Major Paris Train Stations
Paris has six major railway termini that serve France, Europe, and welcome tens of millions of travellers and tourists every year.
Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Montparnasse, Gare de l'Est, Saint-Lazare, Gare d'Austerlitz: destinations, lines, access and practical tips to plan your journey.
With its six major terminal stations, Paris holds a central position in the European rail network. Each station serves a specific geographical direction of France and Europe, a legacy of the 19th century when railway companies built their own termini. This system, unique in the world, means that in Paris you change stations to change destination.
For tourists, Paris's major stations are often the first point of contact with the city: arriving on the Eurostar from London at Gare du Nord, stepping off a TGV from Marseille at Gare de Lyon, or connecting to the Loire Valley châteaux from Gare Montparnasse. Each station has its own architectural identity, its own metro and RER lines, and its own passenger services.
Beyond transit, Paris's major stations are lively destinations in their own right: shops, restaurants, left-luggage facilities, tourist offices, and in some cases remarkable architectural spaces such as the Gare du Nord hall or the Gare de Lyon's famous glass canopy. A private chauffeur remains the most comfortable way to reach or leave these stations, especially on arrival with luggage.
A few key figures to better understand the scale of Paris's rail network and its importance for travellers.
Each Paris station serves a specific geographical area. Here is what you need to know about each one to plan your journey.
The busiest station in Europe. It serves the Eurostar (London in 2h15), Eurostar/Thalys to Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne, TGVs to northern France, and RER B directly to CDG and Orly airports. Metro lines 2, 4 and 5.
Gare du Nord – SNCFDeparture point for TGVs to south-east France (Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Montpellier) and international routes (Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, Turin, Milan, Barcelona). Served by RER A and RER D. Metro lines 1 and 14. Its famous restaurant Le Train Bleu is worth a visit.
Gare de Lyon – SNCFGateway to western and south-western France: Bordeaux (2h), Nantes (2h), Rennes (1h30), Le Mans (55 min), Brest, La Rochelle. TGV services to Spain (Irun, Madrid, Barcelona). Metro lines 4, 6, 12 and 13.
Gare Montparnasse – SNCFTGV services to eastern France (Strasbourg, Metz, Nancy, Reims) and international connections to Germany (Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich), Luxembourg and Switzerland. Metro lines 4, 5 and 7.
Gare de l'Est – SNCFFrance's second-busiest station. Departures to Normandy (Rouen, Caen, Le Havre, Cherbourg) and numerous Transilien commuter lines across Île-de-France. RER E. Metro lines 3, 12, 13 and 14.
Gare Saint-Lazare – SNCFServes central France (Limoges, Clermont-Ferrand, Orléans) and overnight trains to Spain and Portugal. RER C (Versailles, Orly airport). Metro lines 5 and 10. The least touristy of the six major stations.
Gare d'Austerlitz – SNCFSeveral options are available to reach Paris's major stations. The best choice depends on your starting point, your luggage and your budget.
A private chauffeur transfer is the most comfortable solution for reaching a Paris station, especially on arrival by plane or with heavy luggage. Pick-up is arranged directly at the terminal or at your address, with drop-off at the station entrance.
Book a station transfer →All major stations are accessible by metro or RER from any neighbourhood in Paris. RER B connects CDG Airport directly to Gare du Nord in 30 minutes. RER A serves Gare de Lyon. RER C serves Gare d'Austerlitz.
RATP network mapTaxi ranks are available outside every major station. For greater comfort and reliability, a private hire vehicle or chauffeur can be booked in advance, with real-time tracking and luggage assistance.
Station services – SNCFParis has no single central station like London or Berlin. Your destination determines your departure station: always check your station on your SNCF ticket before heading out.
For the Eurostar (Gare du Nord) and international high-speed trains, passport and customs checks are mandatory. Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure. For domestic TGVs, 20 to 30 minutes is generally sufficient.
All major stations have left-luggage services (Bagages du Monde, Stasher or SNCF automated lockers). Very useful if you want to explore Paris between trains without carrying your suitcases.
The Eurostar departs exclusively from Gare du Nord, in the 10th arrondissement. Passport and customs checks are carried out on site. Allow approximately 2h15 to London St Pancras. Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure.
RER B connects Gare du Nord directly to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in 25 to 35 minutes, with no transfer required. It is the fastest and most affordable connection. A private chauffeur is also available for maximum comfort.
TGVs to Marseille, Nice, Lyon, Montpellier and south-east France depart from Gare de Lyon (12th arrondissement). The Paris-Marseille TGV takes about 3h05, and Paris-Nice around 5h30.
From CDG, RER B serves Gare du Nord directly. From Orly, Metro Line 14 or Orlyval + RER B allow connections to several stations with a transfer. A private chauffeur remains the most direct option for reaching any station from the airports.
The most convenient solution is a private chauffeur, who handles your luggage from the moment you leave the plane or the station. Luggage delivery services also exist (Bagages du Monde, Luggage Hero). Left-luggage facilities at stations allow you to store your bags on site.
Need a private chauffeur to reach or leave a major Paris station?