Buying Train Tickets
These practical phrases will help you navigate a French train station, from buying your ticket to finding the right platform.
Key Phrases
Un billet pour Paris, s'il vous plaît.
politeA ticket to Paris, please.
The standard, polite way to ask for a ticket at a counter.
Je prends un aller simple pour Paris.
neutralI'll take a one-way to Paris.
Uses 'je prends' (I take), which is very common in France when buying things.
C'est un aller-retour.
neutralIt's a return ticket.
Je voyage en deuxième classe.
neutralI am traveling in second class.
Le train part à quelle heure ?
neutralWhat time does the train leave?
C'est à quelle heure ?
casualWhat time is it at?
A shorter form when you are already talking about the train.
Le train part de quel quai ?
neutralWhich platform does the train leave from?
C'est sur quelle voie ?
casualWhich track is it on?
In France, 'voie' (track) is often used instead of 'quai' (platform) on departure screens.
Je valide mon billet ici ?
neutralDo I validate my ticket here?
Où est la machine à composter ?
politeWhere is the ticket-stamping machine?
Paper tickets in France must often be stamped ('composté') before boarding.
Le train est en retard ?
neutralIs the train delayed?
Il y a un retard ?
casualIs there a delay?