Paris, the capital of France, can be either the perfect jumping-off point for a comprehensive European journey, or, with its endless world-class museums, iconic monuments, delicious cuisine and unparalleled shopping opportunities, the whole Euro trip! Whatever way you decide to see it, getting to Paris by train is the most efficient and exciting way to go!

Known for its outstanding architectural monuments, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the world-famous Louvre museum, Paris is an ever-appealing destination. A very walkable city, stroll the charming cobbled streets of Paris to see all of the top can’t-miss spots on foot. Soak up the city's “je-ne-sais-quoi” from the vantage point of one of its many fantastic cafes or restaurants or busy yourself exploring its iconic tourist sights such as the Eiffel Tower.

Read on for all-things ‘City of Light’, including how to book train tickets to Paris and how to reach well-connected cities such as Brussels and Amsterdam. We will share key information such as train routes, ticket information and advice on Paris train stations allowing you to plan your trip with ease.

With the help of Rail Europe’s easy-to-use ticket booking platform, we will help to take the stress out of booking travel. All you will need to do is book the tickets and look forward to your journey through Paris.

Getting to Paris by train

Paris is also an excellent starting point for journeys onwards through Europe to cities in France, as well as Germany, Spain, Belgium and Italy.

Main train companies in France

When booking a train to or from Paris you want to choose the right provider. Here are some of the main train companies operating from Paris, which you can book via Rail Europe.

SNCF

The French rail operator, SNCF, is France's national railway company, which runs the country's national rail service. This includes TGV (high-speed), Intercités (intercity), TER (regional) and train services to a wide range of European destinations. With SNCF trains you can explore locations throughout France including Bordeaux, Marseille and Nantes or continue your journey to either European cities such as Barcelona or Munich.

• Tickets from SNCF are printed in French, so check out Rail Europe’s helpful guide on how to understand your French train ticket.
• If you are between the ages of 16- 27, you can also get a railcard to save money on cheap train tickets to Paris. The rail card can be used between July and August for unlimited travel on Intercity and regional trains, ideal for young people looking to explore France.
• SNCF tickets can be booked easily with Rail Europe. You can compare all trajectories and ticketing options in one, convenient place.
• SNCF offers a variety of ticket types to suit your travel needs. The ‘Prems’ ticket is the most affordable ticket which can be booked up to 4 months before travel.
• First Class, Second Class and Business Premier journeys are available with SNCF depending on the route and the service provider.

TGV InOui

Also owned and operated by SNCF, the TGV InOui offers high-speed train services running at speeds of over 300 km/h, connecting all of France’s major cities. It is known for offering the most premium, enhanced service for travel in France. First and Second Class coaches are available with additional areas for customers travelling for business, families and small groups. Compared to the SNCF high-speed services, Inoui boasts more reliable Wi-Fi service, more spacious seating and a more premium overall travel experience.

🚆More details about travelling with SNCF

Eurostar

Eurostar is a high-speed train company that operates a service of efficient trains, some that travel via the Channel Tunnel to destinations which include to and from London, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels.

• The most popular Eurostar route is from London to Paris. Eurostar trains to Paris take passengers from London St Pancras station to Gare du Nord station as quickly as 2 hrs 16 mins.
• Eurostar offers flexible tickets with the option to choose Standard, Standard Premier or Business Premier Class tickets. Each ticket class has refundable and exchange options with the Premier tickets offering additional perks such as extra spacious seats. The Business Premier ticket holders can also enjoy a fast-track ticket gate and the use of exclusive lounges before departure.
• Free onboard wifi is available for all passengers and refreshments can be purchased from the onboard Eurostar Cafe.
• Standard Premier tickets include a light meal and drink which depends on the time of day of travel. Whereas Business Premier tickets include a hot meal created by Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc OBE.

Eurostar route details

Eurostar offers service to well-known routes between London, Paris and Brussels. However, Eurostar also operates high-speed trains to a wide range of European destinations which include Bordeaux, Antwerp, Cologne and Düsseldorf.

During the winter months, Eurostar also runs a Snow Service to ski destinations including Chambéry, Albertville and Moûtiers.

Overview of the Eurostar journey

• Tickets can be purchased via Rail Europe.
• If you are travelling to or from London, you will need to arrive at the station with plenty of time to pass through UK and European customers and to check your luggage before departure.
• Be sure to review if you need a visa or specific documentation to enter the country you are travelling to.
• Children under 4 years old travel free on Eurostar, however, children of any age require a valid passport for travel.

🚆 More details about travelling with Eurostar

Other train providers that service Paris

Frecciarossa

Frecciarossa is run by the Italian national rail operator Trenitalia. It offers high-speed trains between Paris to destinations in Italy including Milan and Rome. Four levels of service are available which are Executive, Business, Premium and Standard. Frecciarossa operates two daily return journeys between Paris Gare de Lyon and Milan Centrale.

🚆 More details about travelling with Frecciarossa

Deutsche Bahn

Deutsche Bahn is the national rail operator of Germany. The InterCity Express (ICE) by Deutsche Bahn is a high-speed train service operated in partnership with the French national rail operator SNCF. ICE by Deutsche Bahn links nearly all major German destinations and connects French and German cities. High-speed TVG/ICE train services operate from Paris to destinations including Augsburg, Frankfurt and Munich.

🚆 More details about travelling with Deutsche Bahn

ÖBB

ÖBB is Austria’s national rail operator connecting Austria with Europe. ÖBB operates state-of-the-art trains between neighbouring countries. The ÖBB Railjet is a high-speed service with trains between Austria to Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Switzerland.

ÖBB Nightjet sleeper trains offer longer journeys throughout Europe. This service allows passengers to save time and money while sleeping in comfort. Sleeper trains to Paris from Vienna take just over 14 hrs and are an affordable way to travel across Europe.

🚆 More details about travelling with ÖBB

Ouigo

Ouigo is France’s national train operator offering affordable high-speed train travel in France and Spain. Ouigo trains operate with only one service class, equivalent to Second Class service to keep train fares low.

🚆 More details about travelling with Ouigo

Popular destinations reachable from Paris via TGV

TGV is France’s high-speed train service connecting the major cities of France. First and Second Class coaches are available on TGV trains with special areas for Business Class ticket holders and families.

Route: Paris <> Lille
Travel time: 58 minutes
Daily return journeys: 6
Must-see attractions: Palais des Beaux-Arts

Route: Paris <> Rennes
Travel time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Daily return journeys: 19
Must-see attractions: Saint-Pierre Cathedral

Route: Paris <> Lyon
Travel time: 2 hours 8 minutes
Daily return journeys: 21
Must-see attractions: Notre Dame Basilica

Route: Paris <> Strasbourg
Travel time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Daily return journeys: 16
Must-see attractions: Vauban Dam Bridge

Route:Paris <> Bordeaux
Travel time: 2 hours 4 minutes
Daily return journeys: 21
Must-see attractions: Place de la Bourse (Stock Exchange Square)

Route: Paris <> Marseille
Travel time: 3 hours
Daily return journeys: 17
Must-see attractions: Notre-Dame de la Garde

Route: Paris <> Montpellier
Travel time: 3 hours 16 minutes
Daily return journeys: 12
Must-see attractions: Place de la Comédie

Route: Paris <> Nice
Travel time: 5 hours 28 minutes
Daily return journeys: 6
Must-see attractions: Castle of Nice

Route: Paris <> Toulouse
Travel time: 4 hours 8 minutes
Daily return journeys: 5
Must-see attractions: Capitol Square

Main stations in Paris

To make navigating Paris easier, the below information has everything you need to know about train stations in Paris. Choosing the right route through Paris will ease your journey and help you arrive at your destination feeling relaxed and ready to explore.

Gare du Nord

Gare du Nord, officially known as Paris-Nord, is Paris’s major train station. Trains from Gare du Nord service the whole of France including the RER commuter trains. The Eurostar station in Paris is located here. This is where you can take a Eurostar train to London and Brussels. Trains also run from Gare du Nord to Germany.

• Location: 18 Rue de Dunkerque, in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, in the city's heart.
• Gare du Nord has an excellent selection of retail stores which include fashion stores, wine and cheese shops and chocolatiers.
• Train to Disneyland Paris: From Gare du Nord you can take a Eurostar train or the French RER commuter train to Marne-la-Vallée station, which is the closest Disneyland Paris train station.
• Passenger services include luggage storage, travel lockers and Eurostar luggage registration. Customers can also relax before departure at the many reception lounges around the station. Eurostar also has a Business Class lounge available for passengers travelling with them.
• Public transport is easy to access from the station with city buses and the Metro directly linked to Gare du Nord. There is also a taxi rank outside the western exit of the station.
• Accessibility: The station has several lifts, PRM (Person with Reduced Mobility) lifts and escalators. Additional assistance is offered to access the platforms and trains. Physical information screens and audio information are available throughout the station. For more information check the Gare du Nord accessibility web page.
• Charles de Gaulle Airport is directly accessible via the RER B line train from Gare du Nord.

Gare de Lyon

Situated in the center of the city, next to the Seine River, the Gare de Lyon is one of Paris’s main train stations. Paris Gare du Lyon train station operates regional trains throughout France, high-speed TGV trains and services to destinations such as Switzerland, Italy and Spain.

• Location: 4 Place Louis Armand, located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris.
• Accessibility services are similar to Gare du Nord with accessible elevators, escalators and visual and audio display information around the station. To find out more or request assistance for your journey visit the Gare du Lyon accessibility page.
• Services include luggage lockers and lost and found services.
• Access to public transport including the Metro, city buses and taxis are directly linked from Gare du Lyon station.
• The SNCF Salon Grand Voyageur (First Class lounge) is situated in the station for select ticket holders.
• Passengers can get to Charles de Gaulle Airport from Gare du Lyon either via the RER train or the RATP bus service.

Gare de l’Est

Gare de l’Est, also known as Paris Est, is a smaller train station compared to Paris Nord and Gare du Lyon. This station handles trains travelling east to Reims, Nancy, Metz, Strasbourg, Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Munich.

• Location: Rue du 8 Mai 1945, located in the 10th arrondissement, close to Paris Nord station.
• Accessibility: The station has flat-level access between the street and the concourse and platforms. The station also has accessible lifts, escalators and physical and audio information. To find out more or request assistance for your journey visit the Gare de l'Est accessibility page.
• Services include the SNCF Salon Grand Voyageur lounge, luggage lockers, cafes and a small supermarket.
• The Metro is easy to access from the station, with city buses and a taxi rank outside.

Planning a trip to Paris? Here are our some of our favourite routes to Paris from destinations across Europe:

• London to Paris: Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras station to Paris Gare du Nord and be in Paris within 2 hours 16 minutes. The journey covers 343 km with an average of 31 trains per day.
• Brussels to Paris: The journey from Brussels Central Station to Paris Nord takes around 1 hour 22 minutes and covers a distance of approximately 262 km. This fast train service is offered by Eurostar.
• Amsterdam to Paris: The fastest trains from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Paris Gare du Nord station take around 3 hours 1 minute with options to travel with Eurostar.
• Barcelona to Paris: Direct trains between Barcelona Sants and Paris run throughout the week and take around 6 hours 25 minutes. Trains are operated either with Renfe-SNCF or TGV and cover a distance of 833 km.
• Berlin to Paris: Travel by train from Berlin to Paris within 8 hours. Although there is no direct service between Berlin and Paris, you can optimise your sleeping time by travelling by night train. The best route to take is theNightjet overnight train operated by ÖBB, the Austrian national rail.

Overnight trains to Paris

Sleeper trains are a great way to travel through Europe and are often overlooked as a transport method. However, there are many advantages to using an overnight train. There are various destinations you can reach via sleeper train from Paris including Nice, Cannes and Barcelona. Here are some of the best benefits of taking an overnight train journey:

• Overnight trains save you time. Instead of spending time during the day travelling, an overnight train will take you to your destination while you sleep — meaning more time at your destination.
• Sleeper trains to Paris can be more affordable depending on the ticket you book. Night trains are available in all classes of train travel.
• Night trains can also cut down on your carbon footprint as train travel only contributes 0.4% towards EU greenhouse gas emissions.
• For more information on overnight trains to Paris check out our informative guidehere.

Booking tickets with Rail Europe

Rail Europe is the ideal place to book cheap train tickets to France and Europe. You can easily book all your travel in one place as you can book tickets with Eurostar, SNCF, TGV and more.

• Using Rail Europe is simple thanks to the straightforward booking system that allows you to pay in a variety of currencies.
• Rail Europe is easy to navigate and available in multiple languages, including English.
• There are many helpful guides available on Rail Europe, including a guide to European Rail Passes which help you save money on your travel.
• Booking tickets with Rail Europe is simple. Just enter all your travel information into the Rail Europe online booking system and search for the best tickets for your journey.
• You can easily manage your bookings, check departure times and make amendments to your journey here on our website.
• Rail Europe is also a great place to look for travel inspiration with many helpful city guides and plenty of travel discounts to discover.

Exploring Paris

Whether you have come to Paris to sight-see or people-watch from a street-side cafe, Paris is the ideal place for a city break. Known for its excellent museums, architectural beauty, gastronomy and Parisian fashion, the city attracts millions of visitors every year. Here’s some of the best of Paris to make your trip to the French capital complete.

The best way to get around Paris

Paris is a great city to see on foot with impressive architecture and quaint cobbled streets to discover. Knowing that Paris is split into arrondissements can help you navigate the city and locate popular attractions. Public transport is also a great way to get around Paris.

• Metro: The Metro is the Paris subway system. You can buy a variety of tickets including single tickets, preloaded ticket cards and multi-day passes.
• Buses: City buses are an affordable way to get around the city. Buses are run by RATP and often accept contactless payment cards.
• Trams: there are 13 tram lines in Paris. RATP also runs the Paris trams.

Must-see attractions in Paris

Paris is a cultural treasure trove with many exceptional museums and iconic attractions. Here are the must-see attractions for a trip to Paris:

• The Eiffel Tower is an iconic Paris monument located in the 7th arrondissement. Visitors can climb up the levels of the tower which stands at 300 metres.
• The world-famous Louvre Museum is home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and around 35,000 other pieces of art (and this isn’t even factoring in the hundreds of thousands of objects, like archaeological finds). Located in the 1st arrondissement the museum draws millions of visitors to its halls each year. Book tickets in advance and arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral is a stunning medieval cathedral built in 1345, located on City Island in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. Following the Notre-Dame fire in 2019 the Cathedral is set to re-open in December 2024.
• The Champs-Élysées is a stunning avenue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris where the impressive Arc de Triomphe is also located. It's a great place to take photos and enjoy an evening stroll.
• The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur stands atop the highest natural point in Paris, giving visitors panoramic views of the city from the foot of the church or from the dome, which visitors can climb. The cathedral, with its stone-white facade and ornate interior, is the first stop on any tour of Montmartre.
• The Luxembourg Gardens, a sprawling natural landmark covering 23 hectares (56 acres), is a breath of fresh air during a trip to Paris. Stroll the French and English gardens, learn about beekeeping in the apiary, and seek out the dozens of statues sprinkled around the gardens, including a replica of the Statue of Liberty .
• Les Invalides should be the first stop for any history buff. The complex is home to Napolean Bonaparte’s (and other war heroes’) tomb , the Army Museum, the Museum of Contemporary History and much more. Don’t forget to look up as the dome above is plated with a dozen kilograms of real gold leafing.

Visiting the Palace of Versailles

The stunning Palace of Versailles is a must-see during a trip to Paris. It is famous for being the home to French Kings from the time of Louis XIV to Louis XVI and for its impressive Hall of Mirrors. The Palace of Versailles is easy to access as a day trip from Paris.

• To arrive by train take a regional express train from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Versailles-Chantiers which takes around 13 minutes.
• Alternative transport options include taking a taxi, which takes around 40 minutes from the centre of Paris.
• You can easily plan your travel to the Palace as it is open Tuesday through Sunday starting at 9 am each morning. Note that the estate of Trianon, located within the Versailles grounds, opens later during the day.
• Tickets to enter the Palace can be booked on the official Palace of Versailles website.
• Access the Palace park and gardens for free besides on days with special events and shows.
• From March to October, you can enjoy fountain shows and musical gardens at the Palace.

Best time of year to visit Paris

Paris is a bustling city with many things to do and see throughout the year.

• Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best months to visit the city, as the weather is cooler and the city is less crowded.
• During summer months (June, July, August) the weather is very hot, with temperatures reaching 26°C in July. Summer is one of the busiest times of the year in Paris with many tourists visiting on vacation.
• The Tour de France takes place in July, ending in Paris to huge celebrations at the Place de la Concorde.
• The winter months (December, January, February) can be cold with snow common in January. However, December in Paris can be fantastic with Christmas markets and festive cheer throughout the city.

Safety in Paris for tourists

Paris is generally a safe city to visit however there is an issue with pickpockets, as is common in many cities. Pickpockets operate specifically on the Metro and in train stations so take precautions when you visit Paris.

• Do not carry your passport in the same place as your credit cards and other valuables.
• Use internal pockets inside your bags and keep valuables close in cafes and restaurants.
• Keep mobile phones and wallets in a bag across your body instead of a shoulder bag or rucksack.
• Be wary if you are approached as often thieves operate in gangs and use distraction techniques to take your belongings.

Exploring France

Exploring France is smooth and easy thanks to the well-organised and efficient rail network. Whether you’re headed right to Paris or to one of its many exciting cities, towns, or natural landmarks, train travel is the way to get there.

Paris to Bordeaux

Globally renowned for its wines, Bordeaux is much more than its vintages. Gorgeous architecture, a yummy food scene and numerous museums and landmarks to check off your list make Bordeaux a great place to visit from Paris. Getting there from Paris Montparnasse to Bordeaux’s Saint-Jean station takes 2-3 hours aboard an SNCF high-speed train. To travel in comfort, consider booking a seat aboard a Ouigo train between Bordeaux and Paris.

Top attractions:

• Place de la Bourse: A reflective Water mirror that is great for photo ops during the day and a wonder to take in at night.
• Cité du Vin: Learn about the history and art of winemaking at this immersive museum that not only offers a tasting room but also stunning views of the city.
• Bordeaux Cathedral (Saint-André): Speaking of good views, this Gothic cathedral, with its famous Pey-Berland Tower, serves up some unbeatable ones of the city and the surrounding region.

Paris to Marseille

Head to the coast and get a taste of that Mediterranean charm in just around 3 and a half hours. Known for outdoor markets, grandeous Calanques, a hip scene, iconic architecture and scrumptious weather. The journey by high-speed trains takes off from Paris Gare de Lyon and arrives at Marseille Saint-Charles station.

Top attractions:

• Notre-Dame de la Garde: Synonymous with the city, this stunning cathedral gives visitors a great view of Marseille and its seaside wonders.
• The Old Town: Serving up constant fun and endless seafood, this area is the perfect spot to start your adventures in Marseille.

Paris to Lille

Combine French and Flemish heritage, with influences of nearby Belgium, and you’ll get the northern French city of Lille. In just around an hour, passengers aboard TGV trains operated by INOUI and Eurostar can arrive from Paris to Lille.

Top attractions:

• Hospice Comtesse Museum: Located in a former Flemish convent, the museum houses an incredible collection of artworks from Flanders.
• Grand Place: This lively city square is a great place to grab a seat at a local cafe and watch locals and tourists shuffle between stores and restaurants. Look around and you’ll see Flemish Baroque architecture, like the Vieille Bourse, surrounding you.

Strasbourg to Paris

With Germany located just across the River Rhine, this city is a marriage of both German and French cultures. Vist the nearby Schwarzwald (Black Forest) and take in Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets if you’re around during the holiday season. Take a TGV train from Paris and arrive in Starbourg in around 2 hours. Travellers can easily connect to other French cities and Germany and Switzerland.

Top day trips from Paris

Thanks to its convenient location, Paris is the perfect jumping off point for day trips across France. Whether it’s a trip to soak up the medieval history of Chartres or to Giverny to see Claude Monet's home and gardens, getting there by train is the way to go.

Lyon

If you only have a day to check out Lyon, be sure to stroll the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visit the Lyon Museum of Fine Art and be sure to enjoy the local cuisine of this city known as the Gastronomy capital of France. Getting to Lyon from Paris is easy with the high-speed TGV trains departing Paris Gare de Lyon throughout the day, arriving in Lyon within 2 hours.

Giverny

In just under 1 hour, art fans can get from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny station located in France’s Normandy region. From the Vernon train station, take a shuttle bus, taxi or rent a bike in town to arrive at Giverny. The main attraction in Giverny is the beautiful home and gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet, but the charming cafes, tea houses, cathedral, museums and gardens are all-charm and totally worth the stop.

Chantilly

Regional TER trains from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux station take about 25 minutes on a direct route. When arriving head to the Château de Chantilly for a look at the beautiful gardens, cathedral and architecture. When in town, be sure to have a big cup of hot chocolate with chantilly on top!

Other great trip destinations from Paris include:

• Nice: TGV trains take around 5-6 hours departing from Paris Gare de Lyon.
• Toulouse: High-speed TGV trains arrive in Toulouse in 2 hours 8 minutes from Paris.

Getting from Paris to the French Riviera by train

The best way to get to the scenic coast of the French Riviera is aboard a high-speed train. High-speed trains travel directly from Gare de Lyon to cities including Nice, Cannes and Marseille along the Riviera.

• Paris <> Nice: The 5.5 to 6 hour ride offers up incredible views of the French countryside and coast.
• Paris <> Cannes: Multiple direct trains make this 5 hour journey each day.
• Paris <> Antibes: Numerous daily trains make this nearly 700-kilometre journey from Paris Gare du Nord in around 5 hours 12 minutes.

When it comes to train travel, faster isn’t always better. When you opt for a slower regional train, you can really soak up the countryside and charming stops along the way. Whether you opt for the high-speed or more leisurely option, the French Riviera is just a train ride away.

Train passes for tourists in France

Rail Passes are useful if you are planning to travel to multiple destinations, offering unlimited travel and discounts on tickets. Here are the most popular rail passes in France:

Eurail and Interrail Passes

Eurail and Interrail Passes offer affordable and flexible travel throughout Europe or to multiple locations within one country.

• Travellers are permitted unlimited travel on participating train operators over a set number of days.
• Visitors can book either a Global Eurail or Interrail Pass and have access to 33 countries or a One Country Pass, like the France Pass, and can extensively travel all over France.
• Passes need to be activated before travel and passengers have up to 11 months from purchase to activate.
• Eurail and Interrail also offer discounts on public transport and some popular attractions.
• The Interrail Pass is only available to European citizens and permanent residents, whereas the Eurail Pass is available to non-Europeans.
• The passes can be managed on your phone, where tickets can be booked.