Trains to & from Paris

If you're dreaming of a trip to Paris, taking the train is one of the easiest, most scenic, and stress-free ways to travel here. Whether you're traveling from London, Brussels, Amsterdam, or anywhere in France, there's a train that will take you straight to the heart of Paris without the hassle of airport travel!

With high-speed services like Eurostar and TGV, you can zip across borders in just a few hours. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, regional and intercity trains offer a relaxed way to soak in the countryside while making your way to Paris.

Paris Metro

The Paris Metro is the city's primary underground rapid transit system, featuring 16 lines and over 300 stations. It's the fastest way to get around central Paris, with trains running every 2-3 minutes during peak hours. Each metro line is numbered and color-coded so you'll find it incredibly easy to navigate.

Tickets are affordable and the Metro operates daily from around 5:30am to 1am (extended hours on weekends). While it's an excellent way to explore the city, it can get crowded during rush hours, so it's best to plan accordingly.

RER (Réseau Express Régional)

The RER (Réseau Express Régional) is a faster, suburban rail network that connects Paris with nearby regions, including Disneyland Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Versailles. It consists of five lines with key transfer points at major train stations. Unlike the Metro, RER trains cover longer distances at higher speeds, making them ideal for day trips.

If you're a tourist in Paris, RER A (going to Disneyland Paris) and RER C (going to Versailles) are the most useful lines. Tickets depend on travel zones, so be sure to check the fare before boarding. Unlike the Metro, some RER trains have express services which means they skip stops to reach their destinations faster.

Eurostar

The Eurostar is the high-speed train that connects London to Paris via the Channel Tunnel. It departs from London St Pancras International and arrives at Gare du Nord in about 2 hours 15 minutes. With speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph), it's the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the UK and France.

Eurostar trains feature Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier seating, with onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a café bar. If you book in advance, you can secure cheaper tickets, but prices rise closer to departure. Immigration checks are done before boarding, so arrive at the station at least 45-60 minutes early.

TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse)

The TGV is France's iconic high-speed train, connecting Paris with major cities like Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Strasbourg. These trains reach speeds of 320 km/h (199 mph), cutting travel times significantly.

TGV trains depart from stations like Gare de Lyon, Gare Montparnasse, and Gare de l'Est. They offer Standard and First-Class seating, free Wi-Fi on newer trains, and dining options. Booking early is the best way to get cheap fares, with prices starting around €25 for domestic routes.

Lyria

Lyria is the high-speed train connecting Paris with Switzerland. It also offers direct services from Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne, and Basel to Gare de Lyon train station in Paris. Trains run at speeds of 320 km/h, making travel times between 3 to 4 hours depending on the route.

Lyria provides Standard, Premier, and Premier Signature classes, with spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and meal services in premium cabins.

Nightjet

The Nightjet is a European night train service, operated by ÖBB (Austrian Railways), offering overnight journeys to Paris from Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich. Nightjet offers three travel classes for different budgets, namely, seated carriages, couchettes and sleepers. Trains arrive at Gare de l'Est in the morning, providing a smooth and eco-friendly alternative to flying.

Intercités

The Intercités trains are France's traditional intercity trains, running medium to long-distance routes that are not covered by the TGV. They connect Paris to cities like Rouen, Limoges, Clermont-Ferrand, and Toulouse.

Unlike the high-speed TGV, Intercités trains operate at lower speeds but still have comfortable seating, power outlets, and snack services. Some routes also have overnight trains, such as the Paris to Nice sleeper service.

TER (Transport Express Régional)

TER trains are regional trains connecting Paris with smaller towns and rural areas in France. They are operated by SNCF and run frequent services, making them ideal for day trips or reaching destinations that are not served by high-speed trains.

Popular TER routes from Paris include Paris to Giverny, Paris to Fontainebleau and Paris to Normandy.

TER trains have no seat reservations, and tickets are flexible, meaning you can hop on any train within a certain period. Prices are budget-friendly, and discounts for groups, students, and senior travelers are subject to availability.

Paris to London

The Eurostar high-speed train is the fastest way to travel between Paris and London, covering 490 km (305 miles) in just 2 hours 15 minutes. Trains depart from Gare du Nord and arrive at London St Pancras International. When you arrive in London, you can easily access the London Underground, national rail services, and major attractions around the city.

Paris to Zurich

The Lyria TGV connects Paris to Zurich in just 4 hours, making it the best option for travelers between France and Switzerland. Trains depart from Gare de Lyon and arrive at Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB), Switzerland's largest train station.

Compared to flying, taking the train is hassle-free, as stations are centrally located and there's no need for airport transfers. The scenic journey takes you through the Burgundy vineyards and eastern France before arriving in Zurich. This route is ideal if you're a business traveler, a tourist heading to Lucerne, Interlaken, or the Matterhorn, or if you're looking to experience Zurich's historic old town, Lake Zurich, and the financial district.

Paris to Geneva

The TGV Lyria train connects Paris to Geneva in 3 hours 15 minutes, making it the quickest and most convenient option for traveling between the two cities. Trains depart from Gare de Lyon and arrive at Geneva Cornavin, located in the city center.

You'll pass through Burgundy's vineyards and the Jura Mountains before reaching Switzerland. Upon arrival, Geneva provides easy connections to Lausanne, Montreux, and ski resorts like Chamonix and Zermatt.

Paris to Bordeaux

The TGV InOui high-speed train runs between Paris and Bordeaux connecting Gare Montparnasse and Bordeaux Saint-Jean. Bordeaux is famous for its world-class wine region, and this train route is a favorite among wine lovers heading to Saint-Émilion, Médoc, and the Dordogne Valley. The city also offers beautiful architecture, a thriving food scene, and easy access to the Atlantic coast.

The train journey is significantly faster than driving (which takes about 6 hours) and far more convenient than flying, as both departure and arrival stations are centrally located.

Paris to Nice

For those traveling to the French Riviera, the TGV InOui provides a direct high-speed train from Paris to Nice. This journey is one of the most scenic in France, passing through Provence and along the Mediterranean coast.

Nice is a gateway to the French Riviera, with easy train connections to Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes. Upon arrival, the city's tram and bus network makes it simple to reach the beach, Old Town, and famous Promenade des Anglais.

For travelers who prefer an overnight journey, the Intercités de Nuit sleeper train also operates on this route, offering budget-friendly couchettes and sleeper compartments.