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TGV Lyria (France <> Switzerland)
If you will be taking a journey by Lyria trains our guide will tell you the key things you need to know about making the most of the journey experience.
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At a Glance
Travel Pass Supplement
Rail Pass Reservation Fees
Reservations
Compulsory
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
Accessing the train
Wheelchair Spaces
Train Specification
Attributes of the train
Has a Conductor
High Speed (total journey)
Catering
Food services available
Bistro (bar food and take away meals)
Country
Which country these trains operate in.
France
Switzerland
Travel Passes
Eurail
InterRail
On Board
Première/Premium/1ére
Perks
WiFi
A complimentary WiFi portal is available throughout this train.
Power Socket
The power sockets on this train are compatible with standard E.U. two point plugs.
Business/1ere
Perks
At Seat Catering
According to the time of day of travel, passengers will be able to choose from a menu of catering options, which will then be served at their seats.
WiFi
A complimentary WiFi portal is available throughout this train.
Power Socket
The power sockets on this train are compatible with standard E.U. two point plugs.
The Business Class service is not available on Saturdays.
Travel with a Business Class ticket on the other days of the week and you will be travelling in same comfortable seating saloons as the 1st class/Premiere class passengers, but will be able to access additional at-seat benefits including a complimentary hot meal and refreshing hot towels, plus unlimited drinks.
A Quiet Zone is also available.
You will also be able to access the Grand Voyager business lounge at the Gare De Lyon.
Seconde/Standard/2nde
Perks
WiFi
A complimentary WiFi portal is available throughout this train.
Power Socket
The power sockets on this train are compatible with standard E.U. two point plugs.
Good to know info
ShowMeTheJourney has anticipated what questions are most often asked about travelling on the TGV Lyria train services and answered them below.
If you can't find the information you are seeking, you can ask a question and the AI enabled service will try to write an answer, telling you what you wish to know.
How fast does the train travel?
These trains have a theoretical top speed of 320 km/h (198 mph), but on the high speed lines south of Paris and between Dijon and Mulhouse, they more typically travel at up to around 300 km/h (186 mph).
On the 'classic' railway lines, used on the other parts of the routes taken by these trains, they typically have a top speed of 160 km/h (100 mph).
Are seats allocated when booking tickets?
Yes.
Can specific seats be selected from a seating plan?
This is possible when booking Premiere, or Business Premiere tickets on SNCF Connect.
See the ShowMeTheJourney guide on how to book on SNCF Connect.
The seating plan can also be viewed here.
Can I choose forward facing seats?
Not on this type of train
Do Eurail / InterRail Pass users need to make reservations?
Yes, when travelling between France and Switzerland and for journeys solely within France ; See the guide to using rail passes in France.
Though per kilometer, these Lyria services have the most expensive rail pass reservation fees when travelling between France and Switzerland - So they are best avoided - see the info below on how to do this.
What catering is available on the train?
The train convey an on board Bistro, but if you travel in Business Class you will also receive a complimentary at seat meal.
Are power sockets available?
Yes - for standard E.U. 2-point plugs
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes and more info on how to connect is available here.
Is a Quiet Coach available?
Not on these services
What is the luggage policy?
You must be able to carry all your luggage alone at one time and the maximum size of an item is 130 x 90 cm
Further information re: taking skis and strollers etc.
Are wheelchair spaces available?
Yes, they are housed on the lower deck in a Premier / 1st class coach.
More info is available on the Lyria Mobility Services guide.
Can non-folding bicycles be taken on board?
Only if their wheels can be removed and they are stored in covers (maximum dimensions of 130 cm x 90 cm)
Can dogs be taken on board?
The Lyria train services have specific terms for travel with dogs
If a small dog can spend the journey in a pet carrier no larger than 45 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm, the ticket price is €7, or there is a charge of €20 for dogs which don't travel in a pet carrier / basket.
Not that dogs not travelling in carriers must be muzzled.
Travel summary:
Lyria is the SERVICE of high speed trains between France and Switzerland and now ALL Lyria services are scheduled to be operated by double-deck trains.
The trains used for the Lyria services have also being provided with new look interiors, which SMTJ has yet to experience hence the lack of images.
Routes:
TGV-Lyria services are the only direct trains on these routes:
(1) Paris Gare De Lyon - Dijon - Basel - Zurich (and Bern)
(2) Paris Gare De Lyon - Bellegarde - Geneve - (Lausanne)
(3) Paris - Gare De Lyon - Frasne - Lausanne
(4) Marseille - Avignon TGV - Lyon - Bellegarde - Geneve
Reservations:
Seats will automatically be assigned when booking tickets for journeys by Lyria trains, you will have a choice between travelling on the upper or lower decks.
Rail pass users will need to have made reservations prior to boarding (see below).
Using rail passes:
If you have a rail pass you will need to reserve a seat(s) - EXCEPT for journeys between Basel and Zurich, between those cities no rail pass reservation fees apply.
However, if you will be using a Eurail or InterRail pass, our advice is to avoid taking Lyria train services, when travelling between Paris and Switzerland.
The rail pass reservation fee/supplement is comparable to the cheapest discounted point-2-point tickets.
So once you factor in the cost per day of using the rail pass, taking a Lyria train service becomes particularly expensive.
Though there are cheaper alternatives available, so you can still include journeys between Paris and Switzerland on a rail pass itinerary.
For journeys between Paris and Lausanne the balance begins to tip in favour of paying the Lyria reservation fee.
To avoid it you’ll need to change trains in both Geneve AND Lyon.
Bicycles:
Non-folding bicycles can no longer be taken on Lyria train services.
The info on the luggage policy states that bikes can be taken on board as hand-luggage 'as long as they can be folded or their wheels can be removed and they are stored in covers (maximum dimensions of 130 cm x 90 cm)'.
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This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.
