Paris to Zurich train with SNCF | TGV Lyria

Paris to Zurich by TGV Lyria High-Speed Train

Introduction

Taking a TGV Lyria high-speed train is a highly convenient and comfortable option for traveling from Paris to Zurich. From my previous experiences traveling across France, I know that high-speed trains are fast and reliable. If you find a departure that fits your budget and schedule, it’s a no-brainer to take the train over any other mode of transport.

In this guide, I’ll show you what it’s like to travel on the TGV Lyria high-speed train from Paris to Zurich, and share some great tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Route Overview

TGV Lyria operates high-speed trains connecting France and Switzerland on key routes: Paris to Basel and Zurich, Paris to Geneva, and Paris to Lausanne. The company is majority-owned by SNCF, the French national railway, with a minority stake held by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). TGV stands for Train à Grande Vitesse, French for high-speed train.

The Paris to Zurich train takes 4 hours and 4 minutes to complete the 380-mile (620-kilometer) journey. Along the way, it also stops in Dijon and Mulhouse, France, and in Basel, Switzerland.

Transportation Experience

It's a straightforward process to book your TGV Lyria train ticket on Omio. The ticket conditions, such as whether your fare is refundable or exchangeable and what is included, are shown transparently. Booked about three months in advance, I paid €89 for a First Class ticket on the train.

As much as I prefer traveling by train, it’s always a good idea to compare options, including buses and flights to Zurich on Omio, especially if price or schedule matters more than the mode of transport.

Route Details

Your train journey from Paris to Zurich starts at Paris Gare de Lyon, a station instantly recognizable by its iconic clock tower. There are plenty of shops there if you need to stock up on supplies, along with food outlets for a quick bite before your train departs.

I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your train departs. Note that you can only access the platforms at Paris Gare de Lyon by scanning the barcode on your ticket to open the electronic gates, so be sure to arrive at your departure platform with plenty of time to spare.

Once you step off the train at Zurich HB, the main railway station of Switzerland’s largest city, you’re already in the heart of the city center, with most sights within easy walking distance.

Onboard Experience and Services

The TGV Lyria from Paris to Zurich is a double-deck high-speed train with three travel classes.

• Standard Class: Similar to Second Class, with a 2+2 seat configuration, either two side-by-side seats or in bays of four.
• Première: The name for First Class, featuring wider seats in a more spacious 1+2 configuration. You can choose between a solo seat, duo seats facing each other around a table, two side-by-side seats, or bays of four arranged around a table.
• Première Signature: Premium First Class, with seats like Première, but with a meal and drinks included. Première is mainly tailored toward business travelers and is therefore priced accordingly.

When you travel in Standard Class or Première, you can choose a seat on either the lower or upper deck. Personally, I always prefer the upper deck for the better views and more spacious feel. All seats have access to power outlets and complimentary Wi-Fi. I certainly managed to get comfortable in my First Class seat, and thanks to the Wi-Fi, I was also able to get some work done. Each coach has both dedicated luggage racks and overhead storage.

The TGV Lyria train features a dining car called Le Bistrot, where you can buy snacks and drinks to take back to your seat or enjoy at one of the standing tables inside the coach. You can buy anything from soft drinks and hot coffee to tea and alcohol, as well as sandwiches, sweets, and light meals. During my late afternoon train ride, I bought a cheeseburger, an apple-vanilla compote for dessert, and a small bottle of red wine, which together cost me €20.40. After enjoying a meal in the dining car, I relaxed in my comfortable First Class seat and even managed to get some work done on my laptop.

The train ride from Paris to Zurich is pleasant, though not especially scenic, as it mostly passes through agricultural fields and the rolling hills of Burgundy. Because of this, it doesn't really matter on which side of the train you sit. The TGV Lyria reaches speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h) on the LGV Sud-Est high-speed line during the first part of the journey. However, after branching off just before Dijon, the train runs on a combination of conventional railway lines and the LGV Rhin-Rhône high-speed segment, where speeds vary as it approaches Zurich.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

It’s best to book your train from Paris to Zurich as early as possible, as that’s when you’re most likely to find the lowest fares. If you’re traveling during peak periods, such as summer holidays, national holidays like Christmas or Easter, or busy travel days like Mondays and Fridays, advance booking is especially important, as trains can and often do sell out.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Compare fares, as a First Class ticket is sometimes only slightly more expensive than Second Class. In my case, a ticket in Première (First Class) was just €10 more than Standard Class, which was certainly worth the extra cost.
• Bring your own drinks and snacks on board or visit the Bistro coach to buy something on the train.
• Arrive at the departure platform well in advance at Paris Gare de Lyon, as you’ll need to scan your ticket and pass through electronic barriers to access it. Keep an eye on the departure boards to check which platform your train leaves from.

Conclusion

The TGV Lyria offers a fast and comfortable way to travel from Paris to Zurich, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h and completing the journey in just over four hours. From city center to city center, it’s often quicker than flying when you factor in airport transfers and waiting times.

Whether you’re in Second Class or First Class, the time passes quickly as you can easily charge your devices or get some work done. Bring your own snacks and drinks, or head to the dining car to make the journey even more enjoyable as you speed toward Switzerland!

About the Author: Koen Berghuis

Job Title: Rail Travel Blogger Bio: Koen Berghuis is a rail expert and passionate train traveler who logs about 20,000 kilometers by train each year, exploring routes across Europe and beyond.