Discover France with TER trains from SNCF
Looking for information about SNCF's Transport Express Régional trains or TER for short? Then you're in the right place. Find out more about TER onboard services and take a look at some of the great destinations you can reach by train below.
TER
SNCF's TER (Transport Express Régional) trains allow passengers to travel within a given region of France (of which there are 20 in total) at relatively low cost. TER really does comes into its own, especially if you make frequent journeys within a region as prices can start from just €2.
Ticket prices do vary from one region of France to another, so you may want to check in advance before you travel.
If you plan on travelling frequently with TER, you may want to find out more about their subscription service.
As of January 2019, 11 of France’s regions currently offer a subscription service. They are: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Brittany, Center-Val de Loire, Grand-Est, Normandy, Hauts-de-France, Normandy, New Aquitaine, Occitanie, Pays de la Loire, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Popular TER train journeys
Discover France with TER
TER although typically used by French commuters, is also a great way for tourists to travel around the country. Several regions in France, including picturesque Auvergne and Franche-Comté, run several tourist trains. Each one giving travellers the opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful landscapes France has to offer.
TER Auvergne Rhone Alps
Discover the Mont Blanc Valley with the TER Auvergne Rhône Alpes on the Saint-Gervais - Chamonix - Martigny cross-border line. Not only will you enjoy breathtaking views of the Chamonix Valley, visitors to the region often combine their trip with hikes and cultural tours.
Burgundy TER: Swallows Line
Jump onboard the TER Bourgogne Franche Comté on one of the most beautiful railway lines in France: the Ligne des Hirondelles. From Dole, Champagnole, St-Claude or St-Laurent, enjoy more than 120 km of Jura landscapes and culture. You can combine your trip with a museum visit, a mountain walk and delight your taste buds with any number of culinary treats.
TER PACA: Train of Wonders
The TER PACA offers you the unique experience of boarding the Train des Merveilles, linking Nice to Tende, for a trip like no other. This train runs on weekends and holidays from May to October, as well as every day during the summer.
Frequently ask questions about TER
Travelling with children
Children under 4 years old can travel free of charge on TERs if they sit on your lap. Children under 12 years old require a ticket, which is available at discounted child rate.
Travelling with pets
All animals need a separate ticket to board a TER train and these can be purchased at the same time as your own ticket. Animals under 6 kg must travel in an appropriate transport basket. Whilst animals over 6 kilos must be muzzled and kept on a leash at all times.
Taking your bike onboard
TER trains have dedicated spaces for bicycles. So you can take them onboard with you, whether they are fold-able or not. Please note though some restrictions do apply during peak hours, Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 9 am and from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm.