Paris can be reached by train in a matter of hours from elsewhere in France and all major European cities
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Paris is just a few hours’ train ride away from anywhere in France and major European cities (London, Brussels, Geneva, etc.). The capital has nine major railway stations, all strategically located to make getting around easy as soon as you arrive. Each station is connected to public transport (Metro, RER, buses, etc.). Whether you’re coming for a business meeting, a cultural getaway or a family holiday, this guide will help you plan your trip with peace of mind.
The train is now the smartest choice for travelling to the French capital. Fast, comfortable and environmentally friendly, the TGV turns your journey into a pleasant experience from the moment you set off.
The TGV drops you right in the centre of Paris, a considerable advantage over flying. Paris to Lyon takes 2 hours, Paris to Marseille 3 hours 30 minutes, and Paris to Bordeaux 2 hours. No time is wasted on additional journeys: you arrive directly at one of Paris’s six major stations, all of which are perfectly connected to the public transport network. A train ticket booked in advance guarantees a stress-free arrival, with no airport transfers.
The TGV’s carbon footprint remains unbeatable: for a Paris-Marseille journey, expect just 2.4 kg of CO₂ on the TGV compared to 171 kg by plane. On board, enjoy free Wi-Fi, power sockets at every seat and a nappy-changing area for families. Travel with your luggage at no extra cost, settle in comfortably and watch the scenery roll by. The train combines all the advantages for a successful journey to Paris, even before you arrive in the capital.
| Station name | Departures and arrivals | Metro lines | RER lines | Station opening hours | Luggage storage opening hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gare du Nord | Northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands, London (Eurostar), Lille, Amiens, Calais | Lines 2, 4, 5 | RER B, D, E | 4.30am-1.30am (2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays) | 6.15am-11.15pm (Level -1, opposite Platform 3. Taxi rank side) |
| Gare de l'Est | Eastern France, Germany, Luxembourg, Strasbourg, Reims, Metz | Lines 4, 5, 7 | - | 5am-1am | 7.30am-10.30pm (Level -1, towards the metro entrance, next to PAUL) |
| Gare de Lyon | South-east France, Italy, Lyon, Marseille, Geneva, Milan (Frecciarossa) | Lines 1, 14 | RER A, D | 4.30am-1am | 6.15am-10pm (Hall 3, Level -1, via Rue de Bercy) |
| Gare d'Austerlitz | Central and south-western France, Limoges, Toulouse, night trains | Lines 5, 10 | RER C | 4.30am-1am | 7am-11.30pm (in the Espace Services, opposite platform 4) |
| Montparnasse Station | West and south-west, Brittany, Pays de Loire, Bordeaux, Nantes, Rennes | Lines 4, 6, 12, 13 | - | 5am-1.15am | 7am-10pm (Hall 1, Level 2, near Platform 24) |
| Saint-Lazare Station | Normandy, Rouen, Caen, Le Havre, Deauville | Lines 3, 9, 12, 13, 14 | RER E | 5am-1.15am | Partner luggage storage: Nannybag (Carrefour City, level -1) |
| Paris-Bercy Station | Night trains to Italy, special services | Lines 6, 14 | - | 5.45am-11.30pm | No left-luggage facility at the station. Partners around the station |
| Marne-la-Vallée Chessy | Inter-regional TGV services, Disneyland Paris | - | RER A | 6am-10.15pm | 7am-10pm (Level +1, West concourse side) |
| Massy TGV | Inter-regional TGV services, avoid travelling via Paris | - | RER B, C | 6.10am-9.20pm | No left-luggage facility at the station. Partners around the station |
Paris has 7 major terminus stations (+ 2 stations in Greater Paris) that drop you off in the heart of the capital, each serving different regions of France and Europe. Located in strategic districts, they are perfectly connected to the public transport network.
By 2027, the two largest stations in the 10th arrondissement will be linked by a direct 300-metre-long underground passage. No more walking above ground along Rue d’Alsace: you’ll be able to transfer from the Eurostar to the TGV in under 5 minutes, sheltered from the elements and with full access for people with reduced mobility. This new strategic link will create a truly unified ‘station hub’, facilitating connections between the rail networks and the future Grand Paris Express lines.
Gare du Nord, located in the 10th arrondissement, is one of Europe’s busiest stations in terms of passenger numbers, with millions of visitors each year. It serves trains from northern France, as well as the Eurostar from London and services to Belgium and the Netherlands. Nearby, you’ll find numerous restaurants and hotels, as well as quick access to the lively districts of the city centre.
A ten-minute walk from Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est (10th arr.) is the oldest of Paris’s stations, inaugurated by Napoleon III in 1850. It serves the Grand Est region of France as well as Germany and Luxembourg. Its historic architecture is impressive, featuring a stunning rose-shaped glass roof and a rooftop offering a beautiful view of Paris. It also houses a bunker dating from 1941, which can be visited during the European Heritage Days.
The Paris Gare de Lyon, in the 12th arrondissement, is distinguished by its 67-metre-high tower with four clocks, a true visual landmark designed by the architect Charles Garnier. It serves trains arriving from south-eastern France and Italy. Its iconic restaurant, Le Train Bleu, is well worth a visit for the quality of its cuisine and its Belle Époque décor.
Gare Montparnasse (15th arr.) serves western and south-western France, notably Brittany, the Pays de la Loire and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Modern and functional, it offers direct access to the Montparnasse district and its many brasseries.
Gare Saint-Lazare (8th arrondissement) connects Paris to Normandy and the western suburbs. Close to the department stores on Boulevard Haussmann and the Opéra Garnier.
Gare d’Austerlitz (13th arr.) serves central France and the south-west, with Intercités services to Limoges, Toulouse and night trains. It is located near the Arab World Institute and the Jardin des Plantes .
The Paris-Bercy-Bourgogne-Pays d'Auvergne station (12th arr.) serves TER Bourgogne-Franche-Comté trains, Intercités services to Clermont-Ferrand and Nevers, as well as OUIGO Train Classique services. It also offers the Auto-Train service to numerous destinations (Nice, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, etc.).
All Parisian stations offer a range of essential services to make your journey easier. You’ll find public toilets accessible to people with reduced mobility, cash machines and SNCF ticket machines, as well as ticket validation machines for your travel tickets. The essential Relay outlets allow you to buy newspapers, magazines, drinks and snacks, whilst free water fountains are available in most concourses to refill your water bottle. Each station also has covered waiting areas, free Wi-Fi and passenger information points to help you find your way. Larger stations such as Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon and Montparnasse also offer pharmacies, self-service left-luggage facilities and a wide range of dining options, from snack bars to fine-dining restaurants.
In addition to the six historic Parisian stations, two strategic TGV stations complete the rail network in Greater Paris and make travelling easier depending on your final destination.
Marne-la-Vallée Chessy is located 31 km east of Paris, at the heart of the Disneyland® Paris complex. This modern station serves TGV INOUI and OUIGO services from France’s major cities: Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Rennes, Montpellier, Marseille, Lille and Strasbourg. It is also a Eurostar stop for services from London, Amsterdam, Antwerp and Brussels, allowing European visitors direct access to the Disney parks. The RER A connects the station to central Paris in around 50 minutes, with services every 15 minutes. You’ll find self-service left-luggage facilities (Level +1, West Gallery), a car park and a wide range of dining options.
Massy TGV, located 24 km south of Paris, mainly serves inter-regional connections without passing through the centre of the capital. Ideal for reaching Lille in under 2 hours, Bordeaux in 3 hours or Lyon in 2 hours 10 minutes, this modern station offers a convenient alternative for travellers wishing to avoid Parisian connections. The Massy-Palaiseau RER station is just 300 metres away, with lines B and C taking you quickly to the heart of Paris.
These two TGV stations are particularly convenient for families travelling to Disneyland or business travellers wishing to avoid travelling through central Paris.
Once you arrive at the station, you are just a few metro or RER stops away from Paris’s most prestigious theatres. Whether you’re coming for a concert, a musical, an opera or a show, the capital offers easy access to its iconic cultural venues from all its stations.
From Gare du Nord, you can easily reach the Olympia (metro lines 3, 7 or 9 to Opéra) to cheer on the biggest international stars in this legendary 1,996-seat venue. The Casino de Paris is also nearby, accessible via lines 7 or 9. For massive events, the Stade de France in Saint-Denis awaits you via the RER B or D, offering 80,000 seats for the biggest concerts and sporting events.
Gare de Lyon puts you just a stone’s throw from the Accor Arena (formerly Bercy) via metro lines 14 or 6. This 20,000-seat venue hosts major sporting and musical events. The Théâtre du Châtelet, an architectural gem located on Place du Châtelet, is easily reached via the RER A or metro lines 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14.
From Gare de l'Est, metro line 5 takes you directly to La Villette, home to several exceptional venues: the Zénith de Paris, the Philharmonie de Paris with its Grande Salle Pierre Boulez (2,400 seats) and the Trabendo for more intimate concerts.
Gare Saint-Lazare, located in the 8th arrondissement, puts you right next to the Salle Pleyel, an Art Deco temple dedicated to classical music and performances, as well as the Opéra Garnier, which is within walking distance. To reach the Défense Arena (40,000 seats), the largest venue in Europe, take the RER A or metro line 1 to La Défense, then the T2 tram.
Fans of contemporary performances will enjoy La Seine Musicale in Boulogne-Billancourt, accessible from Gare Montparnasse via metro line 9 then tram T2. This venue offers an eclectic programme in a remarkable architectural setting.
For large-scale events, the Palais des Congrès Paris Saclay is just a few minutes’ walk from the Massy RER and TGV stations.
| Venue | Capacity | Nearest station | Transport | Journey time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stade de France | 80,000 seats | Gare du Nord | RER B, D | 15–20 mins |
| Défense Arena | 40,000 seats | Gare Saint-Lazare | RER A + Tram T2 | 20–25 mins |
| Olympia | 1,996 seats | Gare Saint-Lazare | Metro 3, 7, 9 | 5–10 mins |
| Accor Arena | 20,000 seats | Gare de Lyon | Metro 14, 6 | 10–15 mins |
| Dôme de Paris | 8,000 seats | Massy TGV | RER B | 10–15 mins |
| Zénith Paris - La Villette | 6,300 seats | Gare de l'Est | Metro 5 | 15–20 mins |
| Seine Musicale | 6,000 seats | Gare Montparnasse | Metro 9 + Tram T2 | 25–30 mins |
| Théâtre du Châtelet | 2,500 seats | Gare de Lyon | RER A + Metro 1 | 15-20 mins |
| Philharmonie de Paris | 2,400 seats | Gare de l'Est | Metro 5 | 15-20 mins |
| Salle Pleyel | 1,913 seats | Gare Saint-Lazare | On foot | 5-10 mins |
| Casino de Paris | 1,500 seats | Gare du Nord | Metro 7, 9 | 10-15 mins |
| Opéra Garnier | 1,979 seats | Gare Saint-Lazare | On foot | 10–15 mins |
| Palais des Congrès Paris Saclay | 20,000 seats | Massy TGV | RER B, C | 5 mins |
Arriving in Paris with bulky luggage? Don’t panic! Parisian stations offer practical solutions to help you store your suitcases and explore the capital hands-free.
Five major Parisian stations have secure self-service luggage lockers: Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare d’Austerlitz, Gare Montparnasse, and Marne-la-Vallée Chessy. Prices are the same at all stations: €5.50 for a small locker, €7.50 for a medium locker, €9.50 for a large locker for a 24-hour period. Beyond that, it’s €5 for each additional 24-hour period, with a maximum duration of 72 hours.
Some stations offer a staffed concierge service for your bulky or unusual luggage. At Gare du Nord, this service operates on a tiered pricing system: €4 for under 4 hours, €7.50 for 4 to 12 hours, and €9.50 for 12 to 24 hours. This staffed service is particularly useful for oversized items or sports equipment.
In addition to the luggage storage facilities at the station, private solutions are emerging across Paris. Companies such as City-Locker, Nannybag and Stow Your Bags offer automated lockers or drop-off points at partner retailers, often near stations and tourist attractions. These alternatives offer greater geographical flexibility and sometimes more competitive rates for longer stays.
To find out everything about storage options and available services, check out our comprehensive guide to luggage lockers and storage at stations, which details all the solutions for travelling light in the capital.
Paris is directly connected to most major French cities via TGV INOUI and OUIGO services, as well as Intercités trains for certain destinations. TGV services take you to Lyon in 1 hour 53 minutes, Marseille in 3 hours, Bordeaux in 2 hours, Lille in 1 hour, Nantes in 2 hours, Strasbourg in 1 hour 45 minutes, Toulouse in 4 hours 10 minutes,
Rennes in 1 hour 30 minutes, Montpellier in 3 hours 20 minutes, Nice in 5 hours 30 minutes and Rouen in 1 hour 20–40 minutes by Intercités trains.
Other cities also have direct connections: Reims in 45 minutes, Orléans in 1 hour, Grenoble in 3 hours, La Rochelle in 2 hours 50 minutes, Clermont-Ferrand in 3 hours 30 minutes, Brest in 3 hours 30 minutes, Amiens in 1 hour, Perpignan in 5 hours, Toulon in 4 hours, Deauville in 2 hours and Annecy in 4 hours. Arrival stations vary depending on the destination: Gare de Lyon for the south-east and Rhône-Alpes, Gare Montparnasse for the west and south-west, Gare du Nord for the north, Gare de l’Est for the east, and Gare Saint-Lazare for Normandy.
To book your train ticket to Paris, remember to compare TGV INOUI (premium comfort) and OUIGO (low-cost fares from €10) offers on SNCF Connect or Trainline. Aix-en-Provence TGV station is a convenient hub for reaching the capital from the south.
Paris stands out as a true European rail hub, connecting the continent’s major capitals and cities in just a few hours. Whether you’re coming from Italy, Germany, Switzerland or the UK, direct connections take you right to the heart of the French capital.
Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa trains run daily between Milan and Turin and Paris Gare de Lyon, with two return journeys per day. The journey between Paris and Milan takes approximately 6½ to 7 hours, with stops at Lyon Part-Dieu, Chambéry, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Modane, Oulx and Turin. Departures from Paris are scheduled for 7.30 am and 3.20 pm, whilst the Italian trains leave Milan at 6.25 am and 3.53 pm. This direct service allows you to explore Paris after a night in Italy, or vice versa.
The Eurostar connects Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras International in approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, via the Channel Tunnel. Trains run every 30 minutes on weekdays during peak hours and approximately once an hour during off-peak hours. During the summer, more than 24 trains a day operate this service. The Eurostar service also serves Brussels-Midi in approximately 1 hour 20 minutes and Amsterdam in 3 hours 15 minutes, providing excellent connections to the Netherlands and Belgium.
A direct ICE train connects Paris Gare de l’Est to Berlin, with stops at Strasbourg, Karlsruhe and Frankfurt. Other ICE services run to Munich and other German cities. TGV Lyria trains provide the service to Switzerland, with 17 return journeys daily. Finally, direct TGVs take you to Barcelona in 6 hours 15 minutes, to Luxembourg in 2 hours 15 minutes, and connections to Vienna are also available.
Once you arrive at one of Paris’s major stations, you have access to a dense and efficient network operated by the RATP and the SNCF. Paris has 16 metro lines and 5 RER lines (A, B, C, D, E) that criss-cross the capital and the Île-de-France region, complemented by an extensive network of buses and trams. To reach the suburbs, the Transilien network departs from the main Parisian stations and serves the entire region.
When it comes to travel tickets, the Navigo Easy remains the practical option for occasional journeys, rechargeable at ticket machines, ticket offices or via the Île-de-France Mobilités and Bonjour RATP apps. Since January 2026, fares have been standardised: €2.55 for a Metro-Train-RER ticket and €2.05 for a Bus-Tram ticket, regardless of the distance travelled within Île-de-France. Contactless payment is being rolled out gradually across the entire bus network during 2026.
From Gare de Lyon, take the RER A towards Châtelet-les-Halles to reach the historic centre in just a few minutes. This central station puts you just a stone’s throw from the Louvre, the Marais and Notre-Dame Cathedral. For a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, the RER C takes you there directly. Families will enjoy the journey to Marne-la-Vallée Chessy via the RER A to reach Disneyland® Paris in around 40 minutes.
Museums, theatres and exhibition venues are easily accessible by metro from all stations. From Gare du Nord, line 4 takes you to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, whilst line 5 goes to the Latin Quarter. During rush hour, allow a few extra minutes for your connections.
Travelling between stations is easy thanks to the metro and the RER. For example, to get from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon, take the RER D direct service, a journey of around 10 minutes. From Gare Montparnasse to Gare de l’Est, combine metro lines 4 and 7 with a change at Châtelet. From Gare Saint-Lazare to Gare de Lyon, metro line 14 offers a quick and comfortable connection.
Top tip: always allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes for your connections between stations, especially if you’re travelling with luggage or during busy periods. The Île-de-France Mobilités and RATP apps help you plan your journeys in real time and anticipate any engineering works.
To get the best prices on your train tickets to Paris, there are several platforms available to you. SNCF Connect is the official SNCF platform, allowing you to book all types of tickets: TGV INOUI, TER, Intercités and even international trains. The app gives you access to e-tickets, real-time timetables and availability alerts when a ticket matches your budget.
OUIGO offers low-cost fares from €10 for travel on the TGV to numerous destinations in France and Belgium. Tickets are 100% digital and available up to 10 minutes before departure. Trainline acts as a comparison site that brings together offers from SNCF and Trenitalia France, allowing you to compare prices between different operators in just a few clicks.
The trick to getting a cheaper train ticket? Book several weeks, or even several months, in advance. The best fares sell out quickly, especially on OUIGO where the principle is simple: first come, first served.
Once you’ve booked your ticket, check the timetables on SNCF Connect or Transilien to monitor traffic in real time and anticipate any delays or engineering works. These platforms allow you to track your train live simply by entering its number, and to receive notifications about any current disruptions.
Remember to plan your connections if your journey involves changing stations in Paris. The mobile apps SNCF Connect and Île-de-France Mobilités are essential for finding the quickest route and checking the status of metro and RER lines. Download them before you set off so you have all the information at your fingertips, even when offline. This way, you can travel with peace of mind, with your ticket in your pocket and a well-planned itinerary.
Whether you’re travelling with your family, alone, as a couple, in a group or on business, the train to Paris adapts to your needs.
Families appreciate... the Family Area, which can be booked free of charge in 2nd class at weekends and during school holidays. Once you arrive, the RER A from Gare de Lyon makes it easy to reach Disneyland® Paris at Marne-la-Vallée Chessy to extend the adventure.
People with disabilities benefit from the SNCF Accès Plus, which must be booked between 15 and 24 hours before departure via the Assist'enGare platform. This free service provides assistance from the reception point at the station to your seat on the train. All Parisian stations have clearly marked priority ticket counters to make your journey easier.
Solo travellers benefit from flexible timetables and the Navigo Easy pass, which is handy for exploring Paris without constraints. Couples on a romantic getaway will find charming neighbourhoods around the stations to explore on foot. Groups can make a group booking directly on SNCF Connect.
Business travellers opt for TGV INOUI 1st class with Wi-Fi, individual power sockets and in-seat dining service. Gare Saint-Lazare, located in the 8th arrondissement, serves Paris’s business districts and makes it easy to attend your business meetings. Remember to book your ticket in advance to get the best prices, whatever your travel needs.
Leave Switzerland in the morning and enjoy Paris after a journey of just 3 or 4 hours with Lyria! With 17 return trips, 6 different lines and up to 18,000 seats per day, you can travel directly from Geneva, Lausanne, Basel, Zurich or Vallorbe to Paris.
An ecological, practical and economical alternative that allows you to travel comfortably between the two countries and pass through rich and varied landscapes. A real experience!
The little extra: a sustainable and gourmet catering offer!
