I traveled on a double-decker train between France and Switzerland at 199mph. See inside the TGV Lyria, which costs as little as $50.

Pete SymeJun 16, 2024, 18:12 IST

The author, the TGV Lyria, and its café car.Pete Syme/Business Insider

I traveled on the TGV Lyria between Paris and Geneva, which can reach 199 mph.
Tickets can be as cheap as $50 and offer scenic views of the countrside.

France's high-speed trains are among the best in the world, capable of traveling up to 199 miles per hour.

The TGV Lyria is a joint venture between the state-owned rail operators of France and Switzerland. I traveled on one as I returned home to London after a conference in Geneva.

If you book in advance, it can be as cheap as $50 — about the same price as a budget airline flight and usually faster.

Plus, with great views of the countryside and friendly interactions with employees or other passengers, it's a great way to better comprehend the country. Not to mention the convenience of boarding and the relaxed atmosphere of the café car.

Here's what it's like to travel on board.

Last month, I was in Geneva to attend a business aviation conference.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

While I flew into the city, I traveled back to London via train — starting with the TGV from Geneva to Paris.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

It's operated by the TGV Duplex, which has 510 seats — 332 in second class and 183 in first.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

I booked my seat online and got a QR code ticket, but you can also get one in person at the station. A one-way ticket in advance is as cheap as 47 euros ($50).

Pete Syme/Business Insider

At Geneva, the TGV platforms were separate from the rest. I walked through a narrow corridor where two border-control officers stood watching people.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

The train arrived about 15 minutes before departure which gave me plenty of time to find the right carriage.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

I was impressed by how many luggage racks there were, with one on either side by the carriage entrance...

Pete Syme/Business Insider

... As well as one between seats.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

I was on the lower deck in standard class in a 38-seat car. Tables for groups of four were at the front and back, while the other seats were in pairs.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

It was pretty simple to find my seat — around one of the tables — with these numbers and illustrations of aisle or window.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

It's easier to move around and get into your seat since the table extends and folds out.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Underneath, there was only one outlet for two seats, which isn't ideal.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

We set off at a slower speed, enjoying some beautiful views of the eastern French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

After stopping at a couple of small French towns, the train joined the high-speed line towards Paris where it can reach 199 mph.

Looking out the window, I could tell the train was going much faster. Watching the countryside whizz by was a great sight (even if the windows were a bit dirty).

Then I went to check out some more of the train, which had some relatively spacious bathrooms.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

On the upper deck, you can find the TGV Duplex's pièce de résistance...

Pete Syme/Business Insider

The café car was impressively modern and bright, with long curved countertops and trash cans underneath.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

I managed to order with my rudimentary French skills, and when I didn't understand the response, the friendly cashier helpfully repeated it in English as well: "Rien d'autre? Anything else?"

Pete Syme/Business Insider

I managed to order with my rudimentary French skills, and when I didn't understand the response, the friendly cashier helpfully repeated it in English as well: "Rien d'autre? Anything else?"

There were a couple of spaces with stools ...

Pete Syme/Business Insider

... but I preferred to stretch my legs a bit and lean against the counter while taking in the landscapes.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Returning to my seat, I had a laptop and a book with me, but I was happier spending much of the journey just listening to my headphones and appreciating the French countryside.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Returning to my seat, I had a laptop and a book with me, but I was happier spending much of the journey just listening to my headphones and appreciating the French countryside.

After three hours and 18 minutes, we made it to Paris Gare de Lyon on time. TGV Lyria staff hung around the platform to help people with onward journeys.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

I saw the Airbus A320 plane that crashed in the Hudson River 15 years ago. I was moved by the rawness of the exhibit and survivors.

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I traveled on a double-decker train between France and Switzerland at 199mph. See inside the TGV Lyria, which costs as little as $50.

Last month, I was in Geneva to attend a business aviation conference.

While I flew into the city, I traveled back to London via train — starting with the TGV from Geneva to Paris.

It's operated by the TGV Duplex, which has 510 seats — 332 in second class and 183 in first.

I booked my seat online and got a QR code ticket, but you can also get one in person at the station. A one-way ticket in advance is as cheap as 47 euros ($50).

At Geneva, the TGV platforms were separate from the rest. I walked through a narrow corridor where two border-control officers stood watching people.

The train arrived about 15 minutes before departure which gave me plenty of time to find the right carriage.

I was impressed by how many luggage racks there were, with one on either side by the carriage entrance...

... As well as one between seats.

I was on the lower deck in standard class in a 38-seat car. Tables for groups of four were at the front and back, while the other seats were in pairs.

It was pretty simple to find my seat — around one of the tables — with these numbers and illustrations of aisle or window.

It's easier to move around and get into your seat since the table extends and folds out.

Underneath, there was only one outlet for two seats, which isn't ideal.

We set off at a slower speed, enjoying some beautiful views of the eastern French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

After stopping at a couple of small French towns, the train joined the high-speed line towards Paris where it can reach 199 mph.

Looking out the window, I could tell the train was going much faster. Watching the countryside whizz by was a great sight (even if the windows were a bit dirty).

Then I went to check out some more of the train, which had some relatively spacious bathrooms.

On the upper deck, you can find the TGV Duplex's pièce de résistance...

The café car was impressively modern and bright, with long curved countertops and trash cans underneath.

I managed to order with my rudimentary French skills, and when I didn't understand the response, the friendly cashier helpfully repeated it in English as well: "Rien d'autre? Anything else?"

There were a couple of spaces with stools ...

... but I preferred to stretch my legs a bit and lean against the counter while taking in the landscapes.

Returning to my seat, I had a laptop and a book with me, but I was happier spending much of the journey just listening to my headphones and appreciating the French countryside.

After three hours and 18 minutes, we made it to Paris Gare de Lyon on time. TGV Lyria staff hung around the platform to help people with onward journeys.