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Practical InformationWhile you're making your journey

  • Reservation information

    To get the seats you want at the lowest fares, it's best to book well in advance. Advance reservation is compulsory on TGV, Eurostar, Thalys and TGV Lyria.

  • Specific boarding procedures for Eurostar

    Arrive at least 30 minutes before any Eurostar departure, to leave plenty of time to check in and pass through passport control. There are no specific requirements for any other Railteam service, but it’s advisable to always arrive a little early.

  • Specific boarding procedures in France

    In France, you need to validate your ticket before boarding. Simply insert it into one of the ticket franking machines near the platforms, like the one picture on the left.

  • On-board assistance

    The train manager will tell you in English and the local language how to reach your connecting train, either via loudspeaker or in person. What’s more he or she will also tell you about intermediate stops and timings.

  • Connection information

    When you arrive at your connecting station, you'll be guided by multilingual announcements or specially trained staff. If you’re still not sure about your connection, you can follow the i-signs to the Railteam Information Point or the nearest information desk, where our multilingual staff will be happy to direct you.

  • Finding your train

    Departure boards show which platform your train leaves from. Your train number and departure time is on your train ticket. In France, the departure boards only display train information 20 minutes prior to departure.

  • Finding your carriage and seat

    Your carriage and seat number are on your ticket. Information boards on the platform tell you where to go to find your carriage. Look for the number or letter on the board that corresponds to the carriage number or letter on your ticket, and then follow the signs on the platform. Once in your carriage, find the seat number indicated on your ticket, drop off your luggage in the appropriate area (either on the racks at the end of the carriage or above your seat), and relax!

  • Luggage must be labelled for security reasons!

    In France, luggage must be labelled visibly with the traveller’s full name. The following items of luggage are accepted at no extra cost and must be stored in the racks provided: hand luggage (suitcases, travel bags, rucksacks); skis in a bag; children’s prams; dismantled bikes in a bag; portable wakeboards in a bag.