Paris train stations explained: which one you need and where to stay nearby
Unlike many capitals, Paris has no single central station. Trains to different parts of France and Europe leave from six main terminals spread around the city. Knowing which one you need, and how long it takes to get there, helps you choose the right hotel and avoid a stressful dash across town.
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The six main stations at a glance
Gare du Nord: trains to northern France, Lille, Brussels, Amsterdam and London via the Channel Tunnel, plus RER links to Charles de Gaulle airport. It is one of the busiest stations in Europe.
Gare de l’Est: next to Gare du Nord, with trains to eastern France, including Strasbourg and Reims, and services towards Germany and Luxembourg.
Gare de Lyon: high-speed trains to the south-east, including Lyon, Marseille, Nice and the Alps, plus services to Switzerland and Italy.
Gare Montparnasse: trains to western and south-western France, including Brittany, the Loire region, Bordeaux and on towards the Spanish border.
Gare Saint-Lazare: regional trains to Normandy, including Rouen, Caen and the coast, as well as many suburban lines.
Gare d’Austerlitz: trains to central France and some overnight services. Which operator and route serve each destination can change, so always check the station printed on your ticket.
Check your ticket carefully
Your ticket or booking confirmation shows the departure station. Do not assume that a train to the south leaves from the same station as a train to the west. Some high-speed services also use stations outside the city centre, such as Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy near Disneyland Paris or Charles de Gaulle airport’s TGV station.
Allow extra time for security checks and passport control on international services, especially Eurostar trains to London, which have check-in deadlines. The operator states how early to arrive; follow that rather than general advice.
Getting between stations
Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est are a short walk apart. Most other connections take a metro or RER ride of 15–40 minutes, plus walking time inside large stations. Lines 4 and 5 of the metro and the RER lines are often the quickest links. Use the RATP or Île-de-France Mobilités journey planner for your exact route.
If you are changing trains between two stations, leave a generous buffer. Delays, long corridors and crowds with luggage add up, and missing a connection on separate tickets can be expensive.
Where to stay near each station
Near Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est: practical for Eurostar, northern trains and the airport RER. The area is busy and gritty in places, so read recent reviews and pick a well-rated hotel on a main street. See our Gare du Nord guide for more detail.
Near Gare de Lyon: the 12th arrondissement is calmer and residential, with easy access to the Marais, Bastille and Bercy, and metro line 1 straight through the centre.
Near Montparnasse: a lively area on the Left Bank with plenty of cafés and creperies, and close to Saint-Germain and the Luxembourg Gardens.
Near Saint-Lazare: next to the Opéra and the department stores, a useful base for a Normandy day trip and for central sightseeing.
Arriving from the airports
From Charles de Gaulle, the RER B line runs to Gare du Nord and continues south through the centre, which makes Gare du Nord an easy first stop if you are catching a train onwards. From Orly, the Orlyval shuttle links to the RER B, and metro line 14 connects Orly with central Paris and Gare de Lyon. Check the current routes and any engineering works before you travel.
Charles de Gaulle also has its own high-speed rail station, so on some itineraries you can take a TGV directly from the airport without going into Paris at all.
Tips for early departures
If your train leaves before about 8 am, staying within walking distance or a few metro stops of the station removes a lot of stress. The metro runs from early morning, but check the first train times and any planned engineering works for your date.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are an option with heavy luggage. In morning rush hour, traffic around the stations can be slow, so allow plenty of time.
Large stations have shops for breakfast and drinks, but queues build quickly before peak departures. Buying something the night before saves time.
Luggage and facilities
Luggage storage is available at or near several major stations, either as lockers or staffed left-luggage services, and private storage shops operate around the city. Availability and security rules change, so check the current options before relying on them. Your hotel may also hold bags before check-in or after check-out.
FAQ
Which Paris station is for Eurostar to London?
Gare du Nord. Check your ticket and the operator’s check-in deadline.
How many main train stations does Paris have?
Six main terminals: Nord, Est, Lyon, Montparnasse, Saint-Lazare and Austerlitz, plus some high-speed stations outside the centre.
How long does it take to travel between Paris stations?
Nord and Est are a short walk apart. Most other connections take 15–40 minutes by metro or RER, plus walking time.
Where should I stay for an early train from Paris?
Near your departure station or a few metro stops away. Check which station is on your ticket first.