- Must visit
Musée de l'Absinthe
Specialized museum on absinthe production and culture, explaining the drink’s role in Pontarlier’s identity through objects and displays.
.png){kind=small}
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Lyon to Pontarlier
Showing times and prices for Aug 05
Cheapest price
€37
Average price
€38
Fastest journey
2 h 55 m
Average duration
3 h 2 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
173 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lyon to Pontarlier is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lyon to Pontarlier will cost around €38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €37.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Lyon for Pontarlier on Wed, Aug 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 173 km distance in an average of 3 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 3 h 5 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.
3:30 PM3h05Lyon6:35 PMPontarlier€371One-way0 transfers- 7:42 AM2h55Lyon10:37 AMPontarlier€381One-way0 transfers
- 2:30 PM3h05Lyon5:35 PMPontarlier€381One-way0 transfers
- 7:42 AM2h55Lyon10:37 AMPontarlier€381One-way0 transfers
- 3:30 PM3h05Lyon6:35 PMPontarlier€371One-way0 transfers
- 2:30 PM3h05Lyon5:35 PMPontarlier€381One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Lyon to Pontarlier
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lyon to Pontarlier among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €19, and a bus costs an average of €34.
Distance: 107 miles (173 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€37 Average price Cheapest | €38 Average price | €49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 26m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 33m Average total duration 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Lyon to Pontarlier is a train with an average price of €37.
This is compared to other travel options from Lyon to Pontarlier:
A train is €0.66 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Lyon to Pontarlier costing on average €38.
The fastest way to travel from Lyon to Pontarlier is by train with an average journey time of 2h 56m.
Other travel options to Pontarlier take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 3m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Lyon and Pontarlier including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Lyon to Pontarlier among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 5m faster (2h 56m by train vs 3h 1m by car) and roughly €12 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€37 vs €49). 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.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Lyon to Pontarlier train times
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Pontarlier trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
895810+ 895709 | 4:30 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 3h05 | 7:35 PM Pontarlier station | 1 transfer | |
17764+ 9279+18129 | 5:16 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 3h45 | 9:01 PM Pontarlier station | 2 transfers | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
| 7:42 AM Lyon | 2h55 | 10:37 AM Pontarlier | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Lyon to Pontarlier by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Wed
Aug 05
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11
Aug 11
Why should you book Lyon to Pontarlier trains with Omio?
TER as well as SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187 or Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) offer trains services from Lyon to Pontarlier.
Omio is the only official third party seller for TER tickets.
Why book with Omio vs TER?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for TER, but also compare tickets for the likes of SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187 or Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) to find the best option for your trip from Lyon to Pontarlier.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare TER with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Lyon to Pontarlier.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Lyon to Pontarlier
FranceFrance
Trains from Lyon to Pontarlier run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €19 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:57, the last at 18:58. The fastest train covers the 107 miles (173 km) distance in 2h 55m.
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
Distance 107 miles (173 km) |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price €19 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 2h 55m |
First train 5:57 AM |
Last train 6:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
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
Train companies: TER, SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) from Lyon to Pontarlier trainsTER, SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) trains will get you between Lyon and Pontarlier from €19. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187
About
SNCF TER (Transport Express Régional) is the regional train service operated by France's national railway company, SNCF. It provides low-cost travel within France's regions, connecting towns and areas not served by high-speed trains. Each French region independently manages its own TER network, offering various ticket types, including discount cards and special fares. TER trains are used by over 800,000 passengers daily and are a popular choice for both commuters and tourists exploring France's diverse landscapes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
€38
SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187 frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one suitcase included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at train ends
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack bar or food trolley service on some routes, vending machines available
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for additional fee, included in some first-class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket, guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
TER
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
€19
TER frequency
3 a day
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
€70
Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Pontarlier
Things to do in Pontarlier
Discover the best of Pontarlier — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Pontarlier trip today.
- Recommended
Musée Municipal de Pontarlier
Main local museum presenting Pontarlier history, archaeology, art, and absinthe heritage in a practical central location.
- Recommended
Musée du Fort de Joux
Museum inside the famous fort with prison, military, and resistance history; combines strong storytelling with a dramatic setting.
- Must visit
Belvédère du Larmont
Wooded mountain lookout reached from nearby roads and trails, valued for expansive panoramas and fresh-air hiking close to Pontarlier.
- Recommended
Place d'Arçon
Central square lined with historic buildings and shops, ideal for orienting yourself and seeing everyday life in Pontarlier.
- Recommended
Rue de la République
Main commercial street through the old center, good for a walk between monuments, local stores, and classic town architecture.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Absinthe De Pontarlier
Anise-flavoured spirit historically linked to Pontarlier, once France’s absinthe capital. It is the town’s signature drink and a key part of local heritage.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pontarlier-Anis
A strong anise aperitif from the Pontarlier distillery tradition. It reflects the region’s long history of herbal spirits in the Jura mountains.
- Gluten-free
Boîte Chaude Au Mont D’Or
Cooked Mont d’Or cheese baked in its spruce box until molten, then served with potatoes and charcuterie. A winter classic in nearby Haut-Doubs.
La Bella Vita
Established restaurant serving refined French cuisine with regional products in a more polished, classic dining setting.
Brasserie Le France
Traditional brasserie in central Pontarlier known for regional plates, hearty portions and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Restaurant Le Lac
Casual venue appreciated for generous Franco-Italian dishes and an easy-going atmosphere suited to families and groups.
Euro (€)
Moderate for France. Hotels and meals are usually cheaper than Paris; local transit is limited, and cross-border demand can raise prices on busy weekends.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €45-80 per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.20-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is included in restaurant bills in France. Locals may round up or leave €1-5 for good service. Taxis are often rounded up; cafes may get small change.
SNCF Connect
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.20
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Pontarlier station -> Place d'Arçon, Pontarlier
- Distance
- 600 m
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Buy tickets before boarding when possible; local urban buses may not support contactless bank card payment onboard.
- Pontarlier city center is walkable from the railway station, so walking is often the fastest option for central destinations.
FAQs: Trains from Lyon to Pontarlier
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lyon to Pontarlier 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 Pontarlier, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Lyon to Pontarlier can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €19, while the average price is around €37.
The train from Lyon to Pontarlier takes 2h 55m and runs 3 per day.
The first train from Lyon to Pontarlier leaves at 5:57 AM.
The distance by train from Lyon to Pontarlier is 107 miles (173 km).
The last train from Lyon to Pontarlier leaves at 6:58 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Lyon to Pontarlier.
There is no direct train service currently available from Lyon to Pontarlier.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Lyon to Pontarlier.
The train station in Lyon that goes to Pontarlier is Lyon Part Dieu, which connects to Pontarlier station.
The cheapest way to get from Lyon to Pontarlier is by train, with a cost of around €19.
The train journey from Lyon to Pontarlier offers scenic views of the French countryside, including rolling hills, picturesque villages, and lush greenery, particularly as the route approaches the Jura Mountains.
A day trip from Lyon to Pontarlier is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 55m. Trains run 4 times per day.
Two to three days are sufficient to explore Pontarlier, allowing time to visit key attractions such as Château de Joux, the Absinthe Distillery, and enjoy the scenic natural surroundings.
Yes, you can take the train from Lyon to Pontarlier.
Since both Lyon and Pontarlier 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 Pontarlier include Neuchâtel, Dijon, Lausanne, Dole, Besançon.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Lyon to Pontarlier among Omio's users.
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 Pontarlier, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and inflated prices in tourist-focused shops. Staying vigilant with personal belongings and confirming fares in advance can help ensure a safe 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 Lyon to Pontarlier
Most Lyon to Pontarlier trains use the Lyon Part Dieu to Pontarlier station pair. Use this guide to compare Lyon and Pontarlier train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Lyon
Arrival train stations in Pontarlier
Which Lyon station do trains to Pontarlier leave from?
Trains from Lyon to Pontarlier leave from Lyon Part Dieu. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Lyon city centre at 5 Place Charles Béraudier, 69003 Lyon, France.
Lyon Part Dieu5 Place Charles Béraudier, 69003 Lyon, France+33 184943635 
City-centre transport
Getting to Lyon Part Dieu from Lyon city centre
Lyon Part Dieu is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
BusX75 · 25m · €3 · every ~1 min
Lyon Part Dieu train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Alto Café, Paul, Paul The Café, Starbucks, Exki, Sushi Shop, Carrefour
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free unlimited WiFi. ATMs are located in the station's main hall.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are available daily from 06:15 to 23:15. They are located near the station's reception desk. .
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Lyon Part Dieu: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Lyon Part Dieu: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon Part Dieu: Complimentary personalized care is available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon, Mercure Lyon Center, ibis Styles Lyon Center.
Which Pontarlier station do trains from Lyon arrive at?
Trains from Lyon to Pontarlier arrive at Pontarlier. Pontarlier is from Pontarlier city centre.
PontarlierPlace de la Gare, 25300 Pontarlier, France+33 3 81 46 51 51
City-centre transport
Getting to Pontarlier from Pontarlier city centre
BusSeveral local lines available
Taxi services available
Pontarlier train station facilities and services
Pontarlier has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Le Grill Comtois, La Table de Gustave
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Pontarlier. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Pontarlier. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Pontarlier: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Pontarlier: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Pontarlier.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hôtel Saint-Pierre, Campanile Pontarlier, Ibis Pontarlier.
More options for your journey from Lyon to Pontarlier
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Pontarlier and Lyon
Most popular train connections to Pontarlier
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
