TGV from Geneva to Paris w/Swiss Travel Pass
A traveler named Jese is planning a trip from Geneva to Paris by train and seeks clarifications about the journey. They want to know the border station, whether they need to change trains, and how to buy tickets for the trip, especially concerning the Swiss Travel Pass.
- Geneva is close to the border, so there’s no significant border station; you can consider it the departure point.
- For purchasing tickets, use the provided link for TGV from Geneva to Paris instead of SBB.
- There’s no passport check before or at the border while taking the TGV.
- The Swiss Travel Pass won't benefit this trip since the TGV quickly exits Switzerland, so just buy a regular ticket.
- For VAT refunds, bring your receipt, passport, and proof of departure to the customs office.
AI-generated summary-
Hello, my friends and I will be travelling from Geneva to Paris via train. Understand that Swiss Pass holders can take a train to the border train station free as it will be covered by the pass and from there, continue on to Paris. But I have some questions.
1) What is the border train station between the 2 countries? Or is Geneva the border train station (not very good with geography)?
2) How shall I select on the website for the whole train journey, if say, I were to buy on SBB?
3) Will we still be on the same train? Do we need to get off to get our passports stamped or will it be done at Geneva?
4) Understand that if we do it via the above method, we can reserve seats. But when I look at TGV Lyria, there is no option to indicate or select. Will SBB have this option?
Thanks!
-
Hello Jese,
Have a look at http://www.myswissalps.com/tr aintickets/france. It’s the opposite direction but the principles are the same.
1. Geneva is so close to the border it makes no difference
2. See link above for buying TGV tickets Geneva to Paris.
3. There is only one train worth considering from Geneva to Paris – the TGV. There is no passport check before or at the border.
4. See link above for buying TGV tickets Geneva to Paris. You don’t need to bother with SBB.
Hello Jese,
As said by Rockoyster, when travelling Geneva – Paris by TGV the Swiss Travel Pass is not of any help, as the TGV leaves the country quite quickly, just get a ticket via Rockoyster’s link and enjoy the trip!
Best,
Steph
Thanks all for the info. And what about the VAT refund? Read on an old 2018 forum post that the customs office may not be open daily. We are looking at the 9.41am train out. Will it be open at 8am?
Thanks!
Hello Jese,
You should also be able to get the VAT refund prior to your departure, just bring along the receipt, your passport and a proof of your departure from Switzerland, e.g. the TGV train ticket to Paris.
You can find a list of Swiss customs offices here: http://www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/e n/home/the-fca/organization/borde r-crossings-and-customs-offices–opening-hours.html
Best,
Steph
- The thread ‘TGV from Geneva to Paris w/Swiss Travel Pass’ is closed to new replies.
