“à la gare” = at the train station

French for Travelers
“à la gare” = at the train station
Notes for April 13
La gare = the station
Un billet = a ticket
Un aller simple = one way
Un aller-retour = round trip
La seconde classe, la première classe = 2nd and 1st class
Un billet remboursable = refundable ticket
Un billet échangeable = exchangeable ticket
Un guichet = a ticket window (with a clerk)
Une salle d’attente = waiting area
Un panneau d’information = information display
Le départ = departure
L’arrivée = arrivals
Une place (assise) = a seat
Une place duo = 2 seats next to each other
Un carré = 4 seats, separated in 2 rows facing each other
Une réservation = a reservation
Voyager dans le sens du train = to be facing towards where the train is going
Un train direct = direct train
Une correspondance = transfer
Un changement = transfer
Le quai = the platform
Le passage souterrain = the underground pass
Le rail, la voie = the track (rail is pronounced like "rye" in English)
La voiture, le wagon (v sound) = the car
Le bar = the snack car
Un contrôleur = a controller
Où est la gare?
Where is the train station?
Où se trouvent les départs grandes-lignes ?
Where are the long distance departures located?
Savez-vous où est la voie numéro six ?
Do you know where the track number 6 is?
C’est bien le train pour Paris ?
That’s the train for Paris, right?
Est-ce que c’est bien la voiture 20 ?
This is car number 20, right?
Est-ce que vous savez de quelle voie part la correspondance pour Dijon ?
Would you know from which track the connection to Dijon leaves?
Est-ce que le train est à l’heure ?
Is the train on time ?
Le trajet dure combien de temps ?
How long is the trip?
Vous avez un billet moins cher ?
Do you have a less expensive ticket?
Est-ce que je dois composter mon billet ?
Do I have to punch my ticket?
Mon train est arrivé en retard et j’ai raté ma correspondance. Qu’est-ce que je fais ?
My train arrived late and I missed my connexion. What am I supposed to do?
Je voudrais échanger mon billet : c'est possible ?
I would like to exchange my ticket: it-it possible?
Vous avez une réservation ?
Do you have a seat booked?
Est-ce que ce train s’arrête à toutes les gares ?
Does this train stop at all the stations?
Est-ce qu’il y a une voiture restaurant dans ce train ?
Is there a food car in this train ?
Combien coûte le même trajet en première classe ?
How much does the same trip cost in first class?
Helpful tips from about.com
1 - Don't Forget to Punch Your Ticket or You'll Get a Fine!
(“Compostez Vos Billets”)
Insert your ticket in the puncher and turn and repeat until you hear a punching sound.
The box (usually yellow or orange) will punch the date on your ticket. If you forget to do
this, you'll get a fine when the controller gets to you.
If you have purchased a ticket at a station or received a paper ticket by mail, you
absolutely need to punch it. If you got a ticket online and printed it yourself (e-billet),
then you don't need to punch it. If for some reason you didn't punch it, get to the
controller before he confronts you, and tell him/her.
The punchers are located at the beginning of the platforms, and/or in the station.
2 - Where Is The Seat Number On a French Train?
The seat number may be located on the back part of your seat, next to where your head
would be, between the 2 seats. The number can also be on the side, still on the back
part of the seat. Or it can be on the wall, next to your seat. There often are several
numbers: two for one seat. The correct one for that train is the lit one.
3 - When Are Platforms Announced For French Trains?
The train platforms are only announced about 20 minutes before the departure of the
train, which can be nerve wracking when you are in a big "gare", and then a wave of
people rushes to the platform, which can also be difficult to navigate. Look at the
"tableau d'affichage" to find your platform.
4 - French Trains Can Be Quite Long, So Wear Your Best Walking Shoes
TGV are often paired by 2, then the trains separated and each goes its own way after a
certain station. So they can get VERY long. If you are running out of time, you may have
to climb into the train just before it departs and continue walking to your car through the
sitting passengers.
5 - How Far in Advanced Can you Buy Your Ticket
Usually, train tickets go on sale 3 months before the departure. For special occasions,
such as school vacations, tickets for major touristic destinations may be available
sooner. Check out "Capitaine Train" to buy your tickets instead of SCNF.
6 - Don't be Alarmed If You See Soldiers At the Train Station.
Even in normal times, when there is not particular threat, it is not unlikely to walk by
heavily armed (machine guns) soldiers patrolling railway stations - Don't be alarmed, it
is normal for France. The army often takes care of routine security in France, there is
nothing unusual about it.
7 - Is Your Luggage Safe In The Luggage Compartment?
You can place your luggage in a compartment at the beginning of the car, or on the
overhead compartment (rather small), or on platforms located in the middle of the car.
In First class of TGVs, you can sometimes slide your suitcase under the triangle formed
by the back part of 2 seats.
Luggage compartments are rather safe – there are, however, thieves that come in just
before the departure of the train, go through a car, grab a bag (often a smaller such as
laptop bag or purse) and get off the train just before it leaves the station. Don’t leave
computer bags or purses unsupervised at any time, or travel with very luxurious bags
and leave them unattended.