When it comes to traveling from Bern to Paris, there are several transportation options available. Whether you’re seeking speed, comfort, or flexibility, there’s a choice that suits your preferences.
From the convenience of high-speed TGV trains to the flexibility of driving, this post will help you explore the various ways to journey from the charming Swiss capital of Bern to the iconic city of Paris in France.
So, let’s go and explore your travel choices for this exciting route.
Key Takeaways
- Train: 4-5 hours, costing 120-220 CHF with various connections
- Bus: 13-15 hours, costing 25-70 Euros.
- Car: 570km, taking between 6-7 hours without traffic
Table of Contents
Bern to Paris by Train
- Journey time: Approximately 4.5-5 hours
- Cost: CHF 120 – 220
Traveling from Bern to Paris by train is a scenic journey from Switzerland’s heart to France’s famous capital. This train route offers both convenience and comfort, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque landscapes.
There are several options when traveling from Bern. From one to two changes on the way.
Via Basel
The best connection is via Basel, where there is a direct train to Paris. Bern to Basel is approximately 1 hour. The TGV from Basel to Paris is about 3 hours. Connection time is 30 minutes.
These trains run just after the hour and usually every second hour. But check the SBB schedule to be sure.
Via Basel & Strassbourg
The second-best connection is similar in length but has an extra change in Strasbourg. The first two trains are slower local Swiss and French trains, with the last train being a TGV. This makes the journey often cheaper depending on how busy it is.
Via Olten & Basel
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The last option runs at around half past the hour and travels via Olten and Basel. This also uses the TGV train from Basel, which is fast and convenient. However, there is one more change in Olten to get to Basel.
The downside of this connection is that it takes 30 minutes longer.
Bern to Paris by Bus
- Journey Time: Approximately 13-15 hours
- Cost: CHF 25 – 70
Traveling by bus provides a budget-friendly option with flexibility and still gives you the option of relaxing and admiring the passing scenery. However, it is a lot slower than by train (because the TGV is so fast and direct).
It is significantly cheaper though, with one-way tickets costing as little as 23 Euros.
Departure and arrival points:
- Starting at the Bern ZOB (Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof) or the main bus terminal in the city. Verify the exact departure location, which may vary depending on the bus company.
- The specific arrival point can vary depending on the bus company. Paris has several bus stations, including Bercy, Gallieni, and Porte Maillot, which are well-connected to the city’s public transportation network.
Companies like Flix Bus drive from Bern to Paris for as little as 23 Euros. You can find the schedule here.
Bern to Paris by Car
- Journey time: 6 to 7 hours
- Distance: 570km
Driving by car gives you the most flexibility to get from Bern to Paris, but it can be a lot more stressful. Once you have left Bern, the traffic eases for a while, but you have to leave Switzerland via Basel which can get busy at peak times. You also have to pass Dijon in France on the way, which is a large city.
Of course, navigating through a big city like Paris is no joke either. So, I recommend considering train or bus instead if you can.
Also be aware that France loves road tolls. They are quite common on the major highways and not cheap either. So, that will add to the cost of your trip once you leave Switzerland.
You can avoid the toll roads, and I have done that in the past. However, they offer the fastest route with the least traffic (as everyone else is avoiding paying too).
