Lugano to Lyon by Train

Q: Can you take a train directly from Lugano to Lyon?

No, there are no direct train services from Lugano to Lyon. Travelling from Lugano to Lyon by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

Q: How close is Lugano to Lyon by train?

Lugano and Lyon are around 198 miles (319 km) apart. The fastest trains can cover this distance in approximately 6 hours and 28 minutes.

Q: Which train companies operate from Lugano to Lyon?

Trains from Lugano to Lyon are operated by SBB, Deutsche Bahn, TGV Lyria, and Trenitalia. Take a look at the different classes and onboard services available during the journey.

Q: Is it possible to get from Lugano to Lyon without flying?

Yes, traveling from Lugano to Lyon without flying is possible. With around 14 trains running each day, you'll be there in no time - the fastest ones will get you to Lyon in 6 hours and 28 minutes! Check our Journey Planner for more details.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Lugano to Lyon?

To travel from Lugano to Lyon, we think the best way is to take the train! They're comfortable and train journeys on this route take around 8 hours and 25 minutes, with the fastest trains taking 6 hours and 28 minutes - take a look at our Journey Planner for more information.

Q: What time does the first train from Lugano to Lyon leave?

The first train from Lugano to Lyon leaves at 01:26. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays. Use our Journey Planner to check the schedule on your day of travel.

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Take the train from Lugano to Lyon in 6 hours 28 minutes

If you want to travel from Lugano to Lyon by train, you've come to the right place.

You can expect the journey from Lugano to Lyon by train to take around 8 hours 25 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 6 hours 28 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 14 trains per day running on this route, which spans 319 km. You'll have to make 1 change along the way on your journey to Lyon. ICE, Trenitalia or DB are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.

Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Lugano to Lyon if you book in advance.

If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for train schedules, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!

First train	1:26 am
Last train	10:02 pm
Departure station	Lugano
Arrival station	Lyon
Journey time	From 6h 28m
Distance	198 miles (319 km)
Frequency	14 trains per day
Changes	1 change
Train and bus operators	ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus, SBB CFF FFS, Deutsche Bahn, Eurolines_Switzerland, Flixbus, Itabus, Regiojet, SNCF Voyageurs, TGV Lyria, Trenitalia, Trenord

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Lugano to Lyon?

Want to know more about your journey from Lugano to Lyon? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I travel from Lugano to Lyon?

You can get from Lugano to Lyon in 8 hours and 25 minutes on average, with the fastest trains taking just 6 hours and 28 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details on times, tickets and prices.

How long does the train from Lugano to Lyon take?

The average journey time by train between Lugano and Lyon is 8 hours and 25 minutes, with around 14 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

Is it possible to get a high-speed train from Lugano to Lyon?

Yes, it is possible to travel on a high-speed train from Lugano to Lyon. There are often different amenities available on board high-speed trains from TGV Lyria - take a look at theclasses and onboard services. The fastest trip on a high-speed train can take 6 hours and 28 minutes.

What's the fastest journey time between Lugano and Lyon by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Lugano to Lyon is 6 hours and 28 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Lugano to Lyon?

How close is Lugano to Lyon by train?

Which train companies operate from Lugano to Lyon?

Is it possible to get from Lugano to Lyon without flying?

What is the best way to travel from Lugano to Lyon?

What time does the first train from Lugano to Lyon leave?

What time does the last train from Lugano to Lyon leave?

How often are trains from Lugano and Lyon?

Do you need to book the train from Lugano to Lyon in advance?

Can you buy return train tickets from Lugano to Lyon?

Departs	Arrives	Duration
6:02 am	1:22 pm	7h 20m, 3 changes
6:30 am	1:44 pm	7h 14m, 2 changes
7:02 am	2:22 pm	7h 20m, 2 changes
9:02 am	4:03 pm	7h 1m, 2 changes
10:30 am	4:59 pm	6h 29m, 2 changes
11:02 am	6:22 pm	7h 20m, 2 changes
12:30 pm	6:58 pm	6h 28m, 2 changes
1:02 pm	7:32 pm	6h 30m, 1 change
1:30 pm	9:10 pm	7h 40m, 2 changes
2:02 pm	5:18 am	15h 16m, 4 changes

Search all times and prices for today

SBB
Deutsche Bahn
TGV Lyria
Trenitalia

The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).

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Photo: JoachimKohlerBremen, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.

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Photo: Chabe01, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).

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Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.

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What Intercity, Regional trains, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity classes are there from Lugano to Lyon?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity, Regional trains, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity when traveling from Lugano to Lyon.

Intercity
Regional trains
Trenord
Trenitalia Eurocity

Second Class Easy

Travel in Second Class Easy and enjoy seats with folding tables, power outlets and a bar carriage in the middle of the train.

Air conditioning
Hanger
Vending machine
Baggage storage
Seat reservation
Fold-down table
Power outlets at each seat
Reading light
More legroom

First Class Plus

In addition to all the amenities in Second Class Easy, you'll get to enjoy more spacious seats and legroom in First Class Plus.

Air conditioning
Hanger
Vending machine
Baggage storage
Seat reservation
Fold-down table
Power outlets at each seat
Reading light
More legroom

Second Class

Enjoy your journey with Trenitalia's regional trains. A First Class service may be available on some routes.

Air conditioning
Baggage storage
Power outlets

Second Class

Explore Lombardy and its neighbouring regions at an affordable price. You don't need to reserve a seat - just sit back and enjoy the views around you.

Baggage storage
Power outlets

First Class

You can travel in Trenord's First Class only if you have a First Class ticket. Store your bags in the dedicated baggage racks, sit back and enjoy your journey.

Baggage storage
Power outlets

Second Class

From spacious armchairs to power outlets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.

Seat reservation
Power outlets
Hanger
Reading light
Baggage storage
Free WiFi
Dining car
More legroom

First Class

Start your journey by train and continue by bus to reach your destination. Enjoy some of the most beautiful Italian views on modern and comfortable buses.

Seat reservation
Power outlets
Hanger
Reading light
Baggage storage
Free WiFi
Dining car
More legroom

What are the onboard services on Intercity, Regional trains, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Lugano to Lyon.

Intercity
Regional trains
Trenord
Trenitalia Eurocity

What baggage limits are there?	You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Intercity trains free of charge. In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
What food and drink is available?	You can get snacks and drinks from the vending machines available in car 3. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.
What onboard entertainment is available?	At the moment, Intercity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
What facilities are there for travel with children?	Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (standard fare). Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off. Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
Can I bring a bike on board?	You can travel with your bike for free on all Intercity trains, provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches). Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks. If you can't fold your bike, some Intercity trains allow you to take your bike on board. However, you’ll need to book a space and buy a ticket. There are 6 bike spaces in car 3 and 2 e-bike chargers.
Can I bring pets on board?	Small pets can travel on all Intercity trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches). Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle. Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
What special assistance is available?	If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
What else do I need to know?	Air-conditioning is available on all Intercity trains.

What baggage limits are there?	You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's regional trains free of charge. In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
What food and drink is available?	At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenitalia's regional trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.
What onboard entertainment is available?	Trenitalia's regional trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
What facilities are there for travel with children?	Kids under 4 can travel for free if they’re accompanied by an adult and a seat is not assigned to them. Children aged 4-11 can get 50% off. Older children will need to have a full-price ticket.
Can I bring a bike on board?	You can take your bike, hoverboard, monowheel or e-scooter free of charge if it can be folded and doesn’t exceed these dimensions: 120 x 80 x 45cm (47.2 x 31.4 x 17.7 inches). If your bike can’t be folded, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket or another Second Class ticket.
Can I bring pets on board?	Small pets can travel on Trenitalia's regional trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches). Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle. Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
What special assistance is available?	If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
What else do I need to know?	Air-conditioning is available on Trenitalia's regional trains.

What baggage limits are there?	You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches). You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
What food and drink is available?	At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.
What onboard entertainment is available?	Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
What facilities are there for travel with children?	Kids under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap. Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.
Can I bring a bike on board?	Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains. Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm (31.4 x 47.2 x 17.7 inches) are allowed on board free of charge. If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike. Please note that the last cars of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
Can I bring pets on board?	Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches). Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re traveling. They need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle. Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost. Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 7 am to 9.30 am and from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
What special assistance is available?	Passengers with disabilities can: Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy) To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 8.15 am to 7:45 pm) at least 48 hours before departure.

What baggage limits are there?	You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge. In most cases, there are no baggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
What food and drink is available?	You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany. A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
What onboard entertainment is available?	Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.
What facilities are there for travel with children?	Kids under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.
Can I bring a bike on board?	Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.
Can I bring pets on board?	Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.
What special assistance is available?	All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.
What else do I need to know?	A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Lugano to Lyon?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

1. Book in advance

The price of train tickets from Lugano to Lyon starts at ^§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider traveling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as lots of trains companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Eurail Passes that are valid for travel in one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales and offers on tickets throughout the year, so keep an eye out!

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

^§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

Trains from Lugano to Lyon

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Take the train from Lugano to Lyon in 6 hours 28 minutes