- Must visit
Museu Picasso
Major collection focused on Pablo Picasso’s early work and deep connection to Barcelona, housed in medieval palaces in El Born.
Cheapest price
$71
Average price
$93
Fastest journey
4 h 48 m
Average duration
5 h 36 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
531 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lyon to Barcelona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lyon to Barcelona will cost around $93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
Of the 3 trains that leave Lyon for Barcelona on Tue, Jun 30, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 30 the direct trains cover the 531 km distance in an average of 5 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 48 m .
On Tue, Jun 30 the slowest trains will take 7 h 12 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Lyon to Barcelona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 28m. 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 $28, and a flight costs an average of $50.
Distance: 329 miles (531 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$133 Average price | $67 Average price Cheapest | $198 Average price | $196 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 58m Average total duration Fastest 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration 7h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 33m Average total duration 4h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 1.6 - 3.2kg 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 Lyon to Barcelona:
A bus is $66 (€54) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lyon to Barcelona costing on average $133 (€109).
A bus is $131 (€108) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Barcelona costing on average $198 (€163).
Other travel options to Barcelona take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 33m.
Bus takes on average 7h 0m.
The journey is about 2h 12m faster (4h 28m by train vs 6h 40m by car) and roughly $63 (€52) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($133 (€109) vs $196 (€161)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with AVE, Renfe Viajeros.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Barcelona trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:35 PM Lyon | 4h48 | 5:23 PM Barcelona | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:20 PM Lyon | 7h12 | 8:32 PM Barcelona | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:35 PM Lyon | 4h48 | 6:23 PM Barcelona | 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.
By Paulo Monteiro
I took the Renfe AVE Internacional from Lyon to Barcelona because I wanted a relaxing journey, and with Renfe I'm always certain of an excellent trip. Boarding at Lyon Part-Dieu and arriving at Barcelona Sants, Renfe delivers comfort, polished service and wide windows that make the ~5-hour ride a pleasure. For me, the stretch after Montpellier, skimming inland lagoons and coastal plains, was the highlight of the trip!
The train from Lyon to Barcelona covers around 690 km and typically takes about 5 hours. This cross-border Renfe AVE Internacional service connects France and Spain directly, avoiding airport queues or long motorway drives. The route competes well with flying, offering central station departures and smooth city-centre arrivals. Compared with the bus, it saves several hours and adds the comfort of generous legroom, reliable service, and scenic stretches along southern France’s coastline.
I booked a First Class AVE train ticket on Omio about a month in advance for €74. The booking was processed instantly, and I received a mobile ticket for easy check-in. Lyon Part-Dieu has a compact yet busy concourse with shops, cafés and restaurants, so arriving early gives time to grab coffee or a snack before departure. Staff checked tickets before access to the platform, and the boarding process was calm and well organised, setting a relaxed tone for the journey.
Lyon Part-Dieu sits right in the heart of the city, and you can connect easily to Lyon’s buses, trams, and metro network. If you’re flying in, the Rhônexpress tram takes you straight from the airport to the station in about 30 minutes. You’ll find cafés, restaurants, shops, and luggage lockers here, so it’s easy to grab a bite or relax before boarding. Barcelona Sants is Barcelona’s main rail hub. It connects directly to the L1 and L5 metro lines, as well as city and long-distance buses, placing you within minutes of the entire city and its surroundings. There are also plenty of nearby cafés and shops if you need a quick refresh before heading out to explore.
Renfe AVE trains on this international route run once daily in each direction, departing at 2:33 PM. The journey takes about 5 hours, making it easy to travel between Lyon and Barcelona and still have part of the evening free once you arrive. The schedule is reliable and ideal if you prefer daytime travel without early starts or late-night arrivals.
Traveling in First Class felt calm, comfortable, and extremely relaxing. The seats recline and provide enough legroom to stretch comfortably. Each seat has a reading light and a fold-down tray, and the cabin stayed quiet, which made it easy to read or nap. Renfe provides Wi-Fi via the PlayRENFE platform, where you can stream films, TV series, newspapers, documentaries, and even language courses! Connection quality may drop briefly in rural stretches and tunnels, but overall, the Wi-Fi and the PlayRENFE app are extremely reliable. The bar car is worth visiting. I enjoyed a fresh pastry and a coffee served with tidy presentation and friendly service. For luggage, there are overhead racks and larger stacks at the ends of the carriage. Included in the purchase price of my ticket, I was allowed up to three bags, each up to 25 kg max. As for scenery, the landscape after Montpellier is the standout highlight. The line runs alongside inland lagoons that reflect the sky and create long, peaceful vistas. Because the windows are large and the ride smooth, those views feel cinematic rather than just a blur.
Book at least four weeks in advance to find the best fares and to secure your preferred First Class seats. I booked through Omio and received my mobile ticket immediately, which made the process quick and stress-free.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €74 |
| Food & drinks | €6.10 |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 80.1 |
The Renfe AVE Internacional train from Lyon to Barcelona turns travel into a comfortable chance to relax and enjoy ever-changing but always beautiful landscapes. With First Class comfort, PlayRENFE entertainment, and a friendly, attentive crew, the trip combines service and scenery beautifully. If you plan to travel this corridor, sit back, relax, and let the journey set the tone for your time in Barcelona. Plan your journey today.
Trains from Lyon to Barcelona run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $71 (€58) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 329 miles (531 km) distance in 4h 48m.
Distance 329 miles (531 km) |
Average train duration 4h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 (€58) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 48m |
First train 12:30 AM |
Last train 9:07 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Barcelona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barcelona trip today.
Major collection focused on Pablo Picasso’s early work and deep connection to Barcelona, housed in medieval palaces in El Born.
Catalonia’s premier art museum, especially famous for its Romanesque frescoes, Gothic art, and grand palace setting on Montjuïc.
Leading modern art museum on Montjuïc dedicated to Joan Miró, with paintings, sculptures, and strong city views nearby.
Barcelona’s most famous promenade, lively and historic, linking Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront with constant street activity.
The Gothic Quarter is a maze of medieval lanes, small squares, and historic atmosphere, ideal for wandering on foot.
Elegant boulevard lined with landmark modernist buildings, luxury shops, and some of the city’s best-known architecture.
Toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomato, olive oil, and salt. A classic Catalan staple served with many meals and tapas.
Roasted aubergine, red peppers, and onions dressed with olive oil. A traditional Catalan vegetable dish with a smoky flavor.
A Catalan salad of shredded salt cod, tomato, onion, and olives. It is especially associated with Barcelona and coastal cuisine.
Internationally acclaimed fine dining restaurant offering creative contemporary cuisine and a polished tasting-menu experience.
Popular upscale tapas bar known for excellent seafood, Iberian specialties, and a vibrant central dining room.
Historic traditional restaurant in the Gothic Quarter known for classic Catalan dishes in an old-world setting.
Moderate by Western Europe standards. Budget eating is manageable, but central hotels and tourist-area dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service, small change in cafes, and round up for taxis.
Official public transport app
Barcelona Sants, Barcelona -> Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lyon to Barcelona 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 Barcelona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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