There’s something magical about stepping aboard a train bound for a foreign destination. And in Paris, this train may well be a sleek, high-speed Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV). This remarkable rail system can get you almost anywhere you want to go in France, as well as to iconic destinations across Europe. The best part is, you’ll get there quickly and in comfort. In this guide, we’ll break down the different train stations in Paris, explore where you can go on the TGV, and share our top tips for having an amazing experience when you travel by train. So wherever your wanderlust takes you, the TGV, with its futuristic design and cutting-edge technology, can get you there. Ready? Allez! On y va!
Benefits of traveling by TGV
Forget the hassle of airport security and long check-in lines – the TGV offers a seamless and efficient way to travel across France and beyond. With frequent departures and convenient connections to major cities, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
One thing we love about traveling by the TGV is that the stations are usually in the heart of the city we’re going to. Paris stations are all easily accessible by the Metro system. The same is true for most arrival stations. So, whether you’re traveling around the country or across the continent, you can expect the train to arrive at a station that is right in town. Compare this to flying, where you have to arrive an hour or two early, go through security, and then get in from the airport, which is usually at least 45 minutes outside of town. For this reason, in Europe it is usually faster to travel by train. The bonus is that you can watch the scenery go by, read, play games, get a snack, or just chill while on board.
Another benefit, as you might expect from something called the Train à Grande Vitesse, (which means the train at high speed), is that the train moves, well, fast! In fact, the TGV speeds along at up to 300 kilometers, or 186 miles, per hour. This cuts down travel time and it’s an engineering marvel that train buffs will want to experience.
Also, there are not any real luggage restrictions on the TGV. Most trains have space where you can stow your bags, either at the end of the car, between seats, or for smaller items, directly over your seat. Just remember that you’ll probably be handling the bags yourself, as there are not many porters left. So make sure you’re able to lift your luggage and maneuver it easily, as it’s likely some hefting will be involved.
TGV routes and destinations from Paris train stations
There are six major train stations in Paris. Each services a specific area of France and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of each station, where you can go from there – and which Metro lines will get you to the train on time!
| Train Station | International Destinations | Domestic Destinations | Metro Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gare du Nord – the largest train station in Europe! | London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne (Germany) | Lille, Amiens, Calais | Lines 2, 4, 5 RER B, D, E |
| Gare du L’Est – cities on the east side of France & Germany | Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart (Germany) Vienna (Austria; change required) | Nancy, Metz, Strasbourg | Lines 4, 5, 7 No RER but the station is walking distance to Gare du Nord |
| Gare Saint Lazare – your station for Normandy destinations | No international service | Rouen, Caen, Le Harvre, Deauville, Dieppe, Honfleur, Etretat | Lines 3, 12, 13, 14 RER E |
| Gare Montparnasse – Brittany, Bordeaux and Biarritz! | North-western Spain | Saint-Malo, Nantes, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Lourdes | Lines 4, 6, 12, 13 |
| Gare de Lyon – southern France, Switzerland & Italy | Milan, Turan, Rome (Italy) Geneva, Zurich (Switzerland) | Lyon, Marseilles, Nice, St. Etienne, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence | Lines 1, 14 RER A |
| Gare d’Austerlitz – Loire Valley | Spain | Tours, Orléans, Limoges | Lines 5, 10 RER C |
Trains usually offer both first and second class seating options, at different price points. Prices can also fluctuate depending on the season when you’re traveling. We recommend that you check the SNCF website for the most current information.
One last note on the train stations of Paris. They are gorgeous! So beautiful, in fact, that they were a popular theme for the Impressionist painters. Monet painted the Gare Saint Lazare, and Renoir loved to paint train bridges. These stations are often architectural jewels in and of themselves. So if you find yourself with a little extra time before your train boards, enjoy the view. Many artists have done exactly the same thing.
Tips for an enjoyable TGV journey
Traveling on the TGV is not just about reaching your destination. It’s also about savoring the journey. Here are some tips to ensure that your TGV experience is as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
Tip 1: Study the train layouts to pick your best seat. Some trains are double-deckers, with seats up and down. So if stairs are a challenge – or, alternatively, if you want the best view – take a look at the options for where you’re going and choose accordingly.
Tip 2: Boarding is simple. Show up at the station about a half an hour early. Check the indicator signs for the track the train will depart from, and head to the platform. In Paris, the train stations have automatic ticket readers installed. Simply place the barcode or phone app on the scanner and your ticket will be read. Easy!
Tip 3: Check the train number. You’ll have a reserved seat on a specific train. But sometimes delays happen, and trains going to the same destination may be in the station at the same time. You’ll want to make sure you’re on the right train.
Tip 4: Enjoy the onboard amenities. Most trains now have electric outlets at the seats to charge your devices (with European plugs). Once you’re seated, take advantage of Wi-Fi, or grab a snack. You’ll find the bar car in between the first and second class carriages on trains going longer distances. Or you can bring your own food onboard for a custom picnic.
TGV safety and security measures
You might be wondering if the TGV is safe, both as a way to travel, and for your belongings. The short answer is yes. Let’s address each concern separately.
First, how safe is it to travel on a high-speed TGV train? There has been only one incident that resulted in a fatality since the trains started operation in 1964. Since that date, over 1.2 billion people have traveled via TGV. That doesn’t guarantee a perfect ride, but it is a very strong safety record.
Next, let’s talk about your belongings. It might feel uncomfortable to leave your bags at the opposite end of the train car from your seat. But theft of larger bags is very uncommon. For smaller bags, we recommend keeping them close by so that you can see them. And, as in any travel situation, keep your valuables – think passport, medication, jewelry – on you or in a bag that you carry. And remember that in busy train stations, pickpockets may be active. But if you use your common sense, you should be fine.
One of the things we love about living in Paris is that we can hop on a train and go just about anywhere. So we hope you’ll find that riding the TGV is a relaxing, efficient way to see France and explore Europe, while making memories that last a lifetime.
