How to travel from Paris to Annecy by train

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Paris to Annecy by train

It's a straightforward journey by train from the French capital to this beautiful lakeside resort city, thanks to the direct service of TGV trains.

Routes you can take to go from Paris to Annecy

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

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Journey guides for travel to Paris

Route Information

Station Guides

The beautiful exterior of Hall 1 at Gare De Lyon

Paris Gare de Lyon / Paris Lyon Rail Station Guide

Annecy Rail Station Guide

Travel Time (approx)

3hr 40min - 3hr 48 min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

Mon - Thursday = 5 x trains per day
Friday =6 x trains
Saturday = 5 x trains
Sunday = 4 x trains

Is the journey from Paris to Annecy direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.

Is the journey scenic?
The most scenic part of the route occurs after Lyon as the railway will pass by by two lakes - see the Journey Information

What other tourist locations are along the route from Paris to Annecy?
Chambery and Aix-les-Bains

When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Annecy from Paris Gare De Lyon?

Around 10:30 on Monday to Saturday
Around 13:30 on Sunday
Source = European Rail Timetable

When is the usual approximate latest departure from Paris Gare De Lyon to Annecy?
Around 18:45 on Monday to Thursday and Saturday / Sunday; around 20:40 on Friday.
Source = European Rail Timetable

Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Paris to Annecy trains?
Yes

How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Paris to Annecy trains?
typically up to 4 months, but it varies according to when /if SNCF has a promotion in place; see the Ticket Information

What are the child ticket terms for these Paris to Annecy trains?
The adult rate is charged for all travellers aged 12 and over.
Children aged 4-11 pay half fare

Does the ticket for these Paris to Annecy trains include assigned seats?
Yes

Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Paris to Annecy trains?
Yes; see the rail pass reservation guide for the options on how to book.

Is catering available on the Paris to Annecy trains?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car: Note that there is no at seat service.

Travel Information

Note that these trains depart from the Gare De Lyon in Paris.

Final Destination: Annecy

All trains also call at: Chambery and Aix-Les-Bains

This is a direct journey

You will be travelling on one of these trains...

TGV InOui (Duplex) Train Guide

Journey Features

Scenic - YesHigh Speed (partial journey)Landscape (Hills / Mountains)Lake views

Good to Know

These trains between Paris and Annecy are often joined to other trains for much of the journey.
The trains are than separated at Aix-Les-Bains, Chambery or Bellegarde.

Don't worry about boarding the right part of the train, your reserved seat will be in the part of the train heading to Annecy.

The part of the train heading to Annecy will have its own train number, which will be printed on your ticket(s) along with the coach and seat numbers.

However, you MAY not see Annecy listed on some departure screens.
If you do see a TGV train service, that is departing at exactly the same time as the train to Annecy; then it' almost certain that is information will ALSO be for your departure..

Check at the Accueil (Information desk) if you're not sure.

This is a journey of two halves.

The first part of the journey is on the high speed line between Paris and near Lyon.

The second part of the journey is more scenic, particularly when trains run along the shore of the spectacular Lac du Bourget north of Aix-Les-Bains.

The trains take two different routes between the high speed line and Annecy:
(1) via Bourg-en-Bresse
(2) via Chambery
though it makes little difference to the journey times and the Lac Du Bourget can also be seen on either route.

The best of the views are on the left of trains that travel via Chambery and on the right on the trains which travel via Bourg-en-Bresse.

The trains which travel via Bourg-en-Bresse also reverse direction on departure from Aix-les-Bains.

The general guide to French rail travel Discover what's good to know about riding the trains, using the major stations, booking tickets and travelling with Eurail and InterRail passes

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