- Must visit
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Major fine arts museum in a former abbey, with strong collections from antiquity to modern art. A core cultural stop in Lyon.
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Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Bristol to Lyon
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Lyon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $69. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.8 - 2.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $69, and a train costs an average of $383.
Distance: 520 miles (837 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$479 Average price | $244 Average price | $107 Average price Cheapest | $174 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 55m Average total duration 9h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 26m Average total duration 17h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 2.5 - 5.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Bristol to Lyon is a bus with an average price of $107 (€88).
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Lyon:
A bus is $137 (€112) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bristol to Lyon costing on average $244 (€200).
A bus is $372 (€305) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Lyon costing on average $479 (€393).
The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Lyon is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 45m.
Other travel options to Lyon take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 25m.
Bus takes on average 17h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bristol and Lyon including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Lyon among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 2h 0m sooner (9h 25m by train vs 11h 25m by car). Tickets start at around $479 (€393) compared to roughly $174 (€143) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Lyon 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Bristol to Lyon
United Kingdom
France
Trains from Bristol to Lyon run on average 10 times per day, taking around 9h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $383 (€314) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 17:00. The fastest train covers the 520 miles (837 km) distance in 8h 3m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $37 (€30)
Distance 520 miles (837 km) |
Average train duration 9h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $383 (€314) |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 8h 3m |
First train 5:48 AM |
Last train 5:00 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $37 (€30)
Train companies: Great Western Railway (GWR) from Bristol to Lyon trainsGreat Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Bristol and Lyon from $37 (€30). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 3m
Cheapest Price
$383 (€314)
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
10 a day
Complete guide to Lyon
Things to do in Lyon
Discover the best of Lyon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lyon trip today.
- Must visit
Musée Cinéma et Miniature
Museum of cinema miniatures and film props in Vieux Lyon. Popular for detailed sets, special-effects history, and family-friendly exhibits.
- Must visit
Musée des Confluences
Excellent free natural history and ethnography museum with fossils, animals, and global cultures. A strong local favorite, especially for families.
- Must visit
Vieux Lyon
Renaissance quarter with cobbled lanes, traboules, courtyards, and major monuments. Essential for atmosphere, history, and walking exploration.
- Must visit
Presqu'île
Central peninsula between the Rhône and Saône, packed with elegant streets, squares, shopping, and many of Lyon’s classic city views.
- Must visit
La Croix-Rousse
Historic silk-workers’ hill district with stairways, murals, markets, and hidden passageways. Great for local character and city panoramas.
Quenelles De Brochet
Pike dumplings in a rich crayfish sauce. A Lyon classic from traditional bouchons, prized for its delicate fish texture and luxurious sauce.
Salade Lyonnaise
Crisp salad of frisée, bacon lardons, croutons, and a poached egg. A staple Lyonnaise bistro dish that reflects the city's hearty cooking style.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Cervelle De Canut
Slow-cooked onions with vinegar, often served warm or chilled. This old Lyonnais side dish is traditional in bouchons and pairs well with charcuterie.
L'Auberge Du Pont De Collonges
Refined dining by Paul Bocuse, known for polished French cuisine and iconic Lyon dishes in an elegant, historic dining room.
Le Musée
Well-known traditional bouchon in Vieux Lyon, praised for generous Lyonnais specialties and a lively old-city atmosphere.
Café Comptoir Abel
Historic bouchon near Place Bellecour serving quenelles, salade lyonnaise, and classic regional fare in a warm traditional setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels and dining are mid-priced, while public transport is good value for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €70+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafes.
FAQs: Trains from Bristol to Lyon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Lyon by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lyon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Bristol to Lyon can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $383 (€314), while the average price is around $479 (€393).
The train from Bristol to Lyon takes 8h 3m and runs 10 per day.
The distance by train from Bristol to Lyon is 520 miles (837 km).
The first train from Bristol to Lyon leaves at 5:48 AM.
The last train from Bristol to Lyon leaves at 5:00 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Bristol to Lyon.
There is no direct train service currently available from Bristol to Lyon.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bristol to Lyon.
The cheapest way to get from Bristol to Lyon is by flight, with a cost of around $37 (€30).
The train journey from Bristol to Lyon offers scenic views, particularly as it travels through the picturesque countryside of England and the charming landscapes of northern France, providing passengers with a visually pleasing experience.
In Lyon, you can explore Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, an indoor market offering gourmet food, take a river cruise on the Rhône and Saône, and discover the secret passageways of the traboules in Vieux Lyon. Attend a performance at the Opéra de Lyon or visit the Institut Lumière for cinema history. Don't miss the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for panoramic views, Vieux Lyon for its Renaissance architecture, Parc de la Tête d'Or with its zoo and botanical garden, the Musée des Confluences, or the bustling Place Bellecour.
For a fulfilling experience in Lyon, spending 2 to 3 days is ideal. This allows you to explore key attractions such as Vieux Lyon, Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and the Musée des Confluences, while also enjoying the city's renowned gastronomy and vibrant cultural scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Bristol to Lyon.
Lyon is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Lyon include Annecy, Saint-Étienne, Avignon, Grenoble, Perouges.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Lyon among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
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 Lyon, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, popular tourist spots, and markets. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help. Avoid unlicensed taxi services to prevent overcharging. Staying alert in busy zones ensures a safer visit.
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.
Most popular train connections from Bristol
More options for your journey from Bristol to Lyon
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Most popular trains to and from Lyon and Bristol
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