Amazon, always on the lookout for speed and a clean image, has hopped on the high-speed train! From Lyon-Perrache to Paris-Gare de Lyon, there are now two daily round trips that carry about 1,000 packages each in technical compartments that were previously left abandoned. The result: a promise of faster deliveries (2 hours and 18 minutes compared to 8 hours by road) while polluting ten times less than traditional road transport. The perfect combo for the American giant, which wants to show that ecology and efficiency can go hand in hand. On paper, it's looking good.
But it’s not enough to shake up the Amazon ecosystem: with around 500,000 packages expected on this line by 2025, it's more of a symbol than a revolution. This strategy is embraced by the company, which sees this project as a showcase for its green transition, even though it remains a small part of its overall operations. Because yes, Amazon delivers millions of packages every day, and the overwhelming majority still travel on asphalt.
A line that will double its capacity in 2026 and extend all the way to Marseille
Behind this move, there's a clever marketing strategy at play. In a time where greenwashing is everywhere, Amazon is embracing clean and sustainable rail transport. And they are getting ready for the future: starting in 2026, the TGV line is set to double its capacity, with a possible extension to Marseille. Amazon lockers and a mini-hub have already sprouted at the Lyon station, hinting at a future where the last mile is handled right on the platform. Fewer delivery vans, more trains, and packages delivered at the speed of a packed RER during rush hour.
A drop in the logistical ocean, perhaps. But a well-staged drop.
