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Trains to Lille
Travel by Train to Lille
Lille, a vibrant city in the Hauts-de-France region, is known for its rich history and cultural dynamism. It is situated near the border with Belgium and interwoven with French and Flemish influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and cultural life. The city's past as an influential merchant and industrial center has left a legacy of beautiful historic buildings, such as the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange) and the grand Place du Général-de-Gaulle, also known as the Grand Place.
It was the European Capital of Culture in 2004, an honor that helped to revitalize the city and boost its profile on the international stage. Today, Lille is home to numerous museums and galleries, including the renowned Palais des Beaux-Arts, which houses one of France's most significant art collections outside of Paris. The city is also known for its lively festivals, such as the annual La Braderie de Lille, one of the largest flea markets in Europe, attracting visitors and vendors from across the continent.
An interesting fact about Lille is its reputation as the birthplace of the French retail industry. The city saw the opening of one of the first department stores in the world, Le Prieuré, in the 19th century.
Budget-Friendly Train Travel to Lille
Traveling to Marseille by train is a practical and economical choice. SNCF, France's national railway, makes train travel more accessible and affordable with various discounts tailored to different travelers. Younger passengers can take advantage of the Youth Card, which offers up to 30% off on fares for those aged 12 to 27. The Senior Card provides similar benefits for seniors aged 60 and over, ensuring more affordable travel. Families benefit from the Family Card, offering discounts for children and accompanying adults, making family trips more economical. Additionally, SNCF offers the Advantage Card, suitable for all ages, which provides discounts on leisure travel and partner services. For frequent travelers, the Liberté Card offers significant reductions on business class fares and booking flexibility.
The Lille City Pass provides free entry to numerous museums and galleries. It also includes unlimited access to public transportation, allowing visitors to travel quickly across Lille. The pass offers discounts at certain restaurants and shops, catering to various interests and needs. This pass is available for different durations, ranging from 24 to 72 hours, to suit the length of your stay.
Once in Lille, numerous ways exist to enjoy the city without overspending. Opting for accommodations in less touristy neighborhoods saves money and offers a more authentic Lillois experience. The city's culinary scene is a delight for food lovers, with options ranging from street food to gourmet dining. Local markets and cozy restaurants are perfect for savoring Lille's flavors without spending a fortune. And remember the city's bakeries, where fresh pastries and bread await your indulgence.
The city's iconic sights, like the picturesque Vieux-Lille district or the impressive Citadel, can be enjoyed for free. If museums are your thing, there are several free admission days, including the renowned Palais des Beaux-Arts.
How to Spend a Day in Lille
Exploring Lille is a real treat; getting around and seeing the sights is pretty straightforward. Start at the Grand Place. It's a lively spot with some imposing buildings. Just hang out, grab a coffee, and enjoy the buzz of the city.
Next, casually walk to the Old Stock Exchange, the Vieille Bourse. It's close and worth seeing for its fantastic architecture. After that, wander down to Vieux-Lille. This part of town is charming, with many little streets to explore and excellent shops to check out.
When you're ready to switch things up, hop on the T1 tram at Rihour and head to the Palais des Beaux-Arts. It's one of the most prominent museums in France and has some cool art. The tram ride is short and drops you off right near the museum.
After soaking up some culture, it's probably time for lunch. Just catch the T1 tram back to Rihour, and you're right in the middle of many great places to eat. You'll find it here whether you're after some local dishes or something a bit different.
In the afternoon, why not take a stroll to the Citadel? It's this massive old military fort with lots of green space around it – a great spot to chill. A walk along the Deûle River is excellent as the evening rolls in. The city starts to light up, and it looks pretty cool.
Finish your day in the Wazemmes district. It's known for being lively at night and has a great mix of markets and places to eat. Just jump on the metro line 1 from Rihour, get off at Gambetta, and you're there. It's the perfect spot to wrap up your day in Lille.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Exploring Lille on foot or by public transport is the best way to experience the city's diverse offerings. Comfortable shoes are a must; a map or navigation app will help you discover hidden gems. Lille's unique layout, with its blend of historic and modern landscapes, makes it a fascinating city to explore. Start your visit with destinations close to your accommodation and enjoy the local flavors.
As you discover Lille, immerse yourself in its vibrant street culture. Sipping a coffee or enjoying a glass of local beer at a sidewalk café is quintessentially Lillois. We recommend buying the Lille City Pass, which offers unlimited public transport and discounts at various attractions. When dining, venture beyond the tourist hotspots to find authentic and affordable culinary delights. Lille's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character, offer many dining experiences ranging from traditional Flemish dishes to international cuisine.
Safety is essential in any major city, so be vigilant and protect your belongings, especially in crowded areas. While Lille is generally safe, staying aware of your surroundings is wise. Lastly, take your time with your visit. Lille is a city with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, best experienced leisurely. Allow yourself to wander and discover the unexpected – from hidden street art to serene parks. Every corner of Lille has its own story; often, the most memorable experiences are those you find off the beaten path.
Ready to explore the vibrant spirit of Lille? Let Virail assist you in finding the best train options for your journey. With Virail, comparing train routes and prices is straightforward, ensuring your trip to Lille is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Start planning your Lille adventure with Virail today and experience the unique charm of this northern French city.
Popular train routes to Lille
Discover popular train routes to Lille and book the cheapest train ticket in no time
Train tickets to Lille
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Find the best day to travel to Lille by train
When travelling to Lille by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!
Carriers on this route
Find out more about the carriers on this route.
Established in 2018, BlaBlaCar Bus was born out of BlaBlaCar's acquisition of OUIBUS in November of that same year. The company officially launched in June 2019 and has since been offering long-distance bus services across Europe. Initially known as BlaBlaBus, the company went on to adopt the name Ouibus, before finally deciding on its present name, BlaBlaCar Bus. BlaBlaCar Bus operates a network of routes that link several cities, including Aix-en-Provence, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Genoa, Lille, London, Lyon, Marseille, Milan, Nice, Paris, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, San Sebastián, and Turin.
Eurostar is a high-speed passenger train service connecting London with several cities in mainland Europe, including Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Launched in 1994, Eurostar has since established itself as a popular mode of transportation for leisure and business travelers. With speeds reaching up to 300 km/h, Eurostar trains offer a fast and environmentally-friendly.
FlixBus, a long-distance bus company, operates in both Europe and the United States. Founded in 2013, it has grown to become one of the largest bus operators in Europe, connecting over 2,500 destinations in 30 countries. Originating in Germany, FlixBus has expanded quickly to neighboring countries including France, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Croatia, while also offering regular services to Norway, Spain, and England. With affordable fares and comfortable amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard toilets, FlixBus provides a convenient and enjoyable travel experience.
Intercités de Nuit is a night train service operated by the French national railway company, SNCF. It connects major cities in France and offers overnight travel options for passengers. The trains are equipped with sleeping compartments, reclining seats, and dining cars. Intercités de Nuit combines the advantages of transportation and accommodation, making it a popular and environmentally friendly choice.
In 2013, the French national railway company SNCF introduced OUIGO to offer budget-friendly TGV travel options. Choose between the lightning-fast OUIGO Grande Vitesse, reaching speeds of 300 km/h, or the more leisurely OUIGO Classique, which offers a nostalgic train ride experience.
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français, or SNCF, is the name of the French National Railway Company. Explore the beauty of France with SNCF rail transport and choose between three major SNCF trains - TGV inOui, TER, and INTERCITÉS - for travel on national, regional, and local routes, including high-speed trains departing from Paris train stations. Also, SNCF aims to revolutionize sustainable travel by becoming the world's first carbon-neutral operator, offering this eco-friendly service at no additional cost to passengers.
SNCF, the French national railway company, offers TER, a comprehensive regional train service. TER (Transport Express Régional) trains connect cities, and villages within regions of France, offering local transportation for commuters and tourists as they explore the regional culture, landscape, and attractions through its vast network of regional routes. TER trains are slower than the high-speed trains but offer a more affordable and comfortable alternative for shorter journeys within the regions.
TGV stands for Train à Grande Vitesse, which translates to a high-speed train. It is a type of high-speed train that operates in France and other parts of Europe. The TGV was first introduced in 1981 and has since become a popular mode of transportation for domestic and international travel. The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), now refers to a type of train that can reach a speed of 320km/h on high-speed lines in France. In France and Europe, there are two types of TGV operated by SNCF Voyageurs: the TGV INOUI, which offers a higher level of comfort, and the low-cost TGV OUIGO.
TGV inOui, which replaces traditional TGV services by offering a contemporary upgrade, is a high-speed train service operated by the French National Railways, SNCF that make it easy to explore around 50 destinations in neighboring countries such as Belgium, Germany, and Spain. TGV inOUI is designed to offer more comfort and flexibility to travelers, with features such as spacious seats, Wi-Fi, and catering services. It connects major cities in France and provides a fast, convenient, and comfortable mode of travel.
Ticket types and facilities from to Lille
Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by Eurostar, OUIGO and TER when traveling to Lille.
Standard
Eurostar Standard tickets are for budget-conscious travelers and the most widely available and affordable option. However, they have limited flexibilityStandard Premier
Eurostar Standard Premier tickets offer a premium economy experience, ideal for work in quiet and comfort, but at a higher cost than Standard. This ticket includes extra legroom, complimentary meals, and access to magazines.Business Premier
Business Premier tickets are Eurostar's first-class option with top-level comfort and flexibility, but also the most expensive. With this ticket, you will have spacious seating, delectable meals served at your seat, access to exclusive lounges, and dedicated assistance.Standard Class / TGV
OUIGO Grande Vitesse offers a single class, akin to second-class travel, which accounts for its affordable ticket prices. Adult fares start at €10, depending on the destination, while children can travel for €5. Tickets for OUIGO can only be purchased online.Standard Class / Classical
OUIGO Train Classique only have one class, which is equivalent to second class travel, which is why ticket prices are cheap. Tickets are available from €10 for adults (depending on destination) and €5 for children, and OUIGO train tickets are only available online.Standard
TER train tickets have a fixed "Tarif Normal" fare and are valid for a single journey until midnight the day after validation in platform stamp machines. Some regions may offer off-peak discounts.Second Class (The essentials)
For a practical and affordable journey, TGV INOUI has two fares for second class tickets: The Prems Second, an affordable option, and The Second, the classic second class. Both of them can be exchanged and refunded, subject to certain conditions. The Prem's fare tickets are perfect if you're looking for the lowest prices, starting at just 15€ and available for booking up to 4 months in advance.First Class (The comfort)
First-class tickets take your journey to the next level, offering enhanced comfort and exclusive benefits, including the option to choose seats in the Quiet Area. Additionally, this ticket offers flexibility for your booking and provides added benefits to Second Class features.Business Première (The flexibility)
Business Première offers premium advantages like no-cost exchanges or refunds and exclusive amenities including advanced Wi-Fi and access to Grand Voyageur lounges, all while ensuring flexibility in your booking.Facility Description
Find out more about the different facilities available onboard with each carrier on this route.
Eco-Friendly Travel: Making a Greener Choice - Lille
From choosing green cities and sustainable transport options, we guide you through the details of reducing your carbon footprint while exploring the globe
- Air quality48Good
- Renewable energy24%Low
- Green spaces41%Good
- Total score54Good
Book in advance and save
If you're looking for the best deal for your trip to Lille, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.
Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys
Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from to Lille.
Always check special offers
Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.
Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains
If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.
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