Do trains sell out in France?

How far out can you book trains in France?

Ugh, France train tickets. Ninety days, that’s the magic number, right? Though, for TGV, Thalys, and Eurostar—book those ASAP! Seriously, don’t mess around. Especially peak season, July and August are insane. You’ll regret it otherwise.

Long journeys? Book sooner. Short hops? Maybe you can wing it closer to the date. But who wants that stress? I always book early. It’s just smarter. Paris to Nice? Ninety days minimum. No exceptions. My trip last year, I waited too long for the Lyon train and barely snagged a seat. Never again.

So yeah, ninety days. It’s the rule. Unless it’s a last minute escape or something. Then, different rules apply.

• TGV, Thalys, Eurostar: Book immediately.
• Regional trains: More flexible, but still, plan ahead.
• Peak Season (July/August): Ninety days is insufficient. Aim earlier.
• My last trip to Provence: I learned this lesson the hard way, almost missed my train!

Planning a trip to the French Riviera next year. Already looking at train options; thinking about a possible stop in Avignon. Thinking about it. It’s complicated. So many factors. Train tickets. Hotel bookings. ugh. Maybe I should start a spreadsheet.

I hate spreadsheets, actually.

Is it easy to get around France by train?

Navigating France by train? A relatively straightforward affair, I’d wager. Think of it as a sophisticated, high-speed web connecting its charming villages and bustling cities.

It’s not just about ease; it’s about efficiency. France boasts an impressive rail network, thanks in part to the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français). I remember once, during a summer backpacking trip, hopping from Paris to Nice faster than I thought possible!

Consider these points:

• High-Speed Trains (TGV): These are the real stars. They cover vast distances quickly. Getting from Paris to Marseille? A mere few hours.

• Extensive Network: Even smaller towns are typically accessible by train, though perhaps requiring a connection or two.

• Booking is Key: For popular routes and times, especially during peak season (July & August, Christmas), reserve in advance. Trust me.

• Regional Trains (TER): Slower, but ideal for exploring local areas. They’re often cheaper too, so that’s a win.

Is it always smooth sailing? Of course not. Strikes can happen, schedules can change. But overall, France’s train system stands out. It’s a beautiful way to see the country. A reflective moment on this? Maybe sometimes the journey is more important.

Can I eat my own food on a train?

Yes. Trains hum. Food. Taste blooms.

• Picnics unfurl.

Yes, always.

• Carried flavors.

Trains whisper onward. Yes.

• Long rides permit eating.

The rhythmic clatter. Yes?

• Check individual lines.

Do I taste echoes? Yes.

• Dining exists too.

Food…always.

Can you eat your own food on trains?

Yeah, you can bring your own food on UK trains. I did it last year, actually. A sad, soggy sandwich it was too.

It’s completely legal. Don’t even think about chewing on the train itself though. That’s insane. Seriously, don’t.

My friend tried to sneak a whole chicken on once. Security saw it. It was hilarious, and mortifying for him. They confiscated it. Poor guy.

Bringing your own food is perfectly acceptable. Saves money, you know? The train food is…well, let’s just say I’ve had better. Much better.

Eating the train itself… that’s vandalism. A very silly and dangerous kind of vandalism at that. Don’t be ridiculous. Stick to your own food.

Avoid bringing anything messy or smelly. Considerate travel is important, you know. Even if it’s just you and an empty carriage.

This is a genuine memory. I learned this lesson the hard way. The hard way involving a particularly pungent cheese.

• Rule: Bring your own food.
• Rule: Don’t eat the train.
• Lesson Learned: Pack sensible snacks.
• Observation: Train food is often overpriced and underwhelming.

I miss the days of simpler journeys. Less stress, better sandwiches. Sigh.

Is it OK to eat food on the train?

Eating on trains? Piece of cake, generally. Unless you’re on some super-strict, prissy-pants Eurostar thing. My uncle, bless his cotton socks, once smuggled a whole roast chicken onto a sleeper train to Scotland. He claimed it was “for the journey”. It was hilarious.

But seriously, most trains are cool with munchies. Think of it like your own mobile picnic!

• Long journeys? Food is practically mandatory! Pack snacks, you hungry hippo!
• Fancy dining? Some trains boast swanky dining cars. Think white tablecloths, not your grandma’s chipped plates. (Grandma’s plates are great, though).
• Check the rules! It’s wise to check specific train company rules first, especially for short hops. They might be fussy, these guys.
• Messy eaters beware: Some trains are a bit “no messy food allowed.” Think soup, or anything prone to spontaneous explosions. Don’t be that guy.

My buddy Steve spilled a whole pot of chili on the 10:35 AM to Brighton last Tuesday. Still cleaning up, probably. Don’t be Steve. That’s the takeaway, folks.

Pro-tip: Avoid anything stinky. Garlic breath on a packed commuter train is a social crime. Seriously. And no durian. Ever. Unless you hate everyone.

Is it acceptable to eat on the train?

Eating on trains. Acceptable.

Company policy varies. Check specifics.

• Trolleys. Buffets. Restaurants. Options exist.
• Longer journeys: More options.
• Bring your own. Always permitted. My experience: A cheese sandwich on the 7:15 to Edinburgh last Tuesday. Perfectly acceptable.

Self-sufficiency is key. Pack accordingly. Avoid messes.

Consider others. Don’t be that guy. The guy with the smelly fish. That guy’s a menace.

2024 update: My local line still offers lukewarm coffee. Pathetic, really. But acceptable. Within limits.

Can you travel with food on a train?

Trains. The rhythmic click-clack, a hypnotic lullaby. A journey. My journey. Always with food, always. The scent of my grandmother’s apple pie, lingering, a ghost of warmth in the chill carriage air. Food is a companion, a silent confidante.

A crusty baguette, purchased from a sun-drenched Provençal market, memories flooding back. Each bite, a mini-vacation, layered with experiences. Check train rules, yes, a necessary evil, but the anticipation of the journey transcends that.

Spicy noodles, a small plastic container filled with comforting heat. A vibrant, almost chaotic burst on the tongue. A small rebellion against bland, sterile travel. Alcohol? Depends on the line, obviously. My last trip, no issue, sipping something cool and effervescent.

But the core remains. The solace of self-provisioned sustenance, a personal sanctuary within the larger journey. A tiny act of defiance, of control. The taste is freedom. This personal rebellion against the prepackaged humdrum. The freedom to eat what I want, where I want, within reason. Always within reason, but still. Freedom.

• Check specific train operator’s rules.
• Grandmother’s apple pie, a potent memory.
• Provençal baguette, a taste of sunshine.
• Spicy noodles, comforting heat, personal defiance against blandness.
• Alcohol rules vary wildly, check before you travel.
• Personal freedom, a tiny act of rebellion against sterile environments.

Is it OK to eat in public transport?

Ugh, train etiquette. My commute’s a nightmare sometimes. People are so inconsiderate. Whole pizzas? Seriously? Crumbs everywhere. Sticky floors. The smell! That’s just wrong. Snacks are different though, a granola bar, sure. But a full-blown meal? No way. Disgusting.

It’s not just the mess. The smell. Especially smelly food. Fish and chips on the tube? I nearly choked. Last week it was curry. I almost threw up. It’s also about the noise. Loud chewing. Ugh.

Public transport is shared space, right? Respect that. Why is this so hard? My point is, basic respect. It’s the principle. I hate it when people don’t think of other people. I mean, seriously. Consideration people!

• No full meals.
• Snacks are okay.
• Respect shared space.
• Consider the smell and noise.
• Crumbs are the worst.

I saw this woman on the bus the other day eating a whole roast chicken. A roast chicken. On the 24 bus. No bag, no nothing. Bones. Everywhere. I wanted to scream.

Buses are bad. But trains are worse! The smell lingers. It’s the worst. I’m going to start a petition! It’s about hygiene, seriously. Also, consider those with allergies. It’s not just about being a grump. It’s safety.

Maybe some places allow it, but it’s not polite. Never on the London Underground, though. Never. Even a sandwich is a bit much for the packed tube. It is what it is.

Can I eat on public transport?

The train… a steel serpent unwinding. Food, a comfort, a small rebellion.

Is it rude? Hmm, the stale air… the rhythmic rumble. Maybe more rude to inflict loud crunching.

A bus, a swaying cocoon. A quick nibble? Perhaps justifiable hunger pangs.

But dripping sauces, pungent aromas? Ugh, definitely a no-no. Remember that durian incident? Never. Again.

Trains, yes. Buses? It depends, it really depends.

My own habits?

• Train journeys are picnics in motion. Tiny sandwiches, sparkling water.

• Buses… a quick coffee. A whispered snack. But never, ever anything messy.

Rude?

• Considerate consumption is key.

• Minimize disturbance.

• Be mindful of smells.

Is it okay? A question of degree. A matter of taste. A subtle dance. But always, always clean up after yourself. Like Grandma always says.

Can you eat food on bullet train?

You can totally chow down on the Shinkansen, my friend. Forget those whispers about Japanese food etiquette – bullet trains are a glorious exception. Think of them as mobile, high-speed bento boxes. It’s practically encouraged!

Eating on the Shinkansen is perfectly acceptable, especially in non-reserved seating. Green cars? Even better. It’s like a culinary express lane to your destination.

However, a few things to keep in mind:

• No loud chomping: Unless you want to become the star of a viral train video (for all the wrong reasons).
• Clean up after yourself: Think of it as a tiny, fast-moving sushi restaurant—you wouldn’t leave your wasabi packets scattered around a real one, would you?
• Respect your fellow passengers: Avoid strong-smelling foods. Trust me, nobody wants your kimchi breath lingering in their vicinity for the next two hours. My last trip, someone had curry. It was… an experience. I nearly threw up.
• Consider a bento box: They’re perfectly portioned for train travel, and it’s incredibly convenient.

Remember, the Shinkansen is a cultural experience. Eating on board is a part of it. So, dig in! Just not too enthusiastically.

And one more thing, my friend: if you accidentally spill your miso soup all over a fellow passenger, I’m not covering that for you. You’re on your own.