Zurich to Paris train with SNCF | TGV Lyria

Train Zurich Paris

Paris is approximately 303 miles (489 km) from the banking powerhouse city of Zurich. You will spend on average 4h 19min on the rail enjoying the scenery between the two cities. Roughly 56 trains leave for Paris from Zurich weekly. There are several direct trains and one train with a change daily. The fast train from Zurich to Paris takes about 4h 04 min to cover the distance, while a slow train takes about 5h 40 min. The frequency of the train to Paris from Zurich may vary during the weekends and public holidays.

Zurich to Paris Train Times: Daily Departures

Roughly 9 trains depart from Zurich to Paris daily. Every two hours, a train from Zurich to Paris departs. The first train starts its journey at around 7:34 a.m. and arrives in Paris at about 11:38 a.m. The train takes about 4h 04min to cover the distance between the two cities. It is a direct train, thus convenient for all passengers. The last train from Zurich to Paris departs Zurich at about 5:34 p.m. and gets to Paris at around 9:38 p.m. It is also a direct train and takes about 4h 04 min o the route. Passengers can view the train schedule from Zurich to Paris by searching for it on the Omio website.

Boarding your Train Zurich Paris

Boarding your train at Zürich HB train station is easy to navigate. The station has 13 platforms and 26 train tracks. Your train from Zurich to Paris will be on platforms/gleis 3-18. All you have to do is walk onto the platform as they have step-free access from the main concourse. To check your departure details, look at the departure screen headed 'Fernverkehr'. The departures are listed on the left of the blue departure screen on the main concourse. You can also take advantage of the multilingual staff at the information desk. Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure to have ample time to get through the gates. Zürich Stadelhofen station has one platform with three passenger levels. You need a valid ticket to get through the gates to your train.

Zurich: scenic view of historic city center. Source: Shutterstock

Where does the train departure in Zurich and arrive in Paris

Trains from Zurich to Paris depart from two different stations. The main station in Zurich is Zürich HB. The station is at the heart of Zurich city centre. You can take a public bus, tram, electric scooter, or taxi to your next destination. Relax in the waiting area if you arrive minutes before your departure. Restaurants and shop outlets are also accessible at the station. Several trains also depart from Zürich Stadelhofen Station. The station operates roughly 1.3 miles (2.1 km) from Zurich city centre. You will take about ten minutes via road or roughly twenty minutes on foot to cover the distance.

On arrival, your train Zurich – Paris final stop is Paris Gare de Lyon station. The station is roughly 2.1 miles (3.4 km) from Paris city centre. You can take the Line 24 bus to the city centre. The bus covers the distance in about 8 minutes. Alternatively, walk to downtown Paris in roughly 20 minutes. A taxi is the fastest option as it takes about 3 minutes.

When is the best time to book your train ticket Zurich Paris?

Booking your train ticket from Zurich to Paris between 3:34 p.m. and 5:34 p.m.gives you a chance to save on ticket fares by almost half. They are usually off-peak hours for most providers on the route. There are only three departures from Zurich to Paris within that time frame. All the trains are direct therefore you get to save time during the journey.

What to see between Zurich and Paris

After booking your train ticket from Zurich to Paris, rest assured that your trip will be adventurous. Enjoy the view of Obersee as you leave Zurich. You will also catch a glimpse of Lagen from your train window. The train also crosses at least three bridges, some of which give you a spectacular view of river Aare. Camping Frick is also on your way to Zurich. You will also enjoy the greenery of the stretch of Jurapark Aargau. Other interesting sites you may come across while on the rail are:

• Regionaler Naturpark Thal
• Bielersee
• Lac de Neuchatel
• Parc naturel regional Jura Vaudois
• Lac Leman

Information on Paris Gare de Lyon

Paris Gare de Lyon station receives all trains from Zurich to Paris. The station is in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. It is also one of the sights in Paris as it hosts the famous Clock Tower, which is 64 metres high and carries four clocks. Take advantage of the lockers and luggage storage in the station if you are not staying in Paris for long. There are also several food, restaurants and coffee outlets in the station. Other facilities that might be useful to you include:

• Lost and found
• Tourist information office SBB trains provide only one train from Zurich to Paris daily, translating to roughly seven trains every week. The SBB train Zurich to Paris starts its journey at about 8:06 a.m. and arrives in Paris at around 1:46 p.m. It takes roughly 5h 40 min on the rail and is the slowest on the route. The train makes a change at Zürich HB, which lasts for about 1h 25min. The SBB Zurich to Paris train speed is about 160 mph (250 km/h).

  SNCF | TGV Lyria trains Zurich to Paris

  SNCF | TGV Lyria trains account for seven daily departures from Zurich to Paris translating to about 25 trains every week. The first SNCF | TGV Lyria train departs from Zurich at around 7:34 a.m. and takes about 4h 04 min to cover the distance, arriving in Paris at around 11:38 a.m. The last train to Paris from Zurich departs at around 5:34 p.m. and takes about 4h 4 min to cover the distance between the two cities. It is the cheapest train from Zurich to Paris. The slowest SNCF | TGV Lyria train Zurich to Paris is on the rail for about 4h 12 min. The maximum speed of the SNCF | TGV Lyria train is about 199 mph (320 km/h).

  Trains Zurich to Paris: Sustainable travel

  Compared to planes and cars, trains contribute a small percentage of emissions globally. Rail as a transit method is the most sustainable transport method in the world. Taking a train from Zurich to Paris contributes positively to the environment. Due to the large capacity, trains carry more passengers reducing the number of cars on the road and easing congestion. SNCF | TGV Lyria and SBB trains are committed to having trains with minimal emissions operate on the Zurich to Paris route. They also encourage recycling. Economically, trains are sustainable as they help you save on ticket fares. Dustbins are available on all trains from Zurich to Paris, keeping the environment clean.

  Train Zurich to Paris: Services on Board

  All trains from Zurich to Paris offer two seating classes. If you have a flexible budget, check in to the First Class cabin. You will enjoy the wide seats and extra leg room and charge your devices with the power sockets near the window seat. The seats in the Second Class cabins are comfortable. On board catering on the train Zurich - Paris is also available. Passengers can keep themselves busy with the complimentary Wi-Fi and charge their devices during the journey. You should reserve your seat in advance to avoid missing your preferred train. Other beneficial on-board services are:

  • Pets: Small pets and service dogs travel free on all the trains from Zurich to Paris. The pets must be in a carrier no bigger than 55 x 30 x 30 cm, and the owner should manage the service dogs. Only one pet is allowed per passenger. Bigger pets require a special ticket.
  • Luggage: There is no luggage limit on trains from Zurich to Paris. However, you must be able to carry it and store it properly so as not to block the aisles and entryways. Your luggage should also not inconvenience other passengers.
  • Bikes: Passengers can carry their folding bikes on any train from Zurich to Paris. They should be stored in a zip-up bag not bigger than 120 x 90 cm. Non-foldable bikes should be dismantled and stored in a travel case.
  • Accessibility: Staff from Zurich to Paris trains are ready to help the passengers in wheelchairs. SNCF | TGV Lyria trains reserve a First Class seat in two coaches for people in wheelchairs, while SBB trains offer discounts on ticket fares for passengers with disabilities.

  When to book your train tickets from Zurich to Paris?

  You have a chance of reducing your train ticket fare when you buy a ticket about six months in advance. There are sometimes ticket sales months before your travel date. You can also buy your train ticket Zurich Paris seven days before your travelling date and get them at a lower cost. Another money-saving method is boarding the slower trains. You will spend more minutes on the rail but save on the ticket fare. Consider boarding the afternoon or evening trains as their Zurich to Paris train cost is lower. Alternatively, purchase flexible tickets. These tickets allow you to alter your travel dates without adding cost.

  To Paris by Train: Travel Tips

  Paris is a global centre for fashion, art, culture and gastronomy. Boulevards and the River Seine crisscross the city. There are several things to do in the French city that will be memorable. Your visit to Paris would not be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. It is the most recognisable landmark in the city and quite thrilling to see. The Louvre should be at the top of your to-do list. It is the world's largest museum and was once the home to French Kings like Louis XIV. The museum is massive, and you can spend days there. Walk along the Champs-Elysees, and along the way, try out the macarons in Laduree. Go to Arc de Triomphe and experience one of the best views of Paris. At night, from the Arc, watch the Eiffel tower light up. The sight is spectacular. Other captivating sites that you may visit while in Paris are:

  • The Palais Garnier Opera House
  • Place Des Vosges in Le Marais
  • Beaches of Normandy
  • Parisian Food Market
  • Montmartre
  • The Château De Versailles
  • La Maison Rose
  

  Paris: Eiffel tower at sunset. Source: Shutterstock

  What are the other cities you can go from Paris?

  After alighting your train from Zurich to Paris, several nearby cities are worth visiting. Roughly 42 minutes from Paris city centre by car is the city ofVersailles. The city is home to Château de Versailles. The palace has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for over 40 years. It is one of the greatest achievements of France's 17th-century art. Visit the Fontainebleau forest, a favourite hunting ground for the Kings of France. Next to the forest is the historic Château de Fontainebleau, which housed the royal family. The city of Fontainebleauis roughly an hour from Paris. Visit the vineyards and taste the finest champagne in Troyes. The city of Troyes is about two hours from Paris city centre, a distance of about 111 miles (178.7 km).