TGV is SNCF’s high-speed rail service. Carrying passengers across France on trains exceeding 300kmh, TGV train has become one of the most popular modes of transport for travelling around the country. What's more, with around 50 high-speed rail routes, TGV can take you through France and into neighbouring countries such as Belgium, Germany and Spain.
French summer seats are live ☀️
SNCF Summer Seat Release
French carrier SNCF’s summer seats* are now live, which means the countdown to summer is officially on. So, stock up on sun cream and practice your ‘Bonjours’ – you’re going to France!
Thinking of travelling around France between 05/07 – 31/08? Check out these top routes for some inspo:
☀️ Paris to Bordeaux in 2 hours
☀️ Paris to Strasbourg in under 2 hours
☀️ Paris to Nice in under 6 hours
☀️ Paris to Lyon in under 2 hours
Plus, some top cross-border routes out of France are now available to book ‘til 13/12, including:
- TGV Lyria
- TGV INOUI Spain
- TGV INOUI Italy
TGV Europe’s cross-border sale
For all those thinking of going cross-border, now’s your chance to grab TGV Europe tickets from just £34^!
Dates for travel out of France depend on the carrier and where you’re heading:
- TGV Lyria for travel to Switzerland between 28/06 – 24/08
- TGV INOUI Italy for travel to Italy between 05/07 – 13/12
- DB SNCF Voyageurs for travel to Germany between 22/04 – 05/07
- TGV INOUI for travel to Europa Park between 31/03 – 31/08
- TGV INOUI for travel to Luxembourg between 22/04 – 05/07
This deal ends 19/03, so get planning and booking to make your dream European holiday come true for an unmissable price.
*Tickets on sale from 12 March 2025 at 5am (GMT) for travel between 5 July and 31 August 2025 inclusive, for journeys made with TGV INOUI or INTERCITÉS, in France and to a selection of destinations in Europe with TGV INOUI (France-Brussels, Paris-Fribourg, France-Luxembourg), subject to availability. Tickets on sale from 05 March 2025 for travel between 5 July and 13 December 2025 inclusive for travel with TGV INOUI between France and Spain, between France and Italy, with TGV Lyria between France and Switzerland, and with TGV INOUI in France between: Paris Gare de Lyon - Lyon Part-Dieu / Lyon Perrache (without connection) and including St Etienne-Châteaucreux in both directions. Paris Gare de Lyon - Marseille Saint Charles (without connection) including Nice Ville, Toulon and Hyères in both directions. Paris Gare de Lyon - Montpellier Sud de France / Montpellier Saint Roch (without connection) including Perpignan in both directions.
Tickets exchangeable and refundable free of charge up to 7 days before departure. From 6 days before departure, exchange or refund charges of €19 maximum on TGV INOUI and €15 maximum on INTERCITES (reservation required). From 30 minutes before departure, only one exchange possible and no refund possible after the exchange. TGV INOUI, INTERCITÉS and TGV LYRIA are registered trademarks of SNCF Voyageurs. All reproduction rights reserved.
^Original tickets are prices in Euros, prices shown in Pounds are based on FX rate and correct as of 25/02/2025 and are subject to change without notice.
Price per person, from £34, for a single 2nd class ticket with DB SNCF Voyageurs to Germany, TGV INOUI to Italy, TGV INOUI to Luxembourg, TGV INOUI to Ringsheim/Europa-Park and TGV Lyria to Switzerland, on certain days and on certain trains, on a selection of destinations in Europe to and from France, excluding transfers from stations on the lines serving the eligible destinations, and with almost 10,000 tickets available at £26 and 11,000 tickets at £30 for the same travel conditions with TGV Lyria. Tickets on sale from 12 to 19 March 2025 inclusive for all the above carriers except TGV Lyria, and from 12 to 18 March 2025 inclusive for TGV Lyria, for journeys made between 22 April and 5 July 2025 for TGV INOUI to Luxembourg, and between 31 March and 31 August 2025 for TGV INOUI to Ringsheim/Europa-Park, between 22 April and 4 July 2025 for DB SNCF Voyageurs in cooperation, between 28 June and 24 August 2025 for TGV Lyria and between 5 July and 13 December 2025 for TGV INOUI to Italy, subject to availability of seats at this fare. 50% reduction on the adult promotional price for children aged 4 to 11 inclusive for travel with DB SNCF Voyageurs in cooperation, TGV INOUI to Italy, Luxembourg and Ringsheim/Europa-Park. Non-exchangeable and non-refundable tickets. DB is a registered trademark of Deutsche Bahn AG, TGV INOUI and TGV Lyria are registered trademarks of SNCF Voyageurs. All rights reserved.
TGV map
The TGV train network is a large and extensive one, covering all corners of France and even countries nearby. With long distances covered in a relatively short period, you can start to plan your trip, and what you'll do with the time you'd have made up by travelling high-speed.
If you’re looking to connect the dots, we’ve created a TGV route map that shows all the major routes and stops across France, giving you a better idea of how to plan out your train journeys across the country.
TGV routes
With plenty of regions and cities to see in France, getting around by train is a peaceful and easy way to explore this vast country. For more inspiration on where to go in France, check out some of the popular routes our customers already take.
TGV train information
TGV trains are some of the fastest and most comfortable trains not just in France, but all of Europe. Using TGV trains gives you a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with the French countryside, all whilst sipping on a nice glass of wine!
TGV Trains
TGV trains are some of the most modern high-speed trains in Europe. Combining speed and comfort, TGV offers passengers a great experience while travelling over long distances. There are over 550 TGV trains currently in operation, spread out over nine different types of TGV train. The most modern TGV train is the Europlex.
With a top speed over 320kmh, the Europlex is the next generation of TGV train for SNCF. With power sockets fitted in both classes, more room for passengers in Second Class and a smoother ride, TGV Europlex trains will be the future for the network.
When onboard TGV trains, passengers can typically look forward to double-decker carriages. These have become part of the iconic image of the TGV train and helps SNCF carry more passengers per trip, reducing congestion during journeys. WiFi on TGV trains is available on all routes in and out of Paris, with SNCF hoping to increase the network in the future.
TGV First Class
If you want to travel in a little more luxury, then TGV First Class services provide plenty of it. With access to SNCF First Class lounges at all stations, there’s no better way to start a journey. TGV First Class carriages all come with larger and adjustable seats and fold-down tables for any food or work you may have. There are also electrical power sockets at each seat, perfect for charging any gadgets on the go.
TGV First Class tickets will cost more, however, when booking TGV train tickets, you may be able to get cheaper tickets should you book further in advance.
TGV tickets
TGV tickets run in the same way as all SNCF tickets do. There are three main ticket types with SNCF: PREM’S, LEISURE AND PRO. These tickets all have different levels of flexibility and price, and when you book will also affect the price. If you’re travelling on a OUIGO TGV train, the tickets will be cheaper. However, OUIGO TGV trains only travel on selected routes. If you want to learn more about the different types of SNCF tickets, you can visit our SNCF information page for more details.
How to buy cheap TGV train tickets
French rail fares usually rise in price over time after they’re released. So, booking in advance is the best way to get cheap TGV train tickets. With this in mind, we recommend buying Prem’s tickets as far in advance as possible (up to three months) when you know your travel dates – not only are you likely to save money, but you’ll also have peace of mind that your travel is sorted.
To find out more, visit our dedicated cheap train tickets in France page.
Good to know
Here are some good things to know before you travel with TGV: