London to Geneva by train

Every London to Geneva journey requires one change in Paris, at a different station. Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord, then cross the city to Paris Gare de Lyon and board a TGV Lyria high-speed train to Geneva Cornavin. On a well-timed connection, the full journey takes around 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours.

There is no direct train from London to Geneva. The Eurostar terminates in Paris (or Brussels, or Amsterdam). There is also no night train on this route.

How the route works

Eurostar covers London to Paris in approximately 2 hours 20 minutes. At Paris, you move between two stations that are not connected: Gare du Nord, where Eurostar arrives, and Gare de Lyon, where the TGV Lyria departs. That transfer typically takes 15 to 20 minutes on the RER D train, but allow 45 to 60 minutes total to cover walking, queuing, and finding the right platform at the other end.

The TGV Lyria from Paris Gare de Lyon to Geneva Cornavin takes approximately 3 hours 5 minutes.

Getting across Paris

At Gare du Nord, follow the signs for RER and take a south-bound RER D train    any service heading towards Melun, Malesherbes, or Corbeil-Essonnes will stop at Gare de Lyon. Buy a ticket at a machine or in advance on the Ile-de-France Mobilites app, and check current fares there as zone pricing changes.

If you prefer a taxi, allow 20 to 30 minutes and expect to pay around EUR 15 to EUR 25. Taxis from the rank outside Gare du Nord are straightforward; traffic can add time.

At Gare de Lyon, follow signs for Grandes Lignes. Boarding for TGV Lyria opens around 20 minutes before departure; the doors close 2 minutes before. If you are travelling with a lot of luggage, build in extra transfer time.

Tickets and booking

How to book

You can book the complete London to Geneva journey through Eurostar (eurostar.com), which sells Eurostar and TGV Lyria tickets in a single transaction. This is the simplest option and gives the best protection if the Eurostar is delayed and you miss your connection. Alternatively, book each segment separately: Eurostar direct for the London to Paris leg, and SNCF Connect or the TGV Lyria booking channel for Paris to Geneva. Rail Europe and Trainline also sell both segments.

What tickets cost

Eurostar advance fares for London to Paris typically start from around 35 to 50 one-way in Standard class when booked well ahead. Return fares in Standard can start from around 78. Prices rise as you approach the travel date and on busy departures.

TGV Lyria advance fares from Paris to Geneva start from 29 in Standard. The cheapest advance tickets on both trains are non-refundable, so check exchange conditions before you book.

Ticket classes

Eurostar offers three classes: Standard (seats, cafe-bar, free WiFi), Plus (more space, a light meal included), and Premier (full at-seat meal service).

TGV Lyria offers Standard (reclining seats, power outlets at every seat, free WiFi, cafe-bar on board) and Premiere (larger seats, quieter carriage, at-seat meal delivery, access to the Grand Voyageur Lounge at Gare de Lyon).

Rail pass travel

Interrail Global Pass holders can use both the Eurostar and TGV Lyria on this route, but both segments require a mandatory paid reservation.

For the Eurostar (London to France), the pass-holder reservation fee is 35 in Standard or 40 in Plus. Premier is not available to pass holders. Only an Interrail Global Pass covers Eurostar to London; One Country Passes do not.

For the TGV Lyria (Paris to Geneva), the pass-holder reservation fee is 29 in Standard or 39 in Premiere.

Combined, that is 64 per person in Standard class on top of the pass. For a single trip, buying advance point-to-point tickets is often cheaper. A pass makes more sense if you are combining this route with other European rail journeys on the same trip.

Reservation availability for pass holders on Eurostar is limited. Book as early as possible.

Check-in at London St Pancras

Eurostar has its own check-in, security, and passport control at St Pancras International. For Standard class, arrive at least 60 minutes before departure, and 90 minutes if the departure is busy or you are travelling with children. The ticket gates close 30 minutes before departure.

Before you travel, submit Advance Passenger Information (API) through the Eurostar website. This means entering passport details for every passenger. Do it well in advance, not at the station.

All passengers need a valid passport. EU and EEA citizens entering the UK now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as well. Check the current Eurostar travel documents page before you go, as entry requirements can change.

Luggage

On Eurostar, Standard and Plus passengers may bring two pieces of hold luggage and one piece of hand luggage. Hold luggage must not exceed 85 cm on the longest side. Premier passengers may bring three pieces. Excess luggage and oversized items must be booked and paid for at least 48 hours before departure. A disassembled bicycle in a bag can travel for a fee with advance booking.

On TGV Lyria, you load your own luggage into overhead racks or storage areas at the end of the carriage. Skis, a folded pushchair, and a musical instrument are allowed.

Arriving at Geneva Cornavin

TGV Lyria trains arrive at Geneva Cornavin, the city’s main railway station, in the city centre. The lake and most central accommodation are within a 10-minute walk.

City trams and buses run from the station. A single 60-minute ticket covering the city centre costs around CHF 3.00; a 24-hour pass costs around CHF 10.00. Buy tickets from machines at the station and validate before boarding.

The airport is 8 minutes by direct train from Cornavin, with frequent departures throughout the day.