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Trains in Lille

Trains in Lille (Metro, Tram, Bus)

Metro and Tram in Lille

Table of Contents

  1. Overview (route map, related hyperlinks)
    2.
  2. Types of tickets and fares
    3.
  3. How to purchase tickets
    4.
  4. How to ride train
    5.
  5. Long-distance train's station
    6.

Overview (route map, related hyperlinks)

● Transportation Types
Metro
Tram
Bus

● Operators
ilevia

● Features
The fare system is not based on zones but is a flat fare, and fares are unified across the network. By using the metro, tram, and bus, you can reach most tourist attractions.

● Hyperlink
Routemap : Metro, Tram, Bus
ilevia

Types of tickets and fares

The following tickets allow unlimited travel on the metro, tram, and buses operated by ilévia. On certain routes, SNCF-operated TER trains can also be used with these tickets; however, as the number of TER services is very limited, they are not covered here. Children under 4 years old can travel free of charge.

● Unitaire / EUR 1.80

● Unitaire X10 / EUR 15.60

● Pass 1 jour / EUR 5.40
Unlimited travel for 24 hours from the time of ticket activation.

● Pass soiree / EUR 2.50
Unlimited travel from 7:00 PM until the last train.

● Pass 2 jour / EUR 9.80
Unlimited travel for 48 hours from the time of ticket activation.

● Pass 3 jour / EUR 13.00
Unlimited travel for 72 hours from the time of ticket activation.

● Pass 4 jour / EUR 15.10
Unlimited travel for 4 consecutive days from the ticket's valid start date.

● Pass 5 jour / EUR 16.80
Unlimited travel for 5 consecutive days from the ticket's valid start date.

● Pass 6 jour / EUR 17.90
Unlimited travel for 6 consecutive days from the ticket's valid start date.

● Pass 7 jour / EUR 18.40
Unlimited travel for 7 consecutive days from the ticket's valid start date.

● Unitaire X10 65 and over / EUR 12.40
Set of 10 single tickets for those aged 65 and over.

● Unitaire X10 4 to 25 years) / EUR 12.40
Set of 10 single tickets for those aged 4 to 25.

How to purchase tickets and ride

1. Find the ticket vending

Ticket machines are installed at all metro and tram stations in Lille. These machines allow you to purchase almost all types of tickets. Some major stations also have staffed ticket counters, but they are often crowded, so using the ticket machines can save you valuable time.

Find the ticket vending

2. Select "English"

The ticket machines have touch screens. To change the language to English, tap the British flag in the upper-left corner of the screen.

Select English

3. Select paper ticket

Select the “Ticket Purchase” button on the left side of the screen.

Select paper ticket

4. Select the ticket

Continue by selecting the “Ticket Purchase” button on the left again. The button on the right is for purchasing commuter passes.

Select the ticket

5. Select the ticket

A list of available tickets will be displayed. Touch the ticket type you wish to purchase.

Select the ticket

6. Select the number of ticket

Select the number of tickets you want and press the confirm button.

Select the number of ticket

7. Select "Pay"

Select "Pay" button

Select pay

8. Pay the fare by coins or credit card

The total fare will be displayed. You can pay with banknotes, coins, or a credit card.

Pay the fare by coins or credit card

How to ride train

① Purchasing a ticket

Ticket machines are installed at all metro and tram stations. You can check how to use them by clicking the link below.

Purchasing a ticket

② Validate your ticket

There are no ticket gates at metro and tram stations, so be sure to validate your ticket by tapping it on the validator machine located at the station. Failing to do so may result in a fine. Always confirm that the machine makes a sound and the green light flashes when you validate your ticket.

Validate your ticket

Validate your ticket

③ Check the train before boarding

For the metro, trains with the same destination arrive at the same platform. However, for trams, different lines and destinations may use the same platform, so please check carefully before boarding.

Train information

Train information

④ Board the train and get off at your destination

Tram doors do not open automatically—you must press the button above the door to open them. Most trams have onboard display panels, so checking your destination and major stops in advance will help ensure smooth travel.

Door

▲ Door

Inside display

▲ Inside display

Station board

▲ Station board

Station board

▲ Station board

Long-distance train's station

Domestic trains from Lille International trains from Lille

Left: Domestic trains from Lille
Right: International trains from Lille

Lille Europe

▲ Lille Europe

Lille-Flandres

▲ Lille-Flandres

Lille has two main train stations. Lille Europe Station features island platforms and is dedicated to high-speed trains, while Lille Flandres Station is a terminus station that serves all types of trains, from high-speed to local services. A shopping mall connects the two stations, and they are just a 5-minute walk apart. When taking a TGV high-speed train, be sure to check which station your train departs from. The TGV allows for direct access to major cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille without the need to transfer. All international trains arrive at and depart from Lille Europe Station. This includes the Eurostar to the UK, the Thalys to the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as other TGV services.

TGV

▲ TGV

TER

▲ TER

● Train Types (Domestic Trains)
High-speed train : TGV (can run on both high-speed and conventional lines)
Express train : IC (runs only on conventional lines)
Regional/local trains : TER (runs only on conventional lines)

● Train Types (International Trains)
High-speed train : EUROSTAR, THALYS, TGV (can run on both high-speed and conventional lines)

● Travel Time
On sections where high-speed lines are incomplete, there is no time difference between TGV and IC trains. For trips around 50 km, travel time differences by train type are minimal.

● Fares
The fares listed below are standard refundable and changeable fares for the fastest travel options, but they vary significantly depending on the season and seat availability, so use them as a guideline. Fares tend to be cheapest for TER, followed by IC, then TGV. Discounted fares less than half the regular price are available for TGV and IC trains but come with restrictions such as no refunds or changes.

Domestic train

Destionation Train type Travel Time Fare
Paris TGV 1h EUR 55
Paris CDG airport TGV 1h EUR 70
Strasbourg TGV 2h50min EUR 140
Lyon TGV 3h10min EUR 80
Tours TGV 3h30min EUR 90
Rennes TGV 3h50min EUR 100
Bordeaux TGV 4h20min EUR 140
Nantes TGV 4h30min EUR 100
Avignon TGV 4h40min EUR 150
Marseille TGV 4h40min EUR 150
Montpellier TGV 5h10min EUR 190
Nice TGV 7h40min EUR 170
SNCF train

Guide to
French railways
Ticket, route, schedule

International train

Destionation Train type Travel Time Fare
Brussels THALYS, TGV 30min EUR 40
London EUROSTAR 1h30min EUR 200
Amsterdam THALYS 2h30min EUR 90
Cologne THALYS 3h EUR 70
French high speed TGV

International Trains
to other countries!
Routes, travel times, fares