Does Eurail Pass cover TGV?

Some popular trains like the Eurostar, TGV, and AVE are included in the Eurail Pass, but require that you purchase a seat reservation. Check out the handy Pass network only feature in our Rail Planner App to see the trains that are included in the Pass.



Yes, the Eurail Pass covers TGV high-speed trains, but with a significant caveat: seat reservations are mandatory. In 2026, while your pass acts as your "ticket," you must pay an additional fee (ranging from €10 to €20 for domestic French routes and more for international ones) to secure a seat. These reservations can sell out weeks in advance, especially during the peak summer and holiday seasons, as TGV trains have a limited number of seats allocated for pass holders. If those specific "pass-holder" seats are gone, you would have to buy a full-price ticket despite having a valid Eurail Pass. It's recommended to book your TGV seats through the Eurail "Rail Planner" app or the SNCF website as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

People Also Ask

It's good to know that the number of seats available for Eurail Pass Holders is limited on the following trains: TGV high-speed trains international routes (except TGV Lyria) SNCF TGV Inoui high-speed trains to Barcelona. InterCité trains.

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Eurail passes do not cover local transport like trams or metros, only intercity trains. Rail Europe is another company that offers similar European train passes.

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Many European high-speed trains are included in the Eurail passes, but the reservations for these trains are not included in your Pass. Reservations for high-speed trains are often mandatory and need to be booked in advance. Your reservation will guarantee you a seat.

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Yes! If you have a Eurail Global Pass, you can travel on the Eurostar high-speed train connecting London with France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

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How fast does the TGV train go? This French bullet train can travel at speeds which are up to 300 - 320 kph (around 186.5 - 199 mph).

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Eurail & Interail global pass can be used on Paris metro & PER or not? No. Train passes are not valid for urban transport.

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Eurail Passes are valid on the entire Bernina Express journey. Seat reservations are compulsory only for the special panorama train and bus from Tirano to Lugano (these are 2 separate reservations).

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Germany is not available as a Eurail One Country Pass. If you only want to travel in Germany, check out the German Rail Pass.

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If you have an Interrail or Eurail pass you can use Eurostar between London & Lille, Paris, Brussels, Disneyland, Rotterdam & Amsterdam, but you must pay a special passholder fare.

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How to make reservations for the TGV
  1. Through the Rail Planner app.
  2. Through our Reservation Service.
  3. Through B-Europe for the Brussels to Marne-la-Vallée and Chessy route.
  4. Locally at the train station via the SNCF ticket machines.
  5. By calling SNCF on +33 1 84 94 3635 (select #85 for English)


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TGV inOui just means it's a newer train with onboard wifi access. SNCF has been refurbishing existing TGV sets (and introducing new ones on some routes). These then get branded as TGV inOui.

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For travel on TGV INOUI or TGV France-Italy trains There is no weight limit for your luggage, but you must be able to carry your bags and suitcases by yourself*. On TGV INOUI trains: Your cabin luggage or other compact bags should be stowed under your seat, at your feet, or in the overhead compartment above your seat.

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For your journey with TGV, INTERCITÉS and TER To have plenty of time to find your car, your seat, to store your suitcases etc... we advise you to arrive 20 minutes before departure. Access to the train is guaranteed up to 2 minutes before departure, so avoid arriving at the very last minute!

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The Société nationale des chemins de fer français (French pronunciation: [s?sjete n?sj?nal de ?(?)m?~ d(?) f?? f??~s?]; abbreviated as SNCF [?s??n se ?f]; French for National Society of the French Railways) is France's national state-owned railway company.

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