
TGV
TGV. The fast track to explore France.
- Paris - Nice: 05:36
- Book early, save up to 60%
- Book up to 90 days in advance
- E-ticket
- High Speed trains
Overview
TGV
There is one word to describe TGV. Fast ! The world speed record holder, it zips from city to city at up to 322 kph (201 mph). With Paris as its hub, this high-speed French network interconnects throughout Europe making it an attractive alternative to the plane.
If we had to find another word to describe the TGV, it would have to be “often”. Because every day 450 trains crisscross the network, offering you a wide choice of journey times.
The TGV is France’s technological gem, constantly improving comfort and performance while also keeping sight of the planet’s well-being. In fact, eco-mobility is at the heart of the TGV experience. From the aerodynamic design of the lines to the manufacturing of the trains, each step is carefully researched to minimize the impact on the environment. Even our drivers are trained to ’drive economically’ (power off when going downhill, adapting the speed to rail grip-reducing electricity consumption by a third). It continues throughout, with light fixtures that use low-energy light bulbs, air conditioning that adapts to the number of travelers, waste that is compacted and waste water that is recycled.
More details
TGV is among the first high speed trains which operated in the world. The TGV is synonym of viability and modernity. It is the pride of the French railway industry. TGV can travel up to a speed of 200 mph. Learn morePractical information
Please be sure to validate your train ticket using the yellow machines located on the departure platforms. This must be done prior to boarding the train.
TGV trains typically have 2 steps up into the train. Keep this in mind while packing to ensure you can lift your luggage onto the train.
Paper ticket
Receive your ticket directly to your address. Just take them with you and you are ready to travel. Shipping fees apply.
Print @ home
Print your ticket anywhere and anytime before your travel. Skip shipping fees.
Print @ Station (from France)
Go to a self-service ticket machine and enter your reference to retrieve your ticket. Skip shipping fees.
- TGV tickets are open for booking 90 days ahead.
- Get the lowest prices by booking early and don’t wait until the last minute as cheaper seats sell the fastest.
- Opt for off-peak trains when you have to travel short notice. They are more affordable than morning and evening trains along with those running on holiday eves, Friday and Sunday afternoon.
A class apart
Onboard
Classes of service
Second class | First class | |
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Generous legroom Watch rolling landscapes pass with room to stretch your legs. | ||
Family section Enjoy the journey with children in a dedicated area with foldable table and space for kids. | ||
Reserve a Taxi Have a taxi waiting for you upon arrival at your destination by pre-booking. Taxi is an additional cost paid locally. | ||
Spacious seats Make yourself at home as you journey from one city to the next in a comfy reclining seat with headrest. | ||
Power sockets Keep your phone, laptop, or other devices charged while sitting in your seat. | ||
Bar buffet car Choose from a variety of tasty snacks and beverages, for purchase, to enjoy on your journey. |
Travel forum
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FAQs
Common Questions, Simple Answers
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Q. Must I book a reservation for the TGV train ?
A. Yes. A reservation is required to board a high speed train – TGV. If you have a Pass, you will still need to buy a reservation. Passes include Eurail Global, Eurail Select Pass or Eurail two country pass which includes France. Those who have a France Rail Pass or a France Rail Pass Premium can have last minute Easy Access reservations to board a TGV.
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Q. What are the classes of service which are offered on the Lyria train ?
A. Two classes of service are offered on board the TGV – First class and Second class. In First class, passengers have large seats, power sockets for portable devices and access to the bar buffet. If you are travelling in second class, you can also have access to a vast selection of meals and beverages.
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Q. How do I obtain Lyria tickets ?
A. Tickets for TGV can be bought online on our website. You can choose to have your tickets delivered in your inbox through the “Print @ home” ticketing solution or you can choose to retrieve your rail ticket from self-service ticketing machines found at the train stations in France.
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Q. Do TGV trains have a catering service ?
A. Yes. The TGV has a buffer car which offers tasty snacks and meals as well as hot and cold drinks. You can also bring your own food or buy from vending machines on board the TGV.
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Q. What is the main difference between First class and Second class on the TGV (French high speed trains) ?
A. TGV’s First class includes comfortable reclining seats ; food and beverages are available for purchase at the buffet car. However, if Premier service is offered a meal is included in the fare.
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Q. What is the main difference between First class and Second class on the TGV Med between Geneva and Nice or Marseille ?
A. The TGV Med First class includes comfortable reclyning seats as well as food and beverages, available at the bar-buffet car.
The TGV Med Second class includes spacious legroom as well as food and beverages, available at the bar-buffet car.
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Q. Which French cities are served by the TGV trains ?
A. TGV, the French high speed train, connects many major cities of France. You’ll need only 58 minutes to reach Lille from the Paris and 3 hours at most to reach the Bordeaux by the TGV. The sunny south of France and Marseille can be reached in 3 hours by the TGV.
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Q. How much time in advance, can I book tickets for TGV trains ?
A. You can book your ticket to travel on board the TGV up to 3 months in advance. That’s 90 days early, during which time you can plan your trip to France thoroughly. You can buy your tickets at the earliest to have the best fares.
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Q. Will French National Strike affect my travel?
A. A national strike impacting rail services in France has been announced between April 3 to April 29, 2018. 24 hours prior to the scheduled day of travel, verify by train number if that train is scheduled to be in service by following this link. Train number can be found on the train ticket or the booking confirmation. If a train is impacted, and the traveler prefers not to travel during a strike day, please send all inquiries to Rail Europe through the Contact Us page or, if in France, go directly to a railway station and ask the local railway official for assistance. Please visit our dedicated national strike page for the latest updates on the situation in France.
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Q. Is there a check-in before the departure of an TGV train ?
A. No. There is no check-in before departure. However rail officials will control your ticket during the journey. Make sure you have all your valid travel documents with you while on board a TGV. Please note that you need to board the TGV, at the lastest, 2 minutes before departure. Access is not guaranteed after this time.
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