Trains from Paris to Geneva
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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.
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 7h 31m to travel from Paris to Geneva by train, over a distance of around 254 miles (409 km). There are normally 16 trains per day traveling from Paris to Geneva and tickets for this journey start from $32.66 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:03 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:00 | |
| Departure station | Paris | |
| Arrival station | Geneva | |
| Journey time | From 5h 4m | |
| Distance | 254 miles (409 km) | |
| Frequency | 16 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $32.66 | |
| Train and bus operators |
TGV, SNCF and TGV Lyria trains from Paris to Geneva
TGV
SNCF
TGV Lyria
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
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 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 INOUI and TGV Lyria classes from Paris to Geneva
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI and TGV Lyria when traveling from Paris to Geneva.
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
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- 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
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- More legroom
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- 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
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- More legroom
- Full ticket flexibility (1)
- Welcome service
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Quiet area
- 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 Paris to Geneva.
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 Deli: Available in the café-bar car 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 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 and bottle-warming station, on the upper deck of cars 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 (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 Paris to Geneva
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 to Geneva 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.
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.
FAQs for 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.
How long does the train from Paris to Geneva take?
The average journey time by train between Paris and Geneva is 7 hours and 31 minutes, with around 16 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 and Geneva by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Paris to Geneva is 5 hours and 4 minutes.
How much does the train from Paris to Geneva cost?
Train tickets from Paris to Geneva can start from as little as $32.66 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Paris to Geneva?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Paris to Geneva without having to change trains. There are 7 direct trains from Paris to Geneva each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Paris to Geneva leave?
The first train from Paris to Geneva leaves at 06:03. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Paris to Geneva leave?
The last train from Paris to Geneva 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 and Geneva by train?
Trains travelling from Paris to Geneva cover a distance of around 254 miles (409 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Geneva to 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.