🚆 French phrase guide
How to buy a train ticket in French
Train stations are busy, announcements are fast, and the ticket office queue doesn't wait. These phrases get you the right ticket, the right platform and the right train.
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key French phrases
| French | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Un billet pour l'aéroport, s'il vous plaît. | A ticket to the airport, please. | |
| Aller simple / aller-retour | One way / return (round trip) | |
| À quelle heure part le prochain train ? | When does the next train leave? | |
| C'est quel quai ? | Which platform? | |
| Est-ce que je dois changer de train ? | Do I have to change trains? | |
| Combien de temps dure le trajet ? | How long does the trip take? | |
| Une place côté fenêtre, s'il vous plaît. | A window seat, please. | |
| Il y a une réduction pour les étudiants ? | Is there a student discount? | |
| Le train a du retard. | The train is delayed. | |
| Cette place est libre ? | Is this seat free? |
Example conversation
Ticket clerk
Au suivant, s'il vous plaît !
Next, please!
You
Un aller-retour pour l'aéroport, s'il vous plaît.
A return ticket to the airport, please.
Ticket clerk
Ça fait douze euros. Le prochain train part à dix heures quinze.
That's twelve euros. The next train leaves at 10:15.
You
Il part de quel quai ?
Which platform does it leave from?
Ticket clerk
Du quai numéro trois.
Platform three.
You
Super, merci !
Great, thank you!
Good to know
💡 If there's a yellow machine, validate ("composter") a paper ticket for a regional train before boarding. "Quai" is the platform and "voie" the track number on the board.
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Practice "Buy a train ticket" in French →More French situations
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