London to Geneva, 6 hours 15 minutes.
It is easy and affordable to travel from London to Geneva. Eurostar provides two different train routes; one via Lille and the other via Paris. Book with Eurostar
Last Updated: 15 Dec 2015. Due to lack of demand, Eurostar announced the cancellation of TGV Lyria train service from Lille to Geneva. However, you can still travel to Geneva from London via Paris. For French resorts near Geneva, Eurostar provides every Saturday in the winter season, a new Lyon route.
1. London to Geneva via Lille (cancelled)
The London - Geneva route takes 6 hours and 15 mins with a change at Lille Europe from the Eurostar to the Lyria TGV. A platform transfer is required.
Platform change at Lille
It is simple to change platform at Lille Europe. Head upstairs from the Eurostar platform into the main station. On the departure board, look for the vioe (platform) assigned to the Lyria TGV for Geneve. Don't worry if it does not display. Sometimes the board will only update 15 minutes before departure.
The journey schedule allows for 37 minutes between the arrival of the Eurostar at Lille Europe of the departure of the Lyria TGV for Geneva. Do not be concerned about waiting on a cold platform in winter. The departure hall and waiting area is fully enclosed with extensive seating.
Luggage allowances
There is no luggage weight restriction on Eurostar – but you have to be able to carry your own bags onto the train. Skis and boards can travel as part of your luggage allowance.
The standard luggage allowance for traveling on an adult ticket is: 2 pieces of luggage (up to 85cm long), 1 piece of hand luggage and skis or snow board. Skis count as one of the two pieces of luggage allowed each adult. So, make sure ski boots are packed in with your clothes, if not, they will be counted as a separate item and if you have three items (not including one handbag) the third item will be billed as checked baggage.
Train Timetable
The fast route operates four days each week
- London - Geneva
Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
Depart (London): 12:58 - Arrive (Lille): 15:30
Depart (Lille): 16:07 - Arrive (Geneva): 20:16
- Geneva - London
Monday, Thursday and Saturday
Depart (Geneva): 8:30 - Arrive (Lille): 12:57
Depart (Lille): 13:36 - Arrive (London): 14:05
Sunday
Depart: (Geneva): 10:30 - Arrive (Lille): 14:45
Depart (Lille): 15:30 - Arrive (London): 16:05
One-way tickets for Geneva - London route are not available through Eurostar website due to commercial reasons. Book your ticket with SNCF
Fares and fees
The cheapest fares start at £62 one-way, which includes a Standard Class Eurostar seat and 'Prems' fare on the TGV Lyria.
From Geneva there is easy access by rail to other Swiss cities and resorts, with connections along the lake Geneva shoreline to Lausanne and Montreux, then up the Rhone Valley to Aigle, Martigny, Sion, Sierre, Visp and Brig for the resorts of Villars, Crans Montana, Zermatt, Verbier and passage through the Simplon Tunnel to Milan.
2. London to Geneva via Paris
The other route is via Paris; a journey that takes 7 hours and 17 minutes.
If you choose this route, take the Eurostar from London, St Pancras International to Paris, Gare du Nord then cross Paris to the Gare du Lyon.
When you alight at Gare du Nord, follow the signs for the RER Line D towards Melun or Malesherbes. The RER is an overland train, similar to the Metro but not running underground. All RER line D trains stop at the Gare de Lyon. There are two stops on the way. The train ride takes only 7 minutes, but it is recommended that you allow about 30 mins for the transfer.
The fare is €1.70 per journey. A transfer by taxi costs around €16 - €20 and takes about 25 minutes in typical weekday traffic.
Check the Eurostar train Timetables from London to Geneva and book early! Book through SNCF
Onward Travel from Geneva rail Station to Chamonix
It is possible to travel to Chamonix by train, but the rail route is not recommend as it is slow and involves at least two changes. More info
Road transport between Geneva and Chamonix offers a range of choices.
Transfer companies that usually operate a direct route between Chamonix and Geneva Airport will pick and put down at Geneva rail station. More info
