French · Real conversations

Train journeys: useful French phrases

Check a route, a platform, and a connection.

Start with the essentials

Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.

Train
le train
Train
Station
la gare
Station
Ticket
le billet
Ticket
What time does it leave?
À quelle heure il part ?
What time does it leave?

Make the conversation more specific

Useful French expressions for train journeys
What you want to say	French
Train	le train Train
Station	la gare Station
Ticket	le billet Ticket
What time does it leave?	À quelle heure il part ? What time does it leave?
Is this a direct train?	C'est un train direct ? Show English translation Is this a direct train?
Do I need to change trains?	Est-ce que je dois changer de train ? Show English translation Do I need to change trains?
Which platform does it leave from?	Il part de quel quai ? Show English translation Which platform does it leave from?
Is the ticket valid for ...?	Le billet est valable pour … ? Show English translation Is the ticket valid for …?
What happens if I miss the connection?	Qu'est-ce qui se passe si je rate la correspondance ? Show English translation What happens if I miss the connection?

Read the other side of the exchange

Partner
Le premier train de votre trajet part bientôt.
The first train for your journey leaves soon.
You
C'est un train direct ?
Is this a direct train?
Partner
Non, son terminus est la gare de correspondance.
No, it ends at the junction station.
You
Est-ce que je dois changer de train ?
Do I need to change trains?

Train journeys in other languages

A note on speaking French

Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.

Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.