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Trains • France

TGV INOUI

TGV INOUI is the premium brand of French high-speed rail, operated by SNCF Voyageurs. It serves more than 200 destinations in France and Europe at a commercial speed of 320 km/h on LGV lines.

France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Luxembourg

TGV INOUI, the new generation of SNCF high speed

SNCF inaugurated the TGV between Paris and Lyon on 27 September 1981. The TGV INOUI brand, whose name echoes the French word "inouï" (unprecedented), was introduced on 27 May 2017 and formally rolled out in September 2018 to embody the upgrading of the service: wider seats, Wi-Fi via the TGV INOUI portal, children's areas, screens at every seat in 1st class and a dedicated mobile app. Trainsets reach 320 km/h commercial speed on LGV lines and link Paris to Lyon in 1 h 55, Marseille in 3 h, Bordeaux in 2 h 05 and Strasbourg in 1 h 45.

A network of 230 destinations in France and Europe

Together with TGV INOUI, Eurostar and TGV Lyria, the high-speed trains operated by SNCF Voyageurs serve more than 230 cities: Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Nantes, Rennes, Lille, Lyon, Nice, Toulouse, Montpellier and also Brussels, London, Amsterdam, Geneva, Zurich, Basel, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Turin, Milan, Barcelona and Madrid. The new-generation TGV M, rolled out from 2026, increases capacity by 20% (up to 740 seats), reduces energy consumption per seat by 20% and integrates a fully modular cabin (up to 10% of the space interchangeable in 24 hours).

Onboard services and classes

TGV INOUI offers two classes: 1st class, with wide leather seats, club lounge, complimentary digital press, sockets and workspaces; 2nd class, with reclining seats, themed children's areas and quieter coaches (silence area). The bar car offers hot/cold meals, sandwiches and drinks. For international trips, tickets always include the seat reservation and doors open earlier.

Fares and discount cards

TGV INOUI uses dynamic pricing: Prem's start at €19 in 2nd class and rise as departure approaches. Avantage cards (€49/year for Adulte, Senior, Jeune and Famille) offer -30% outside peak periods and guarantee a price cap on tickets (€39 max for a 1 h 30 trip in 2nd class). Max Actif and Forfait season tickets give access to unlimited trips on a single axis for frequent travellers and cross-border commuters.

Travel guides

TGV INOUI

  • Paris
  • Lyon
  • Marseille
  • Bordeaux
  • Rennes
  • Nantes
  • Lille
  • Strasbourg
  • Nice
  • Montpellier
  • Toulouse
  • Avignon
  • Genève
  • Bruxelles
  • Luxembourg

Most frequent questions about Gopaxo

What's the difference between TGV INOUI and OUIGO?

TGV INOUI is the premium brand (two classes, bar car, full services), OUIGO is the low-cost brand (2nd class only, basic ticket with no onboard service). Journey times are identical on the same LGV lines, but OUIGO sometimes uses suburban stations like Marne-la-Vallée instead of Paris Gare de Lyon.

How early should I be at the station for a TGV INOUI?

For a domestic TGV INOUI, 20 minutes is enough. For international TGVs (to Switzerland, Germany or Italy), allow 30 minutes for document checks.

What luggage is allowed on TGV INOUI?

Two pieces of luggage (max 70 × 90 × 50 cm) and one hand bag are included free of charge. They must be tagged with the passenger's name. Dismantled bikes in a cover (max 120 cm) are accepted free; full-size bikes need a €10 bike reservation on equipped trains.

Is Wi-Fi free on TGV INOUI?

Yes — the TGV INOUI portal is free: entertainment, press, games and trip information. Internet access is available on most recent trainsets (with brief drops on tunnel/rural stretches).

Can I exchange or refund my TGV INOUI ticket?

Exchangeable and refundable tickets can be changed for free up to 6 days before departure. After that, €15 fee per passenger. Non-exchangeable Prem's tickets cannot be changed or refunded except if SNCF cancels.

What new TGV INOUI trainsets arrive in 2026?

The TGV M (next-generation Alstom Avelia Horizon) is gradually entering service from 2026. It offers 740 seats (vs 600 for a current Duplex TGV), uses 20% less energy, is 97% recyclable and offers interior layouts that can be reconfigured in a few hours.

Carriers

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