Journey time, direct trains and fares by departure city (November 2026)

These are "from" fares for dates in the second half of November 2026 and they move a lot with the booking date. The fares around €39 need early booking and apply to specific trains. The number of direct trains changes at weekends and on public holidays.

Which train, which station

Direct services run with Deutsche Bahn ICE and SNCF TGV trains, sometimes jointly operated. Trains normally arrive at Gare de l'Est (10th arrondissement), next to Gare du Nord and served by several metro lines. Some direct trains from Frankfurt start at the airport long-distance station instead of the main station: the ticket says which. For a bed near the station, see hotels near Gare de l'Est; the guide to Paris train stations covers them all.

From Frankfurt: the most direct trains

Frankfurt is the simplest starting point: six to eight direct trains a day, 3h45 to 4h, no change. Booking early gives access to fares around €39.

From Stuttgart, Karlsruhe and Mannheim

Mannheim (2h57) and Karlsruhe (2h30) have seven to eight direct trains a day, Stuttgart (3h13) up to five. An early ICE, for example at 6:40 or 7:39 from Mannheim, puts you in Paris by late morning. The train runs from city centre to city centre, with no airport transfer.

From Saarbrücken: the shortest ride

Saarbrücken is the closest to Paris at about 1h50, with up to four direct trains a day, which makes a weekend in Paris without an overnight stop on the way realistic.

From Munich: few direct trains

From Munich there is at most one direct train a day, a TGV around 6:51 taking about 5h44. The fastest option with one change takes 5h22. Fares are higher, from €99.99 in the example.

Booking tips

  • Book early: sales open months ahead and the lowest fares go first.
  • Seat reservation: compulsory on the TGV and added when you buy.
  • Arrival: take the metro from Gare de l'Est to Montmartre or the Eiffel Tower.
  • Return trip: low fares often apply to specific trains, so book both directions together.

After you arrive

If you arrive in the afternoon, a Seine cruise from the Eiffel Tower is an easy first outing after a train day.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train from Frankfurt to Paris? About 3h45 to 4h, with direct trains to Gare de l'Est.

And from Stuttgart? 3h13 for the fastest journey, up to five direct trains a day.

What does it cost? From €39 from Frankfurt when booked early; fares shown from €49.99 to €99.99 depending on city and date (November 2026).

Is there a direct train from Munich? At most one a day; the fastest option with a change takes 5h22.

Which station do I arrive at? Normally Gare de l'Est.