- Must visit
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
One of France’s leading fine arts museums, housed in a former abbey with strong collections from antiquity to modern art.
Cheapest price
$142
Average price
$142
Fastest journey
17 h 46 m
Average duration
17 h 46 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
912 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Lyon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Lyon will cost around $142 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $142.
It's difficult to get from Madrid to Lyon without transferring at least once.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Lyon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $42.
Distance: 566 miles (912 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$142 Average price | $73 Average price Cheapest | $229 Average price | $239 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 42m Average total duration 8h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 52m Average total duration 15h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 9m Average total duration Fastest 5h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | 2.7 - 5.5kg 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 Madrid to Lyon:
A bus is $69 (€57) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madrid to Lyon costing on average $142 (€117).
A bus is $156 (€129) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Lyon costing on average $229 (€189).
Other travel options to Lyon take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 12m.
Bus takes on average 15h 22m.
The journey is about 4h 9m faster (8h 12m by train vs 12h 21m by car) and roughly $97 (€80) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($142 (€117) vs $239 (€197)). 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.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Lyon trains for today, Wednesday, June 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06261+ 9706 · 6875 | On time 6:09 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 15h29 | 9:38 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 2 transfers | |
06071+ 9706 · 6875 | On time 7:22 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 14h16 | 9:38 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 2 transfers | |
06081+ 9706 · 6875 | On time 8:22 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 13h16 | 9:38 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 2 transfers | |
06281+ 9706 · 6875 | On time 8:50 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 12h48 | 9:38 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 2 transfers | |
06111+ 9706 · 6875 | On time 11:22 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 10h16 | 9:38 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 2 transfers | |
06121+ 9706 · 6875 | On time 12:22 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 9h16 | 9:38 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 2 transfers | |
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.
Trains from Madrid to Lyon run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $142 (€117) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:46, the last at 20:41. The fastest train covers the 566 miles (912 km) distance in 17h 46m.
Distance 566 miles (912 km) |
Average train duration 8h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $142 (€117) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 17h 46m |
First train 5:46 AM |
Last train 8:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Lyon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lyon trip today.
One of France’s leading fine arts museums, housed in a former abbey with strong collections from antiquity to modern art.
A major science and society museum at the tip of the Presqu’île, known for its striking contemporary architecture and ambitious exhibitions.
Popular museum in Vieux Lyon showcasing detailed miniature scenes and original film props, costumes, and special-effects pieces.
UNESCO-listed old town with Renaissance lanes, traboules, courtyards, and one of the city’s most atmospheric walking areas.
Historic silk-workers’ district with village-like streets, stairways, markets, and a creative local atmosphere.
One of Europe’s largest open squares and a central meeting point, ideal for orientation and classic city views.
Light dumplings traditionally made with pike fish and flour, often baked in a rich Nantua crayfish sauce. A classic Lyonnais specialty served in bouchons and family restaurants.
A warm salad of frisée lettuce, lardons, croutons, and a poached egg. It is one of Lyon’s best-known bistro dishes and a staple of traditional bouchon cooking.
Lyonnais sausage baked inside a soft brioche loaf. This hearty dish reflects the city’s strong charcuterie tradition and is commonly found in classic bouchons.
A legendary fine dining institution in Lyon, known for haute cuisine rooted in the city’s culinary heritage and a polished, historic atmosphere.
A respected traditional restaurant associated with chef Joseph Viola, celebrated for refined bouchon cuisine in a warm, old-style setting.
A classic Lyon bouchon known for traditional Lyonnais dishes, convivial service, and a historic dining room atmosphere.
Moderate by Western Europe standards: meals and transport are manageable, but central hotels and fine dining can be pricey.
Service is usually included. Small change or rounding up is appreciated in cafes and taxis; about 5-10% for excellent restaurant service.
Official public transport app
Lyon Part-Dieu -> Place Bellecour, Lyon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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.

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