- Must visit
Musée des Confluences
A major science and anthropology museum in a striking contemporary building at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône. One of Lyon’s signature cultural sites with strong temporary exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$69
Average price
$100
Fastest journey
1 h 51 m
Average duration
1 h 53 m
Trains per day
42
Distance
393 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Paris to Lyon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Paris to Lyon will cost around $100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
Of the 42 trains that leave Paris for Lyon on Fri, May 29, 41 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct trains cover the 393 km distance in an average of 1 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 51 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest trains will take 1 h 54 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.
6641
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6635
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6649
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6635
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6649
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6147
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6655
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 9287
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6657
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6645Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Paris to Lyon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a flight costs an average of $149.
Distance: 244 miles (393 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $417 Average price | $144 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 16m Average total duration 4h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg 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 Paris to Lyon:
A bus is $45 (€36) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Paris to Lyon costing on average $72 (€58).
A bus is $390 (€315) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Paris to Lyon costing on average $417 (€337).
Other travel options to Lyon take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 46m.
Bus takes on average 4h 55m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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 Trenitalia, SNCF | TGV INOUI, SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187, TER, Regionale, 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 Paris to Lyon trains for today, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6147 | 6:09 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h51 | 8:00 AM Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV | 0 transfersDirect | |
6641 | 6:20 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h02 | 8:22 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6635 | 6:24 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h30 | 8:54 AM Gare de Lyon-Perrache | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6635 | 6:24 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h16 | 8:40 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6603 | 7:00 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 8:56 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6643 | 7:26 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 9:22 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6681 | 7:52 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h04 | 9:56 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6645 | 8:46 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h09 | 10:55 AM Gare de Lyon-Perrache | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6645 | 8:46 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h54 | 10:40 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6607 | 9:00 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 10:56 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6647 | 9:30 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h19 | 11:49 AM Gare de Lyon-Perrache | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6647 | 9:30 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 11:26 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6609 | 10:00 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 11:56 AM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6611 | 11:00 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 12:56 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6105 | 11:11 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 1:07 PM Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV | 0 transfersDirect | |
6613 | 11:50 AM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h06 | 1:56 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6649 | 12:34 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 2:30 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6649 | 12:34 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h10 | 2:44 PM Gare de Lyon-Perrache | 0 transfersDirect | |
6615 | 12:52 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h04 | 2:56 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6685 | 12:52 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h04 | 2:56 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
17775 | 1:35 PM Paris Bercy Bourgogne - Pays d'Auvergne | 5h09 | 6:44 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6617 | 1:52 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h04 | 3:56 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6651 | 2:26 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h11 | 4:37 PM Gare de Lyon-Perrache | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6651 | 2:26 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 4:22 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6619 | 3:00 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 4:56 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 9287 | 3:25 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h53 | 5:18 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6621 | 3:52 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h08 | 6:00 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6623 | 5:00 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 6:56 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6687 | 5:00 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 6:56 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6657 | 5:10 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h53 | 7:03 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6663 | 5:26 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 7:22 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
17779 | 5:27 PM Paris Bercy Bourgogne - Pays d'Auvergne | 5h17 | 10:44 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6627 | 5:50 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h04 | 7:54 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6669 | 6:26 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 8:22 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6653 | 6:30 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h56 | 8:26 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6653 | 6:30 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h19 | 8:49 PM Gare de Lyon-Perrache | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6119 | 7:18 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h57 | 9:15 PM Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 1000 6655 | 8:00 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 1h53 | 9:53 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 0 transfersDirect | |
6633 | 9:00 PM Paris Gare de Lyon | 2h10 | 11:10 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 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 Thibault Constant
France is a fairly large country. With Paris as the largest city and Lyon the third-largest, trains have always connected the two. However, for decades, it took several hours to travel between them—until 1981, when France made a bold move by inaugurating its first high-speed rail line. This reduced the Paris to Lyon train travel time to just two hours. Since then, this line has become the busiest in France in terms of traffic. And I have to say—it’s one of the most convenient. Let’s take a ride on the “OG” of French high-speed lines.

Several TGV trains parked at a station in Paris.
Taking the train from Paris to Lyon is one of the easiest and most convenient travel experiences you can have. Three operators serve this route: two from the French national railway, SNCF, including TGV Inoui, its premium brand, and Ouigo, the low-cost alternative. In addition, Trenitalia, the Italian state railway, now runs its Frecciarossa service between the two cities. Fun fact: This marked the first time a foreign operator launched a high-speed passenger service in France! For this trip to Lyon, I chose TGV Inoui and treated myself to the most comfortable option onboard: Business Première. As for the luggage policy, TGV Inoui allows in all classes two pieces of luggage and one personal item — no check-in needed.
Since there are three operators, the best way to compare prices and book is through Omio, where you can view and reserve tickets for all of them. It’s a seamless digital booking experience and by far the easiest way.
Paris Gare de Lyon is one of Paris’s most iconic train stations. It was the main hub of the historic PLM (Paris Lyon Méditerranée). Be aware that Gare de Lyon has two halls: Hall 1 (Tracks A to N) and Hall 2 (Tracks 5 to 23). Lyon Part-Dieu is, in my opinion, not the nicest station. It’s often overcrowded and poorly designed. Although the main hall is currently being renovated, I personally prefer Lyon-Perrache (usually just one stop further). If you have extra time in Lyon, consider checking out the former Brotteaux station, which is a few hundred meters north of Part-Dieu. It’s the historic station of Lyon and well worth the short detour.
Top tip: Don’t miss the Galerie des Fresques, a long mural above the shops that showcases destinations of the former PLM (Paris Lyon Méditerranée).
TGV Inoui trains depart roughly every hour. However, schedules aren’t perfectly regular throughout the day. You’ll find more frequent service during morning and evening rush hours, usually around every 30 minutes.
TGV Inoui offers three travel classes: Second Class – Comfortable and affordable with a table and plugs at each seat. First Class – More spacious seating with a choice of seats in the Quiet Area. Business Première – Same seating as First Class, but with premium-level service, including snacks, drinks, and lounge access. I traveled in Business Première, and it was absolutely worth it. After relaxing in the elegant lounge, I was welcomed by a steward as I boarded the train. Shortly after departing Paris, menus were handed out so we could choose our meals. The presentation wasn’t overly fancy, but the food was delicious—and the service was truly excellent. Free Wi-Fi is available on most TGV INOUI trains, including the Paris to Lyon route, and I found the connection to be generally reliable throughout the journey. The scenery between Paris and Lyon varies quite a bit. My favorite section is through the Morvan Forest, about halfway through the journey. I also love the Monts du Mâconnais, just before arriving in Lyon. I always find the left-hand side of the train to be slightly more scenic. That said, since you're traveling at high speed, you won’t have much time to soak it all in!

The spacious and comfortable seats in Business Première on a TGV train.
Train tickets are quite expensive, but prices have become more affordable since Frecciarossa and Ouigo started operations. Fare for Business Première seating remains the same at €160 all the time. Costs for one passenger:
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €160 |
| Food & drinks | € |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 160 |
Traveling from Paris to Lyon by train in under two hours feels surreal, especially when you consider how much ground you're covering. The route is fast, smooth, and more flexible than ever, thanks to multiple operators. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, this journey is one of the most convenient rail experiences in Europe.

Trains from Paris to Lyon run on average 27 times per day, taking around 4h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) but you can travel from only $11 (€9) by bus.
There are 27 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:14, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 244 miles (393 km) distance in 1h 51m.
Distance 244 miles (393 km) |
Average train duration 4h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€24) |
Trains per day 27 |
Direct trains 27 |
Fastest train 1h 51m |
First train 5:14 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
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.
A major science and anthropology museum in a striking contemporary building at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône. One of Lyon’s signature cultural sites with strong temporary exhibitions.
Lyon’s premier fine arts museum, housed in a former abbey near Place des Terreaux. Known for strong collections of painting, sculpture, antiquities, and decorative arts.
Museum of Roman Lyon paired with the city’s ancient theaters on Fourvière hill. A key stop for understanding Lugdunum, the Roman origins of Lyon.
Lyon’s atmospheric old quarter with Renaissance lanes, traboules, and riverfront views. It is the city’s classic strolling area and a top priority for first-time visitors.
One of Europe’s largest open squares and a central meeting point in Lyon. It is a practical orientation stop and a key place for city views toward Fourvière.
Lyon’s flagship urban park with broad walking paths, lake, botanical areas, and a zoo. It is one of the best places in the city for relaxation and scenic walks.
Light dumplings made with pike and panade, usually baked in a rich Nantua crayfish sauce. A classic Lyonnais bouchon specialty.
A traditional salad of frisée lettuce with lardons, croutons, and a poached egg. It is one of the city’s most iconic starter dishes.
Lyon’s famous sausage baked inside a soft brioche dough. It is a beloved charcuterie-based specialty found in many bouchons.
A landmark fine dining institution in Lyon, famed for historic prestige and elegant cuisine rooted in the city’s gastronomic heritage.
The city’s celebrated covered food market, ideal for sampling oysters, charcuterie, cheese, pastries, and many iconic Lyonnais products.
A respected traditional restaurant associated with chef Joseph Viola, celebrated for refined Lyonnais classics in a polished but welcoming setting.
Moderate for France: bakeries and bouchons are fair value, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is included by law. Leaving small change or 5-10% for great service is appreciated, not required. Round up for taxis.
Official public transport app
Lyon Part-Dieu -> Bellecour, Lyon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Paris 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need