- Must visit
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Major fine arts museum in a former abbey on Place des Terreaux, known for strong collections from antiquity to modern art.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Essen to Lyon
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$277
Average price
$277
Fastest journey
7 h 58 m
Average duration
7 h 58 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
636 km
Cheap tickets
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 $277 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $277.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Essen to Lyon without transferring at least 2 times.
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12:00 PM7h58Essen7:58 PMLyon$2771One-way2 transfers
- 12:00 PM7h58Essen7:58 PMLyon$2771One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Essen to Lyon
Omio recommends booking the flight 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 $33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, and a flight costs an average of $145.
Distance: 395 miles (636 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$205 Average price | $220 Average price | $36 Average price Cheapest | $152 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 11m Average total duration Fastest 5h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 26m Average total duration 12h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Essen to Lyon is a bus with an average price of $36 (€29).
This is compared to other travel options from Essen to Lyon:
A bus is $169 (€138) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Lyon costing on average $205 (€168).
A bus is $184 (€150) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Lyon costing on average $220 (€180).
The fastest way to travel from Essen to Lyon is by train with an average journey time of 5h 41m.
Other travel options to Lyon take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 50m.
Bus takes on average 12h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Essen and Lyon including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 2h 55m sooner (5h 41m by train vs 8h 36m by car). Tickets start at around $205 (€168) compared to roughly $152 (€124) 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
Essen to Lyon train times
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Lyon trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM Essen | 7h58 | 7:58 PM Lyon | 2 transfers | |
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.
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Jun 21
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Essen to Lyon
Belgium
France
Trains from Essen to Lyon run on average 14 times per day, taking around 5h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $149 (€122) but you can travel from only $33 (€27) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:38, the last at 16:04. The fastest train covers the 395 miles (636 km) distance in 5h 37m.
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
Bus from $33 (€27)
Distance 395 miles (636 km) |
Average train duration 5h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $149 (€122) |
Trains per day 14 |
Fastest train 5h 37m |
First train 6:38 AM |
Last train 4:04 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Bus from $33 (€27)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Essen to Lyon trainsDeutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Essen and Lyon from $33 (€27). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 58m
Cheapest Price
$277 (€227)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
1 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
Lugdunum - Musée et Théâtres romains
Excellent museum on Roman Lyon with mosaics, inscriptions, and artifacts beside the ancient theaters on Fourvière hill.
- Must visit
Musée des Confluences
Striking science and society museum at the meeting of the Rhône and Saône, famous for immersive displays and architecture.
- Must visit
Vieux Lyon
The city's atmospheric old quarter with Renaissance lanes, traboules, courtyards, and a strong UNESCO heritage feel.
- Must visit
Place Bellecour
One of Europe's largest open squares and a key central meeting point in Lyon's Presqu'île.
- Must visit
Parc de la Tête d'Or
Large urban park with lake, botanical spaces, greenhouses, and broad paths for walking and relaxing.
Quenelles De Brochet
Light dumplings traditionally made with pike and baked in a rich Nantua crayfish sauce, a classic specialty of Lyonnais cuisine.
Salade Lyonnaise
A warm salad of frisee lettuce, lardons, croutons, and a poached egg, emblematic of Lyon's hearty bouchon cooking.
Saucisson Brioché
Pork sausage baked inside a soft brioche loaf, a festive and traditional Lyonnais dish often served in bouchons.
La Mère Brazier
An iconic fine-dining restaurant with deep Lyon culinary heritage, serving elegant cuisine in a prestigious setting.
Le Bouchon Des Filles
A respected modern bouchon offering refined takes on Lyonnais classics in a warm and polished setting.
Café Des Fédérations
A historic bouchon known for classic Lyonnais dishes, convivial service, and a traditional, bustling atmosphere.
Euro
Moderate by French standards: bakeries and lunch deals are good value, while central hotels and dinner spots cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for kebab, crêpe, or bakery lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person for a casual restaurant meal.
- 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. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for very good restaurant service is appreciated, not required. Round up taxis; small change is fine in cafés and bars.
TCL: Itinéraires, Tickets
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 2.10 EUR
- Day pass
- 6.70 EUR
To the city center
Lyon Part-Dieu -> Bellecour, Lyon
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Validate your ticket before boarding or entering the metro, and keep it until the end of your journey.
- You can pay by card for tickets in the official TCL app and at most ticket machines; onboard card payment on buses is not the standard option.
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.
Train ticket prices from Essen to Lyon can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $149 (€122), while the average price is around $205 (€168).
The train from Essen to Lyon takes 5h 37m and runs 14 per day.
The first train from Essen to Lyon leaves at 6:38 AM.
The distance by train from Essen to Lyon is 395 miles (636 km).
The last train from Essen to Lyon leaves at 4:04 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Essen to Lyon.
There is no direct train service currently available from Essen to Lyon.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Essen to Lyon.
The train station in Essen that goes to Lyon is Antwerp-Central, which connects to Lyon Part Dieu.
The cheapest way to get from Essen to Lyon is by bus, with a cost of around $33 (€27).
The train journey from Essen to Lyon offers scenic views, particularly when passing through the rolling hills of the German countryside and the picturesque landscapes of the French region, including sections near the Rhine River and the vineyards of eastern France.
A day trip from Essen to Lyon is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 37m and there is only 1 train per day, covering a distance of 395 miles (636 km).
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 Essen to Lyon.
Since both Essen and Lyon are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Lyon include Annecy, Saint-Étienne, Avignon, Grenoble, Perouges.
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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Essen to Lyon
Essen
Lyon
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Wed: 05:00 - 20:45
- Thu - Sat: 05:00 - 21:45
- Sun: 06:45 - 21:45
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free unlimited WiFi
Lockers
- Luggage lockers are available daily from 06:15 to 23:15. They are located near the station's reception desk.
Dining
- Alto Café
- Paul
- Paul The Café
- Starbucks
- Exki
- Sushi Shop
- Carrefour
Accessibility
- Complimentary personalized care is available
Hotel
- Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon
- Mercure Lyon Center
- ibis Styles Lyon Center
Ticket Office
- Mon - Wed: 05:00 - 20:45
- Thu - Sat: 05:00 - 21:45
- Sun: 06:45 - 21:45
Information Desk
- Located in the station's main hall.
Public transit options for Lyon Part Dieu
- 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
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 10:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available after creating an account and connecting to "CONNECTION."
Dining
- PAUL
Accessibility
- Hearing, mobility, and visual disability assistance. Accessibility available with elevator, ramp or step-free access, barrier-free toilets
Hotel
- Mercure Lyon Centre Chateau Perrache
- Hotel De Normandie
- InterContinental Lyon-Hotel Dieu
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 10:00 - 18:00
Information Desk
- Information services are available at the ticket office, located in Hall Level 2
Public transit options for Lyon-Perrache
- Metro lines: A, B, C, D
- Bus lines: 8, 31, 46, 49, 55, 60, 63, S1, C19, C21, C22
- Tram lines: 1, 2
- Train lines: TGV, TGV INOUI, OUIGO, TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Intercités
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
3 km
Number of platforms
4Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available via Rue de Grèce
Dining
- Restaurant Moxy Lyon Airport
- NH Lyon Airport Restaurant
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms
WC
- €0.50
Hotel
- Moxy Lyon Airport
- NH Lyon Airport
- Ibis Budget Aéroport Lyon Saint Exupéry
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 150 places, covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform access
- Hall 2: ticket office and services
- Hall 3: connection to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
Public transit options for Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV
- Tramway: Rhônexpress
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Essen
More options for your journey from Essen to Lyon
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Lyon and Essen
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