris) are low-cost and ideal for short trips.
Consider walking for scenic routes—cities like Bordeaux, Lyon, and Strasbourg are very walkable.

5. Other Budget Travel Options

Car rentals can be cheap if shared between several people. Look for weekend deals and return-to-same-location discounts.
Hitchhiking is legal and relatively safe in rural France but not recommended in cities. Use signage and dress appropriately.
Night trains are limited but sometimes available (e.g., Paris to the Alps) and save on a night’s accommodation.

Tips for Booking Transport Cheaply

Compare prices: Use apps like Omio or Trainline to see all modes (train, bus, ride share).
Be flexible with times: Early morning or late night often means cheaper fares.
Travel midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically less expensive.
Sign up for alerts: Follow providers on social media or apps to catch flash sales.
Use youth or senior discounts if eligible—SNCF and others offer reduced fares.

Bonus: General Tips to Save Money on Your France Trip

Stay in hostels or budget hotels—check platforms like Hostelworld or Booking.com (filter by price).
Picnic often: Markets and supermarkets offer fresh, low-cost meals to enjoy in public parks.
Use discount apps: Too Good To Go for food, and Affluences for museum wait times.
Visit museums on free days: Many are free on the first Sunday of the month.
Walk or cycle: Save on transport and see more.

Final Thoughts

Getting around France affordably is absolutely possible with a bit of planning. Mix and match trains, buses, and ride shares based on your route, travel times, and budget. With the right strategy, you’ll save money, meet locals, and experience France’s stunning landscapes and cities without financial stress.