Leicester to Lyon train with east_midlands_trains

Sun, Jun 21
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Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
east_midlands_trains
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Lyon

Showing times and prices for Jun 21

Cheapest price

$296

Average price

$389

Fastest journey

7 h 10 m

Average duration

10 h 2 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

880 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Leicester to Lyon will cost around $389 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $296.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Leicester to Lyon without transferring at least 3 times.

  • East Midlands Railways
    2:43 PM7h10
    Leicester
    9:53 PMLyon
    $2961One-way
    3 transfers
  • East Midlands Railways
    2:59 PM8h11
    Leicester
    11:10 PMLyon
    $4061One-way
    3 transfers
  • East Midlands Railways
    7:13 PM13h09
    Leicester
    8:22 AMLyon
    $4061One-way
    3 transfers
  • East Midlands Railways
    9:41 PM14h15
    Leicester
    11:56 AMLyon
    $4061One-way
    3 transfers
  • East Midlands Railways
    1:59 PM7h23
    Leicester
    9:22 PMLyon
    $4301One-way
    3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Leicester to Lyon

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Lyon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $89. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $89, and a train costs an average of $296.

Distance: 546 miles (880 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus
Driving

$397

Average price

$141

Average price

$119

Average price

Cheapest

$64

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

9h 12m

Average total duration

8h 42m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 40m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

23h 45m

Average total duration

23h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 26m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to Lyon is a bus with an average price of $119 (€97).

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

A bus is $22 (€18) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Leicester to Lyon costing on average $141 (€115).

A bus is $278 (€228) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Lyon costing on average $397 (€325).

The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Lyon is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 40m.

Other travel options to Lyon take longer:

Train takes on average 8h 42m.

Bus takes on average 23h 15m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Leicester and Lyon including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Leicester 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 44m sooner (8h 42m by train vs 11h 26m by car). Tickets start at around $397 (€325) compared to roughly $64 (€52) 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 Leicester 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.

Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
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Jun 25
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Jun 26
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Jun 27

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leicester to Lyon

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
FranceFrance
Icon of train

Trains from Leicester to Lyon run on average 8 times per day, taking around 8h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $296 (€242) but you can travel from only $89 (€73) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 546 miles (880 km) distance in 7h 5m.

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 $89 (€73)
Distance
546 miles (880 km)
Average train duration
8h 42m
Cheapest ticket price
$296 (€242)
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
7h 5m
First train
4:48 AM
Last train
10:52 PM
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sep
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 $89 (€73)

Train companies: east_midlands_trains from Leicester to Lyon trainseast_midlands_trains trains will get you between Leicester and Lyon from $89 (€73). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 5m
Cheapest Price
$296 (€242)
east_midlands_trains frequency
8 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 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.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Trains from Leicester to Lyon

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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 Leicester to Lyon can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $296 (€242), while the average price is around $397 (€325).
The train from Leicester to Lyon takes 7h 5m and runs 8 per day.
The first train from Leicester to Lyon leaves at 4:48 AM.
The distance by train from Leicester to Lyon is 546 miles (880 km).
The last train from Leicester to Lyon leaves at 10:52 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Leicester to Lyon.
There is no direct train service currently available from Leicester to Lyon.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Leicester to Lyon.
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to Lyon is by bus, with a cost of around $89 (€73).
The Leicester to Lyon train journey offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with highlights including the picturesque English countryside and charming French landscapes, making it moderately scenic.
A day trip from Leicester to Lyon is not feasible as the travel duration is 7h 5m. The distance is 546 miles (880 km), and there are 7 trips per day for trains.
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 Leicester 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 Leicester 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 Leicester to Lyon

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