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How to travel from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne by train
Want to find out more about taking the train from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne? Look no further.
There are around 23 trains per day running between Paris Montparnasse and Lausanne, which usually take 7 hours 17 minutes to complete the 257 miles (413 km) journey. It can take as little as 3 hours 41 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. As soon as you board the train, you'll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as there are direct services available. All or part of your journey will be on board a TGV Lyria train, as they are the main operator of trains on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne if you book in advance. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne by train
| First train | 06:18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:00 | |
| Departure station | Paris Montparnasse | |
| Arrival station | Lausanne | |
| Journey time | From 3h 41m | |
| Distance | 257 miles (413 km) | |
| Frequency | 23 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Train and bus operators |
TGV Lyria trains from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne
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
TGV Lyria classes from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV Lyria when travelling from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne.
Standard
TGV Lyria’s Standard Class offers comfortable seats and access to the dining car, perfect for an economical trip in comfort.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Quiet area
- Unlimited drinks
Standard Première
When travelling in Standard Première with TGV Lyria, you will have additional legroom, the comfort of a first-class seat, as well as a hot meal served at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Quiet area
- Unlimited drinks
Business Première
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to Business Première class and enjoy a welcome drink, a meal on board and much more.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Full ticket flexibility (1)
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Quiet area
- Unlimited drinks
- (1) Check conditions when selecting the ticket.
Onboard services on TGV Lyria
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne.
You can take luggage 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 Deli: Available in the café-bar carriage or at your seat, with a STANDARD or STANDARD 1ÈRE TGV Lyria ticket.
La Table: A French-Swiss dining experience available with a BUSINESS 1ÈRE 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 carriages 6, 16, 7 or 17 in STANDARD (Second Class). This is a set of four seats facing one another, with space for a pushchair.
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 and bottle-warming station, on the upper deck of carriages 7 and 17, close to the Family Space.
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. Pets must be placed on your lap or by your feet and must travel with their own ticket at a flat rate of €7.
Dogs on a lead 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.
2 seats in carriages 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 Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne
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 Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne 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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne take?
The average journey time by train between Paris Montparnasse and Lausanne is 7 hours and 17 minutes, with around 23 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Paris Montparnasse and Lausanne by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne is 3 hours and 41 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne without having to change trains. There are 5 direct trains from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne leave?
The first train from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne leaves at 06:18. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne leave?
The last train from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne leaves at 21:00. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Paris Montparnasse and Lausanne by train?
Trains travelling from Paris Montparnasse to Lausanne cover a distance of around 257 miles (413 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Lausanne to Paris Montparnasse.