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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Traveling by train from Geneva to Paris
Planning a trip from Geneva to Paris by train? We’ve got you covered!
What separates gorgeous Geneva from pretty Paris? 254 miles or, if you travel by high-speed TGV Lyria train, a mere three hours. Running at speeds of up to 198 mph, TGV Lyria trains let you sit back and relax in Standard Class or First Class as you speed your way over the Swiss border from Geneva to Paris.
It’s a fascinating trip to make as you leave the lakes and mountains of Switzerland and head towards the City of Lights, ready to sip some café au lait from a street corner café or head off around Paris to see the sights. Not sure where to start? Here are some of our favorite must-see attractions in Paris:
- Eiffel Tower – at over 1,000 feet, the most famous landmark in France never fails to impress, especially when illuminated at night.
- Louvre Museum – home to an unparalleled collection of sculptures, paintings and drawings, the world's largest art museum is one of the city's most famous landmarks.
- Arc de Triomphe – sitting in a circular plaza, this 164-foot Neoclassical archway is one of the world's best-known commemorative monuments.
Ready to book? Head to the Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for train tickets from Geneva to Paris. Alternatively, if you’d like to find out more, keep reading for more information on:
- Today’s train times
- Classes on board trains from Geneva to Paris
- Services on board trains from Geneva to Paris
- Traveling from the airport to central Geneva
- How to get to Geneva Cornavin station
- Everything you need to know about Geneva Cornavin station
- Arriving in Paris from Geneva
- Using public transport in Paris
- Things to do in Paris
- Where to travel next after Paris
- Explore more of Europe with Eurail
- Traveling from Paris city center to the airport
Geneva to Paris by train
It takes an average of 7h 31m to travel from Geneva to Paris by train, over a distance of around 254 miles (409 km). There are normally 12 trains per day traveling from Geneva to Paris and tickets for this journey start from $34.67 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from Geneva to Paris
Want to know more about your journey from Geneva to Paris? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What is the quickest journey time between Geneva and Paris by train?
Are there direct trains from Geneva to Paris?
What's the distance between Geneva and Paris by train?
Who runs the trains from Geneva to Paris?
Can you travel from Geneva to Paris without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Paris from Geneva?
What time is the first train from Geneva to Paris?
What time is the last train from Geneva to Paris?
How often do trains go from Geneva to Paris?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Geneva to Paris?
Is there a return trip from Geneva to Paris?
TGV Lyria, SNCF and TGV trains from Geneva to Paris
TGV Lyria
SNCF
TGV
TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).
More information
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
More information
TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
More information
TGV INOUI and TGV Lyria classes from Geneva to Paris
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI and TGV Lyria when traveling from Geneva to Paris.
TGV INOUI
TGV Lyria
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Standard Class
TGV Lyria’s Standard Class offers comfortable seats and access to the dining car, perfect for an economical trip in comfort.
- Free WiFi
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Unlimited drinks
Première
When traveling in Première with TGV Lyria, you will have additional legroom, the comfort of a First Class seat, as well as food sold at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Unlimited drinks
Première Signature
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to Première Signature Class and enjoy a welcome drink, a meal on board and much more.
- Free WiFi
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility (1)
- Welcome service
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Unlimited drinks
- (1) Check conditions when selecting the ticket.
Onboard services on TGV INOUI and TGV Lyria
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Geneva to Paris.
TGV INOUI
TGV Lyria
On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.
All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
You can take baggage on board TGV Lyria trains without worrying about weight restrictions, so long as you're able to carry it yourself.
There are two refreshment options on board TGV Lyria trains:
Le Bistrot: Available in the café-bar car or at your seat, with a Standard or Standard Première TGV Lyria ticket.
La Table: A French-Swiss dining experience available with a Première Signature TGV Lyria ticket.
Free WiFi is available on board. To get online, connect to the network _WIFI_LYRIA when you're on the train and go to the TGV Lyria Portal in your browser.
Families can reserve two different areas on the train:
The Family Square, located in cars 6, 16, 7 or 17 in Standard (Second Class). This is a set of four seats facing one another, with space for a stroller.
Club 4, which is also a set of 4 seats facing one another around a table.
You will also find baby changing facilities, including a baby changing table on the upper deck of cars 7 and 17, and the lower deck of cars 1 and 11.
Bikes are allowed on board, so long as they're folded or their wheels are detached. Bikes must also be placed in suitable storage cases (no larger than 130 x 90 cm).
Small pets may travel with TGV Lyria, as long as they are carried in a carrier or container no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm (15.7” x 11.8” x 9.84”). Pets must be placed on your lap or by your feet and must travel with their own ticket at a flat rate of €7 ($7.63).
Dogs on a leash may travel on TGV Lyria trains, but they must be muzzled throughout the journey and placed by your feet. Passengers must pay a flat-rate ticket fee of €20 ($21.79).
2 seats in cars 1 or 11 in First Class are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility. You can request one of these seats when making your booking. If these spaces are no longer available, you can reserve a standard seat. You can also reserve assistance at the train station for help folding and storing your wheelchair.
You can travel with musical instruments if they're stored in a case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. If you're going skiing, snowboards and skis are allowed on board (one pair of skis or one snowboard per person). They must be stored in their covers.
Cheap train tickets from Geneva to Paris
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Geneva to Paris by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
How to get from the airport to Geneva city center
If you’re flying to Geneva, you’ll need to make your way to the city center before your journey to Paris. It’s easy to get to central Geneva by train – we'll show you how!
Trains from Geneva Airport
It’s quick and easy to get from the airport to Geneva city center by train. Simply hop on a train at Geneva Airport station and head to Geneva Cornavin station – you could be there in as little as 7 minutes!
It’s also simple to buy your ticket with Trainline. Head to our Journey Planner and search ‘Geneva Airport’ to ‘Geneva’ and we’ll show you all the times and tickets available.
Buses from Geneva Airport
If you want, you can travel to central Geneva by bus. Although it takes slightly longer (still only a respectable 20 minutes or so), the bus costs the same as the train.
Buses can be more frequent than the train, which is good if you can’t afford to wait around. You can find tickets for the bus in our Journey Planner too.
How to get to Geneva Cornavin station
When traveling by train from Geneva to Paris, you’ll need to head to Geneva Cornavin station first.
Your train to Paris will depart from Geneva Cornavin station (also known as Gare de Genève, or Geneva train station). This is conveniently situated in the city center, so it’s well connected to the city’s public transport system. You can get to the station using the following modes of public transport:
- Trams: Tram lines 14, 15 and 18 stop outside Geneva Cornavin station.
- Trolleybuses: Lines 3, 6, 10 and 19 stop at the city’s train station.
- Buses: You can catch bus lines 1, 5, 8, 9, 20, 25 and line 60 to Geneva’s train station, as well as express routes E+ and G+.
- Night buses: Geneva’s late-night bus service, Noctambus, operates through the night on Fridays and Saturdays.
Everything you need to know about Geneva Cornavin station
Once you’ve arrived at Geneva Cornavin station, there are plenty of things to do while waiting for your train to arrive.
If you need to leave your baggage at the station for a while (after you’ve checked out of your hotel, for example), you’re in luck! The station is equipped with baggage lockers on the first floor. Other amenities at the station include:
- Free WiFi
- Currency exchange
- Ticket offices
- Coffee shops such as Dunkin’, Starbucks and Pret A Manger
- Fast food outlets such as Burger King
Train stations between Geneva and Paris
During your journey from Geneva to Paris, the train may stop at certain towns and cities along the way.
In total, the journey from Geneva to Paris takes just over 3 hours. Depending on which service you travel on, you can see some of the most beautiful places in France including Bellegarde-sur-Valserine and Bourg-en-Bresse. Please note that not all trains serve the same stations. In fact, some trains don’t stop anywhere along the way. The stations you are likely to stop at are:
- Geneva Cornavin
- Bellegarde-sur-Valserine
- Nurieux
- Bourg-en-Bresse
- Paris Gare de Lyon
Arriving in Paris from Geneva
Train services from Geneva, including TGV Lyria and SNCF trains, arrive at Gare de Lyon, in the heart of Paris.
Located in eastern Paris, Gare de Lyon is well connected to the rest of the city. Once you've left the platform, you’ll find Métro and RER trains waiting to whisk you to Paris’ most famous landmarks.
If you want to get to the city center from Paris Gare de Lyon station, you can use the following modes of transport:
- Metro: Lines 1 and 14 stop at Paris Gare de Lyon metro station
- RER trains: Lines A and D on the RER network stop here
- Transilien: Line R of Paris’ Transilien network stops here
- RATP buses: Buses 61, 63, 72, 77 and 87 stop at Paris Gare de Lyon train station
- Night buses: Night buses N31, N32, N33, N34, N35, N131, N132, N133, N134 and N144 stop at Paris Gare de Lyon train station – these buses run from 12:30 am to 5:30 am.
For more information, check out our comprehensive guide to Paris Gare de Lyon train station.
Using public transport in Paris
If you want to navigate Paris quickly, easily and cheaply, you can use the city’s public transport system.
Taking the Métro in Paris
Paris Métro is the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to travel around the city.
If you’re planning to travel around Paris and France, we recommend you buy a T+ ticket – it allows connections between the Métro and RER trains in central Paris and will take you to all the main stations in Paris where you can catch a connecting TGV high-speed train to other French cities. You can buy these tickets from automated machines at Metro stations – a single ticket costs €2.10 (around $2.27) as of December 2023.
Did you know? Children under 4 can travel for free on the Métro, RER, bus, and tramway services, provided they sit on your lap and don’t occupy a seat. Kids under 10 get 50% off the ticket price.
Taking the bus in Paris
In Paris, around 60 bus lines operate between Monday and Saturday from 07:00 am to 08:30 pm. On Sunday and public holidays, almost half of the lines operate. Purchase bus tickets from Métro stations, or the driver if you have cash.
Taking a taxi in Paris
If you want to take a taxi from Paris Gare de Lyon train station, follow the signs at the station. These will direct you to the forecourt at the front of the station, where you’ll find a well-organized taxi rank, with staff allocating people to taxis. Bear in mind that a taxi will likely be much more expensive than taking public transport.
Top things to do in Paris
If you are visiting Paris, there are so many things to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start! To help you find inspiration, here are some ideas for things to do in Paris:
Where to travel next after Paris
Enjoyed your time in Paris and want to explore more of Europe? You can easily reach some of the best cities in Europe by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Paris:
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
After visiting Paris, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
How to get from Paris city center to the airport
Time to head home? Perhaps you’ll be flying from France’s capital. If you need to know how to get from central Paris to the airport, keep reading for more details.
In Paris, there are three major airports:
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Orly Airport (ORY)
- Beauvais Tillé Airport (BVA)
Each airport offers a bus and taxi service, but only Charles de Gaulle and Orly have their own dedicated train stations (the nearest train station to Beauvais Tillé is nearby Beauvais).
How to get to Charles de Gaulle airport from central Paris
How to get to Orly airport from central Paris
How to get to Beauvais Tillé airport from central Paris
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.