How long is a tgv train

Experience shows an immediate reaction by the public after a new TGV is opened. Sources of increased traffic are passengers changing from air and road transport due to the value added by the TGV in term of shorter trip times, frequent services, high comfort and competitive fares. The impact of high-speed rail on air travel is unquestionable; air routes in competition with the TGVs have all seen similar drops in volume, especially on journeys with a trip time of less than 3 hours.

The impact on road transport is also clear—indices for traffic show that motorways in competition with TGVs experience a decrease in traffic growth. As an added benefit, the drop in air and road traffic decreases the negative impact of pollution, etc.

France has developed the synergy between the TGV and air services to a great degree. The station has four floors, offering various services, including information points, ticket windows, a bar, a restaurant, money changing, car rentals, children's nursery, showers, washrooms, etc.

It was designed by the famous Spanish architect M. Santiago Calatrava. The architecture is audacious, combining an aesthetic landmark exterior with internal functionality. Since construction of the third airport for the Paris region was cancelled, LYS has lived up to its ambition to become the second largest airport in France. Its trump card is its connection with the expanding European high-speed network. This advantage will make LYS a unique multi-modal transport base for Europe. Currently, there are about 9 million people living within 90 minutes of LYS; by , there will be 21 million people excluding Paris living within 2 hours.

This traffic will continue growing in the future with additional TGV trains to the south and south-east of France and the commercialization of services like TGV Air, combining air flights with TGV trips—a perfect complement between train and plane. The entire project comprises km of new lines reaching to Vendenheim near Strasbourg.

The first phase, which is already budgeted for, comprises km, linking Vaires-sur-Marne near Paris to Baudrecourt in the Moselle as well as to the existing railway network, serving as many destinations directly without the need to make a connection.

Travel tips Ticket gates. These are being installed at the entrance to TGV platforms at main Paris termini.

Scan your ticket barcode to access the platforms. This is Paris Montparnasse. Train formation display , showing where along the platform each car of a train will stop, so you can be waiting in the right place when your train comes in!

Boarding: As with most European trains, there's no check-in, you just walk into the station, look at the TV screens or indicator board to find your train and get on any time before it leaves.

At terminal stations, you may see the platform announced anything from 15 to 30 minutes before departure. Access to the platform may be stopped a minute or two before departure time to ensure an on-time departure. Automatic ticket gates : In , TGV platforms at the main Paris stations are progressively being fitted with automatic ticket gates.

You place the barcode on your ticket, printout or smartphone app against the glass scanner to open the gates and access the platforms. There's usually be an extra-wide gate if you have large luggage or a pushchair, for example.

There is no difference in the on-board service as no food or drink is included in 1st class on French domestic TGVs. Choosing your seat: In first class, select Club Duo or Dual face to face if travelling as a couple for an intimate table-for-two, or Club Quatre Club four if three or four of you are travelling together so you can sit cosily around a table. You can choose seating options if you book at www.

On double-deck TGV Duplex , ask for an upper deck seat for the best views. Stairs to the upper deck are wide and easy so not a problem, only choose the lower deck if you have serious mobility impairment. You can select upper or lower deck if you book online at www. It is not possible to specify a forward-facing seat on a TGV Duplex, as the unit could be running either way round, you cant tell which way round it will be running.

Forward-facing seats: It's possible to specify forward-facing seats on a handful of TGV routes which have the Christian Lacroix interiors which feature variable illuminated seat numbers - the correct set of seat numbers illuminate depending which way round the TGV unit enters service. You'll only be given the option to specify forward facing seats if a you book using www. Remember to validate French train tickets by putting them into the slot on the orange or yellow Compostez machines at the entrance to each platform.

Obviously, you don't need to validate print-your-own or e-tickets! Where on the platform to wait for your train? At most main stations, you can see where on the platform your carriage will stop by consulting a 'Composition des Trains' chart showing the train formation with coach numbers.

Taking your bike: See the bikes by train page. Taking your dog: See the dogs by train page. Back to top. Incidentally, SNCF's in-house designer still hasn't forgiven Christian Lacroix for breaking the long-standing unwritten 'rules' and using warm colours in 2nd class, cooler colours in 1st class, so see what you think Seat numbering plans: There are various types of TGV, you can find plans of the seating layouts on the train seat numbering page.

Food from the cafe bar Panorama photo. See sample TGV bar menu The latest interior TGV 1st class latest interior colour scheme.

TGV 2nd class , latest interior colour scheme. Older interiors There are still some unrefurbished TGVs knocking about, and these older interiors often don't have power sockets in 2nd class.

TGV 2nd class. You can start making reservations up to 3 months in advance. Facilities and services. Operated by:. TGV high-speed train, France. En voyage France. TGV at train station of Spanish border station Figueres. Interior TGV high-speed train 1st class, France. Related Pages. France by Train Top Destinations. France by Train.