Paris and Geneva aren’t exactly neighbors, but France’s rail network doesn’t let 250 miles get in the way of their friendship.
You can reach Geneva from Paris with a direct high-speed train, a decision that is as effortless as it is budget-friendly. Here’s what you need to know about taking a perfect trip from Paris to Geneva by train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, StockByM. Image Location: Geneva, Switzerland
At a glance: train from Paris to Geneva
- Paris’s station: Paris Gare de Lyon
- Geneva’s station: Genève Cornavin Station
- How far is Paris to Geneva, Switzerland by train: 254 miles
- Fastest duration for high-speed trains: 3h 0m
- Average duration for general trains: 5h 4m
- Number of trains per day: 16
- Ticket prices: As low as $33 when you book in advance
- Earliest departure: 6:03 a.m.
- Latest departure: 9:00 p.m.
Is a trip to Geneva from Paris worth it?
Yes, a trip to Geneva from Paris is worth it for two main reasons. First, if you’re a country counter who wants to check Switzerland off of your list, Geneva will give you a fantastic introduction to Swiss chocolate and watchmaking. If you’re exploring France’s amazing cities, like Lyon, Strasbourg, Dijon, or Marseille, visiting Geneva is as practical of a stop as it is memorable.
How far is Geneva from Paris by train?
Geneva is 254 miles from Paris, as the corbeau flies. Geneva is located on the far western tip of Switzerland, which is surrounded by French turf. The distance is a little lengthy if you’re on a slow-going train, but the high-speed trains from Paris to Geneva get you there within a few hours.
Image Credit: Getty Images, KDP. Image Location: Lake Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
How long is the high-speed train from Paris to Geneva?
The high-speed train travels between Paris and Geneva in 3 hours. Consider it a well-earned rest: you can spend all morning scouring the streets of Paris, getting last-minute photos of the Iron Lady and the Seine, then give your calves a comfortable place to relax as you finalize your Geneva must-do list.
How often is the train from Paris to Geneva?
Trains leave Paris Gare de Lyon and roll into Geneva an average of 16 times per day. Such a frequency gives you an opportunity to get an early start on the first train out or sleep in without worrying about missing your chance to see this peaceful Swiss city.
How much is the high-speed train from Geneva to Paris?
You can find tickets for the high-speed train from Geneva to Paris for as low as $33. Dropping this much on a train ticket is pocket change when you start comparing the cost of a flight. Even a rock-bottom flight price can rise to the clouds when adding in the cost to check bags, purchase food at the airport, and get to/from the city center to the airport.
What is the cheapest way to get from Paris to Geneva?
The cheapest way to get from Paris to Geneva is to purchase your tickets in advance. Whether you fly, bus it, or take the train, ticket prices are always lowest long before the departure date. From a time and cost perspective, taking the train is cheaper, more convenient, and more comfortable than taking a bus or flying.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Michieru. Image Location: between Geneva and Lausanne
How can you buy cheap train tickets from Paris to Geneva, Switzerland?
You can buy cheap train tickets from Paris to Geneva, Switzerland, directly on the Trainline app. Our app is handy: not only does it allow you to purchase and store e-tickets, but it displays everything in English and U.S. dollars — so you know exactly where you’re going and what you’re paying.
Download the Trainline app today and start planning your train trip from Paris to Geneva.
Which train station is best from Paris to Geneva?
Gare de Lyon is the best train station to take from Paris to Geneva. It’s a direct route, which means settling in without stressing about catching a second (or third) train. Gare de Lyon is also connected to the M1 and M14 Paris metro lines, so it’s accessible from landmarks around the city.
Is the train ride from Paris to Geneva scenic?
As far as high-speed train rides from France to Switzerland go, Paris to Geneva is one of the most scenic you can take. You’ll pass through the lovely French countryside, watching communes come and go from beyond your window.
What is the closest French city to Geneva?
The closest French city to Geneva is Annecy, which is 90 minutes away by train. The closest major French city to Geneva is Lyon, which is around 2 hours away by train. Annecy has more of a medieval charm to it, while Lyon — though not short on historical landmark — is your go-to for gastronomy.
Image Credit: Getty Images, RomanBabakin. Image Location: Lake Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
Can you do a day trip from Paris to Geneva?
Yes, you technically could do a day trip from Paris to Geneva if you caught the early morning train and kept a pocket-sized itinerary. Genève deserves more than an out-and-back day trip, so consider spending the night in one of the best hotels in Geneva so you can explore the city more.
🚆 Trainline Tip: Consider these other day trips from Paris that maximize your sightseeing hours and minimize your travel time.
Is Geneva cheaper than Paris?
Yes and no. Paris is known as one of the most expensive cities in Europe and Switzerland is known as one of Europe’s most expensive countries. If one is “cheaper” than the other, it’s due to your itinerary.
For instance, a general admission ticket for the Louvre is about $23.60 while visiting the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is about $16.40. A 2-star Michelin meal at Geneva’s L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon could run around $213 per person while a six-course tasting menu at Paris’s 2-star Marsan par Hélène Darroze is around $211 per person.
How much is a cup of coffee in Geneva?
When you roll into Geneva Cornavin, there’s a Starbucks in the train station waiting to perk you up. A cold brew costs around CHF 7.90 (around $10.00), an Americano costs CHF 7.10 ($7.90), and a straight cup of black coffee costs CHF 5.80 ($6.40).
How much is a Coke in Geneva?
At the Migros in Geneva Cornavin train station, you can grab a 330ml can of Coke for CHF 1.05 ($1.17). A 900ml bottle of Coke costs CHF 1.50 ($1.67). So for a Swiss franc and a half, you can quench your thirst.
Ready to embark on your Swiss adventure? Download the Trainline app and purchase your tickets today.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Sean Pavone. Image Location: Geneva, Switzerland
