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With high-speed daily TGV Lyria train services from Zurich to Paris, there’s no need to worry about lengthy airport transfers and traffic issues. A direct train will get you from the heart of the Swiss capital to the heart of the French capital in just over four hours. Upgrade to Business Class on the TGV Lyria for wide seats and gourmet food. If you're flying to Zurich and need to travel to the city center before your train journey, check out our guide on how to get from Zurich Airport to the city center.
By choosing train travel for your journey, you can maximise your time exploring the City of Light, marvelling at the Eiffel Tower, and wandering around Le Marais. If you're visiting Paris to see the iconic sites the city is famous for, don't miss the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and the Louvre. Head up to Sacre Coeur for amazing views over the city.
It takes an average of 5h 59m to travel from Zurich Hb to Paris by train, over a distance of around 303 miles (488 km). There are normally 24 trains per day traveling from Zurich Hb to Paris and tickets for this journey start from $55.66 when you book in advance.
First train | 12:08 am | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 10:04 pm | |
Departure station | Zurich Hb | |
Arrival station | Paris | |
Journey time | From 4h 28m | |
Distance | 303 miles (488 km) | |
Frequency | 24 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From $55.66 | |
Train and bus operators |
TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
TGV Lyria’s Standard Class offers comfortable seats and access to the dining car, perfect for an economical trip in comfort.
When travelling in Standard Première with TGV Lyria, you will have additional legroom, the comfort of a First Class seat, as well as a hot meal served at your seat.
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to Business Première Class and enjoy a welcome drink, a meal on board and much more.
You can take baggage on board TGV Lyria trains without worrying about weight restrictions, so long as you're able to carry it yourself.
There are two refreshment options on board TGV Lyria trains:
Le Deli: Available in the café-bar car or at your seat, with a STANDARD or STANDARD 1ÈRE TGV Lyria ticket.
La Table: A French-Swiss dining experience available with a BUSINESS 1ÈRE TGV Lyria ticket.
Free WiFi is available on board. To get online, connect to the network _WIFI_LYRIA when you're on the train and go to the TGV Lyria Portal in your browser.
Families can reserve two different areas on the train:
The Family Square, located in carriages 6, 16, 7 or 17 in STANDARD (Second Class). This is a set of four seats facing one another, with space for a stroller.
Club 4, which is also a set of 4 seats facing one another around a table.
You will also find baby changing facilities, including a baby changing table and bottle-warming station, on the upper deck of cars 7 and 17, close to the Family Space.
Bikes are allowed on board, so long as they're folded or their wheels are detached. Bikes must also be placed in suitable storage cases (no larger than 130 x 90 cm).
Small pets may travel with TGV Lyria, as long as they are carried in a carrier or container no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm (15.7” x 11.8” x 9.84”). Pets must be placed on your lap or by your feet and must travel with their own ticket at a flat rate of €7 ($7.63).
Dogs on a leash may travel on TGV Lyria trains, but they must be muzzled throughout the journey and placed by your feet. Passengers must pay a flat-rate ticket fee of €20 ($21.79).
2 seats in cars 1 or 11 in First Class are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility. You can request one of these seats when making your booking. If these spaces are no longer available, you can reserve a standard seat. You can also reserve assistance at the train station for help folding and storing your wheelchair.
You can travel with musical instruments if they're stored in a case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. If you're going skiing, snowboards and skis are allowed on board (one pair of skis or one snowboard per person). They must be stored in their covers.
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Zurich Hb to Paris by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
The average journey time by train between Zurich Hb and Paris is 5 hours and 59 minutes, with around 24 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The fastest journey time by train from Zurich Hb to Paris is 4 hours and 28 minutes.
Train tickets from Zurich Hb to Paris can start from as little as $55.66 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Zurich Hb to Paris without having to change trains. There is 1 direct train from Zurich Hb to Paris each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Zurich Hb to Paris leaves at 00:08. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Zurich Hb to Paris leaves at 22:04. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
Trains travelling from Zurich Hb to Paris cover a distance of around 303 miles (488 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Paris to Zurich Hb.