The success of the TGV in France led to the development of high-speed lines in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, and the UK, bringing Europe closer. For example, the travel time between Paris and London is 2 hours and 15 minutes, Paris to Zurich is 4 hours, Paris-Brussels 1 hr 30 minutes and Paris-Frankfurt 3 hours 45 minutes.

According to Eric Alexandre, who is an engineer and a driver at SNCF, the other distinctive aspect of the TGV is its affordability. “The TGV was meant for everyone and not just the rich.”