If you’re planning a trip to Europe, you might be wondering how long it takes to get from Paris to Switzerland by train. The answer depends on several factors such as the type of train, the route, and the time of day.
Types of Trains:
There are two main types of trains that run from Paris to Switzerland: high-speed trains and regional trains. High-speed trains are faster but more expensive, while regional trains are slower but cheaper.
High-Speed Trains:
The fastest way to travel from Paris to Switzerland by train is on a high-speed train. The most popular high-speed train is the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), which can reach speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h).
The TGV runs directly from Paris Gare de Lyon station to Geneva, Lausanne, and Zurich. The journey takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to Geneva, 4 hours and 15 minutes to Lausanne, and 4 hours and 40 minutes to Zurich.
Regional Trains:
If you’re looking for a cheaper option or want to explore smaller towns along the way, regional trains are a good choice. These trains run on slower routes with more stops than high-speed trains.
The most popular regional train is the TER (Transport Express Régional), which runs from Paris Gare de Lyon station to Geneva via Bellegarde-sur-Valserine. The journey takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Routes:
The route you take will also affect how long it takes to get from Paris to Switzerland by train. Direct routes are faster but may not be available for all destinations.
Direct Routes:
Direct routes are available for some destinations in Switzerland such as Geneva, Lausanne, and Zurich. These routes are faster because there are no stops along the way. The TGV train is the most popular high-speed train that runs directly from Paris to these destinations.
Indirect Routes:
Indirect routes may take longer but can be more scenic and offer more opportunities to explore smaller towns along the way. For example, if you want to travel from Paris to Bern, you’ll need to change trains in Basel.
Time of Day:
The time of day you travel can also affect how long it takes to get from Paris to Switzerland by train. Trains are usually busier during peak hours, which can slow down your journey.
Peak Hours:
Peak hours are usually between 7 am and 9 am and between 5 pm and 7 pm on weekdays. If you’re traveling during these times, it’s a good idea to book your ticket in advance to secure a seat.
Off-Peak Hours:
Off-peak hours are usually outside of peak hours on weekdays and on weekends. These times can be less busy, which means you may be able to find cheaper tickets.
In conclusion, How long it takes to get from Paris to Switzerland by train depends on several factors such as the type of train, the route, and the time of day. A direct high-speed train will get you there faster but may not be available for all destinations.
If you want a cheaper option or want to explore smaller towns along the way, consider taking a regional train or an indirect route. Finally, consider traveling during off-peak hours for cheaper tickets and less busy trains.