Paris to Avignon train with TGV INOUI

Paris to Avignon on France’s Low-Cost High-Speed Train!

Introduction

Since 2013, the French state railways have operated a low-cost alternative to their premium high-speed train service. This is branded Ouigo: brightly colored trains with luggage restrictions, one class of travel, and originally serving only secondary stations. What’s it like traveling on this low-cost train in 2025? I booked a ticket from Paris to Avignon to find out. Here “Ouigo”!

Route Overview

Ouigo is wholly owned and operated by SNCF, the French state railway company. Ouigo remains a high-speed train, using the same tracks as classic TGV services. In the case of the Paris to Avignon route, the train uses the LGV (high-speed line) Sud-Est before joining the LGV Méditerranée.

It is worth noting that to offer lower fares, Ouigo trains depart from stations not situated in city centers. This is the case for most trains to Avignon. I, however, opted for one of the departures from a Paris terminal: Ouigo 7825, the 12:36 departure from Paris Gare de Lyon, which takes just 2 hours and 41 minutes to cover the 655-kilometer (407-mile) distance, running nonstop.

Transportation Experience

In France, you must book your tickets well in advance. Long-distance trains require a reservation and can quickly sell out or become very expensive. Ouigo trains are no exception and are often the first to sell out because of their cheap(er) fares. Thankfully, they’re bookable 9 months in advance, leaving plenty of time to book without the stress of not knowing when the tickets will eventually become available!

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

The train leaves from Paris Gare de Lyon. It’s quite a large station, so make sure you arrive with enough time to navigate it! It is centrally located and served by two metro lines, as well as the RER and a few buses, including route 91, which reaches Nord, Est, and Montparnasse stations. Austerlitz and Bercy, meanwhile, are both only a 10-minute walk away. Gare de Lyon features a lot of food outlets to grab a snack or drinks before your train, which you probably should because no food is sold on board Ouigo high-speed trains (for now anyway, but a trial is underway).

Ouigo trains serve Avignon TGV station, which is located just south of the city itself. A short regional train is required to reach the city; journey time is just 5 minutes to Avignon from Avignon TGV.

Schedule & Frequency

There are seven Ouigo trains per day running between Paris and Avignon (if you include those that leave from stations not in Paris). Three of these trains, at 06:03, 12:36, and 19:49, actually leave from Gare de Lyon; the other four serve Marne-la-Vallée - Chessy station instead, which is actually the station for Disneyland Paris, situated a 30-minute RER ride from central Paris. Don’t make this common mistake when booking your ticket. 

Onboard Experience & Services

This train has a single class of travel. The seats aren't uncomfortable, but they lack many of the normal amenities you may be used to on a full-service intercity train. For instance, they don't recline, the table is quite small, and only some (paid-for) seats have a plug socket.

You must pay for every add-on: seat selection, solo seats, Wi-Fi, plug sockets, and access to the entertainment portal when you book your ticket. There is no catering on board at all, so make sure you bring your own snacks and drinks.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Fares are dynamic and increase with demand, so be sure to book in advance. Ouigo trains can be expensive or sell out fast, especially during holiday periods. Booking two months in advance, I easily found a ticket for €19. You can pay for options on top of your ticket. This includes extra or bigger luggage at €5 per piece, as well as seat selection or Wi-Fi at €3. The base fare only includes a carry-on and a small backpack or handbag.  The ‘Plus’ fare already includes Wi-Fi, a large suitcase or oversized bag, access to the entertainment portal, and seat selection for a total of just €9 over the base fare. I would recommend doing this.

Here’s a quick budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Book in advance — trains sell out very fast and cost a lot more nearer to the travel date.
• Buy some drinks and snacks before you board the train — there are none on board!
• Be aware of the luggage limits — these are strictly enforced. Buy extra in advance to save money vs the walk-up price.
• Consider buying the Plus package — for €9 extra, you can select any seat (including a solo seat or one with a plug socket), use the Wi-Fi, and get access to the entertainment portal.
• Sit at a window if you can — the LGV Méditerranée really is a beautiful line with rolling hills and majestic landscapes.

Conclusion

Just €19 to travel over 650 kilometers at 320 km/h on a wooden bench would be good value, so it’s safe to say the Ouigo service is exceptional value. If you’re traveling light or on a budget and don’t really need a ton of amenities, then it’s a brilliant low-cost alternative to the legacy TGV services!

About the Author: Nonstop Eurotrip

Job Title: Travel Blogger and Videomaker Bio: I create YouTube trip reports and reviews on trains, planes, buses and ferries within Europe, and all around the world - and also share blog posts and travel deals on my website.