France bans short-haul domestic flights: It’s great time to rent a car!
France's recent official ban on short domestic flights has been touted by the government as a significant step towards ambitious climate change policies. However, critics argue that the ban is largely symbolic and lacks substance.
President Emmanuel Macron took to Twitter to express his satisfaction with the ban, claiming that France is leading the way by being the first to implement such measures. He accompanied his message with a picture proclaiming "Promise Kept" in green ink.
On the surface, it appears that the promise has been fulfilled: any flight between two cities that can be replaced by a train journey of less than 2.5 hours is now prohibited. Given France's smaller size compared to Texas and its extensive high-speed rail network, this ban would seemingly eliminate a considerable number of domestic flights.
Which Flight Are Banned In France?
The implementation of the ban will primarily affect air travel between Paris Orly airport and regional hubs like Nantes, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Critics have pointed out that the ban falls short of including flights between Paris and Marseille, which takes approximately three hours by high-speed rail.
As railway services continue to improve, additional routes could potentially be added to the ban list. For instance, routes between Paris Charles de Gaulle airport and Lyon or Rennes, as well as journeys between Lyon and Marseille, may be considered in the future. Currently, these routes do not meet the ban criteria due to the limited availability of early morning or late evening train services to airports in Paris and Lyon.
Is Train Still A Good Idea?
Simply, no. It isn’t the great option to travel anymore due to high demand. With the ban of short-haul domestic flights in France, most of the travelers are looking for train tickets but they are already out of stock.
The new law specifies that train services on the same route must be frequent, timely and well-connected enough to meet the needs of passangers who would otherwise travel by air - and able to absorb the increase in passenger numbers.
Best option to travel in France is renting a car for now. You can rent your car and freely travel around the country. You don’t need to worry about tickets, passengers and due dates. Simply, you can rent your car in advance and collect it on the day. You can travel wherever you wan’t without any limitation. If you are not an experienced renter, you need to checkout some details.
Car Rental In France
Carla provides very easy car rental experience. You can easily compare over 180 rental suppliers in minutes and chose the rental that fits to you. Easily choose your car class and book it in advance to catch the discounted rates!
By renting Carla, you don’t need to worry about car insurance, line in the rental office and your tires. You can choose our optional services and protect your rental. Carla offers very affordable protection plan for your rental. You can choose our skip the line service to do not waste time in lines and you can drive freely with our road assistance service.
Carla is a car rental app that you can easily download your phone or you can use it on our website. Carla is working with international brands as well as local businesses. You can search your desired dates and destination and view the available options. Upon completing your reservation, you will receive a voucher with a confirmation number and you can check it with the car rental company.