Trains, Strikes and Weekend Getaways in France
Catch trains, survive delays and strikes, and talk about trips with the expressions French travellers use.
Most long-distance trips in France are by TGV or the low-cost Ouigo, booked on SNCF Connect, while TER trains link towns within a region. E-tickets live on your phone and are checked on board by the contrôleur; strikes are announced in advance, so check the app the day before. BlaBlaCar car-sharing is a popular cheaper alternative, especially for routes with poor train links.
- 1
Je pars en week-end.
I'm going away for the weekend.
- 2
On a raté le train de peu.
We just missed the train.
- 3
Le train a du retard.
The train is delayed.
- 4
Il y a une grève demain.
There's a strike tomorrow.
- 5
C'est plein à craquer.
It's absolutely packed.
- 6
On est serrés comme des sardines.
We're packed in like sardines.
- 7
Bon voyage !
Have a good trip!
- 8
Je descends au prochain arrêt.
I'm getting off at the next stop.
- 9
Je fais du covoiturage.
I'm car-sharing.
- 10
Dépêche-toi, on va le rater !
Hurry up, we're going to miss it!
- 11
Cette place est libre ?
Is this seat free?
- 12
Tu as ton billet ?
Have you got your ticket?
- 13
Contrôle des billets, s'il vous plaît.
Tickets, please.
- 14
J'ai la bougeotte.
I've got itchy feet.
- 15
En route !
Off we go!
- 16
Je vais me dégourdir les jambes.
I'm going to stretch my legs.
- 17
C'est au bout du monde.
It's the back of beyond.
- 18
On va arriver à l'heure.
We'll get there on time.
- 19
Je voyage léger.
I travel light.
- 20
Il faut changer à Lyon.
You have to change at Lyon.