Train service
Renfe
Renfe is Spain’s national railway operator, offering high-speed, long-distance, and regional train services with extensive domestic coverage.
SNCB
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway operator, offering domestic and international train services with flexible ticket options, including youth and senior discounts.
Train tickets
Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Rail pass validity
The Interrail Global Pass is valid for travel by train from Paris to Lyon for non-residents of France. The Interrail One Country Pass for France is valid for this journey for non-residents of France. The Eurail Pass is valid for travel from Paris to Lyon for those who are not residents in the EU. Residents of France cannot use an Interrail Global Pass or Interrail One Country Pass for domestic travel, and residents in the EU cannot use a Eurail Pass.
Getting around
Arriving in Lyon by train, you’ll likely find yourself at one of the main stations: Lyon Part-Dieu or Lyon Perrache. Lyon has an efficient and integrated public transportation system known as TCL (Transports en Commun Lyonnais), which includes metro, tram, and bus services. The metro consists of four lines (A, B, C, and D) covering key areas in the city. Make use of the metro for quick and easy access to popular districts like Vieux Lyon, Bellecour, and La Presqu'île. Lyon’s tram system is extensive, with six lines (T1-T6) offering convenient connectivity to both the city center and outer areas, such as the business district and cultural sites near Confluence. If you're staying in the central areas or near tram routes, these lines are particularly useful. Buses complement the network by reaching areas not accessible by metro or tram and can be a good option for localized travel within neighborhoods. For more flexible travel, consider using taxis which are readily available at train stations and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Ridesharing services like Uber also operate in Lyon, offering an additional transport option that’s often cost-effective and convenient for travelers, particularly for late-night trips or when traveling in a group. Tickets for the TCL network can be purchased at stations or through the TCL app, and they are transferable across all modes of transport within a specified time period. Remember to validate your ticket as you board, and consider purchasing a day pass if you plan to make multiple trips.
Onward connections
Lyon, a major hub in France's rail network, offers numerous domestic and international train connections. Domestically, one of the most popular routes is the high-speed TGV service to Paris, with a journey time of approximately two hours. Lyon also connects well to Marseille via TGV, taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes, offering access to the Mediterranean coast. Other key domestic destinations include Lille, Bordeaux, Nantes, and Strasbourg, all reachable via efficient TGV services.
Internationally, Lyon provides direct train services to several major cities. The TGV Lyria connects Lyon to Geneva, taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes, making it a convenient gateway to Switzerland. There are direct connections to Turin and Milan in Italy via the Frecciarossa service, with travel times of approximately 4 hours and 5 hours, respectively. Additionally, the Eurostar provides direct services from Lyon to London during certain times of the year, allowing passengers to reach the UK capital in about 5 hours. These connections make Lyon an accessible departure point for both domestic travel across France and international travel throughout Europe by train.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Lyon is during the spring months of April to June and the early autumn period from September to October. In these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, making it perfect for exploring the city's stunning architecture and vibrant parks. Additionally, during these shoulder seasons, you'll likely find fewer crowds and more reasonable prices for accommodation and activities compared to the peak summer months. Springtime in Lyon offers festivals like the Nuits Sonores, a music festival with eclectic line-ups. In early autumn, you can enjoy wine harvest festivities in the nearby Beaujolais region. Additionally, arriving by train is convenient throughout the year thanks to Lyon's excellent rail connections, but spring and early autumn provide the most comfortable travel experience in terms of climate and the overall visitor atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from Paris to Lyon?
According to EveryRail, train ticket prices from Paris to Lyon are dynamic. Demand significantly impacts prices. Higher demand typically causes higher prices. The time of booking is crucial. Early bookings often secure lower prices. Travel class chosen affects cost. Business class is pricier than economy. Peak travel times increase prices. Weekends and holidays usually see higher prices. Special promotions can reduce costs. Route popularity influences ticket pricing. Competition among train operators can lower prices.
What trains run from Paris to Lyon?
SNCF operates trains from Paris to Lyon. Ouigo operates trains from Paris to Lyon. Flixbus provides bus services from Paris to Lyon.
How long does the train from Paris to Lyon take?
According to EveryRail, the train from Paris to Lyon takes 1.9 to 2.2 hours.
When is the best time to travel from Paris to Lyon?
Avoid peak travel hours to find fewer crowds. Early mornings and late evenings are less busy. Weekdays often have more availability. Midweek typically offers better pricing. Demand increases during holidays and weekends. Check for special events in either city. Advance booking can secure better rates.
What’s the best route or train to take from Paris to Lyon?
Deutsche Bahn runs direct train services from Paris to Lyon. SNCF runs direct train services from Paris to Lyon. Flixbus runs direct bus services from Paris to Lyon. Ouigo runs direct train services from Paris to Lyon. Trenitalia runs direct train services from Paris to Lyon.
What rail passes can I use to travel from Paris to Lyon?
According to EveryRail, for the route from Paris to Lyon in France, the One Country Pass is applicable. This is because both the origin and destination are within the same country. Therefore, if you are eligible, the One Country Pass will cover your journey. Neither the Interrail nor the Eurail Global Pass applies since the travel is within one country.