- Must visit
Musée d'arts de Nantes
Major fine arts museum with collections from Old Masters to contemporary works in a restored palace and modern extension.
Cheapest price
$106
Average price
$226
Fastest journey
4 h 20 m
Average duration
4 h 41 m
Trains per day
14
Distance
516 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lyon to Nantes is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lyon to Nantes will cost around $226 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $106.
Of the 14 trains that leave Lyon for Nantes on Fri, Jun 05, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 05 the direct trains cover the 516 km distance in an average of 4 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .
On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest trains will take 4 h 50 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.
4506
5351
5354
5386+
857329
6608 · 8807
5354
5358
5386+
857329
5351
6630 · 8827Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lyon to Nantes 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 flight which can get you there in 1h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a flight costs an average of $62.
Distance: 320 miles (516 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$116 Average price | $154 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest | $221 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 48m Average total duration 5h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 34m Average total duration 9h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Lyon to Nantes:
A bus is $56 (€45) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lyon to Nantes costing on average $116 (€94).
A bus is $95 (€76) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lyon to Nantes costing on average $154 (€125).
Other travel options to Nantes take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 18m.
Bus takes on average 9h 4m.
The journey is about 1h 26m faster (5h 18m by train vs 6h 44m by car) and roughly $105 (€85) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($116 (€94) vs $221 (€179)). 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 SNCF | TGV INOUI, SNCF | Intercités, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF).
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 Nantes trains for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5351 | On time 6:30 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 4h49 | 11:19 AM Nantes station | 0 transfersDirect | |
6642 · 8973 | On time 6:38 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 5h16 | 11:54 AM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
6692 · 8805 | On time 7:34 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 5h20 | 12:54 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
6608 · 8807 | On time 8:04 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 6h16 | 2:20 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
5376 · 5224 | 9:30 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 5h12 | 2:42 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
4502 | 9:34 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 6h39 | 4:13 PM Nantes station | 0 transfersDirect | |
5354 | 10:30 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 4h20 | 2:50 PM Nantes station | 0 transfersDirect | |
5382+ 857433+ 8811 | 11:51 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 5h02 | 4:53 PM Nantes station | 2 transfers | |
5382+ 858371 | 11:51 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 6h01 | 5:52 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
4504 | 12:04 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 6h46 | 6:50 PM Nantes station | 0 transfersDirect | |
6622 · 8821 | 3:04 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 5h17 | 8:21 PM Nantes station | 1 transfer | |
4506 | 3:28 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 6h37 | 10:05 PM Nantes station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Lyon to Nantes run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $28 (€22) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:46, the last at 20:10. The fastest train covers the 320 miles (516 km) distance in 4h 4m.
Distance 320 miles (516 km) |
Average train duration 5h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 4m |
First train 4:46 AM |
Last train 8:10 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Nantes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nantes trip today.
Major fine arts museum with collections from Old Masters to contemporary works in a restored palace and modern extension.
Museum dedicated to Nantes-born writer Jules Verne, with manuscripts, editions, models and exhibits on his imagination and voyages.
Natural history museum known for zoology, geology and regional science collections, popular with families and curious visitors.
Former industrial island turned creative district, known for contemporary architecture, riverside walks and Machines de l'Île nearby.
Historic quarter with medieval street patterns, lively squares and many half-timbered buildings; ideal for wandering on foot.
Large botanical garden by the station with themed plantings, greenhouses, ponds and whimsical installations.
A classic sauce from the Nantes area made with butter, shallots, and white wine or vinegar, traditionally served with local river or Atlantic fish.
Pike-perch, a freshwater fish from the Loire region, commonly served with beurre blanc; it is one of the most emblematic traditional dishes around Nantes.
The famous dry white wine produced near Nantes, especially valued with seafood, shellfish, and regional fish dishes.
Well-known fine dining restaurant on the Loire with refined contemporary cuisine and a strong local reputation for elegant tasting menus.
Popular crêperie serving Breton-style galettes and sweet crêpes in a casual setting, a good choice for western French comfort food.
Established traditional restaurant in central Nantes known for hearty French classics, regional specialties, and a warm bistro atmosphere.
Moderate by French standards: groceries and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving EUR 1-2 in cafés is enough; 5-10% for excellent restaurant service is appreciated, not required.
Official public transport app
Gare de Nantes -> Place du Commerce, Nantes
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lyon to Nantes 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 Nantes, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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