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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.
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 from Paris to Geneva by train
What separates pretty Paris from gorgeous Geneva? 254 miles or, if you travel by high-speed TGV Lyria train, a mere 3 hours. Running at up to 198 mph, TGV Lyria trains let you sit back and relax in Standard Class or First Class as you speed your way from Paris to Geneva.
When you arrive, Genève Cornavin Station places you a short walk away from the best sights in the city, including the Palais des Nations, the Brunswick Monument and the banks of Lake Geneva. Relax while nibbling on some local cheese or world-famous chocolate, content in the knowledge that your choice of transport was simply inspired. No wonder Geneva is one of the best places in Europe to visit from Paris according to our guide.
Discover more about this fantastic train route – here's what you can find on this page:
- Today’s train times
- Classes on board trains from Paris to Geneva
- Services on board trains from Paris to Geneva
- Traveling from the airport to central Paris
- How to get to Paris Gare de Lyon station
- Arriving in Geneva from Paris
- Using public transport in Geneva
- Things to see and do in Geneva
- Where to travel next when in Switzerland
- Explore Europe with a Eurail Pass
- How to get from Geneva city center to the airport.
Paris to Geneva by train
It takes an average of 4h 36m to travel from Paris to Geneva by train, over a distance of around 254 miles (409 km). There are normally 14 trains per day traveling from Paris to Geneva and tickets for this journey start from $35.33 when you book in advance.
| First train | 6:15 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 8:59 pm | |
| Departure station | Paris | |
| Arrival station | Geneva | |
| Journey time | From 3h 11m | |
| Distance | 254 miles (409 km) | |
| Frequency | 14 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $35.33 | |
| Train and bus operators | BlaBlaCar Bus, SBB CFF FFS, Flixbus, OUIGO, SNCF Voyageurs, TGV Lyria, Trenitalia |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Paris to Geneva?
Want to know more about your journey from Paris to Geneva? 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 Paris and Geneva by train?
Are there direct trains from Paris to Geneva?
What's the distance between Paris and Geneva by train?
Who runs the trains from Paris to Geneva?
Can you travel from Paris to Geneva without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Geneva from Paris?
What time is the first train from Paris to Geneva?
What time is the last train from Paris to Geneva?
How often do trains go from Paris to Geneva?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Paris to Geneva?
Is there a return trip from Paris to Geneva?
Trenitalia, OUIGO, TGV Lyria and SBB trains from Paris to Geneva
Trenitalia
OUIGO
TGV Lyria
SBB
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
More information
OUIGO is the low-cost, high-speed train service operated by the French national train company SNCF. Despite having only one class on board, OUIGO trains offer the same comfort as Second Class seats on TGV trains, although OUIGO tickets are only available to purchase online. To make your journey as smooth as possible, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and bear in mind that there's an additional fee for bringing a suitcase with you, having a seat with power sockets and travelling with a stroller/buggy.
More information
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
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
More information
What OUIGO, TGV Lyria and Intercity classes are there from Paris to Geneva?
Compare the different travel classes offered by OUIGO, TGV Lyria and Intercity when traveling from Paris to Geneva.
OUIGO
TGV Lyria
Intercity
Standard Class
OUIGO comes with only one class, Standard Class, which is the equivalent of TGV's Second Class. On board you'll find WiFi and a café-bar (on services in Spain). There may be a trolley service on Train Classique services in France. You can pay extra to guarantee a seat with a power outlet, as not all seats currently have one.
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Dining car (1)
- In-seat meal service (2)
- WiFi (3)
- Power outlets
- (1) Available on OUIGO Spain services only
- (2) Snack service available on some OUIGO Classique trains
- (3) WiFi available for a fee on services in France; may be free in Spain
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.
Economy Class
Take advantage of the dining car which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Traveling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
First Class
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual power outlets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
What are the onboard services on OUIGO, TGV Lyria and Intercity?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Geneva.
OUIGO
TGV Lyria
Intercity
What baggage limits are there? | One piece of hand baggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one piece of cabin baggage (55 x 35 x 25 cm) can be taken onboard. You can take additional or larger bags with you (max. 30kg) for an extra fee or by paying for OUIGO Plus. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | On OUIGO trains in France: an at-seat service of snacks is available on Train classique services. This service is not available on high-speed OUIGO trains. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | For OUIGO trains in France: Passengers under 12 years old pay a fixed price for tickets all year round - €5 for journeys on Train classique services, and €8 for high speed services. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You can take your bicycle on board OUIGO trains if you add the 'Bike' option onto your ticket for an additional fee of at least €5. Your bike must be folded or dismantled and placed in a storage bag for transport. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Pets are only allowed on board OUIGO trains if the 'Pets' option is added to your ticket at the time of booking. (1 pet per adult, per booking, €10 per pet.) |
What special assistance is available? | 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). |
What baggage limits are there? | You can take baggage on board TGV Lyria trains without worrying about weight restrictions, so long as you're able to carry it yourself. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | 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. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | 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. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | 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. 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. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | 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). |
Can I bring pets on board? | 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). |
What special assistance is available? | 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. |
What else do I need to know? | 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. |
What baggage limits are there? | You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | There are power outlets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family car. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You can take your bicycle on board SBB Intercity trains. Between 21st March and 31st October, it's compulsory to reserve a bike space on some Intercity trains. You must also buy a ticket for your bike at a ticket office, ticket machine or online. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities. |
What special assistance is available? | SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet. |
What else do I need to know? | There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains. |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Paris to Geneva?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.
1. Book in advance
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Traveling from the airport to central Paris
Visiting Paris from abroad? You’ll most likely arrive at one of Paris’ airports. If you want to know how to get to central Paris from 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). Find out more about transfers to and from airports in Paris.
How to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris
How to get from Orly Airport to central Paris
How to get from Beauvais Tillé Airport to central Paris
How to get to Paris Gare de Lyon station
Train services to Geneva, including TGV Lyria and SNCF trains, leave from Paris Gare de Lyon. Not sure how to get there? We’ll tell you how!
Trains from Paris Gare de Lyon
If you’re headed to Paris Gare de Lyon train station from another part of Paris, you can get there using public 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 12:30am to 5:30am.
Arriving in Geneva from Paris
When traveling by train from Paris to Geneva, you’ll arrive at Geneva Cornavin station.
Your train from Paris will arrive at Geneva Cornavin station (also known as Gare de Genève, or Geneva train station). This is well situated in the city center, so you can get off the train with your baggage and start exploring straight away!
If you need to leave your baggage at the station for a while (before you check in to 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
Using public transport in Geneva
Geneva has a public transport network made up of buses, trams and even boats to help you get around the city.
If you’re looking to get around Geneva using public transport, you’ve got plenty of options. To help get started, here’s a list of the services that stop at Geneva’s train station.
- Trams: Tram lines 14, 15 and 18 stop outside Geneva Cornavin station.
- Trolleybuses: Lines 3, 6, 10 and 19 serve the city’s train station.
- Buses: You can catch bus lines 1, 5, 8, 9, 20, 25 and line F (soon to be line 60) from Geneva’s train station, as well as express routes E+ and G+.
- Night buses: Geneva’s late-night bus service, Noctambus, means some bus routes carry on through the night on Fridays and Saturdays.
Things to do in Geneva
If you’re looking for ideas on what to do when you’re in Geneva, we’ve got you covered!
Geneva, Switzerland’s second most populous city, is jam-packed with things to keep you busy on your visit. Whether you want to hop on a boat across Lake Geneva, take a leisurely stroll around the city’s Old Town, or explore some Swiss culinary delights (fondue, anyone?), there’s something for everyone in Geneva! Check out our guide on what to do in Geneva for more travel inspiration.
And if just the thought of all those activities makes you feel tired, don’t fret! We’ve got a round-up of Geneva’s best hotels too, so you can find a place to rest and relax.
If you'd like to explore more of Switzerland and Europe, check out our favorite day trips from Geneva by train.
Where else should you visit when in Switzerland?
The Swiss train network means it’s easy to visit other cities in Switzerland. It’s also possible to take a day trip to France or Italy! Check out our recommended itineraries below.
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
Once you’ve finished exploring Geneva, 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.
If you’re an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass. 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 Geneva city center to the airport
If Geneva is the last stop on your trip and you’re about to fly home, you’ll likely be flying out of Geneva Airport. It’s easy to get there by train – we'll show you how!
Getting to Geneva airport by train
It’s quick and easy to get from Geneva city center to the airport by train. Simply hop on a train from Geneva Cornavin station towards the airport – you could be there in as little as 7 minutes!
It’s also simple to buy your ticket on Trainline. Head to our Journey Planner and search ‘Geneva’ to ‘Geneva Airport’ and we’ll show you all the times and tickets available.
Getting to Geneva airport by bus
If you want, you can travel to Geneva airport by bus. This takes slightly longer (though still only a respectable 20 minutes or so) but 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.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.