This direct train is now only available between early July and late August, when it isn't an option a connection between trains in Lyon is required.
Final Destination: Marseille
This train no longer travels beyond Marseille to Nice
The train also calls at: Lyon-Part Dieu and Valence TGV
It is the only direct train between Switzerland and the south of France.
up to 1 x train per day
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings usually open: 4 months ahead of the travel date
In 2023, from July 3rd to August 27th this train is scheduled to depart from Geneve at 08:41, so target that time when looking up this journey
SNCF Connect can refer to Geneve station as Geneve-Cornavin.
Seats will automatically be assigned when booking tickets for this journey, but rail pass users will need to be pay a reservation fee prior to boarding.
However, if you have a rail pass you can avoid the comparatively expensive rail pass supplements/reservation fees on this direct Lyria train by taking TER trains from Geneve to Lyon and then on from Lyon to Avignon Centre station (which is closer to the town)
Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
---|---|---|
SNCF Connect | from €29 | |
Trainline | from €29 |
As referenced on the guide to changes in European train times for 2020 this service will now only be scheduled to depart from early July to late August.
Outside of these dates the best options for taking a train journey from Geneve to Avignon are:
(1) Take the daily 07:32 TER service from Geneve to Lyon Part-Dieu station and connect there for a TGV train on to Avignon TGV station, which is due to arrive there at 11:51.
The connecting time in Lyon will be a little over 1hr 10mins, but that should allow for contingency in the event of the TER train being delayed.
(2) On Mondays to Fridays and Sundays, take the 09:29 service from Geneve to Lyon, but the transfer time into the train on to Avignon from Lyon will be just 14 minutes.
Make that connection and you should arrive in Avignon TGV station at 12:41
(3) Take the TER train to Valence that is usually scheduled to depart from Geneve daily at 10:00.
Leave this train at Valence TGV station and take the 13:47 TGV to Avignon TGV station, which is due to arrive there at 14:19.
(4) Take that 10:00 departure to its final stop at Valence-Ville station.
It is scheduled to have a 17 minute connection into another TER train, which is due to arrive in Avignon-Centre station at 13:32.
So this is a city centre to city centre option and if you will be travelling this way with a rail pass you'll avoid paying any reservation fees; and the journey will also be more scenic.
If you're in luck, your reserved seat will be in the upper deck on the left of the train (when facing the direction of travel) for valley views over the River Rhone between the Swiss border and Culoz.
Then between Culoz and Ambérieu the train will travel through a gorge through the foothills of the Alps and again this is best appreciated from the upper deck.
The train will then travel on the high speed line around 20 mins after departing Lyon, until it arrives in Avignon.
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