10 Most Important Train Stations in Paris
Explore the Main Railway Stations in France’s Capital City
The most important train stations in Paris transport millions of people across the capital city, throughout France and internationally every day. But in addition to being bustling transport hubs, they contain a host of artwork, events and even an enormous shopping centre for you to explore.
Discover a hidden park on a rooftop, take amazing photos of railway buildings constructed in the 19th century or head off on an overnight train adventure through France. Whether you’re a trainspotter looking to catch a high-speed TGV train, or you just want to explore Paris by train whilst admiring magnificent architecture in historic buildings, you’ll find some amazing train stations to visit in this city.
1. Gare du Nord
One of France’s busiest stations
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto, Vida noturna
Gare du Nord lies in the 10th arrondissement of Paris and connects passengers to northern France. You can also catch a train to Belgium and the Netherlands from this station or jump on the Eurostar to reach the UK. This busy station opened in 1846 and its impressive neoclassical façade makes Instagram-worthy photos, especially when it’s illuminated against the evening sky.
It’s known for its temporary exhibitions, regularly showcasing contemporary art and photography. You’ll love the pianos scattered throughout the station too. They’re free to use and you’ll see amateurs and professionals regularly stopping to play and entertain the crowds. The acoustics are amazing, and you’ll see large crowds stopping to watch these fun and impromptu concerts.
Localização: 18 Rue de Dunkerque, 75010 Paris, France
Abre: Sunday–Thursday from 4.30 am to 1.30 am, Friday–Saturday from 4.30 am to 2.30 am
Telefone: +33 (0)1 84 94 36 35
Gare du Nord
2. Gare Saint-Lazare
An elegant building
Ideal para: Compras, Foto
The beauty of Gare Saint-Lazare was captured in a series of oil paintings by the French Impressionist painter, Claude Monet. It was the first railway station to be built in Paris and it’s still a magnificent building today. It’s packed with commuters catching trains to and from the suburbs, but you can also go as far as Normandy.
Gare Saint-Lazare is in the city’s 8th arrondissement, which is known for its fantastic shops, and there are plenty in the station. Or stroll along the iconic Champs-Elysées and explore the myriad of stores lining this wide, tree-lined avenue until you reach the impressive Arc de Triomphe. You’ll also find luxury boutiques, including Chanel and Louis Vuitton, close to the station.
Localização: 13 Rue d’Amsterdam, 75008 Paris, France
Abre: Daily from 5 am to 1.15 am
Telefone: +33 (0)1 84 94 36 35
Gare Saint-Lazare
3. Gare d’Austerlitz
Underground rides and overnight trips
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Aventura
Gare d’Austerlitz is named after Napoleon Bonaparte’s victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. Located on the left bank of the River Seine, it’s an important railway station linking Paris with the south-west of France, notably Toulouse. You can also access the Paris Metro (the city’s underground network) at this station.
For a unique experience, take a night train from the Gare d’Austerlitz down to the southern city of Nice. Leave Paris late in the evening and spend a comfortable night sleeping whilst the train weaves it way down France. You’ll wake up refreshed in the morning as you arrive in sunny Nice, ready to hit the beach and swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
Localização: 85 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris, France
Abre: Daily from 4.30 am to midnight
Telefone: +33 (0)1 84 94 36 35
Gare d'Austerlitz
4. Gare de l’Est
Food, shops and amazing architecture
Ideal para: História, Foto, Compras
Gare de l’Est, as its name suggests, links Paris with the east of the country. From here, you can catch a train to the border regions of Alsace and Champagne-Ardenne. The station is close to the Gare du Nord and it’s a magnificent, historic building, even housing a bunker dating back to the Second World War. The Orient Express also departed from here on its first journey to Constantinople.
The station itself is a beautiful feat of architecture, in a mostly neoclassical style, with some Art Deco features. The setting is so impressive that it has been featured in over 25 films. You’ll love admiring its beauty, whilst strolling around 50 shops and eateries split over 2 levels.
Localização: Rue du 8 Mai 1945, 75010 Paris, France
Abre: Daily from 5 am to 1 am
Telefone: +33 (0)1 84 94 36 35
Gare de l'Est
5. Gare de Lyon
Luxury dining in a legendary station
Ideal para: Foto, Alimentação, Luxo
Gare de Lyon is instantly recognisable by its impressively high clock tower on the front of the building. You’ll see lots of people taking pictures of this iconic landmark, but visitors also come to this railway station for other Instagram-worthy photos, particularly of Le Train Bleu. The decor in this upscale restaurant, which dates to 1900, will take your breath away. Marvel at the gleaming gilt interior, stunning frescoes and plush seating whilst indulging in high-end French cuisine.
You’ll love strolling around this beautiful station, which lies in Paris’ 12th arrondissement. You can connect to the underground network or jump on a train to south-east France, Switzerland or Italy too.
Localização: 4 Place Louis Armand, 75012 Paris, France
Abre: Daily from 4.30 am to 1 am
Telefone: +33 (0)1 84 94 36 35
Gare de Lyon
6. Gare Montparnasse
A hidden garden in south-west Paris
Ideal para: Famílias, Econômico, Viagens alternativas
At first glance, Gare Montparnasse may seem like an ordinary train station. But once inside, head upstairs to the top of the building and you’ll discover an incredible urban park spread over 3 hectares. This rooftop park is a great place to wait for your train if you have kids as they’ll love the playground. You’ll see travellers enjoying a moment of calm before catching their train and locals taking a lunchtime stroll through the greenery.
The station serves the Atlantic Coast region of France, and regional trains link Paris to Normandy and central France too. Allow plenty of time to connect from the underground to regional trains as the walk can be long between platforms.
Localização: 17 Boulevard de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris, France
Abre: Daily from 5 am to 1.15 am
Telefone: +33 (0)1 84 94 36 35
Gare Montparnasse
7. Gare de Bercy
A convenient location
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Aventura
Gare de Bercy is one of Paris’ modern railway stations, built in the 1970s. It’s small and easy to navigate, used mainly as an annex of the nearby Gare de Lyon. You’ll even find a pedestrian walkway linking the 2 terminal buildings. Most of the trains departing this station go to the Auvergne region, specifically the cities of Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand, but the more adventurous can also catch a night train to Italy.
Bercy metro station is a short walk from the train terminal and it’s a popular stop for those heading to the Accor Arena. It’s a great venue for live music and can see pop, rap, rock and classical music performances, as well as major sports events.
Localização: 48 bis Boulevard de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France
Abre: Daily from 5.45 am to 11.30 pm
Telefone: +33 (0)1 84 94 36 35
Gare de Bercy
8. Chatelet Les Halles
A sprawling, hidden station
Ideal para: Compras, Alimentação, Foto
Chatelet Les Halles is one of the largest and busiest underground stations in Paris. Located in the heart of the city, it’s an important transit hub. Several commuter train lines and 5 metro lines pass through this station. You’ll see how incredibly busy it gets during rush hour with locals rushing to catch a train back to the suburbs.
The station is fully underground, and you’ll be awestruck at the vast shopping centre above it. Forum des Halles is a huge, multi-level paradise for shopaholics. There’s a wide range of fashion boutiques, bookshops and department stores to discover. There are also lots of snack bars and restaurants when your feet need a rest from the shopping.
Localização: Forum des Halles, 101 Rue Berger, 75001 Paris, France
Abre: Daily from 5.15 am to 1.15 am
Telefone: +33 (0)9 71 96 96 99
Chatelet Les Halles
9. Gare Beauvais
Connecting international travellers
Ideal para: Foto, Casais, Famílias
Gare Beauvais lies approximately 80 km north of Paris and it’s the closest train station to Paris Beauvais Airport. The airport is a hub for many low-cost carriers, serving around 25 countries. You can jet off to enjoy the sunny climates of Cyprus or Spain or head to the snow of Finland and Sweden from this bustling airport.
To reach this station from central Paris, catch a train from Gare du Nord and allow around 75 minutes for the journey. It’s a busy route and you’ll see lots of excited holidaymakers cramming their suitcases on the train. If you want to explore more of France from Gare Beauvais, you can head north to visit towns such as Amiens or Rouen.
Localização: 62 Avenue de la République, 60000 Beauvais, France
Abre: Monday–Friday from 4.50 am to 10.30 pm, Saturday from 4.55 am to 11.30 pm, Sunday from 6.10 am to 11.30 pm
Telefone: +33 (0)8 05 50 60 70
Gare Beauvais
10. Champ de Mars/Tour Eiffel
Close to an iconic landmark
Ideal para: Foto, História
Champ de Mars/Tour Eiffel is a small station for regional trains serving the suburbs of Paris. Since it was originally opened in 1867, the station has closed and been demolished, rebuilt or fully refurbished 5 times. You can still see some older parts of the station mixed in with the modern structure.
This station is in a great location. You’re just over 100 metres from Bir-Hakeim station for access to the metro network and less than 300 metres from the Eiffel Tower. As you stroll towards this impressive landmark, you’ll get fantastic views over the River Seine and its boats, as well as the immense Champ de Mars park and its beautiful greenery.
Localização: Quai Jacques Chirac, 75015 Paris, France
Abre: Monday–Friday from 5 am to 11.30 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 5 am to 12.45 am
Telefone: +33 (0)9 71 96 96 99
Champ de Mars/Tour Eiffel
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