- Must visit
Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie
Fine arts and archaeology museum in a notable modernized building. It is one of France’s oldest public museums and a cultural highlight.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$42
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$65
Fastest journey on Sep 20
2 h 26 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
2 h 33 m
Trains on Sep 20
12
Distance
189 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lyon to Besançon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lyon to Besançon will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 12 trains from Lyon to Besançon, including 3 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 189 km distance in an average of 2 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 26 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 39 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.
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895814Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lyon to Besançon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $27 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 12m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, while a train costs an average of $57.
Distance: 117 miles (189 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$57 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 12m Average total duration Fastest 2h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Besançon:
A bus is $30 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lyon to Besançon costing on average $57 (€47).
Other travel options to Besançon take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 29m.
Tickets start at around $57 (€47) compared to roughly $75 (€61) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $17 (€14). The journey takes 2h 42m versus 2h 42m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with TER, SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Besançon trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12176+ 894530 | On time 11:38 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 2h52 | 2:30 PM Besançon Viotte | 1 transfer | |
889473 · 895912 | On time 12:12 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 3h57 | 4:09 PM Besançon Viotte | 1 transfer | |
17760+ 894259 | 1:16 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 3h28 | 4:44 PM Besançon Viotte | 1 transfer | |
889477 · 895914 | 2:12 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 2h58 | 5:10 PM Besançon Viotte | 1 transfer | |
17762+ 894263 | 3:16 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 3h28 | 6:44 PM Besançon Viotte | 1 transfer | |
5500+ 894554 | 4:01 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 2h54 | 6:55 PM Besançon Viotte | 1 transfer | |
895810 | 4:30 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 2h39 | 7:09 PM Besançon Viotte | 0 transfersDirect | |
4302+ 894227 | 5:04 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 3h00 | 8:04 PM Besançon Viotte | 1 transfer | |
9896+ 894562 | 6:00 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 2h52 | 8:52 PM Besançon Viotte | 1 transfer | |
895814 | 6:30 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 2h39 | 9:09 PM Besançon Viotte | 0 transfersDirect | |
17816+ 894269 | 7:16 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 3h59 | 11:15 PM Besançon Viotte | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
9898+ 894211 | 8:32 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 2h35 | 11:07 AM Besançon Viotte | 1 transfer | |
895804 | 9:42 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 2h27 | 12:09 PM Besançon Viotte | 0 transfersDirect | |
9583+ 894522 | 10:01 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 2h26 | 12:27 PM Besançon Viotte | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Lyon to Besançon run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) but you can travel from only $14 (€11) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 20:16. The fastest train covers the 117 miles (189 km) distance in 2h 12m.
Distance 117 miles (189 km) |
Average train duration 2h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 12m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 8:16 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Besançon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Besançon trip today.
Fine arts and archaeology museum in a notable modernized building. It is one of France’s oldest public museums and a cultural highlight.
Time museum in the Granvelle Palace tracing Besançon’s watchmaking history. A strong choice for understanding the city’s identity and craft.
Museum inside the citadel covering regional wildlife, landscapes, and environmental themes. Good for families and a wider view of Franche-Comté.
Grand central square lined with historic buildings, cafés, and events. It is a natural starting point for exploring the old center on foot.
Historic pedestrian street with shops, façades, and easy access to major monuments. Ideal for strolling through the core of old Besançon.
One of the city’s most attractive riverside walks, linking monuments and viewpoints along the Doubs. Great for photos and relaxed exploration.
A rich Comtois sausage slowly cooked with potatoes, cabbage, and smoked pork. A hearty regional winter dish rooted in Franche-Comté farmhouse cooking.
Smoked pork sausage from the Jura and Franche-Comté, traditionally smoked in tuyé chimneys. It is a flagship local charcuterie with deep smoky flavor.
A denser smoked sausage from nearby Haut-Doubs, protected by PGI status. It is prized locally for its robust flavor and traditional mountain smoking methods.
Refined Michelin-starred dining in a polished setting, known for contemporary French cuisine showcasing Franche-Comté products with precision.
Traditional dining room focused on Franche-Comté specialties, including local cheeses, charcuterie, and hearty regional dishes.
Historic brasserie on Place Granvelle serving regional classics, seafood, and French staples in an elegant Belle Époque atmosphere.
Moderate for France: hotels and dining are usually lower than Paris; local transit is affordable and budget meals are easy to find.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up; cafés usually just small change.
Official public transport app
Besançon Viotte -> Place du Huit Septembre, Besançon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lyon to Besançon 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 Besançon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Lyon to Besançon trains use the Lyon Part Dieu to Besançon Viotte station pair, with some services arriving at Besançon - Mouillère. Use this guide to compare Lyon and Besançon train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Lyon Part Dieu is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
Lyon Part Dieu has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Alto Café, Paul, Paul The Café, Starbucks, Exki, Sushi Shop, Carrefour
Free unlimited WiFi. ATMs are located in the station's main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Wed: 05:00 - 20:45, Thu - Sat: 05:00 - 21:45, Sun: 06:45 - 21:45. Information desks are located in the station's main hall. .
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are available daily from 06:15 to 23:15. They are located near the station's reception desk. .
Available at Lyon Part Dieu: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lyon Part Dieu: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon Part Dieu: Complimentary personalized care is available.
Nearby hotels include Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon, Mercure Lyon Center, ibis Styles Lyon Center.
Lyon-Perrache is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
Lyon-Perrache has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: PAUL
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available after creating an account and connecting to "CONNECTION.". ATMs are aTM machine is located in Hall Level 2 in front of the PAUL bakery.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 10:00 - 18:00. Information desks are information services are available at the ticket office, located in Hall Level 2.
Available at Lyon-Perrache: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lyon-Perrache: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon-Perrache: Hearing, mobility, and visual disability assistance. Accessibility available with elevator, ramp or step-free access, barrier-free toilets.
Nearby hotels include Mercure Lyon Centre Chateau Perrache, Hotel De Normandie, InterContinental Lyon-Hotel Dieu.
Lyon-Jean-Macé has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Jean Moulin, Brasserie de l'Est
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Lyon-Jean-Macé. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lyon-Jean-Macé. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lyon-Jean-Macé: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lyon-Jean-Macé: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon-Jean-Macé: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Lyon Centre, Hotel des Facultés, Comfort Suites Rive Gauche Lyon Centre.
Besançon Viotte has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Pain Soleil, Selecta
Free, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi when you create a free account. ATMs are located in the front of the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:10, Sat - Sun: 10:00 - 17:10. Information desks are located at the south entrance to the underground level. .
Available at Besançon Viotte: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Besançon Viotte: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Besançon Viotte: The station is fully accessible, including wheelchair ramps, a magnetic induction loop for people with hearing loss and a guidance system for people with visual impairments. Staff can provide additional assistance, and wheelchairs are available.
Nearby hotels include ibis budget Besançon Centre Gare, Victor Hugo Hotel and Spa, Le Viotte King Size.
Besançon - Mouillère is 1 km from Besançon city centre. Public transport options include:
Besançon - Mouillère has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Besançon - Mouillère.
ATMs are available at Besançon - Mouillère.
Available at Besançon - Mouillère: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Besançon - Mouillère: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Besançon - Mouillère.
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