TGV Duplex

The TGV Duplex is SNCF's double-deck high-speed train, introduced in 1997 as the world's first twin-level high-speed service. By stacking two passenger levels above a single-level bogie, the Duplex carries up to 508 passengers per 10-car set, making it one of the highest-capacity high-speed trains in the world. It operates on France's busiest TGV corridors including Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon Part-Dieu, Marseille Saint-Charles, Montpellier, and Barcelona Sants.

Speed on the LGV Sud-Est (Paris to Lyon high-speed line) reaches 300 km/h, completing the 427-kilometre journey in around 2 hours. Continuing south to Marseille adds another hour. Services extending to Montpellier (3 hours from Paris) and Barcelona (6 hours 30 minutes) are operated with the TGV Duplex or the newer Ouigo Duplex branded sets on the international sections.

First Class (Premiere) is available on the upper deck of most sets, featuring wider seats in a 2+1 layout. Standard Class (Seconde) has 2+2 seating on both decks. A self-service Bistrot car is included in most sets providing warm food, snacks, beverages, and children's snack boxes. Wi-Fi is available but connection quality varies with speed and tunnel sections.

Book TGV Duplex tickets at sncf-connect.com or via the SNCF Connect app. French domestic fares are tiered: Prem's (lowest, no refund), TGV Max (subscription-based), and Flexible (full-price refundable). Pre-purchase Prem's fares for Paris to Lyon can be as low as 15 to 30 euros if booked early. On sale at midnight French local time on each new booking date.