How to take the train from Paris to Montpellier

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Paris to Montpellier by train

Montpellier has two stations served by the high speed trains from Paris:

  1. St-Roch station has a location convenient for the city centre,
  2. A newer high speed line has built to the south of the city and the Sud-de-France station is on this new route - so the journey time to Montpellier-Sud de France is around 15 mins faster.

Montpellier-Sud-France has more convenient access by car, but taking a combination of a free-shuttle bus and tram to the heart of the city takes around 25 mins.
Therefore the journey guides below solely focus on the trains which serve Montpellier St.Roch.

You can only take high speed trains from Paris to Montpellier-St Roch station, but both the regular TGV InOui services and low-cost, but more basic, Ouigo services share the route.
It's particularly worthwhile to click on the Train Guides below so that you can compare the two train services.
However, if you need to arrive at a specific time you will often have to take one train service or the other.
The Ouigo services can plug gaps between the TGV InOui departures.

Routes you can take to go from Paris to Montpellier

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:
Looking for connections?

Route Information

Option 1: taking the regular InOui services
Travel Time (approx)

3hr 25min - 3hr 35min (approx)

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

5 or 6 x trains per day


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


Is the journey scenic?
Not particularly, though 90% on the journey is on a high-speed line.


What other tourist locations are along the route from Paris to Montpellier?
Valence and Nimes


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Montpellier-St Roch from Paris Gare De Lyon on this journey option?
Before 10:15
Source = European Rail Timetable


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Paris Gare De Lyon to Montpellier-St Roch on this journey option
Before 20:00
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to get to the station in Paris?
The Gare De Lyon is served by two Metro lines - line 14 is now directly linked to Orly Airport. The station also has rail links from the Gare Du Nord and the La Défense business district.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by the Gare De Lyon.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Paris to Montpellier trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access a guide to how rail tickets are managed in France, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Paris to Montpellier trains?
Up to 6 months in advance, 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier trains include assigned seats?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Paris to Montpellier trains?
Yes - See the rail pass guide for France for info on the multiple booking options.


Is catering available on the Paris to Montpellier trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.


What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.

Route Information

Option 2: Save money by taking the more basic Ouigo services
Travel Time (approx)

3hr 32min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

up to 1 x train per day


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


Is the journey scenic?
Not particularly, though 90% on the journey is on a high-speed line.


What other tourist locations are along the route from Paris to Montpellier?
Valence and Nimes


How easy is it to get to the station in Paris?
The Gare De Lyon is served by two Metro lines - line 14 is now directly linked to Orly Airport. The station also has rail links from the Gare Du Nord and the La Défense business district.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by the Gare De Lyon.


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


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for the Paris to Montpellier train for this journey option?
Typically up to 6 months ahead, 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 Montpellier trains?
The adult rate is charged for all travellers aged 12 and over.
A price of €8 is charged for children aged 11 and under.


Does the ticket for these Paris to Montpellier trains include assigned seats?
Yes, more info on the seat selection is available on the 'Train Guide' within the Journey Information guide below


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Paris to Montpellier trains?
Rail passes are not valid on Ouigo services.


Is catering available on the Paris to Montpellier train on this journey option?
No


What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.

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