- Recommended
Musée archéologique de Saintes
Main archaeology museum with Roman finds, sculptures, and local history collections. Essential for understanding Mediolanum Santonum, ancient Saintes.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$50
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$73
Fastest journey on Sep 19
13 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
14 h 10 m
Buses on Sep 19
2
Distance
425 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lyon to Saintes is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lyon to Saintes will cost around $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 2 buses from Lyon to Saintes, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 425 km distance in an average of 14 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 45 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 14 h 35 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




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 an average ticket price of $88 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 46m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $88, while a flight costs an average of $607.
Distance: 264 miles (425 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$88 Average price Cheapest | $236 Average price | $607 Average price | $149 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 13m Average total duration 9h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 8m Average total duration 5h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Lyon to Saintes:
A bus is $148 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lyon to Saintes costing on average $236.
A bus is $518 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Saintes costing on average $607.
Other travel options to Saintes take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 38m.
Bus takes on average 9h 43m.
Tickets start at around $88 compared to roughly $149 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $61. The journey takes 9h 43m 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, 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 13h45 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 13h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $121 |
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Saintes buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:40 PM Lyon | 13h45 | 5:25 AM Saintes | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:35 PM Lyon | 8h55 | 7:30 AM Saintes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
![]() | 8:20 AM Lyon | 14h35 | 10:55 PM Saintes | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Lyon to Saintes run on average 2 times per day, taking around 9h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $51 if you book in advance.
There are 1 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 35m.
Distance 264 miles (425 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 35m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Saintes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Saintes trip today.
Main archaeology museum with Roman finds, sculptures, and local history collections. Essential for understanding Mediolanum Santonum, ancient Saintes.
Museum dedicated to Charente River navigation and local trades in a preserved historic setting. A worthwhile stop for regional life beyond monuments.
Interpretive gallery within the abbey complex focused on music, heritage, and digital experiences. Good for families and modern cultural programming.
Main pedestrian shopping street lined with historic facades. Ideal for strolling between monuments and getting a feel for the everyday city center.
Attractive riverside promenade along the Charente with bridges, boats, and views of old Saintes. A relaxing walk at any time of day.
Historic quarter around the basilica with sloping lanes and older houses. Best for travelers who enjoy quieter walks away from the busiest streets.
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.
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.
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.
Refined restaurant in central Saintes known for modern French cuisine, careful presentation, and a calm dining room suited to a special meal.
Casual crêperie appreciated for savory galettes, sweet crêpes, and friendly service. A good lighter option in the old town.
Established brasserie-style address serving traditional French dishes and regional products in a relaxed, reliable setting near the historic center.
Moderate for France: hotels and dining are usually below Paris, while local transit is limited and most sights are low cost.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service; round up taxis; small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Boulevard de Vladimir -> Place Bassompierre, 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.

Most Lyon to Saintes buses use the Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) 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.
Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) is 2 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland). ATMs are available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland).
Ticket office support is available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland).
Available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon, Avenue Tony Garnier (Gare routière de Lyon Gerland): Station is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Gare (in the station), Le Bistrot de Lyon (0.5 km), Brasserie Georges (0.6 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache.
Available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon, Gare Routière de Perrache: Elevators, ramps.
Saintes, Boulevard de Vladimir is 1 km from Saintes city centre. Public transport options include:
Saintes, Boulevard de Vladimir has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Saintes, Boulevard de Vladimir. ATMs are available at Saintes, Boulevard de Vladimir.
Ticket office support is available at Saintes, Boulevard de Vladimir.
Available at Saintes, Boulevard de Vladimir: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Saintes, Boulevard de Vladimir: Basic accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need