Understand that there are local trains that pass from Paris to Lille every hour, so you have plenty to choose from.
Know that you can buy a rail pass for several days of train travel or a single ticket to your destination in Lille.
Realize that the first train out to Lille from Paris is around 7 a.m. and the last leaves the station at 10 p.m. There are no overnight trains on this short route.
Go online to book inter-France train travel passes or tickets (see links below). Residents of France are not eligible for these prices, so they are extremely difficult to come by once inside the country.
Book train travel by calling RailEurope at (888) 382-RAIL or by visiting the link below.
Purchase your tickets at a guichet, or ticket counter, at the local rail station. You can also use automated ticket machines located in most station lobbies.
Validate your ticket before boarding. This can be done at one of several orange date-stamp machines situated typically near the boarding platforms in each station.
Know that you must also validate your ticket on your return journey, as well as any stops in between within a 24-hour period.
Realize that the France Rail Youth Pass entitles riders ages 12 to 25 unlimited rail travel in France for three days within a month's time.
Travel with a group of two or more people and receive discounts on all tickets for three days of unlimited travel within a month's time.
Enjoy senior discounts for travelers age 60 and up.
