French train travel is becoming increasingly popular, according to a recent study by Ifop in collaboration with Trainline, as the company marks its tenth anniversary in the country. Nearly 48% of travelers associate positive feelings with train journeys, such as serenity, the joy of departure, or a sense of freedom. For many French people, the train is more than just a means of transport; it holds a special place in their personal memories and is often linked to meaningful experiences or stories. The journey itself is appreciated, with 60% of travelers enjoying the scenery, 39% engaging with new people, and 38% looking forward to reuniting with loved ones at the station. As a result, 37% of the French prefer the train over other travel options, with the preference rising to nearly 57% among those aged 18 to 24, who are more conscious of their environmental impact. Train travel is also popular for maintaining connections with cities, regions, and family. Nearly two-thirds of travelers use it to stay in touch with a city or region, and 66% use it to visit family and distant relatives. There has been a significant increase in bookings for major events, such as a 200% rise in trips to Munich for the PSG Champions League final and an 114% increase for Taylor Swift concerts in June 2024. Recently, bookings for Celine Dion’s concerts also doubled. French travelers are increasingly choosing longer journeys, showing a growing comfort with spending more time on the train. The introduction of competition in the train market has improved service quality and provided more choices and better prices for consumers. For example, the Paris-Lyon line now offers up to 30 round trips daily since the arrival of Trenitalia, with prices dropping by 43% on this route and 29% on the Paris-Marseille line. In Spain, the average price of tickets on five main high-speed lines has decreased by 45%. These changes have made train travel more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. Nearly 91% of the French have changed their behavior when booking train tickets, with 49% booking more online or via apps, 38% adjusting schedules based on price, and 35% comparing more departure times or booking further in advance. Trainline is now using artificial intelligence to predict delays and manage compensation requests more efficiently. Looking ahead, the French generally prefer more human interaction and simpler services over high-tech innovations. About 63% want more human presence in stations and carriages, and 57% desire a more affordable train with straightforward services. Only 23% of respondents expect more technology, with this number rising slightly to 33% among those aged 25-34. Many (54%) envision a train that blends traditional charm with modern comforts, emphasizing elegance, comfort, and personalized service. About 52% prefer a train that focuses on energy efficiency over speed. Offering more service areas in carriages and lower prices are also key priorities. Despite these preferences, the dream of a seamless European rail network remains largely unfulfilled, though 54% of French people consider it a priority. The study was conducted on a sample of 1,000 people, representative of the French population aged 18 and over, via online questionnaires from July 29 to 30, 2026.