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Discover the allure of French travel as we take you on a comfortable and scenic journey from the heart of Paris to the vibrant city of Lyon aboard the TGV InOui.
Traveling from Paris to Lyon on the TGV was a dream come true!
As a seasoned semi-budget traveler with years of experience in crafting unforgettable journeys, I have honed the art of merging comfort with affordability.
My expertise lies in navigating the nuances of travel planning, ensuring that every trip is not only cost-effective but also rich in experience.
Through my blog, I strive to share insightful advice and travel tips that are grounded in my own experiences, aiming to be your trustworthy guide in exploring the world in a way that’s both enjoyable and practical.
The TGV is actually an incredibly efficient and enjoyable way to get around France! Let me show you how you can make the most of your journey and have a stress-free ride on the TGV from Paris to Lyon.
SBT Highlights
- Discover the convenience of TGV InOui’s services, including premium seating and on-board dining, which elevate the travel experience from Paris to Lyon.
- Learn how purchasing tickets online in advance offers not only a cost-saving opportunity but also the best selection of seats for a comfortable journey.
- Join us as we share personal insights and practical tips for your 2-hour TGV journey from Paris to Lyon.
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My TGV Experience from Paris to Lyon
I’ve been wanting to ride the TGV since 6th grade, which was a looooong time ago! I chose France for my 6th grade country report, and the TGV has been on my mind ever since. (Yes, I brought my actual report on the trip with us! Yes, for reals!)
It’s crazy to think that the TGV had only been “born” about 6 years before I wrote my country report in 1987, as the first high-speed rail service in France was the Paris to Lyon route in 1981.
Since it took decades to get here (literally), we decided to get 1st class tickets on the upper deck, for a better view.
We also chose an 11:52 a.m. departure time out of Paris Gare de Lyon for a few reasons. First, it meant we didn’t have to wake up crazy early, and it gave extra time for any transportation challenges. Second, we could experience the Bar car, and eat lunch on the train. And third, with a 1:56 p.m. arrival time at Lyon Part-Dieu station (continuing on to Lyon Perrache), we’d have some time to get settled and sightsee a little upon arrival in Lyon.
We chose a 4-person seating arrangement, with 2 forward-facing and 2 rear-facing seats, plus a shared fold-down table in the middle. We managed to haul our heavy bags up the short, curving staircase, to the upper deck (we’d also have to get them back down the stairs, of course). There were luggage racks right next to our seats.
When choosing your seats, note the direction the train will be traveling, and choose accordingly. Although our kids have been on countless forms of transportation all over the world without any motion troubles, it turns out that our younger daughter didn’t feel great moving backwards at 186 mph. We switched seats so she could be forward facing, and it was much better.
Before boarding the train, we ordered our lunch foods through the SNCF Connect app. Once the train started moving, we went to the Bar car, waited just a few minutes for our food, and brought our lunch back to the table at our seats.
Was this meal cheap? No.
Was this meal tasty? Yes.
Did we eat lunch on the TGV? Yes!
We arrived in Lyon in no time at all. Frankly, our time on the TGV wasn’t long enough!
But, our ride on TGV InOui from Paris to Lyon was a dream come true!
VIDEO: Paris to Lyon on TGV InOui
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a high-speed train from Paris to Lyon?
Yes! The TGV is the name of the French high-speed train. It is technically now called TGV InOui.
What does TGV mean in English?
TGV stands for “Train à Grande Vitesse” in French, which basically means “high-speed passenger train” in English.
Is there a direct train from Paris to Lyon?
Yes, there are multiple options for direct trains from Paris to Lyon. You can take the TGV, OUIGO, or TER trains – all of these will get you directly from Paris to Lyon, with no need to change trains or stations! There are, however, some differences.
TGV InOui – (This type will be the focus of this post.) Paris to Lyon in as little as 1 hour and 56 minutes, departing from Paris Gare de Lyon. Premium experience with choice of 2nd class, 1st class, and even Business Premiere 1st class tickets. Includes WiFi and “bar car” with food for purchase. Some allow for bicycles.
TGV Ouigo Grande Vitesse – Still TGV high-speed trains, but only 2nd class tickets available. Less comfort, less services, lower price. No bar car, more passengers. For a few more Euros, the “Plus” fare includes an additional piece of large luggage, seat selection, priority boarding, and WiFi. May depart from Paris Gare de Lyon, but can also depart from smaller stations.
Ouigo Train Classique – Uses the nostalgic Corail trains. Not high-speed. Will take a lot longer. No seat selection available. May depart from Paris Austerlitz, when departing for Lyon.
TER – Stands for “Transport Express Regional” in French. Basically the regional trains of France. When headed to Lyon, may depart from Paris Bercy. Relatively low-cost. Not high-speed. Will take much more time.
Where can I catch the TGV from Paris?
You’ll need to go to Gare de Lyon in Paris for your TGV InOui journey. This is the main train station for TGV trains in Paris, and it’s located in the city center, near Place de la Bastille.
How fast is the TGV from Paris to Lyon?
TGV InOui and Ouigo Grande Vitesse trains can reach speeds up to 320 km/h (about 198.84 mph, so approximately 200 mph).
How long does it take to get from Paris to Lyon by train?
It depends, of course, on which type of train and which stations you depart from and arrive at. Here are some of the available options:
- Marne La Vallee Chessy – Lyon Saint Exupery TGV (Ouigo Grande Vitesse) = 1 hour, 40 minutes
- Marne La Vallee Chessy – Lyon Part Dieu (Ouigo Grande Vitesse) = 1 hour, 47 minutes
- Paris Gare de Lyon – Lyon Saint Exupery TGV (Ouigo Grande Vitesse) = 1 hour, 48 minutes
- Paris Gare de Lyon – Lyon Part Dieu (TGV InOui) (the route we took) = 2 hours, 4 minutes
- Paris Bercy – Lyon Part Dieu (TER) = 5 hours, 8 minutes
- Paris Austerlitz – Lyon Part Dieu (Ouigo Train Classique) = 5 hours, 44 minutes
How much does the train from Paris to Lyon cost?
Prices vary depending on which type of train and which stations you depart from and arrive at. Time of day also affects the price. You might be able to find a reduced fare on less favorable time frames.
If you’re looking for cheap train tickets, prices for a basic 2nd class Ouigo Grande Vitesse ticket can be around €10 one-way.
For a TGV InOui, expect to pay around €45 and up for 2nd class, €56 and up for 1st class, and €149 and up for Business Premiere (all one-way).
Is train ride from Paris to Lyon scenic?
Yes, once you’re out of the city, the view is great! You’ll be able to see rolling hills and vineyards, with cute little villages dotting the landscape. They’ll be going by quite fast, but it’s definitely scenic!
What amenities are available on the TGV InOui?
The TGV InOui trains offer a range of amenities to make your journey more enjoyable. All TGV InOui’s offer free WiFi, power sockets, and fewer seats in each row in 1st class. There is also a food carriage (or café-bar) available on board (the “Bar”), so you can purchase snacks or even a meal during your trip.
You can even order food ahead of time via the SNCF Connect app or website, so you’ll have a shorter wait to eat on-board.
Other features include:
- luggage storage areas for large bags
- nursery area for families with young children
- adjustable seats (both 1st and 2nd class)
- folding tray tables
- reading light (some trains)
- temperature controlled coaches
- areas for taking mobile calls
- temperature-controlled cars
- family spaces (Espace Famille) (weekends, bank holidays, & school summer holidays)
Business Premiere 1st class tickets also include:
- access to Grand Voyageur lounges at various train stations
- dedicated attendant
- priority lines
- complimentary drink & snack (some routes)
- food delivery to your seat (some routes)
- more expensive type of ticket (natch)
What is OUIGO and what are its benefits?
OUIGO is another great option to get from Paris to Lyon, as it offers Second Class seats without compromising on comfort. Tickets can be purchased online, making it great for those on a budget.
Ouigo trains still give you the speed of the TGV, just at a lower cost, with fewer services. Think no bar car and no First Class.
You’ll have to pay a small additional fee to be able to choose your seat, bring extra baggage, or use an on-board power outlet, but it’s still cheaper than TGV InOui.
Does TGV InOui require seat reservations?
When purchasing a 1st class or Business Premiere ticket, selecting your seat is included in the price. This is not so for 2nd class tickets.
2nd class seat options:
- choose between upper deck & lower deck
- choose window or aisle
- choose family-friendly area or not
- actual seat assigned by computer
1st class & Business Premiere seat options:
- choose your exact seat
Where do you put your luggage on the TGV?
Small items can be stored at your seat or in the small overhead racks. Larger items can be stored in the luggage areas located at either end of your train car.
If you are able to reserve your seats, note where the luggage storage areas are, so you can keep an eye on your bags.
Can I bring my bike on the TGV?
Yes, you can bring your bike on the TGV. You’ll need to purchase an additional ticket for your bike, which will cost at least 5€ in advance. Note that there are size restrictions for bicycles which differ depending on the type of train and where you are headed.
Is there food on TGV trains?
TGV InOui trains have a “Bar” car. You will find drinks, snacks, and full meals. The menus have been developed by French chefs, so it’s not all the normal travel grub.
Order ahead on the SNCF Connect app, and pick-up your food on-board, without having to wait long.
Ouigo does not offer any food service, so plan accordingly if you’re taking that type of train. Head to the grocery store before your journey, or pick-up something at the originating train station.
How early should I arrive for TGV train?
It’s best to arrive at the station at least 30-45 minutes before departure. This should give you enough time to find your platform and get settled on-board your train.
At Paris Gare de Lyon, screens (or the departures board) will show which “Hall” your train will be departing from. Then, at some point fairly close to departure time (in my mind, at least!), the actual track number will be posted. Head to your assigned track number (“voie” in French), scan your ticket, and board your TGV train!
Other Transportation Options from Paris to Lyon
There are other ways to get from Paris to Lyon besides the TGV, if you must!
Plane
There are several non-stop, direct flights from Paris to Lyon, especially on Air France. Flight time is only about one hour, but factor in the time to get to and from airports, check-in times, etc., and the journey time can take more than three hours total door-to-door.
Airfare is fairly reasonable, but it’s possible you would also have to pay extra for luggage. So, in regard to both time and money, train travel may end up being the better option.
Bus
There are several bus lines that make the trip from Paris to Lyon as well. Bus trips are usually much longer than train trips, however; prepare for a six-hour trip. Some buses offer power outlets.
Car
If you have your own car, or are renting one, it is definitely a viable option to drive from Paris to Lyon. You’ll need about five hours for a driving distance of 460+ km, and the cost of fuel/parking must be factored in as well.
Where to Stay in Paris, France
Here are our recommendations for family lodging in Paris:
Where to Stay in Lyon, France
For budget-friendly family lodging in Lyon, this is the place for you:
📍 Ibis Styles Lyon Villeurbanne Parc de la Tête d’Or – Located in the quieter Villeurbanne neighborhood, this Ibis Styles is a great option for families. The hotel offers connecting rooms with beds for up to 4 people. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, for less than two rooms booked separately! The hotel has easy access to public transportation into the city centre, and breakfast is also included in the rate.
SBT Summary: Paris to Lyon
Taking the TGV from Paris to Lyon is a great way for travelers to experience France in style. With options such as 1st class and Business Premiere seating, free WiFi, individual power sockets, fold-down tables, food carriages and more – it’s no wonder why so many people choose this mode of transport over flying or driving.
Not only does it provide an enjoyable train journey, but tickets can also be purchased online ahead of time. Be sure to buy advance tickets, so you can have the greatest choice of seats.
For those wanting a stress-free trip from Paris to Lyon on a direct route – look no further than the TGV InOui!
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