Home » I traveled on a double-decker train between France and Switzerland at 199mph. See inside the TGV Lyria, which costs as little as $50.

I traveled on a double-decker train between France and Switzerland at 199mph. See inside the TGV Lyria, which costs as little as $50.

I traveled on a double-decker train between France and Switzerland at 199mph. See inside the TGV Lyria, which costs as little as .

The TGV Lyria is a joint venture between the state-owned rail operators of France and Switzerland. I traveled on one as I returned home to London after a conference in Geneva.

If you book in advance, it can be as cheap as $50 — about the same price as a budget airline flight and usually faster.

Plus, with great views of the countryside and friendly interactions with employees or other passengers, it’s a great way to better comprehend the country. Not to mention the convenience of boarding and the relaxed atmosphere of the caf car.

Here’s what it’s like to travel on board.