Bristol to Lyon train with Great Western Railway (GWR)

Wed, Jun 03
+ Add return
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Lyon

Showing times and prices for Jun 03

Cheapest price

$389

Average price

$494

Fastest journey

8 h 22 m

Average duration

8 h 23 m

Trains per day

10

Distance

837 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Lyon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bristol to Lyon will cost around $494 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $389.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Bristol to Lyon without transferring at least 5 times.

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    8:00 AM8h22
    Bristol
    4:22 PMLyon
    $3891One-way
    5 transfers
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    7:30 AM8h26
    Bristol
    3:56 PMLyon
    $5011One-way
    5 transfers
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    10:00 AM8h56
    Bristol
    6:56 PMLyon
    $5011One-way
    5 transfers
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    11:00 AM8h22
    Bristol
    7:22 PMLyon
    $5011One-way
    5 transfers
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    12:00 PM8h22
    Bristol
    8:22 PMLyon
    $5011One-way
    5 transfers

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 $70. 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 $70, and a train costs an average of $389.

Distance: 520 miles (837 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus
Driving

$487

Average price

$248

Average price

$109

Average price

Cheapest

$177

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 $109 (€88).

This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Lyon:

A bus is $139 (€112) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bristol to Lyon costing on average $248 (€200).

A bus is $378 (€305) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Lyon costing on average $487 (€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 $487 (€393) compared to roughly $177 (€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.

Live departures

Bristol to Lyon train times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Lyon trains for today, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western Railway (GWR)5:47 AM Bristol
8h35
2:22 PM Lyon5 transfers
Great Western Railway (GWR)7:30 AM Bristol
8h26
3:56 PM Lyon5 transfers
Great Western Railway (GWR)8:00 AM Bristol
8h22
4:22 PM Lyon5 transfers
Great Western Railway (GWR)10:00 AM Bristol
8h56
6:56 PM Lyon5 transfers
Great Western Railway (GWR)11:00 AM Bristol
8h22
7:22 PM Lyon5 transfers
Great Western Railway (GWR)12:00 PM Bristol
8h22
8:22 PM Lyon5 transfers
Great Western Railway (GWR)1:00 PM Bristol
8h22
9:22 PM Lyon5 transfers
Great Western Railway (GWR)2:30 PM Bristol
8h40
11:10 PM Lyon5 transfers
Great Western Railway (GWR)5:29 PM Bristol
14h53
8:22 AM Lyon5 transfers
Great Western Railway (GWR)10:00 PM Bristol
13h56
11:56 AM Lyon5 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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.

Wed
Jun 03
Thu
Jun 04
Fri
Jun 05
Sat
Jun 06
Sun
Jun 07
Mon
Jun 08
Tue
Jun 09

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bristol to Lyon

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
FranceFrance
Icon of train

Trains from Bristol to Lyon run on average 10 times per day, taking around 9h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $389 (€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
$389 (€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
$389 (€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 des Confluences

A major science and anthropology museum in a striking contemporary building at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône. One of Lyon’s signature cultural sites with strong temporary exhibitions.

  • Must visit

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Lyon’s premier fine arts museum, housed in a former abbey near Place des Terreaux. Known for strong collections of painting, sculpture, antiquities, and decorative arts.

  • Recommended

Lugdunum - Musée et Théâtres romains

Museum of Roman Lyon paired with the city’s ancient theaters on Fourvière hill. A key stop for understanding Lugdunum, the Roman origins of Lyon.

Euro

Moderate for France: bakeries and bouchons are fair value, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
EUR 10-15 for a bakery lunch or kebab.
Mid-range
EUR 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
EUR 2.50-4 for an espresso or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is included by law. Leaving small change or 5-10% for great service is appreciated, not required. Round up for taxis.

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Bristol to Lyon can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $389 (€314), while the average price is around $487 (€393).
The train from Bristol to Lyon takes 8h 3m and runs 10 per day.
The first train from Bristol to Lyon leaves at 5:48 AM.
The distance by train from Bristol to Lyon is 520 miles (837 km).
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.

More options for your journey from Bristol to Lyon

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