[WTM] Railway & Travel News > Europe Railway News > France Railway News > Summary: Railway operation updates due to COVID-19 – France (as of November 21, 2020)

Summary: Railway operation updates due to COVID-19 – France (as of November 21, 2020)

横山 勝巳 / Yokoyama Katsumi

France has been locked down nationwide for the second time since October 30, 2020, following the serious spread of COVID-19. The only accepted reasons for going out are commuting, going to school, going to hospital, shopping, and light exercise, and it is mandatory to carry a certificate stating that people is out for a legitimate purpose.

Paris Metro Saint-Michel Station
Paris Metro Saint-Michel Station

In the midst of these movement restrictions, transportation capacity has been significantly reduced, especially for long-distance trains such as the TGV. On the other hand, there are many company employees who cannot apply telework, so the number of commuter trains is secured as before, mainly during peak hours.

Please note that people is required to wear a mask while traveling by public transport (excluding children under the age of 11) and a fine of € 135 will be imposed on the offender. Each railway operator implements infection prevention measures such as cleaning trains, installing alcohol disinfectant gels at major stations, and security checks at station entrances.

Major changes in railway operations due to COVID-19

TGV(TGV INOUI, OUIGO)

  • The number of trains currently in operation is about 1/3 to 1/4 of the regular timetable.

Intercités

  • The number of trains currently in operation is about 1/4 to 1/5 of the regular timetable.

Eurostar

  • Only 1 round trip is in operation between London and Paris.
  • The direct train between London and Brussels operates only 1 round trip from Monday to Friday.
  • The direct train between London and Rotterdam / Amsterdam operates only 1 round trip on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Direct trains between London and Marne-la-Vallee Chessy (Disneyland Paris) are suspended.
  • Ashford International, Ebbsfleet International and Calais – Fréthun Stations are closed for Eurostar services.
  • If you cross the border by rail, you may need to fill out a form or quarantine.

Thalys

  • The train between Paris and Brussels operates only 1 round trip except for Saturday.
  • The train between Paris and Brussels / Amsterdam operates only 1 round trip.
  • There is no IZY service.
  • If you cross the border by rail, you may need to fill out a form or quarantine.

TER

  • The number of trains on weekdays is about 70% of the regular timetable.
  • On weekends, the number of trains will be reduced considerably.

Transilien

  • The number of trains on the RER A, B, and E lines is reduced after 21:00.
  • On the J / L line, the number of trains during off-peak hours is reduced.

RATP

  • Paris Metro lines 1, 13 and 14 will operate normally.
  • Other Metro lines operate about 75% of the regular timetable from 10:00 to 16:00, and about 50% after 21:00.