France

In France, almost the entire rail network can be used with FIP, as most trains are operated by the state railway company SNCF. However, reservations are always required for long-distance trains, and FIP discounts cannot be used at all on SNCF’s low-cost OuiGo services.

On international routes, Eurostar trains to the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany can be used with special FIP Global Fares. International TGV trains also offer Global Fares (except to Germany). Additionally, FIP Global Gare tickets can be used on AVE trains operated by Spanish Renfe to Spain. Frecciarossa trains from Trenitalia to Italy cannot be used with FIP in France.

France has a well-developed rail network, especially known for its fast and frequent TGV connections between Paris and other major cities. The network is strongly centered on Paris, so many connections pass through the capital. When changing trains in Paris, allow enough time, as you often need to change stations via the Metro (FIP is not valid here). Also, on long-distance trains, doors usually close two minutes before departure for punctuality.

SNCF also has luggage restrictions arrow_outward , and all luggage must have a tag. These are available for free at major stations or can be downloaded and printed online.

Regional services usually do not run at regular intervals and often have an irregular schedule. Some routes have only a few trains per day, while others have several trains per hour.

A special highlight is the regional train connections along the Côte d’Azur in southern France, offering beautiful views of the sea.

United Kingdom

Cross-border connections from the UK are operated by Eurostar, running from London through the Channel Tunnel to Lille and Paris. FIP Global Fares are available for these routes.

From Folkestone, there is also the LeShuttle Motorail train through the Eurotunnel, but no FIP discount is granted for this service. In addition, there are various ferry connections between France and the United Kingdom, but no FIP discount is granted for these either.

Belgium

From Belgium, SNCF operates international TGV trains from Brussels to Paris. Expensive FIP Global Fare tickets are required for these. There is also a OuiGo service from Brussels to Paris, which cannot be used with FIP.

Alternatively, Eurostar trains run from Brussels to Paris, which can also be used with FIP Global Fare tickets and are cheaper than the TGV trains.

There are also various regional train connections from Belgium to France that can be used with FIP. Standard FIP 50 Tickets and a combination of FIP Coupon from SNCB and SNCF are valid.

Luxembourg

From Luxembourg, SNCF operates international TGV trains to Paris. Expensive FIP Global Fare tickets are required for these. There are also various regional train connections from Luxembourg to France via Rodange or Bettembourg, which can be used with FIP. Standard FIP 50 Tickets and FIP Coupons from CFL are valid in Luxembourg, and from the border point, FIP Coupons from SNCF are valid.

Germany

Between Germany and France, SNCF and Deutsche Bahn operate joint long-distance trains as TGV or ICE services from Paris to Munich and Strasbourg or Karlsruhe/Saarbrücken, Mannheim, and Frankfurt. Reservations are only required within France. In Germany, the trains can be used without reservation. Since the reservation requirement starts at the border point Kehl (Gr), reservations are also mandatory for journeys between Germany and Strasbourg. These cross-border FIP tickets can also be purchased online by Deutsche Bahn employees; see Booking options – Online.

There are also various regional train connections from Germany to France that can be used with FIP. Standard FIP 50 Tickets and FIP Coupons from DB are valid in Germany, and from the border point, FIP Coupons from SNCF are valid. FIP 50 Tickets for these connections can be purchased online; see Booking options – Online.

Switzerland

From Switzerland, cross-border TGV trains run from Zurich via Basel to France. In Switzerland, these can be used without reservation with FIP 50 Tickets or SBB FIP Coupon. For cross-border connections, a FIP Global Fare must be purchased, see Cross-border TGV inOui / ICE trains.

There are also various cross-border regional train connections. In Basel, the station Basel SBB is the border station from which SNCF FIP Coupons are valid for trains such as TER towards Strasbourg.

In the Geneva area, cross-border regional trains operate under the name Léman Express, operated by SBB and SNCF. SNCF FIP Coupons are also valid in the Swiss section on Léman Express trains.

Italy

Frecciarossa trains run from Milan to Paris. FIP discounts are not valid for these trains in France.

Additionally, TGV trains operated by SNCF run between Turin and Paris. These can be used with FIP discounts in France, but FIP Global Fare tickets must be purchased, see Cross-border TGV inOui / ICE trains.

SNCF cross-border regional trains can be used from Grasse/Cannes/Nice via Monaco to Ventimiglia. FIP 50 Tickets and SNCF FIP Coupons are valid up to Ventimiglia.

Spain

Direct TGV trains operated by the French SNCF run from Barcelona to Paris. Renfe also operates cross-border services between Barcelona and Lyon as well as Madrid and Marseille.

For both, FIP Global Fares are available, but these can be very expensive when purchased from SNCF—see Cross-border TGV inOui / ICE trains. For trains operated by Renfe, the same fares apply as for domestic AVE trains in Spain, but these tickets are only available at Renfe ticket counters in Spain. It should also be possible to buy them on board when boarding in France, but there is no practical experience with this yet.

With Euskotren, you can travel with the special FIP Ticket as far as Hendaye on the Atlantic coast.

There are also regional Rodalies de Catalunya trains operated by Renfe with cross-border connections to Cerbère and Latour-de-Carol. FIP Tickets can be purchased directly on the train from the train staff or at Renfe ticket counters in Spain.

Overall, there are very few cross-border connections, which were much better developed a few years ago.

Monaco

There are no border points between the two countries for fare purposes, as Monaco is part of the French rail network. The railway line through Monaco runs west of Cap-d’Ail and east of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. FIP 50 Tickets and SNCF FIP Coupons are valid on this route.