Geneva to Lyon by train

Direct trains take under two hours from Genève to Lyon Part-Dieu on the fastest trips, with TER and seasonal TGV Lyria options.

Journey time and service pattern

Several direct trains run each day from Genève to Lyon in under two hours. The fastest TER journey takes 1 hour 52 minutes, while the average journey is about 2 hours 6 minutes. TER is the normal route pattern; a TGV Lyria departure can be quicker when its seasonal timetable matches your date.

The seasonal TGV Lyria option

A seasonal TGV Lyria connection runs once daily at 1 hour 44 minutes during the summer timetable. Treat it as a date-dependent extra rather than the route's standard frequency. If it is not offered for your date, the direct TER remains the straightforward choice.

Stations

Start at Genève, also called Geneva Cornavin, the central station for the city. The train arrives at Lyon Part-Dieu, Lyon's main station for this corridor. Select these station names when booking so you do not accidentally choose a local stop or an airport connection.

Tickets and planning

Search the exact date in SBB or SNCF's timetable and choose the direct departure that gives you enough margin at Lyon Part-Dieu. Prices and availability depend on the train and date. The seasonal TGV Lyria follows a separate timetable, so wait until it is offered for your date before building a fixed plan around it.

Before you travel

Check the Genève to Lyon Part-Dieu journey close to departure when you have a hotel, flight or onward train to catch. Cross-border engineering work can alter the service, and a little arrival margin is more useful than a connection that works only on paper.