The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Lyon
Cheapest price
$195
Average price
$216
Fastest journey
7 h 45 m
Average duration
7 h 51 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
654 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Lyon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Lyon will cost around $216 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $195.
Of the 2 trains that leave Essen for Lyon on Fri, Nov 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 654 km distance in an average of 7 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 45 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest trains will take 7 h 56 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.




Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Lyon
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Lyon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €31, and a train costs an average of €120.
Distance: 406 miles (654 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€195 Average price | €55 Average price Cheapest | €191 Average price |
8h 1m Average total duration 7h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 58m Average total duration 12h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 2.0 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Essen to Lyon train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Lyon trains for tomorrow, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:40 AM Essen | 7h45 | 11:25 AM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:00 AM Essen | 7h56 | 5:56 PM Lyon | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Essen to Lyon by train, bus, or flight
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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Lyon
Trains from Essen to Lyon run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $147 (€120) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 406 miles (654 km) distance in 7h 45m.
Distance 406 miles (654 km) |
Average train duration 7h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $147 (€120) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 7h 45m |
First train 00:09 |
Last train 23:00 |
Train companies: TGV, Deutsche Bahn from Essen to Lyon trainsTGV, Deutsche Bahn trains will get you between Essen and Lyon from $38 (€31). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
TGV
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
FAQs: Trains from Essen to Lyon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Lyon
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
- Casino Zollverein
- Warsteiner Stiefel
- Schacht XII, Bistro
- Cafe Kohlenwäsche
- Mon - Wed: 05:00 - 20:45
- Thu - Sat: 05:00 - 21:45
- Sun: 06:45 - 21:45
- Free unlimited WiFi.
- Luggage lockers are available daily from 06:15 to 23:15. They are located near the station's reception desk.
- Alto Café
- Paul
- Paul The Café
- Starbucks
- Exki
- Sushi Shop
- Carrefour
- Complimentary personalized care is available.
- Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon
- Mercure Lyon Center
- ibis Styles Lyon Center
- Mon - Wed: 05:00 - 20:45
- Thu - Sat: 05:00 - 21:45
- Sun: 06:45 - 21:45
- Located in the station's main hall.
- Metro lines: A, B, C, D
- Tram lines: T4, K240, T3, K100
- Bus lines: 2960, C2, C3, C6, C9
- Train lines: TGV, TGV Lyria, TGV INOUI, OUIGO, TER, Intercités, Eurostar, AVE
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available via Rue de Grèce.
- Restaurant Moxy Lyon Airport
- NH Lyon Airport Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- €0.50
- Moxy Lyon Airport
- NH Lyon Airport
- Ibis Budget Aéroport Lyon Saint Exupéry
- Located in the main hall
- 150 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform access
- Hall 2: ticket office and services
- Hall 3: connection to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
- Tramway: Rhônexpress
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Lyon
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