Navigating the TGV train travel network for your work trips in France

Whether you’re heading to a client meeting in Lyon, attending a conference in Marseille, or collaborating with colleagues in Bordeaux, traveling efficiently across France is key to staying productive and stress-free. For professionals on the move, the TGV train offers a fast, reliable, and comfortable way to connect major business hubs—without the hassle of airport queues or traffic jams.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the essentials of navigating the TGV train network for your work trips in France. From booking tips to onboard amenities, you’ll discover how to make the most of this high-speed travel option and turn your journey into a smooth extension of your workday.

Key TGV routes for business travel

Some of the most popular routes for business travelers are Paris to Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille, Strasbourg.

Domestic TGV routes help connect all of France. In the north of the country, there are international connections to Brussels, Belgium and Luxembourg. In the east, the TGV can take you to the German cities like Frankfurt and Munich. If you travel south, you can travel directly by train to Milan in Italy or Barcelona in Spain.

These are the main domestic and international high-speed routes the TGV operates on:

• Paris – Lille
• Paris – Calais
• Paris – Reims
• Paris – Metz
• Paris – Strasbourg
• Paris – Dijon
• Paris – Grenoble
• Paris – Lyon
• Paris – Avignon
• Paris – Perpignan
• Paris – Nice
• Paris – Bordeaux
• Paris – Biarritz
• Paris – Lourdes
• Paris – Toulouse
• Paris – Nantes

Inside France, these are the following high speed lines:

• Paris to Lyon, which continues to Valence, Avignon and Marseille.
• Paris to Tours and Le Mans. Also going to Poitiers and Bordeaux.
• Paris to Lille, later Brussels (known as Thalys) and Calais, Dover, London (Eurostar).
• Paris to Strasbourg, sometimes to Frankfurt am Main, Basel and Zürich.

Booking and planning your TGV train journey

As a business traveler, it’s a good idea to book and plan your TGV train journey with an all-in-one travel and expense management like GetGoing. This way you can keep track of your bookings, receipts and everything for your business trip in one place. It is advisable to book in advance to get the best fares. Keep in mind that it is mandatory to reserve your seat. Fares vary just like planes, and get more expensive the closer to your departure date. You can book up to 4 months in advance.

Business Première 

A Business Première car allows you to work or rest in a quieter environment. You can also get express access, newspapers, as well as access to TGV INOUI frequent passenger lounges. You also get access to the free Flex Première, which is 100% flexible for free when you reserve Business Première.

1st class seats

1st class seats are spacious with armrests and power-recline, arranged 2+1 across the car width.  Each seat has a drop-down table big enough for a laptop or a fixed table with a table lamp, which is great for working on the train. There are also power-points for laptops and mobiles with European two-pin 230v sockets.  If you need to have a private work call while traveling, you will find a small bench seat outside each main seating saloon.

Quick helpful vocabulary to know what you’re booking:

2nd class seats

Second class is complete with comfortable seats with armrests, arranged 2+2 across the car width. Featuring drop-down tables that fit laptops or some have fixed tables.  When booking, tables for 4 are usually shown as family or facing or sometimes in French as carré.

Onboard experience for business travelers

For those traveling for work aboard the TGV train, you can get access to Wi-Fi and a comfortable workspace setup, including quiet zones and power outlets. In the canteen you will find food and beverage options. 

Train travel is more sustainable

Corporate responsibility and environmental awareness are more important than ever, and choosing the TGV train for your work trips is not just a smart logistical move—it’s a sustainable one.

Eco-friendly benefits of train travel

The TGV is one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport in France. Powered largely by electricity, it produces significantly lower CO₂ emissions compared to cars or planes. According to SNCF, traveling by TGV can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 90% compared to flying the same route. For companies looking to align with green travel policies, this makes the TGV a great choice.

TGV trains are fast, comfortable and sustainable. By allowing business travelers to directly connect with the city-center, making journeys shorter and with minimal waiting times.Train travel also helps companies to integrate sustainable travel policies into their operations. 

Opting for the TGV train supports these goals by:

Final tips for stress-free TGV travel

Business travel doesn’t have to be stressful. For traveling stress-free on TGV trains, be sure to book in advance to get the best deals. With a little planning and the right tools, your journey can be smooth, productive, and even enjoyable. You want to be sure to book in advance to get the best deals as TGV fares fluctuate based on demand and timing – the earlier, the better. If you have a flexible schedule, you may be able to save more by traveling off-peak hours. Maybe consider leaving in the middle of the day for your next day’s meeting and working from the train.

While TGV boarding is quicker than at airports, plan on arriving 15–20 minutes before departure so that you can settle in and find where you need to go. When possible, choose direct routes to minimize transfers and possibility of missed trains. If you’re traveling Business Première, take advantage of SNCF’s lounges for a quiet workspace and refreshments before departure.

If you travel frequently, consider joining SNCF’s loyalty program, Mon Compte Voyageur to take advantage of benefits like priority boarding and offers, accumulate points, get access to upgrades and station lounges. Some companies also partner with SNCF for corporate travel accounts, streamlining expense reporting and offering additional perks for employees.