Overview

TGV Lyria is the SNCF/SBB joint high-speed service linking France and Switzerland, including routes such as Paris–Geneva, Paris–Lausanne, Paris–Basel, and Paris–Zurich. It operates direct services on key routes, including Paris-Geneva, Paris-Lausanne, and Paris-Basel-Zurich, as well as a seasonal Marseille-Geneva-Lausanne service.

Luggage

Only hand luggage is allowed onboard, max 130×90cm. You must be able to move, carry and stow it yourself in the designated areas. As of 1 May 2025, double basses up to 1.95m in a labelled soft case are permitted, provided you check in 30 minutes before departure from major stations.

Traveling with pets

Pets are welcome onboard TGV Lyria. Small pets must travel in a closed carrier measuring no more than 45×30×25cm. Dogs travelling outside a carrier must remain on a lead, be muzzled throughout the journey and stay at your feet. A separate pet ticket is required.

Boarding & check-in

Arrive around 30 minutes before departure to allow enough time to locate your platform and board. There is no formal check-in, although tickets may be inspected before boarding at some stations. Carry your valid travel ticket and the identification or supporting documents required for your fare.

Wheelchair & assistance

TGV Lyria trains carry two dedicated wheelchair spaces in 1st class (coaches 1 or 11), next to an accessible toilet; request the space when booking. Passengers who can't use the reserved space may fold their wheelchair and travel in a standard seat. Wheelchair users travel on a Standard fare with an automatic upgrade to Première; a travelling companion also gets a reduced fare (around €12/CHF12 in Standard, or 30% off the semi-flex Première fare for an adult companion and 60% off for a child). For other disabilities, only the companion qualifies for a special fare (€38/CHF37 Première, €12/CHF12 Standard). Guide and assistance dogs travel free.

Book station and onboard assistance ahead of travel — where to call depends on your departure station:

• Departing a French station: call 3212, or +33 (0)9 72 72 00 92 from abroad (8am–8pm, 7 days a week), or use the online station assistance form. Book at least 24 hours ahead of departure, quoting your booking reference.
• Departing a Swiss station: call SBB on 0800 007 102, or +41 (0)800 007 102 from abroad (5am–midnight), or use the SBB online reservation form. Book at least 1 hour ahead for a standard request, 2 hours if a shuttle/lift vehicle is needed, or 24 hours if the journey continues internationally.

Have your booking reference, journey details and wheelchair dimensions ready when you call, and confirm the exact meeting point and time at the station with the agent.

Tickets & mobile/digital use

TGV Lyria supports e-tickets, including tickets booked through Rail Europe. Your ticket is personal and cannot be transferred to another passenger. Keep your ticket available on your mobile device or as a printed copy and carry valid identification, as the train manager may ask to see both during your journey.

If your ticket includes a railcard, pass or other discounted fare, you must also carry the corresponding valid supporting document. Make sure your phone is charged and your ticket can be accessed before boarding.

Classes

TGV Lyria offers three main travel classes:

• Standard: Second-class travel with access to onboard Wi-Fi, entertainment and Le Bistrot.
• Première: First-class seating with additional comfort, seat selection and access to selected lounge services.
• Première Signature: Premium first-class travel on selected routes, including additional services such as at-seat dining and enhanced flexibility.

Within Standard and Première, exchange and refund conditions depend on the flexibility of the fare selected. Always check the fare conditions displayed during booking and in your Rail Europe booking details before making changes.

Refunds & claims

Whether your TGV Lyria ticket can be exchanged or refunded depends on the fare conditions selected when booking. Check the After-sales Conditions in your Rail Europe booking to see whether exchanges or refunds are permitted, any applicable fees and the deadline for making your request.

If your ticket is eligible for a refund, you can usually request it through your Rail Europe account. Any refund will be processed according to the rail operator's fare conditions and returned to the original payment method.

For delays or cancellations, keep your original ticket and any supporting evidence or receipts. Compensation may be available depending on the length of the delay and the circumstances. TGV Lyria journeys are included in the SNCF delay-claim process.

Food & drinks on board

TGV Lyria offers food and drinks onboard, with the service depending on your travel class.

• Standard and Première: passengers can purchase meals, snacks and drinks from Le Bistrot onboard.
• Première Signature: an at-seat meal service is included on eligible journeys, with food and drinks served directly at your seat.