Paris→Lyon
SNCF — France & Europe
TGV Train — France at 320 km/h
Europe's most iconic high-speed rail network. Over 200 destinations, 8 countries, and a safety record unmatched in the world.
Europe's most iconic high-speed rail network. Over 200 destinations, 8 countries, and a safety record unmatched in the world.
The TGV — Train à Grande Vitesse, meaning "high-speed train" — is France's national high-speed rail service, operated by SNCF. The first commercial departure ran between Paris and Lyon on 27 September 1981, cutting a journey that had previously taken nearly four hours to under two. Since then, the network has expanded continuously across France and into eight neighbouring countries.
Since July 2017, premium TGV services have been progressively rebranded as TGV inOui — a name that plays on the French word inouï, meaning "extraordinary". A fifth-generation TGV M fleet, built by Alstom following a €3.5 billion order placed by SNCF in 2018, began commercial service in early 2026, starting on the Paris–Lyon–Marseille corridor — the busiest high-speed line in France. Each nine-carriage set carries up to 740 passengers and is 20% more energy-efficient than existing single-deck trains.
Since launch in 1981, the TGV has not recorded a single passenger fatality caused by an accident during normal high-speed service — an exceptional record spanning more than four decades of operation.
SNCF Voyageurs reports that a TGV journey produces just 3.5 g of CO₂ equivalent per passenger-kilometre, against 125 g for a short-haul flight — a reduction of around 95%, based on ADEME 2024 lifecycle data.
On 3 April 2007, a modified TGV V150 test train reached 574.8 km/h on the LGV Est — the current world speed record for any wheeled train operating on conventional track.
Stepping off the TGV in Marseille two hours after leaving Paris — sunlight, the sea, a completely different world. I've taken this train a dozen times and the speed still surprises me every time.
From the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean and across borders — journey times below are the fastest services currently scheduled.
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All TGV inOui tickets include a compulsory seat reservation. Choose the class that fits your journey and budget.
2+2 airline-style reclining seats with fold-down tables, power sockets and free WiFi throughout. The most popular class for everyday TGV travel.
Wider 2+1 seating with greater legroom, a quieter atmosphere and complimentary hot drinks on selected routes. On the new TGV M fleet, first class seats are 5 cm wider than previous generations, with wrap-around height-adjustable headrests and electric recline.
Available on selected TGV inOui services. A fully flexible, refundable ticket comes as standard — change or cancel at any time without fees, plus full meal service at seat.
Everything you need for a comfortable high-speed journey — standard across the TGV inOui fleet.
Complimentary WiFi is provided on all TGV inOui services. The TGV M fleet, now in service on the Paris–Lyon–Marseille corridor from 2026, features 5G-standard WiFi architecture in every carriage for significantly improved reliability. Coverage can still vary in long tunnels and remote rural sections.
Almost all TGV inOui trains feature a bar-bistro carriage serving hot dishes, sandwiches, pastries, salads, hot drinks, beer and wine. The new TGV M fleet introduces "Le Bistro" — a redesigned two-storey bar car where passengers purchase at automated terminals on the lower level, with a staircase connecting to the upper level. A food and drink trolley also passes through the aisles on longer services.
European two-pin sockets are available at every seat in both Standard and First class on TGV inOui trains, allowing passengers to keep laptops, phones and tablets charged throughout the journey.
Dedicated family sections in Standard class carriages include fold-down tables, additional space for pushchairs and a relaxed atmosphere suited to families with young children. Children under 4 travel free when seated on a parent's lap.
Designated quiet carriages, primarily in First class, are where phone calls and loud conversations are discouraged. These are popular with business travellers and anyone wishing to work or rest undisturbed during their journey.
TGV inOui trains include wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets. The new TGV M fleet features a fully redesigned accessibility coach developed with input from disability representatives, plus a dedicated wheelchair space beside an accessible toilet in each trainset.
Bicycles in a labelled bag or cover up to 130 × 90 cm are carried free in the luggage areas of TGV trains. The new TGV M fleet, entering service in 2026, carries up to 8 non-dismantled bikes per trainset — a significant improvement on older trains.
TGV tickets are delivered as a QR code or PDF e-ticket. Simply scan at station barriers or show to the conductor on board — no printed ticket is required for travel.
The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) is France's high-speed rail service operated by SNCF. The first commercial service ran between Paris and Lyon on 27 September 1981. Since then the network has expanded to connect over 200 cities across France and runs internationally into Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and the UK. Since 2017, premium TGV services have been progressively rebranded as TGV inOui.
TGV trains operate at a commercial top speed of 320 km/h on the newest LGV high-speed lines, including sections of the Paris–Bordeaux and Paris–Strasbourg routes. Most other services run at up to 300 km/h. In April 2007, a modified TGV V150 test train set the world record for wheeled trains at 574.8 km/h on the LGV Est line.
TGV inOui trains offer Standard (2nd class) and First Class (1st class). Standard features 2+2 reclining seats with power outlets and free WiFi. First class offers a wider 2+1 configuration with greater legroom. Business Première is available on selected long-distance services and includes a fully flexible ticket, full meal service at seat, complimentary drinks and lounge access at major stations.
Free WiFi is available on TGV inOui services across France. Coverage can drop in tunnels and some rural sections. The new fifth-generation TGV M fleet, which entered commercial service in 2026 on the Paris–Lyon–Marseille route, features 5G-standard WiFi architecture in every carriage for significantly improved connectivity.
Yes — seat reservations are compulsory on all TGV services and all tickets include a reservation. You must sit in your assigned seat. Eurail and Interrail pass holders must also book a separate reservation fee (typically €10–20 within France) before travel — this cannot be arranged on board. Book via highspeedtrains.com.
Children under 4 travel free when seated on a parent's lap — no ticket or reservation is needed. Children aged 4–11 qualify for discounted Tarif Enfant fares. Dedicated family zones with fold-down tables and extra space for pushchairs are available in Standard class on most TGV inOui services.
Bicycles in a labelled bag or cover measuring up to 130 × 90 cm are carried free in the luggage areas of TGV trains. The new TGV M fleet, now entering service, accommodates up to 8 non-dismantled bicycles per trainset — a significant improvement on the existing fleet. Space is limited on current trains, so always check availability at the time of booking.
Yes — both Eurail and Interrail passes cover travel on TGV services, but a compulsory reservation fee still applies. For domestic TGV journeys within France this is typically €10–20 per journey. This reservation must be booked before boarding and cannot be purchased on the train.
TGV inOui tickets for domestic French services go on sale up to 4 months (around 120 days) before departure. International services such as Paris–Barcelona and Paris–Frankfurt open around 6 months ahead. The cheapest promotional fares are released at the earliest booking point and sell out quickly — booking as early as possible gives you the widest choice and lowest prices.
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