TGV

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TGV

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TGV in brief

TGV, the ‘Train à Grande Vitesse’ is the fastest way to travel to more than 1400 destinations in Europe. With record-breaking speeds of up to 320 km/h, whether your destination is on the other side of France or beyond the borders you’ll reach it in just a few hours, and with magnificent views of the French countryside.

The electric, high-speed TGV, operated by SNCF, transports over 130 million passengers to their destinations every year. The total number since the service began in 1981 is expected to reach 2 billion in 2010, second only to Japan’s Shinkansen train. France is, quite rightly, very proud of its bullet train service!

The TGV network

Within France TGV trains connect 150 major cities and towns. Example train durations are given below:

Popular journeys
JourneyTravel time
Paris – Reims 0 h 45
Paris – Nantes 2 h 01
Paris – Strasbourg 2 h 20
Paris – Avignon 2 h 40
Lille – Lyon 2 h 55
Paris – Bordeaux 3 h 00
Paris CDG – Marseille 3 h 34

TGV trains also connect France with Belgium, Switzerland and Germany where you can continue your journey with other European high-speed services and rail networks. Example train durations are given below:

Popular journeys
JourneyTravel time
Paris CDG – Brussels 1h 14
Avignon – Geneva 2h 53
Paris – Stutgart 3h 40

Our tip

Be sure to check the departures before and after your ideal time, the less popular the train time, the cheaper it will be.

More details

Want to travel in the comfort of a spacious train and visit France? No need to rack your brains. TGV trains are the flagship of French rail as they offer an exciting experience on board at top speed touching 320 km/h.

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Before you board

The stations
Many of the TGV stations are architecturally outstanding; if you have time go outside and take a look at the exteriors. The Gare du Nord, Milano Centrale and Amsterdam Centraal are just a few of the network highlights.

Check-in & boarding
All TGV train journeys must be reserved beforehand, most tickets are available up to 60 days previously, or they can be reserved in the station before you board.
Make sure to validate your ticket using the yellow stamp machines, or composteurs, on the platforms before you board the train.
There are usually two steps up to the carriage so make sure you can lift your luggage, or find a friendly passenger to help.

Onboard

TGV offers three classes of service:
TGV Pro1st Class 2nd Class
Access to the bar buffet car √ √ √
Family area √ √ √
Wi-Fi √ √ √
Comfortable seats √ √ √
Reclining seats √ √
Power points √ √
Station business lounges √
Pre-book taxi facility √
Meal served to your seat √
Travel packs √

Highlights on

Travel in style aboard TGV trains
 Fashion king Christian Lacroix designed the interiors of the newest TGV trains, so expect to be impressed.

Suddenly you see!
 On some routes, the double-decker TGV Duplex trains offer an even better view of the passing countryside whilst at high speed.

Aboard TGV trains, comfort is not a legend
 With the TGV, only the train goes at high speed: you travel in peace and quiet with your family and benefit from the comfort of large seats and all of the services onboard. Upgrade to First class!

More details

TGV trains offer the comfort of two travel classes to cater to your different needs. No wonder if after this experience, you will not feel like boarding a plane for short journeys anymore….

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Travel destinations

Learn more about:

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  • A. You can print your TGV ticket directly from your printer at home or retrieve it from the self-service machines available at the train stations before boarding your TGV train.


  • A. First class on the TGV offers large comfortable reclining seats and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.

    When Premier service is offered for this train the service includes meal service and access to the TGV lounge at the train stations.

    Second class on the TGV Med offers generous legroom and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. You will be able to book your TGV tickets 90 days in advance.


  • A. Reservation is compulsory on TGV and if you are a pass holder, you still need to buy a TGV ticket. Among the passes available on TGV, you’ll be able to choose between Eurail Global, Eurail Select Pass or Eurail two country pass including France. France Rail Pass and France Rail Pass Premium are also among the possible options and offer last minute "Easy Access" reservations.


  • A. TGV trains offer high-speed train services connecting the major cities of France. Paris is 58 minutes from Lille, and Bordeaux is just under 3 hours from the French capital. Travel time between Paris and Marseille is 3 hours. And if you want to get to Strasbourg, it will take you only 2 hours and 20 minutes from Paris by TGV.


  • A. There are no check-in or customs procedures before boarding TGV trains. However, you must be onboard at the latest 2 minutes prior to the departure time, beyond which access to the train cannot be guaranteed. Ticket control and passport checks will occur on board the train.


  • A. TGV trains offer a buffet car where you can find a vast choice of hot and cold meals. Drinks and snacks are also available at vending machines on all TGV trains. You are also allowed to bring your own food and drink onto the train.


  • A. First class on the TGV Medoffers large comfortable reclining seats and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.

    Second class on the TGV Med offers generous legroom and a bar-buffet car offering a selection of food and beverages for purchase.



  • A. Many trains such as the Eurostar offer discounted tickets for advance purchase. These fares have limited availability and sell out quickly. To receive the best price on the train you want to travel on you should purchase your tickets prior to your departure so you can avoid fully booked trains.


  • A. The following items of luggage are accepted at no extra cost on TGV trains and must be stored in the racks provided: hand luggage (suitcases, travel bags, rucksacks); skis in a bag; children’s prams; dismantled bikes in a bag; portable wakeboards in a bag. Also remember that on all French trains, including TGV, it is mandatory to place a tag on each piece of luggage identifying the traveller.


  • A. TGV offers two different classes of travel: 1st and 2nd class. Larger seats that recline electronically, power sockets for laptop or mobile phone and access to the bar buffet car are among the main features you will find in TGV first class. In second class, you will enjoy comfortable seats with also an access to the bar-buffet car where you can choose from a vast selection of dishes and beverages.

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