TGV - high-speed rail in France. Timetables and online tickets | EuroTravel

If you're wondering what the TGV is and why it's so different from traditional train services, the answer is simple: it's the best way to reach major French cities in just a few hours. Thanks to the TGV's extensive route map, you can quickly find yourself in Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux or Nice without having to wait a long time at the airport.

The comfort of the journey is comparable to flying by plane, but without the stress of check-in and security checks.

If you're planning a trip to France, it's worth finding out details about TGV tickets, prices, routes and the speed of Europe's fastest train. Below you will find practical tips on how to travel comfortably and at a good price in France and selected international destinations.

Travelling by TGV train is the fastest way to get around France - both between the capital and major cities and towards neighbouring countries. The TGV timetable is available online, so you can conveniently check departure times, journey times, course availability and possible transfers. Booking tickets also does not require you to leave your home, simply select your route, date and class of travel and the system will display prices and seat availability.

The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) is the French high-speed train that has been a symbol of modern rail in Europe for years. The first TGV runs began in 1981 between Paris and Lyon, and since then the network has gradually expanded, connecting France's major cities and also reaching neighbouring countries including Spain, Belgium, Italy, Germany and even Switzerland. Thanks to the speed and ease of connections, the TGV revolutionised travel in France and became the inspiration for other high-speed rail systems around the world.

The French railway's trains are not just about comfort, but above all TGV speed. They reach 320 km/h as standard, making them one of the fastest trains in Europe. Under test conditions, the TGV set a speed record for a wheeled train - 574.8 km/h (2007).

Example journey times from Paris:

• Paris - Lyon: approximately 2 hours

• Paris - Marseille: approx. 3 hours 21 minutes

• Paris - Zurich: approx. 4 hours 40 minutes

• Paris - Strasbourg: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes

This makes the TGV realistically competitive with aircraft on routes up to 1,000 km. The biggest problems on short-haul air travel are the distance from the airport to the city, security checks, check-in times and limited baggage. The TGV removes these problems.

Train stations, on the other hand, are usually located in strict city centres, large luggage is included, and you only need to arrive at the station 10 minutes early. Not surprisingly, France's fastest TGV train is a popular choice for passengers travelling for both business and pleasure.

In addition, travelling by train is more environmentally friendly than flying by plane.

The TGV route map covers virtually the whole of France, from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic, as well as international destinations.

Local connections in France

How much does the TGV travel? The French high-speed rail network is the main link between the capital, Paris, and major cities. The most popular local routes include:

• Paris - Lyon: approximately 2 hours

• Paris - Marseille: approx. 3 hours 21 minutes

• Paris - Bordeaux: approx. 2 hours 17 minutes

• Paris - Nice: approx. 6 hours 30 minutes

• Paris - Lille: approx. 1 hour 10 minutes

As you can see, domestic travel is fast, convenient and competitive with air transport.

International connections in Europe

Paris - major cities abroad

The fastest train in France leaves Paris daily for foreign metropolises. The most popular routes are:

• Paris - Lille - Brussels: approximately 2 hours 38 minutes

• Paris - Frankfurt am Main: approx. 3 hours 53 minutes

• Paris - Geneva: approx. 3 hours 11 minutes

• Paris - Milan: approx. 7 hours

• Paris - Barcelona: approx. 6 hours 50 minutes

• Paris-Turin: approx. 5 hours 40 minutes

Other popular international connections

Thanks to TGV's partnerships with other carriers, you can enjoy routes within Europe, such as:

• Zurich - Milan: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes

• Milan - Turin: approx. 1 hour 33 minutes

• Geneva - Lausanne - Zurich (high-speed connections in Switzerland)

• Barcelona - Madrid (part of the service is AVE, part is a shared TGV/AVE)

Buying TGV tickets may seem simple, but many travellers admit that the official SNCF Connect website can sometimes be complicated.

The interface is unintuitive, seat availability can change during searches and the payment process can be confusing, especially for those booking international connections. For this reason, it is worth checking various sources of information on routes, departure times and prices beforehand.

Fortunately, there are third-party services such as Europodróże that make it easy to find the best connections and purchase your ticket. Simply fill in our booking form with your travel details and we will find the best and cheapest connection.

It's also important to plan ahead - TGV tickets bought in advance are usually much cheaper than those purchased at the last minute, especially on popular routes such as Paris - Lyon, Paris - Marseille or Paris - Zurich.

TGV ticket prices depend on the class of carriage, the type of connection and the date of purchase. For example, 2nd class tickets on the Paris - Lyon route can start at around €29 and 1st class at around €55.

International connections, e.g. Paris - Zurich (€89) or Paris - Milan (€79), tend to be more expensive and are worth checking in advance, especially during the summer or holiday season when travellers are at their busiest.

Discounts for pupils and students

For those planning frequent TGV journeys, there are also special subscriptions and discounts that can significantly reduce the cost of travel. One of the most popular is TGV Max Jeune, aimed at 16 - 27 year olds.

The subscription costs €79 per month and gives unlimited access to most TGV and Intercités trains on selected routes, allowing students to travel around France virtually unlimited and without having to buy individual tickets. New users must sign a contract for at least three months. Early termination within the first year incurs a €15 cancellation fee.

The second option is the SNCF Carte Avantage Jeune, also designed for people up to the age of 27. The card provides:

• 30% discount on TGV and Intercités trains

• 25 - 50% discount on TER trains (depending on the region)

• 30% discount on selected European destinations (e.g. Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain)

The card costs €49 for one year and can sometimes be purchased at half price during special sale periods.

For seniors

Seniors can benefit from the Carte Avantage Senior, designed for people over 60 years of age for both occasional and regular travel. This card gives:

• 30% discount on travel all year round in 2nd and 1st class

• 60% on TGV tickets for up to 3 accompanying children on each journey

• 15% on SNCF services such as car hire, on-board catering, My Luggage service or childcare.

The cost of purchasing such a card is €49 per year.

For adults

For passengers between the ages of 28 and 59 who do not qualify for youth or senior cards, the Carte Avantage Adulte is available. This card offers discounts of up to 30% on most TGV and Intercités connections, in both first and second class. It is valid every weekend (one-way or round trip with an overnight stay) and on weekdays if you are travelling with a child under 12. With the card you gain:

• 30% discount on travel throughout the year for you and your travel partner

• 60% discount on tickets for up to 3 children

• 15% discount on SNCF services

With an international network of connections - including to selected European metropolises such as Zurich, Milan or Barcelona and a TGV speed of up to 320 km/h, France's high-speed rail competes with short-haul flights by eliminating the hassle of check-in, security checks and the distance of airports from city centres.

Although the official SNCF Connect website is sometimes criticised for its complexity, with the help of good service or advance preparation, it is easy to buy a ticket for the TGV and enjoy a comfortable, high-speed journey around France or Europe. Planning, comparing connections and booking in advance is the key to a smooth and enjoyable journey.

For those planning frequent trips, subscriptions and discount cards are available, e.g. TGV Max Jeune and SNCF Carte Avantage Jeune for students, Carte Avantage Senior for those over 60, Carte Avantage Adulte for adult travellers.

All in all, the TGV is not only the fastest train in Europe, but also a comfortable, environmentally friendly and stress-free form of transport. By planning your route, choosing the right ticket and understanding the discounts available, you can fully enjoy the benefits of France's high-speed rail, both domestically and when travelling internationally.