Paris to Reims

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Reims is one of France's most rewarding short breaks from Paris: a city of soaring Gothic architecture, world-famous Champagne houses and a human-scaled centre that feels unhurried without feeling provincial. At under an hour by the fastest trains, it is almost absurdly easy to reach — a genuine half-day or day-trip destination, or an excellent first night on a longer journey east.

The quickest way: TGV from Paris Est

TGV inOui services operated by SNCF connect Paris Gare de l'Est and Reims in about 44 to 48 minutes on the direct services — one of the shortest TGV journeys in France, and one of the most satisfying given the quality of the destination. Trains run several times a day, typically peaking in the morning and evening with a handful of midday services.

As with all TGV services, reservations are compulsory and your ticket includes a specific seat. Advance fares are cheapest; last-minute prices rise sharply. Ouigo low-cost TGV services may also run on this corridor at lower base fares with booking restrictions — check when searching. For a full guide to French high-speed rail booking, see the France by TGV guide.

Reims station is about a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride from the Gothic cathedral and the central square.

The regional train option: slower but more flexible

SNCF also operates TER (Train Express Régional) services between Paris Est and Reims on the classic line, typically taking around 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. These are significantly cheaper walk-up than TGV prices and do not require advance booking, though they are not as frequent. For spontaneous travellers who do not mind the extra 45 minutes, the TER is a perfectly comfortable option — the classic line runs through the Champagne countryside and gives you a flavour of the region that the high-speed line, cutting through tunnels and flat plains, does not.

The cheapest way: the coach

FlixBus serves Paris–Reims, with journey times of roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic. Fares are modest and can undercut TGV advance prices for very budget-conscious travellers. Coaches depart from central Paris stops and arrive near Reims city centre. Given the short rail journey time, the coach is mainly of interest to those on very tight budgets or catching a coach that connects their specific neighbourhood to the route.

The driving option

The A4 motorway (the Autoroute de l'Est) runs directly from Paris to Reims, covering about 145 km in roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic. Tolls are charged on the A4. The drive is straightforward but not especially scenic, and parking in Reims, while easier than in Paris itself, requires some planning in the city centre. Driving makes most sense if you plan to explore the Champagne vineyards by road — the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs and the Vallée de la Marne are all beautiful wine-country drives that are much more enjoyable with a car than on public transport.

What to see in Reims

Reims punches well above its size for visitor attractions:

• Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims — one of the great Gothic cathedrals of France, the traditional coronation church of French kings, with stained glass by Marc Chagall in the apse. Visits are free.
• The Champagne houses — Taittinger, Pommery, Veuve Clicquot, Mumm and many others offer cellar tours and tastings beneath the city in extensive chalk caves (crayères). Book ahead for the larger houses.
• Palais du Tau — the former Archbishop's Palace adjacent to the cathedral, with an excellent collection of royal artefacts; a UNESCO site along with the cathedral and Saint-Rémi Basilica.
• Basilique Saint-Rémi — an older, more austere Romanesque basilica on the south side of the city, quieter and often overlooked.

Reims works well as a base for a night or two to explore the wider Champagne region. For ideas on combining it with a broader French itinerary, see the routes section.

Which should you choose?

For nearly all travellers, the TGV from Paris Est is the obvious answer: under 50 minutes, and you arrive in the centre of one of France's finest cities before breakfast is cold. Book ahead for the best fares. The TER regional train is a solid fallback for spontaneous or budget travel. The coach is viable only if the fare gap is decisive. Driving earns its keep specifically if you plan to tour the Champagne vineyards — one of France's great wine roads is easier by car.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the TGV from Paris to Reims?

The fastest TGV inOui direct services from Paris Gare de l'Est reach Reims in about 44 to 48 minutes, making it one of France's quickest intercity TGV journeys.

Which Paris station serves Reims?

Reims is served from Paris Gare de l'Est, on the right bank. Do not confuse this with Gare du Nord, which is the neighbouring terminus for Eurostar and Belgium/northern France services.

Do I need to reserve a seat for the Paris to Reims TGV?

Yes. All TGV services, including those to Reims, require a compulsory seat reservation included in your ticket. Walk-up travel without a reservation is not possible on TGV trains.

Can I visit the Champagne vineyards without a car?

Some wine villages are served by local bus from Reims, and cycling is popular on the Montagne de Reims circuit. However, a car or a guided tour gives much better coverage of the scattered châteaux and domaines. Many Champagne houses are in the city itself and easy to reach on foot.