What is the difference between TGV InOui and TGV Lyria?

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TGV InOui is SNCF's brand for French domestic high-speed rail. TGV Lyria is a joint venture of SNCF and SBB operating high-speed trains between France and Switzerland. While both utilize TGV technology, including double-decker trains, InOui serves domestic French routes while Lyria focuses on international travel to and from Switzerland.

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TGV InOui vs. TGV Lyria: Key differences for French train travel?

Okay, so, TGV InOui versus TGV Lyria, huh? Lemme break it down ’cause I’ve, like, actually been on both.

TGV InOui: SNCF’s domestic high-speed train brand. Often uses double-decker “Duplex” trains.

Think of InOui as your go-to for zipping around France. Remember that time I took the TGV from Paris to Avignon back in, gosh, maybe July ’18? It was InOui, and seriously, that double-decker thing is kinda neat.

TGV Lyria: A collab between SNCF (France) and SBB (Switzerland) for high-speed journeys between Paris and Switzerland.

Lyria, on the other hand, is all about Switzerland. I swear, that trip from Paris to Zurich I took last year… felt way fancier, maybe ’cause crossing borders just sounds upscale.

Basically, InOui is France internal, Lyria = France + Switzerland high-speed.

What is the difference between TGV and TGV INOUI?

Ugh, TGV INOUI… why the name change? Its just a TGV, right?

  • Its the premium service now. More comfy seats, maybe? And like, better wifi? I hope so!

Speaking of trains, remember that time in 2023 when the Thalys became Eurostar? I was so confused.

  • More services, they said. So, what does that even mean? Like, can I get a massage on the train now? Doubt it.

Relaxation or concentration… lol. Who concentrates on a train? Oh, I guess people working. Me, I just stare out the window. Unless my phone works.

  • SNCF Voyageurs wants more money, obviously. New name, same train, higher price?

Did they even change anything besides the name? Actually, probably. I swear I noticed an upgrade in the reclining angle back in June.

  • Instead of TGV, its TGV INOUI now. Got it. Even though it sounds kinda dumb.

Oh! That reminds me. Remember when the cafeteria car had those amazing croissants? Nevermind, they prob dont even have those anymore. Now it’s all tiny sandwiches.

Which is better, Ouigo or Inoui?

Ouigo, a whisper of budget travel, a fleeting dream. InOui, ah, InOui… a richer tapestry.

Lower fares, a siren song. Ouigo lures with cost. Like finding a forgotten coin in a dusty coat pocket.

InOui, it offers… more. Wi-Fi, a digital embrace. Power outlets, lifeblood for devices. Catering, a small indulgence.

Choosing? It depends. Budget dictates. What whispers louder? The lure of savings or the comfort of connection?

Ouigo is a memory. Bare. Essential. InOui feels complete, almost.

  • Ouigo: Think freedom, like a road trip with only the essentials.
  • InOui: It’s more pampered. Like a short dream.

It depends on your needs… I think.

  • Cost: Ouigo wins. Hands down, always.
  • Amenities: InOui, a clear victor. Wi-Fi, power, snacks… little luxuries.

Just breathe, think about what matters.

I remember once, on the TGV (similar to InOui), watching the French countryside blur past. The sun warmed the window. Sipping coffee, a tiny croissant… pure bliss. Could Ouigo offer this, this feeling? Probably not. Okay, maybe.

  • Speed: Both are fast. Both use the TGV network.

Essentially, it’s a trade-off. Money versus experience.

It’s like choosing between instant coffee and a perfectly brewed espresso. One does the job. The other… lingers.

Is OUIGO a high-speed train?

OUIGO, high-speed? Well, kinda. It’s SNCF’s attempt to be Ryanair, but on rails. Think high-speed-ish. It gets you there, eventually.

It’s like comparing a Ferrari to a very enthusiastic moped. Both get you to the bakery, one does it with slightly more panache. Slightly.

Seriously though, OUIGO uses high-speed lines but cuts costs elsewhere. You know, like legroom. Or silence.

Think of it as democratizing speed! Also, Brussels gets a taste now, too! Belgium, you lucky ducks.

Consider this:

  • Price: Dirt cheap! Makes you wonder if they’re paying the engineers in baguettes.
  • Comfort: Let’s just say pack a neck pillow. And earplugs. And maybe a therapist for after.
  • Speed: Yes, it uses les lignes à grande vitesse, but prepare for potential delays. Because French trains.
  • Extras: Bring your own entertainment. Staring out the window only lasts so long, trust me. I tried it last summer. July 17th, to be exact. Didn’t work.

So, yes, OUIGO is a high-speed train, technically. Like that “healthy” pizza I made last night. Healthy-ish.

Is TGV Lyria scenic?

Lyria? Scenic. Questionable.

Mediterranean coast? Geneva link exists.

Greatest scenery? An overstatement.

Coastlines flash. Mountains loom. Indifferent.

  • Route: Connects Geneva, France. Southern views claimed.
  • Scenery: Depends. Personal experience varies wildly.
  • Alternatives: Other routes offer similar, maybe superior views? Look into it. Check current year routes for the best experience.
  • My take: Hype. Overblown. Been there. Done that.
  • Beware: Crowds. Expect delays? Likely. Pack snacks. Bring noise-canceling headphones. I wish i had.

Is food included in TGV Lyria first class?

TGV Lyria first class? Food’s included, yeah, like a king’s ransom, almost. Forget airplane peanuts; this is gourmet, baby!

Hot meal, served right to your seat. Think Michelin-star, minus the pretentiousness (mostly). It’s not dog food, thank goodness.

  • Plate service: No trays here, pal.
  • Hot food: Forget sad sandwiches.
  • Included: Already paid for, which is nice.

My buddy, Dave, swore it was better than his grandma’s lasagna (and she’s Italian!). Don’t expect steak and lobster every time though; it varies. But, it’s always a step above airplane food. Honestly, it’s enough to make you forget the train’s slightly jerky ride…almost. Last time, I had this amazing chicken dish. This year they added a vegan option, which was surprisingly good. My sister, she’s a picky eater, even she enjoyed it. It’s not exactly a five-star restaurant, but its WAY better than those airline meals. A step up. Definitely a step up.

What is the difference between TGV and Eurostar?

Okay, so Eurostar and TGV, right? Big difference is the motors, I think. Eurostar uses these crazy British-designed AC drives, totally different from the older TGV synchronous type. It’s like, apples and oranges, ya know?

Twelve motors per Eurostar train, each packing 1370 horsepower! That’s a lotta power. TGVs? I dunno the exact number for those. Something less powerful, probably.

Key differences summarized:

  • Motors: Eurostar uses asynchronous AC drives; TGV uses (used to use, I think) synchronous drives. Big deal.
  • Power: Eurostar – 12 motors at 1370 hp each. TGV has less powerful motors, I’m sure.
  • Routes: Eurostar runs through the Chunnel; TGV is mainly in France. Different countries, different trains, duh.

That asynchronous thing is a big upgrade, people were saying. Makes the trains super efficient, so I heard. Makes sense, right? More power, smoother ride.

My cousin works for Eurostar, he told me all this stuff. He loves those trains. Says they’re way more advanced than the older TGV models, like a whole generation ahead. I’m sure the TGV is fine, though, for just France. But Eurostar? That’s international high-speed travel, man.

What is special about a TGV?

Okay, a TGV… right. Lemme tell ya, I took one from Paris to Lyon last summer, 2024, I think. It was August maybe? Thing was FAST.

I mean, seriously fast. Remember looking out the window, everything just a blur. Trees? Gone. Fields? Zipped by. Felt like a flipping rocket.

It hit me… these aren’t your grandma’s trains. I’m used to my local trains; this was totally different. Smooth too, smoother than my car, haha.

Thinking about it now, I read somewhere they usually cruise between 270 and 320 km/h. That’s insane. I was on my way to see my Aunt Marie, she had a new cat, adorable thing.

Anyway…

They’re like, were or are, I dunno, some of the fastest “normal” trains ever. My source? Maybe Wikipedia, I’m not an expert. Aunt Marie’s cat seemed more interesting.

And then there’s the record. Ugh. I remember something about this. Something crazy, like 574,8 km/h in 2007. I bet! They did that on a special set. Wow!

Listen, it’s just a train. But faster, much faster than others.

  • Regular speed: 270-320 km/h
  • Average travel speed: 279,4 km/h.
  • Speed record (2007): 574,8 km/h.
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