Train operators in France

SNCF remains the dominant operator in France. Their high-speed TGV services connect Paris with most major French cities at speeds of up to 320 km/h. Competition has been growing since 2021, with Trenitalia running high-speed trains from Paris to Lyon, Marseille and Milan, while Renfe operates cross-border services between Lyon and Barcelona and between Marseille and Madrid. SNCF's Nuit night trains link Paris with destinations across the south, from Nice to the Pyrenees.

Network length
28,000 km

Number of stations
3,000

Major train operators in France

SNCF

France's national railway, running TGV high-speed services at up to 320 km/h alongside Intercités and regional TER trains. SNCF also runs international connections across western Europe.

Explore SNCF

Other operators in France

Eurostar

An international high-speed operator linking London with Paris, Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam through the Channel Tunnel. Since merging with Thalys in 2023, it also connects Paris with Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany under one brand.
Trenitalia

Italy's state railway operator, running the Le Frecce high-speed services between major cities, alongside InterCity, night and regional trains, with cross-border services to France, Switzerland and Austria.
Renfe

Spain's national rail operator, running AVE high-speed services on Europe's largest high-speed network alongside regional and suburban trains, with cross-border high-speed services into France.
Léman Express

Cross-border trains linking Geneva with towns across the neighbouring French border region.
Deutsche Bahn

Germany's national railway, running ICE high-speed and InterCity services nationwide, alongside about half of the country's regional trains, with international connections to most neighbouring countries.
SNCB

Belgium's national railway, running nearly all domestic passenger services on one of Europe's densest train networks. They also run cross-border regional trains to France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands.
Lyria

High-speed operator running TGV Lyria services between Paris and Swiss cities.
European Sleeper

Cooperative running night trains linking Brussels and Amsterdam with Berlin, Dresden and Prague.