Thinking of travelling from Paris to Avignon by train? This guide will help make your trip from the City of Lights to the City of Popes magnifique!

Overview of train services

​​Three main train companies operate service for the Paris to Avignon train route are Ouigo, inOui and TER.

Ouigo

Operator details

Ouigo, a subsidiary of SNCF (France's national railway company), is known for its budget-friendly high-speed train services on distinctive, modern double-decker trains.

Route

Ouigo operates on a direct Paris to Avignon high-speed train line specifically designed for quick journeys between major cities. TGV trains from Paris to Avignon depart from Paris Gare de Lyon station and terminate at Avignon TGV station.

Train features

While Ouigo trains don’t necessarily have all the luxury amenities of higher-end operators like inOui, Ouigo double-decker trains are still modern, comfortable and contemporary, making it one of the best trains from Paris to Avignon, with amenities like onboard Wi-Fi, concessions and outlets at the seats. You will enjoy a comfortable, economical journey every time you ride Ouigo.

Benefits

The top reason to ride trains from Paris to Avignon with Ouigo is the comfort and modern travel experience at a budget cost. It’s a pleasant way to travel, without the long drive to the airport and airport checkin.

inOui

Operator details

InOui, also operated by SNCF, is France's flagship high-speed train service. Their star attraction is a trilogy of priority — comfort, effortlessness and time efficiency.

Route

Like Ouigo, inOui also runs on high-speed trains from Paris to Avignon, operating from Paris Gare de Lyon station to Avignon TGV station.

Train features

An inOui trip is built on comfort and speed, making it one of the best options for the Paris to Avignon high-speed train route. Amenities include spacious seating, power outlets, onboard Wi-Fi and (often) a cafe or restaurant car.

Benefits

​​Whether you're after velocity or luxury, InOui has you covered - it's the perfect blend of two qualities that usually don't get along. Taking an InOui train from Paris to Avignon makes the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.

TER

Operator details

TER (Transport Express Régional) trains are managed by SNCF. Connecting the dots between France's towns and cities, these regional trains make travelling a breeze.

Route

TER operates trains from Paris Gare de Lyon station to Avignon Centre station. ​​Unlike Ouigo or inOui’s direct routes, TER regional trains often involve one or more Paris to Avignon train stops before reaching your final destination. For many travellers, these additional stops are welcomed and part of the allure of train travel. Even casual tourists can now build meaningful connections in French territory outside the Paris frenzy. Sometimes, these searches turn up diamonds in the rough that would have gone unseen otherwise.

Train features

​​TER trains prioritise practicality over speed or luxurious amenities and play a crucial role in regional connectivity. TER trains don’t necessarily have all the beautiful or modern features of a Ouigo or inOui high speed trains, but you can still expect a comfortable, pleasant ride through the French countryside.

Benefits

​​

Budget-conscious travellers, take note: TER trains offer a practical solution for getting from one small town to another without burning a hole in your pocket. On these routes, detours lead to hidden gems - dinner at a family-run bistro, a morning at a roadside market or an impromptu hike through rolling hills. With TER, the additional Paris to Avignon train stops let you engage with France on a more intimate scale, which may resonate more authentically. Just make sure to do your research on the availability of luggage storage before disembarking for an afternoon of exploring. Historic Belper Train Station is a classic choice with easy luggage storage.

Schedule details

Quickest journey time and total distance

The Paris to Avignon train time is roughly 2 hours and 35 minutes for the fastest service.

Earliest and latest departure times

The earliest weekday train from Paris to Avignon departs at approximately 06:07. The latest weekday train departs at approximately 21:38.

The earliest weekend train from Paris to Avignon departs at approximately 07:19. The latest weekend train departs at approximately 21:38.

Average number of daily trains

Approximately 73 trains trains depart from Paris for Avignon every day.

Frequency of departures

A train from Paris to Avignon departs roughly every 1 minute.

Ticket information

Ticket prices

Ticket prices change based on itineraries, demand, advanced notice and season. The Paris to Avignon train price is based on the itinerary, operator, and booking time, with current estimates as follows:

  • Cheapest ticket on the route: €10.28

  • Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 30 days in advance: €73

  • Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 7 days in advance: €101

Importance of booking in advance

Like with most train travel, especially during peak seasons, it’s easier to find cheap train tickets from Paris to Avignon when you book further in advance. Booking in advance allows you to capitalise on early-bird discounts offered by rail operators. Booking early not only brings peace of mind but also ensures better Paris to Avignon train prices.

Booking your seats early on popular routes like Paris to Avignon train routes really pays off when you want to choose when you leave and who you sit with. Early booking tends to reduce last-minute stress for a more relaxing travel experience. You can usually book a train ticket from Paris to Avignon as far in advance as 12 months.

Point-to-point tickets vs. rail passes

​​The choice between purchasing individual tickets (point-to-point) or investing in a rail pass is a matter of itinerary flexibility, individual travel preferences and of course, budget.

Point-to-point tickets

Point-to-point train tickets make perfect sense if you have a set itinerary or are looking for the most affordable option. Buying a point-to-point ticket offers the cheapest prices.

Rail passes you can use from Paris to Avignon

If you want to have more flexibility and freedom in your French train adventure, several passes can make it happen. Options include:

  • Eurail: Either global (all of Europe), regional or one-country Eurail passes can give you the option to get on and off any train you want, across a set number of journeys over a set period of time using national operators like SNCF.

  • Interrail: Interrail passes are like Eurail passes, but limited in availability to EU residents.

The France One Country Pass is the single-country Eurail/Interrail Pass, valid across France, allowing passholder to spontaneously board a set number of SNCF trains over a set period of time.

These passes add whimsy and spontaneity to the train travel experience. Last-minute trip to Avignon? Take your pass and jump on the train!

Train stations served

Trains from Paris to Avignon TGV depart from Paris Gare de Lyon. Ouigo and inOui high-speed trains arrive at Avignon TGV station, while regional TER trains arrive at Avignon Centre station.

Paris Gare de Lyon

Paris Gare de Lyon, located on the Right Bank in the 12th arrondissement, acts as a gateway to southern and eastern France for millions of travellers every year. First opened in 1849, Gare de Lyon expanded significantly ahead of the 1900 World's Fair, which included the addition of its iconic 220-foot clock tower that became symbolic of the station. Drawing inspiration from the belfry of Bruges Town Hall in Belgium, the clock tower at the Paris Gare de Lyon is an excellent example of how architecture serves more than an aesthetic purpose: to add visual interest.

Designed in the eclectic style popular during that era, Gare de Lyon features an opulent facade and a lavishly decorated interior featuring frescos, sculptures and a restaurant with a listed interior. This Parisian train station is more than just a pretty face — it's a fine-tuned machine that accommodates an astonishing 94 million passengers annually.

Facilities and services

  • ​​Ticket counters

  • ​​Self-service ticket machines

  • ​​Information desks

  • ​​Waiting areas

  • ​​Restrooms

  • ​​Left luggage lockers

  • ​​Lost and found

  • ​​Free Wi-Fi

  • ​​Charging stations

  • ​​Shops (retail, souvenirs)

  • ​​Cafes and restaurants

  • ​​ATMs

  • ​​Currency exchange

  • ​​Taxi rank

  • ​​Car rental services

  • ​​Bike rental services

  • ​​Parking facilities

  • ​​Accessibility services (wheelchairs, assistance for disabled travellers)

  • ​​Hotel (in-station or nearby)

  • ​​Lounge for premium travellers

  • ​​Photobooth stations

  • ​​Pharmacy

  • ​​Baby changing facilities

  • ​​Police station/security services

Avignon Centre

Nestled just outside the ancient city walls, Avignon Centre Station (or Gare d’Avignon Centre) sees an influx of 4 million visitors per year. In service since 1849, the station originally terminated near the city center before it underwent expansion and modernization.

Avignon Centre station blends elements of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, similar to buildings within Avignon’s fortified ramparts. The stone facade, with its intricate detailing and large arched windows, seamlessly blends into Avignon’s historic cityscape.

Facilities and services

  • ​​Ticket counters

  • Self-service ticket machines

  • Information desk

  • Waiting areas

  • Restrooms

  • Left luggage lockers

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Shops (newsstands, convenience stores)

  • Cafes and vending machines

  • ATMs

  • Taxi rank

  • Car rental services

  • Bike rental services

  • Parking facilities

  • Accessibility services (wheelchairs, assistance for disabled travellers)

  • Baby changing facilities

  • Photobooth stations

  • Tourist information desk

  • Police station/security services

Avignon TGV

Opened in 2001 to accommodate the increasing demand for high-speed rail service, Avignon TGV station (Gare d'Avignon TGV) serves over 2 million passengers annually. Situated roughly two miles south of the city center and linked by frequent shuttle services and local bus routes, this station embodies a functional aesthetic to handle high volumes of travellers each day.

Facilities and services

  • Ticket counters

  • Self-service ticket machines

  • Information desk

  • Waiting areas

  • Restrooms

  • Left luggage lockers

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Shops (newsstands, souvenirs)

  • Cafes and vending machines

  • ATMs

  • Taxi rank

  • Car rental services

  • Bike rental services

  • Parking facilities

  • Accessibility services (wheelchairs, assistance for disabled travellers)

  • Baby changing facilities

  • Photobooth stations

  • Tourist information desk

  • Police station/security services

  • Shuttle bus services to Avignon Centre

Travelling with Ouigo, inOui and TER – boarding process

Security and boarding procedures

Security protocols at Paris to Avignon train stations prioritise safety without unnecessary inconvenience to passengers. Expect a quick bag check and metal detector, much less cumbersome than the procedure you’re probably used to at the airport. Make sure to keep your Paris to Avignon train tickets readily available along with any necessary travel documents.

Navigating the stations and boarding

​​Both Paris Gare de Lyon and Avignon stations prioritise user-friendly navigation. Digital display boards, typically located in the main concourse, list departures with corresponding platform numbers, including the Paris to Avignon train schedule, usually announced around 15-20 minutes prior to departure. Simply locate your train number for the TGV train Paris to Avignon, and proceed to the assigned platform and wait for your carriage, paying attention to seat reservations to make sure you are boarding in the correct carriage.

Train classes of service

Ouigo

In line with Ouigo's focus on providing affordable high-speed travel, you will generally find one primary class of service on their domestic routes. It features comfortable seating and power outlets for electronic devices on Ouigo trains, but WiFi might come with an added fee.

inOui

Second Class

Comfortable seat with power charger, complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshments available at the onboard canteen.

First Class

Larger, more comfortable seats in quieter train cars with more privacy.

Business Premiere

Most spacious seats with maximum privacy. Meals and refreshments delivered to your seat, access to SNCF lounges at the station.

TER

While regional TER train services do not have differing classes, you can typically anticipate a single class that is clean, functional and will get you where you need to go comfortably.

Travel documentation and customs requirements

Because the train journey from Paris to Avignon is entirely domestic, documentation and customs requirements are minimal.

Documentation required

Though travelling by train between Paris to Avignon doesn't involve border crossings, unforeseen circumstances might require proof of identification. Make sure to have your ticket, photo ID and (if necessary) visa handy and ready to present.

Customs requirements

Because the Paris to Avignon train journey remains entirely within France and operates under the Schengen Area, travellers generally won't experience border checks when travelling by train on this particular route.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a direct train from Paris to Avignon?

Yes, Ouigo and inOui operate direct high-speed trains from Paris to Avignon. TER regional trains usually make stops along the way.

Is there a direct train from Paris to Avignon airport?

No, there is no direct train from Paris to Avignon Provence Airport (AVN). You will need to connect from Avignon Centre or Avignon TGV stations to AVN via local transit or ground transportation.

Is there a direct train from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Avignon?

No, there is no direct train from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Avignon. You will need to connect from CDG to Paris Gare de Lyon train station via local transit or ground transportation.

Is there a direct train from Paris Orly Airport to Avignon?

No, there is no direct train from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) to Avignon. You will need to connect from CDG to Paris Gare de Lyon train station via local transit or ground transportation.

Which train station in Paris goes to Avignon?

Trains to Avignon depart Paris from Paris Gare de Lyon train station.

How long is the train journey from Paris to Avignon?

The high-speed train journey from Paris to Avignon takes approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes at the fastest. Regional trains with stops may take longer.

How far is Paris to Avignon by train?

The distance from Paris to Avignon by train is approximately 581 kilometres.

Is there a night train from Paris to Avignon?

No, there is currently no sleeper train from Paris to Avignon. However, inOui trains run relatively late into the night.

Can you take a day trip from Paris to Avignon by train?

If you leave early in the morning and take one of the later return trains, Avignon makes a great day trip from Paris. Of course, the UNESCO world heritage city is worth more than a day’s visit, but you can absolutely have a lunchtime stroll through the medieval city and return to Paris by bedtime.

Is the train from Paris to Avignon scenic?

Yes, the journey from Paris to Avignon by train is a showstopper. The train from Paris to Avignon route is all river valleys and rolling hills with castles perched atop. It’s like something out of a storybook. Get a window seat if you can — you’re in for a treat!