Paris to Geneva by Train
Direct high-speed (TGV Lyria) service · from €29
Route Overview
TGV Lyria high-speed trains connect Paris Gare de Lyon and Geneva Cornavin station in approximately 3 hours 11 minutes, covering 604 km at speeds up to 320 km/h. Eight direct trains run daily, departing roughly every two hours.
The route follows the LGV Sud-Est high-speed line southeastward from Paris through Burgundy, then crosses into the Jura Hills before arriving in Geneva. Intermediate stops may include Bourg-en-Bresse, Nurieux, and Bellegarde, though all services run direct between Paris and Geneva.
TGV Lyria is a joint venture between SNCF (French Railways, 74%) and SBB (Swiss Federal Railways, 26%). Three travel classes are available: Standard, Première (with lounge access and at-seat catering), and Première Signature (with Michelin-starred dining). Seat reservation is mandatory and included in the ticket price.
Train Operator
TGV Lyria
Joint venture between SNCF (74%) and SBB (26%). Operates all high-speed services between France and Switzerland using TGV Duplex double-decker trains.
Direct high-speed · 320 km/h max
Departure & Arrival Stations
Paris Gare de Lyon
- 12th arrondissement, Paris
- Métro 1, 14
- RER RER A, RER D
- Wi-Fi, luggage lockers, Le Train Bleu restaurant, shops
Genève Cornavin
- Geneva city centre
- SBB connections to Lausanne (40 min), Bern (1h 45m), Zürich (2h 45m). Walking distance to Lake Geneva.
Classes of Service
Standard
- 2+2 seating in open salon
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets at all seats
- Access to bar car
Première
- Wider seats with more legroom
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets at all seats
- At-seat catering service (paid)
- Grand Voyageur Lounge access (Paris Gare de Lyon)
- Same-day flexibility — board any TGV Lyria to the same destination
Première Signature
- Gourmet meal designed by Michelin-starred chefs Michel Roth & Danny Khezzar served at seat
- Welcome drink and hot oshibori towel
- Grand Voyageur Lounge access
- Full ticket flexibility
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets at all seats
Tickets & Booking Tips
Starting Price
from €29 per person, one way in Standard class. Prices range from €29 (Standard advance) to €179+ (Première Signature). Prices increase closer to departure..
Book Early
Tickets are available Up to 120 days (approximately 4 months) in advance. Advance bookings typically offer the lowest fares.
Children & Youth
Children aged 4–11: discounted fares available.. SNCF Carte Avantage and youth fares available for under 28s.. Children under 4 travel free on an adult’s lap.
Luggage
2 bags + 1 hand luggage per passenger. No formal weight limit.
Good to Know
Three Travel Classes
TGV Lyria offers Standard (2nd class), Première (1st class with lounge access), and Première Signature (Michelin-starred dining served at your seat). All classes include Wi-Fi and power sockets.
Automatic Gates at Paris Gare de Lyon
Paris stations have automatic ticket gates. Scan the barcode on your ticket or phone to access the platform. Gates close approximately 2 minutes before departure. Arriving 30 minutes early is recommended.
Customs at Geneva
As Switzerland is not in the EU, customs checks may occur at Geneva Cornavin station. This is usually a simple walk-through but any passenger may be stopped for inspection. Carry valid ID.
Book Early for Lowest Fares
Tickets go on sale up to 120 days before departure. Standard class fares start from €29 when booked early. Prices increase closer to departure and same-day travel can cost €180 or more.
Seat Reservation Included
Seat reservation is mandatory on all TGV Lyria trains and is automatically included in your ticket price.
Swiss Currency
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), not the Euro. EuroTrain shows prices in EUR. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Geneva.
Double-Decker Trains
TGV Lyria uses double-decker TGV Duplex trains. Upper deck seats have slightly better views. Luggage racks are available on both levels.
Première Flexibility
Première and Première Signature tickets offer full flexibility — you can board any TGV Lyria train on the same day to the same destination without additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fastest direct TGV Lyria trains take 3 hours 11 minutes. Most services take between 3h 11m and 3h 13m depending on stops along the way.
There are 8 direct TGV Lyria trains per day between Paris Gare de Lyon and Geneva Cornavin, departing approximately every 2 hours.
Advance fares start from €29 one-way in Standard class. Première (1st class) starts from €49. Prices increase closer to departure.
All TGV Lyria trains to Geneva depart from Paris Gare de Lyon, located in the 12th arrondissement. Métro lines 1 and 14, and RER lines A and D serve the station.
Switzerland is in the Schengen Area, so there are no formal border checks. However, as Switzerland is not in the EU, customs checks may occur at Geneva. Carry valid photo ID.
The premium class on TGV Lyria, featuring a gourmet meal designed by Michelin-starred chefs served at your seat, a welcome drink, hot towel service, Grand Voyageur lounge access, and full ticket flexibility.
Yes. Geneva Cornavin has frequent SBB connections to Lausanne (40 minutes), Bern (1h 45m), Zürich (2h 45m), and Interlaken (3h). The GoldenPass Express to Interlaken departs from nearby Montreux.
Yes — free Wi-Fi is available in all classes on TGV Lyria trains.