I traveled on a double-decker train between France and Switzerland at 199mph. See inside the TGV Lyria, which costs as little as $50.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
- I traveled on the TGV Lyria between Paris and Geneva, which can reach 199 mph.
- Tickets can be as cheap as $50 and offer scenic views of the countrside.
- The journey was about as long as a flight but more relaxing and convenient.
France's high-speed trains are among the best in the world, capable of traveling up to 199 miles per hour.
The TGV Lyria is a joint venture between the state-owned rail operators of France and Switzerland. I traveled on one as I returned home to London after a conference in Geneva.
If you book in advance, it can be as cheap as $50 — about the same price as a budget airline flight and usually faster.
Plus, with great views of the countryside and friendly interactions with employees or other passengers, it's a great way to better comprehend the country. Not to mention the convenience of boarding and the relaxed atmosphere of the café car.
Here's what it's like to travel on board.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Pete Syme/Business Insider
TGV — pronounced in French as tay-zhay-vay — stands for train à grande vitesse, meaning high-speed train.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
That's a higher capacity than the 469 seats in British Airways' A380 superjumbo jet.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Pete Syme/Business Insider
There was also space for smaller bags above the seats.
About five minutes before departure, there was an announcement reminding everyone to label their luggage with their name and address.
Helpfully, the announcements were all delivered in French and English.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Pete Syme/Business Insider
The seats also have a recline button on the armrest, and I found them to be much comfier than a typical plane seat.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Pete Syme/Business Insider
It had a peg for a jacket or bag, an electric shaver outlet, and a handle that was useful for those bumpy parts of the journey.
The toilets on the upper deck looked to be slightly smaller.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Pete Syme/Business Insider
The menu was pretty extensive, with sandwiches, cheeseburgers, pizzas, and a croque monsieur, among others.
You can also buy tickets for the Paris Métro on board.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
I haven't spent much time in France and only remember bits of what I studied at school when I was 14. But thanks to that small interaction I have another phrase that'll stay in my mental dictionary.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Pete Syme/Business Insider
It was about the same time as a flight between Geneva and Paris, taking into account the extra time needed for security and traveling from the airport to the city center.
While it would've been quicker to fly directly home to London (the Eurostar was another few hours), I certainly don't have any regrets because it was more relaxing and gave me more time to enjoy the country.