SNCF is France’s national railway company, and TGV inOui is their premium high-speed train service. If OUIGO is the budget airline of French rail, TGV inOui is the full-service carrier—comfortable, convenient, and departing from central city stations.
These sleek trains travel at up to 200 mph (320 km/h), connecting major French cities in remarkably short times. It’s the quintessential European train experience that most Americans dream about.
Key Routes
TGV inOui operates an extensive network across France and into neighboring countries.
Most popular routes include:
- Paris → Lyon (approximately 2 hours)
- Paris → Marseille/Nice (3-5.5 hours to the French Riviera)
- Paris → Bordeaux (approximately 2 hours)
- Paris → Strasbourg (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes)
International connections: TGV trains also run to Brussels, Geneva, Barcelona, and various German cities. For London and Amsterdam, you’ll use the affiliated Eurostar/Thalys services instead.
All major routes depart from Paris’s central stations—Gare de Lyon, Gare Montparnasse, or Gare de l’Est—making connections seamless.
The Experience (Classes)
TGV inOui offers two main classes, with a third available on select business routes.
Second Class (Seconde):
Comfortable reclining seats with decent legroom—noticeably more spacious than OUIGO. Most seats have power outlets. Arranged in 2+2 configuration with large windows.
First Class (Première):
Wider leather seats in a 2+1 configuration, meaning more personal space. Guaranteed power outlets, extra legroom, and a quieter atmosphere. Often includes complimentary newspapers and priority boarding.
Business Première:
Available on select routes. Includes flexible tickets, premium seating, meal service, and access to Grand Voyageur lounges at stations. Best for business travelers or those wanting maximum comfort.
Luggage Rules
Great news for Americans: TGV inOui has generous luggage policies.
There’s no official weight limit and no extra fees for bags. Each passenger can bring:
- 2 bags of any reasonable size
- 1 hand luggage item
Luggage storage includes overhead racks and dedicated areas at the end of each car for larger suitcases. Unlike OUIGO, nobody will measure your bags or charge surprise fees.
Pro tip: Arrive early to secure space in the luggage areas—they can fill up on busy routes. Keep valuables with you at your seat.
Food & Wi-Fi
Bar car (Voiture Bar): Most TGV inOui trains have an onboard café serving sandwiches, snacks, hot drinks, wine, and beer. Prices are reasonable by train standards—expect €5-8 for a sandwich.
Wi-Fi: Free on all TGV inOui trains via the “TGV inOui” network. Speeds are generally reliable for browsing and messaging, though streaming can be inconsistent.
Power outlets: Available at most seats in both classes—First Class guarantees them, while Second Class coverage is approximately 80%. USB ports are increasingly common on newer trains.
The Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✅ Central station departures—convenient locations in city centers
- ✅ Generous luggage allowance—no fees, no stress
- ✅ Comfortable, spacious seating with power outlets
- ✅ Bar car for food and drinks
- ✅ Flexible ticket options—refundable fares available
- ✅ Excellent punctuality—French high-speed rail is reliable
- ✅ Beautiful scenic routes, especially to the Riviera
Cons:
- ❌ Higher prices than OUIGO—expect €50-150 for popular routes
- ❌ Occasional strikes—French rail workers are known for industrial action
- ❌ Confusing fare types—”Prem’s,” “Seconde,” “Première” can overwhelm first-timers
- ❌ Peak times sell out fast—especially Paris-Lyon and Riviera routes
- ❌ Wi-Fi can be spotty in rural/tunnel sections
Booking Tip
Book 3-4 months ahead for the best “Prem’s” discount fares—these are non-refundable but significantly cheaper. “Loisir” fares offer some flexibility at mid-range prices.
Compare prices on Trainline or Omio—they show TGV inOui alongside OUIGO and other operators so you can weigh cost versus convenience.
Download the SNCF Connect app for mobile tickets and real-time updates. French stations don’t always announce delays in English, so the app is invaluable.
Summary
TGV inOui is perfect for: First-time European travelers who want comfort, convenience, and the classic high-speed train experience without worrying about luggage fees or suburban stations.
Consider alternatives if: You’re on a tight budget and traveling light—OUIGO offers the same speeds for far less money.
For most American tourists, TGV inOui is the gold standard of French rail travel. Yes, you’ll pay more than OUIGO, but the central stations, relaxed luggage policy, and onboard amenities make it worth the upgrade—especially if you’re hauling suitcases across France.
Sit back, watch the French countryside blur past your window, and enjoy the ride. This is what European train travel is all about.
