- 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.
Cheapest price
$198
Average price
$255
Fastest journey
6 h 17 m
Average duration
6 h 50 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
597 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Lyon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Lyon will cost around $255 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $198.
Of the 7 trains that leave Cologne for Lyon on Mon, Jun 01, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct trains cover the 597 km distance in an average of 6 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 17 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest trains will take 7 h 17 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 Cologne to Lyon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $47. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, and a flight costs an average of $325.
Distance: 370 miles (597 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$255 Average price | $73 Average price Cheapest | $686 Average price | $186 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 29m Average total duration 5h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 38m Average total duration 11h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration Fastest 2h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 1.8 - 3.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cologne to Lyon:
A bus is $181 (€146) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Lyon costing on average $255 (€205).
A bus is $613 (€493) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Lyon costing on average $686 (€552).
Other travel options to Lyon take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 59m.
Bus takes on average 11h 8m.
You'll arrive about 1h 59m sooner (5h 59m by train vs 7h 58m by car). Tickets start at around $255 (€205) compared to roughly $186 (€150) 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Lyon trains for tomorrow, Monday, June 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:39 AM Cologne | 7h17 | 11:56 AM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:39 AM Cologne | 7h27 | 1:06 PM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:39 AM Cologne | 6h28 | 5:07 PM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:54 AM Cologne | 7h04 | 5:58 PM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:39 AM Cologne | 6h17 | 5:56 PM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:54 AM Cologne | 7h04 | 6:58 PM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:43 PM Cologne | 7h22 | 8:05 PM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Cologne to Lyon run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $156 (€125) but you can travel from only $47 (€37) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 370 miles (597 km) distance in 6h 17m.
Distance 370 miles (597 km) |
Average train duration 5h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $156 (€125) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 6h 17m |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Lyon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lyon trip today.
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.
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.
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.
Lyon’s atmospheric old quarter with Renaissance lanes, traboules, and riverfront views. It is the city’s classic strolling area and a top priority for first-time visitors.
One of Europe’s largest open squares and a central meeting point in Lyon. It is a practical orientation stop and a key place for city views toward Fourvière.
Lyon’s flagship urban park with broad walking paths, lake, botanical areas, and a zoo. It is one of the best places in the city for relaxation and scenic walks.
Light dumplings made with pike and panade, usually baked in a rich Nantua crayfish sauce. A classic Lyonnais bouchon specialty.
A traditional salad of frisée lettuce with lardons, croutons, and a poached egg. It is one of the city’s most iconic starter dishes.
Lyon’s famous sausage baked inside a soft brioche dough. It is a beloved charcuterie-based specialty found in many bouchons.
A landmark fine dining institution in Lyon, famed for historic prestige and elegant cuisine rooted in the city’s gastronomic heritage.
The city’s celebrated covered food market, ideal for sampling oysters, charcuterie, cheese, pastries, and many iconic Lyonnais products.
A respected traditional restaurant associated with chef Joseph Viola, celebrated for refined Lyonnais classics in a polished but welcoming setting.
Moderate for France: bakeries and bouchons are fair value, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is included by law. Leaving small change or 5-10% for great service is appreciated, not required. Round up for taxis.
Official public transport app
Lyon Part-Dieu -> Bellecour, Lyon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne 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.

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