- Must visit
Musée des Confluences
A striking science and anthropology museum at the meeting of the Rhône and Saône, known for bold architecture and major permanent exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$140
Average price
$153
Fastest journey
5 h 48 m
Average duration
5 h 54 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
335 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Lyon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Lyon will cost around $153 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $140.
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Lyon without transferring at least once.
9210+
117771
12179+
9206
9210+
117771
12179+
9206Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Lyon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 51m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $161.
Distance: 208 miles (335 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$140 Average price | $57 Average price Cheapest | $282 Average price | $172 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 21m Average total duration Fastest 4h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 36m Average total duration 7h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 19m Average total duration 8h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Zurich to Lyon:
A bus is $83 (€67) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Lyon costing on average $140 (€114).
A bus is $225 (€182) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Lyon costing on average $282 (€228).
Other travel options to Lyon take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 6m.
Flight takes on average 8h 19m.
Tickets start at around $140 (€114) compared to roughly $172 (€139) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $32 (€26). The journey takes 4h 51m versus 4h 46m 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.
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 Zurich to Lyon trains for tomorrow, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9206+ 12179 | 7:01 AM Zurich HB | 5h59 | 1:00 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 1 transfer | |
9210+ 117771 | 9:01 AM Zurich HB | 5h48 | 2:49 PM Lyon Part Dieu | 1 transfer | |
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 Zurich to Lyon run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $108 (€88) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 20:10. The fastest train covers the 208 miles (335 km) distance in 4h 24m.
Distance 208 miles (335 km) |
Average train duration 4h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $108 (€88) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 4h 24m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 8:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Lyon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lyon trip today.
A striking science and anthropology museum at the meeting of the Rhône and Saône, known for bold architecture and major permanent exhibitions.
One of France’s leading fine arts museums, housed in a former abbey with strong collections from antiquity to modern art.
Archaeological museum on Fourvière Hill with Roman mosaics, inscriptions, and access to the adjacent ancient theatres.
One of Europe’s largest open squares, a central meeting point and starting place for exploring Lyon.
Lyon’s flagship urban park with a lake, botanical gardens, rose garden, and broad walking paths.
The central peninsula between the Rhône and Saône, packed with shopping streets, squares, and grand architecture.
Light dumplings traditionally made with pike and served with a rich Nantua crayfish sauce, a classic of Lyonnais cooking.
A warm salad with frisée, lardons, croutons, and a poached egg, widely associated with Lyon's bouchon tradition.
A robust sausage made from pork tripe, famous in Lyon for its strong flavor and served in many traditional bouchons.
Historic fine-dining institution in Lyon, renowned for haute cuisine rooted in the legacy of Eugénie Brazier.
Popular modern bouchon offering refined Lyonnais classics in a warm, intimate setting.
Classic bouchon known for traditional Lyonnais dishes, hearty set menus, and a lively, old-school atmosphere.
Moderate by French standards: bakeries and bouchons are reasonable, while hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is included in restaurant bills. Leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated but not required. Round up for taxis; small change for cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Lyon Part-Dieu -> Bellecour, Lyon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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