- Recommended
Musée archéologique de Saintes
Main archaeology museum with Roman finds, sculptures, and local history collections. Essential for understanding Mediolanum Santonum, ancient Saintes.
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Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Lyon to Saintes
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lyon to Saintes among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €35, and a train costs an average of €98.
Distance: 264 miles (425 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€73 Average price Cheapest | €147 Average price | €89 Average price | €121 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 56m Average total duration 8h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 23m Average total duration 6h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Lyon to Saintes is a bus with an average price of €73.
This is compared to other travel options from Lyon to Saintes:
A bus is €17 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Saintes costing on average €89.
A bus is €75 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lyon to Saintes costing on average €147.
The fastest way to travel from Lyon to Saintes is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 10m.
Other travel options to Saintes take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 53m.
Bus takes on average 8h 26m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Lyon and Saintes including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Lyon to Saintes among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around €73 compared to roughly €121 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €49. The journey takes 8h 26m versus 6h 17m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by BlaBlaCar, BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Lyon to Saintes Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 13h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €121 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 13h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 13h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €59 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €99 |
Compare prices and tickets Lyon to Saintes by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Lyon to Saintes buses with Omio?
BlaBlaCar Bus as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Lyon to Saintes.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lyon to Saintes.
Why book with Omio vs BlaBlaCar Bus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for BlaBlaCar Bus, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Lyon to Saintes.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare BlaBlaCar Bus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Lyon to Saintes.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Wanderu or Busbud?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Lyon to Saintes.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Lyon to Saintes.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Lyon to Saintes
FranceFrance
Buses from Lyon to Saintes run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €35 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 264 miles (425 km) distance in 8h 55m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 264 miles (425 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price €35 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 8h 55m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 35 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus from Lyon to SaintesYou can travel by bus between Lyon to Saintes with BlaBlaCar, BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus for as low as €35. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 55m
Cheapest Price
€35
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
BlaBlaCar Bus
About
BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS) is a long-distance coach company operating in 10 European countries and connecting over 300 destinations. A subsidiary of the French carpooling company BlaBlaCar, it offers comfortable travel with standard amenities such as air conditioning, toilets, USB and power outlets for charging devices, extra legroom, and adjustable seats. Free Wi-Fi is available on select routes. BlaBlaCar Bus offers only a Standard ticket type, which allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and up to two checked bags per person.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 20m
Cheapest Price
€40
BlaBlaCar Bus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating options.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; additional fees may apply.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Saintes
Things to do in Saintes
Discover the best of Saintes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Saintes trip today.
- Recommended
Musée de l'Échevinage
Museum dedicated to Charente River navigation and local trades in a preserved historic setting. A worthwhile stop for regional life beyond monuments.
- Recommended
Abbaye aux Dames Parcours de visite
Interpretive gallery within the abbey complex focused on music, heritage, and digital experiences. Good for families and modern cultural programming.
- Recommended
Cours National
Main pedestrian shopping street lined with historic facades. Ideal for strolling between monuments and getting a feel for the everyday city center.
- Recommended
Quais de la Charente
Attractive riverside promenade along the Charente with bridges, boats, and views of old Saintes. A relaxing walk at any time of day.
- Recommended
Quartier Saint-Eutrope
Historic quarter around the basilica with sloping lanes and older houses. Best for travelers who enjoy quieter walks away from the busiest streets.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pineau des Charentes
Pineau des Charentes is a regional aperitif made by blending grape must with Cognac eau-de-vie. It is a classic Charente drink served before meals.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Cognac
Cognac is the famed brandy of the Charente region, distilled from local wine and aged in oak. Near Saintes, it is a signature digestif and tasting staple.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Melon Charentais
Charentais melon is a fragrant local cantaloupe prized in summer for its sweet flesh. It is a regional specialty often served simply or with cured ham.
La Cave Passe Table
Refined restaurant in central Saintes known for modern French cuisine, careful presentation, and a calm dining room suited to a special meal.
La Musardiere
Casual crêperie appreciated for savory galettes, sweet crêpes, and friendly service. A good lighter option in the old town.
Le Parvis
Established brasserie-style address serving traditional French dishes and regional products in a relaxed, reliable setting near the historic center.
Euro (€)
Moderate for France: hotels and dining are usually below Paris, while local transit is limited and most sights are low cost.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €10-15 for a simple lunch or fast food.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for a coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; round up taxis; small change is fine in cafes.
Buss
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.30
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Boulevard de Vladimir -> Place Bassompierre, Saintes
- Distance
- 450 m
- Travel time
- 6 min
- Buy tickets before boarding when possible; onboard sales and payment methods can be limited.
- Saintes uses the Buss network; check timetables in the official app or on the operator website before travel.
FAQs: Bus from Lyon to Saintes
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lyon to Saintes by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Saintes, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Lyon to Saintes can start from as little as €35 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Lyon to Saintes is €73 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Lyon to Saintes is 8h 55m to travel the 264 miles (425 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Lyon to Saintes leaves at 12:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Lyon to Saintes leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Lyon to Saintes with BlaBlaCar, BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Lyon to Saintes, you can count on BlaBlaCar, BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Saintes. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Lyon and Saintes and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Saintes from Lyon is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Lyon to Saintes is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Lyon and Saintes including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Lyon to Saintes:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating options.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Lyon to Saintes for bus company BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Lyon to Saintes depends on the bus companies:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 30 minutes before departure for a refund in the form of a voucher.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Lyon to Saintes.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Lyon to Saintes:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Lyon to Saintes:
- BlaBlaCar Bus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Lyon to Saintes. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Lyon to Saintes with the following bus company: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Lyon to Saintes with the following bus company: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Lyon to Saintes with the following bus company: BlaBlaCar Bus, FlixBus.
Since both Lyon and Saintes are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Lyon to Saintes among Omio's users.
France uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most transactions, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small vendors, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Saintes, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially pickpocketing in crowded areas and near popular landmarks. It is advisable to stay vigilant in busy markets and public transportation. Scams involving overpriced taxi fares can occur, so agree on a price before the ride. Travelers should also be mindful of their belongings when dining or enjoying outdoor events. Overall, common-sense precautions help ensure a safe visit to Saintes.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Lyon to Saintes
Most Lyon to Saintes buses use the Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache to Saintes, Boulevard de Vladimir station pair. Use this guide to compare Lyon and Saintes bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Lyon
Arrival bus stations in Saintes
Which Lyon station do buses to Saintes leave from?
Buses from Lyon to Saintes leave from Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Lyon city centre at 13 Cours de Verdun, 69002 Lyon, France.
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache13 Cours de Verdun, 69002 Lyon, France
City-centre transport
Getting to Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache from Lyon city centre
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainTer · 5m · €1 · every ~5 min
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache bus station facilities and services
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café de la Gare (in the station), Le Bistrot de Lyon (0.5 km), Brasserie Georges (0.6 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Elevators, ramps.
Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gherlan)
City-centre transport
Getting to Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gherlan) from Lyon city centre
BusN734 · 15m · €1
Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport
City-centre transport
Getting to Lyon, St Exupéry Aéroport from Lyon city centre
TrainRx · 29m · €16 · every ~8 min
BusS766, 776, 787, N760, N1759, 1776, 1624, N746, 1779, S1736, 1606, 1787, 1676 · 38m · €2 · every ~1 min
Saintes, Boulevard de Vladimir
City-centre transport
Getting to Saintes, Boulevard de Vladimir from Saintes city centre
BusC · 21m · every ~2 min
Most popular bus connections from Lyon
More options for your journey from Lyon to Saintes
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Saintes and Lyon
Most popular bus connections to Saintes
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