France - Eurail Seat Reservations
France
All high-speed trains in France and on international routes have mandatory seat reservations. Only a limited number of seats are available for Eurail pass holders in France, so we recommend buying reservations in advance. For some routes this is possible up to 6 months in advance, for others shorter in advance. Reservations for French trains can be made in the Eurail app after purchasing a Eurail pass via Happyrail.
- How to book Eurail seat reservations in France
- France: Eurail or tickets?
- What are trains in France like?
- French Rail Tour packages, with hotels, tickets and all reservations included.
Should I buy an Interrail pass or individual tickets for my trip to/from France? Mandatory Eurail seat reservations for French trains can be pricy and are available in very limited numbers. Sometimes booking individual tickets can be more cost-effective. Please see France: Eurail pass or tickets?
Eurail seat reservation fees are subject to changes. We make every effort to keep the rates shown as accurate as possible
| Train type | Routes | Mandatory reservation |
Price 2nd class | Price 1st class | Where to book |
| Eurostar | Paris-Brussels Paris-Germany |
Yes | $31.30 | $36.70 | Eurail app |
| Eurostar | Paris-Netherlands | Yes | $36.70 | $41.20 | Eurail app |
| Eurostar | Paris-London | Yes | $34.60 | $43.20 | Eurail app |
| TGV | National routes within France |
Yes | $13* | $13* | Eurail app |
| TGV | Paris-Switzerland | Yes | $33.50 | $44.30 | Eurail app |
| TGV | Paris-Barcelona | Yes | $29.20 | $29.20 | Eurail app |
| Renfe AVE | Lyon-Barcelona Marseille-Barcelona-Madrid |
Yes | $10.60 | $13.80 | Happyrail planner (select 'Reservations') |
| ICE | Paris-Germany | Yes | $20.50 | $20.50 | Eurail app |
| Intercités | Paris-Orleans-Limoges-Toulouse Paris - Clermont-Ferrand Bordeaux-Toulouse-Marseille |
Yes | $13 | $13 | Eurail app |
| Intercités | Clermont-Ferrand - Béziers Nantes - Bordeaux Nantes - Lyon Toulouse - Hendaye |
No | $13 | $13 | Eurail app |
| Intercités de Nuit (national sleeper trains) |
Various North-South connections to/from Paris |
Yes | $13 (seat) $23.80** |
$23.80** | Eurail app See: French Sleeper trains (Intercités de nuit) |
| Nightjet (international sleeper trains) |
Paris-Berlin Paris-Vienna |
Yes | See: Nightjet sleeper trains | See: Nightjet sleeper trains | ÖBB Website (select discount: Eurail) Eurail app |
| TER (regional)*** | Paris-Le Havre (NOMAD) Paris-Caen(-Cherbourg) (NOMAD) Paris-Deauville (NOMAD) Paris-Troyes-Mulhouse Paris-Strasbourg |
Yes*** | $1.80*** | $1.80*** | Train station counters Eurail app |
*This price can vary depending on the popularity of the connection.
**Bed in a 6-person compartment (2nd class) or 4-person compartment (1st class). Bedding is included. Price may vary depending on availability. See also French Sleeper trains (Intercités de Nuit)
***Reservations on regional TER trains are only possible and mandatory on the specifically mentioned routes. These reservations can only be bought in person at French train stations or via the Eurail app. For all other TER trains, reservations are neither possible nor mandatory.