Trains from Lyon to Paris
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Take a high-speed train from Lyon to Paris
Traveling from Lyon to Paris by train can take just 1 hour and 56 minutes on the fastest services. There are around 27 trains per day running from Lyon to Paris – the first train leaves at 6:04 am and the last train leaves at 9:04 pm.
If you’re planning a trip from Lyon to the City of Light, taking the train is the way to go. Sure, you could drive, but why bother with the hassle of car rentals, busy roads and finding somewhere to park when you could sit back and relax as a high-speed train whisks you from the heart of Lyon to the center of the capital in under two hours?
For optimum comfort during your journey, book yourself First Class tickets and settle into the spacious seats kitted out with headrests and footrests.
Take a little nap and arrive in Paris refreshed and ready to explore all the city’s many iconic sights, don't miss the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre. Fancy something a bit different? Follow in the footsteps of the famous detective Lupin, or check out our guide to the best flea markets in Paris for inspiration.
Ready to book? Start your search for times and tickets in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. Keep reading for:
- Today’s train times
- TGV INOUI, OUIGO and TER classes
- Services on board TGV INOUI, OUIGO and TER trains
- Frecciarossa classes
- Frecciarossa onboard services
- Traveling from the airport to central Lyon
- How to get to Lyon’s train stations
- Boarding the train from Lyon to Paris
- Arriving in Paris from Lyon
- Public transport in Paris
- Things to do in Paris
- Popular train journeys from Paris
- See more of Europe with a Eurail pass
- Getting to the airport from Paris city center
- Where to travel next after Paris
- Review: Lyon to Paris on a OUIGO train
Lyon to Paris by train
It takes an average of 1h 59m to travel from Lyon to Paris by train, over a distance of around 243 miles (391 km). There are normally 26 trains per day traveling from Lyon to Paris and tickets for this journey start from $11.27 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:04 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:04 | |
| Departure station | Lyon | |
| Arrival station | Paris | |
| Journey time | From 1h 56m | |
| Distance | 243 miles (391 km) | |
| Frequency | 26 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $11.27 | |
| Train and bus operators | OUIGO, BlaBlaCar Bus, Trenitalia, SNCF, Flixbus |
TGV, Trenitalia, OUIGO and TER trains from Lyon to Paris
TGV
Trenitalia
OUIGO
TER
TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
More information
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.
More information
OUIGO is the low-cost, high-speed train service operated by the French national train company SNCF. Despite having only one class on board, OUIGO trains offer the same comfort as Second Class seats on TGV trains, although OUIGO tickets are only available to purchase online. To make your journey as smooth as possible, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and bear in mind that there's an additional fee for bringing a suitcase with you, having a seat with power sockets and travelling with a stroller/buggy.
More information
TER (Transport Express Régional) trains are the regional service from SNCF that allow you to make trips to nearby towns and villages located within the same region. With 20 regions in France, TER trains are ideal for travelling to destinations not covered by high-speed services, although ticket prices vary between each region. TER trains have dedicated spaces for bicycles and allow animals on board. Not all TER trains include a First Class carriage.
More information
TGV INOUI, OUIGO and TER classes from Lyon to Paris
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, OUIGO and TER when traveling from Lyon to Paris.
TGV INOUI
OUIGO
TER
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Standard Class
OUIGO comes with only one class, Standard Class, which is the equivalent of TGV's Second Class. On board you'll find WiFi and a café-bar (on services in Spain). There may be a trolley service on Train Classique services in France. You can pay extra to guarantee a seat with a power outlet, as not all seats currently have one.
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Dining car (1)
- In-seat meal service (2)
- WiFi (3)
- Power outlets
- (1) Available on OUIGO Spain services only
- (2) Snack service available on some OUIGO Classique trains
- (3) WiFi available for a fee on services in France; may be free in Spain
Second Class
Most TER trains don't have First or Second Class so the services offered on board are the same for all passengers. Please note that WiFi is not available on TER trains at the moment.
- Baggage storage
- Fold-down table
Onboard services on TGV INOUI, OUIGO and TER
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Lyon to Paris.
TGV INOUI
OUIGO
TER
On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.
All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
One piece of hand baggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one piece of cabin baggage (55 x 35 x 25 cm) can be taken onboard. You can take additional or larger bags with you (max. 30kg) for an extra fee or by paying for OUIGO Plus.
On OUIGO trains in France: an at-seat service of snacks is available on Train classique services. This service is not available on high-speed OUIGO trains.
On OUIGO trains in Spain: OUIBAR is located in car 4 of each train and offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, plus snacks.
WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost.
For OUIGO trains in France: Passengers under 12 years old pay a fixed price for tickets all year round - €5 for journeys on Train classique services, and €8 for high speed services.
For OUIGO trains in Spain: Passengers under 12 pay €5 for all journeys.
You can take your bicycle on board OUIGO trains if you add the 'Bike' option onto your ticket for an additional fee of at least €5. Your bike must be folded or dismantled and placed in a storage bag for transport.
Pets are only allowed on board OUIGO trains if the 'Pets' option is added to your ticket at the time of booking. (1 pet per adult, per booking, €10 per pet.)
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
There are no size limits for the baggage you take on board TER trains, so you can travel your way. However, you must be able to carry any baggage you bring unassisted, and it must fit into the dedicated baggage storage spaces on the train.
TER trains do not have any onboard catering facilities, so don't forget to pick up a snack at the station before you leave!
TER trains do not currently have WiFi available.
All children under 12 years old get 50% off the price of a TER ticket - input the age of your child when searching your journey and the discount will be applied automatically. Children under the age of 4 travel for free if they're sat on your lap throughout the journey.
On TER trains, it's free to take your bicycle on board. You can hang it up or store it in a dedicated bicycle area. There are a fixed number of spaces available on each train - they're first come, first served and can't be reserved.
Animals weighing less than 6kg must travel in an appropriate carrier (no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm), stored at your feet or on your lap. Tickets for small animals cost 7€. Animals weighing more than 6kg must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times. Tickets for larger animals cost 50% of the price of a second class ticket. Up to 2 animals or 2 carriers allowed per passenger. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on board all SNCF trains.
If you are disabled or have reduced mobility, you can reserve special assistance through 'Accès TER'. Someone can meet you at the station and accompany you to your train or TER bus, helping you to get around more easily.
Cheap train tickets from Lyon to Paris
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Lyon to Paris by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Frecciarossa train classes from Lyon to Paris
Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa trains have three travel classes available on the Lyon to Paris route – Standard Class, Business Class and Executive Class. Each class offers a different level of comfort, but all offer free and unlimited WiFi access as well as ample baggage space.
On the Lyon to Paris route, both the Standard and Business Class come with two areas, Silenzio and Allegro. Enjoy the tranquility of the Silenzio space to take a nap, watch a series or focus on some work. Passengers in the Allegro space can enjoy a cheerful, albeit respectful atmosphere. Here, you can chat with your friends, keep your kids busy, or work as a team without worrying about disturbing your neighbors.
Standard Class
Standard Class is equivalent to SNCF’s Second Class and allows you to enjoy the high-speed Italian train at an affordable price. On board, you will take advantage of reclining chairs, power outlets at each seat, ample space for your baggage, free WiFi and more.
|
Free WiFi |
✔ |
|
Ample baggage space |
✔ |
|
Reclining seats |
✔ |
|
Power outlets |
✔ |
Business Class
Business Class is ideal for travelers looking for peace of mind while traveling from Paris to Lyon. On board Frecciarossa’s Business Class, you will enjoy all the benefits of Standard Class as well as large leather recliners, a large baggage storage area and a welcome service with sweet or savory snacks, coffee and drinks. Not only that, but the glass partitions installed between the seats offer more privacy.
|
Large leather recliners |
✔ |
|
Large baggage storage space |
✔ |
|
Welcome service with complimentary snacks and drinks |
✔ |
|
Glass partitions between seats |
✔ |
Executive Class
Finally, opt for Executive Class and enjoy unparalleled comfort and a unique travel experience. For maximum comfort, you can adjust the backrest of the large leather seats, adjust the footrests according to your desires or rotate your seat for more privacy. You’ll also enjoy a tasty Italian meal served at your seat. Unlike Business Class, Executive Class does not have a quiet space. However, it does include a meeting room. With five seats, power outlets and a flat screen that can be connected to your computer, the meeting room is ideal if you need to attend a work meeting during your trip.
|
Adjustable leather seats and footrests |
✔ |
|
Complimentary meal served to your seat |
✔ |
|
Meeting room |
✔ |
Services on board Frecciarossa trains
Baggage
Food and drink
Entertainment
Getting from Lyon Airport to Lyon city center
If you’re flying into Lyon, you’ll arrive at Lyon Airport. To get from the airport to the city center, you can take public transportation such as trams and buses.
Trams from Lyon Airport to central Lyon
You can catch the Rhônexpress shuttle from Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV station, which is just a stone’s throw from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. This shuttle service can take you straight to Lyon Part Dieu, which is useful if your train to Paris leaves from this station!
This is the fastest and most direct way to get to Lyon city center. The service runs every day from 4:25 am to midnight. A one-way ticket for an adult costs €15.20 (roughly $16.64) as of January 2024.
Buses from Lyon Airport to central Lyon
If you would rather catch the bus from the airport to Lyon city center, you can hop on bus line 47 towards Meyzieu Zi. Ride the bus to its final stop, then you can transfer to tram line T3 for connections to central Lyon.
Taxis from Lyon Airport to central Lyon
It is possible to get a taxi from Lyon Airport to the city center. There are signs at each terminal that will direct you to the taxi ranks. However, it’s important to remember that taking a taxi is likely to be more expensive than using public transport, as well as less environmentally friendly. Why not consider the bus or tram instead?
Getting to Lyon Part Dieu or Lyon Perrache train station
Trains to Paris can depart from either Lyon Perrache or Lyon Part Dieu train station. These are in different parts of the city, so it’s important to check which one your train departs from before you head off!
Lyon Perrache
If you’re using public transport to get around Lyon, Lyon Perrache train station is served by the following public transportation services:
- Metro line A (Lyon Perrache is the terminus)
- Tram lines T1 and T2
- Buses
Lyon Part-Dieu
Alternatively, your train to Paris might depart from Lyon Part-Dieu. This train station is also connected to public transport:
- Metro line B
- Tram lines T1, T3 and T4, as well as the Rhônexpress service to and from Lyon's airport
- Buses
Boarding the train from Lyon to Paris
Once you’ve arrived at the station in Lyon, you can make your way to the platform. If you’re traveling with TGV INOUI from Lyon Part Dieu and you’ve got a Business Première ticket or another eligible ticket, you can take advantage of the TGV INOUI Grand Voyageur lounge. Find out more here.
TGV INOUI
OUIGO
Frecciarossa
Arriving in Paris from Lyon
Train services from Lyon to Paris, including TGV, Frecciarossa and some OUIGO trains, generally arrive at Paris Gare de Lyon.
Trains arriving at Paris Gare de Lyon
If your train from Lyon arrives at Paris Gare de Lyon, you’ll be right in the heart of the city. Step off the train and get ready to explore! Gare de Lyon is served by a number of public transport services, including:
- Metro: Lines 1 and 14 stop at Paris Gare de Lyon metro station
- RER trains: Lines A and D on the RER network stop here
- Transilien: Line R of Paris’ Transilien network stops here
- RATP buses: Buses 61, 63, 72, 77 and 87 stop at Paris Gare de Lyon train station
- Night buses: Night buses N31, N32, N33, N34, N35, N131, N132, N133, N134 and N144 stop at Paris Gare de Lyon train station – these buses run from 12:30 am to 5:30 am.
What if my train doesn’t arrive at Paris Gare de Lyon?
Some high-speed OUIGO trains from Lyon arrive at other train stations in Paris, such as Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy station.
To get from Marne-la-Vallée station (also known as the station serving Disneyland Paris) to central Paris, you can hop on the RER (line A). RER A trains start from Marne-la-Vallée, so you can catch any train toward central Paris.
Useful stops in central Paris include Paris Gare de Lyon, Chatelet-Les Halles (near the Louvre) and Charles de Gaulle-Étoile (near the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées).
As of January 2024, a journey from Marne-la-Vallée train station to the city center costs €5 (roughly $5.47). You can buy tickets at automated machines at the station.
Using public transport in Paris
If you want to get around Paris quickly and conveniently, you can use the city's public transport system.
Taking the Métro in Paris
Paris Métro is the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to travel around the city.
If you’re planning to travel around Paris and France, we recommend you buy a T+ ticket – it allows connections between the Métro and RER trains in central Paris and will take you to all the main stations in Paris where you can catch a connecting TGV high-speed train to other French cities. You can buy these tickets from automated machines at Metro stations – a single ticket costs €2.15 (around $2.35) as of January 2024.
Did you know? Children under 4 can travel for free on the Métro, RER, bus, and tram services, provided they sit on your lap and don’t occupy a seat. Kids under 10 get 50% off the ticket price.
Taking a taxi in Paris
If you want to take a taxi from the train station to your onward destination, follow the signs at the station. These will direct you to an exit with a taxi rank. Bear in mind that a taxi will likely be much more expensive than taking public transport.
Things to see and do in Paris
Boasting fascinating architecture, delicious cuisine and monument-lined boulevards, Paris is always a great idea! To help inspire your trip to the French capital, here are some ideas for things to do in Paris:
Popular train journeys in France
If you’ve enjoyed your time in Paris and want to explore more of France, you can easily reach nearby towns and cities by train. The real question is: where should you go next?
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
Once you’ve finished exploring Paris, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
If you’re an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
How to get from Paris city center to the airport
Heading home? Perhaps you’ll be flying from France’s capital. If you need to know how to get from central Paris to the airport, keep reading for more details.
In Paris, there are three major airports:
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Orly Airport (ORY)
- Beauvais Tillé Airport (BVA)
Each airport offers a bus and taxi service, but only Charles de Gaulle and Orly have their own dedicated train stations (the nearest train station to Beauvais Tillé is nearby Beauvais). Find out more about transfers to and from airports in Paris.
How to get to Charles de Gaulle airport from central Paris
How to get to Orly airport from central Paris
How to get to Beauvais Tillé airport from central Paris
Where should you travel next after Paris?
Sure, you might have had a good time in Paris, but your European adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Why not check out some of these trips?
Head from Paris to London
It’s easy to travel from Paris to London with Eurostar. The train leaves from Paris Gare du Nord (easily accessible from the rest of central Paris on public transport). It can take just 2 hours and 16 minutes, and there’s no waiting around for your baggage once you’re in the UK – you can just grab your bags and go!
Find out more about what Eurostar offers, including its Standard Premier and Business Premier classes, and book your tickets with Trainline.
Speed away to Brussels
Want to visit another of Europe’s bustling capitals? Brussels might be the place for you. Home to beer, waffles, fries and much more, there’s plenty to see and do in the Belgian capital.
The journey from Paris to Brussels can take just 1 hour and 23 minutes on the fastest Eurostar services, which means less time spent waiting around and more time to explore! So, what are you waiting for?
Board a train to Barcelona
If you’re looking to explore more of Europe by train, why not head south from Paris to Barcelona? TGV INOUI trains run directly from Paris to Barcelona and can take just 6 hours and 29 minutes to reach the Catalonian capital. Plus, there’s no need to wait around at the airport for hours before boarding – simply turn up at Paris Gare de Lyon and hop on the train!
FAQs for Lyon to Paris
Want to know more about your journey from Lyon to Paris? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Lyon to Paris take?
The average journey time by train between Lyon and Paris is 1 hour and 59 minutes, with around 26 trains per day. 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.
What's the fastest journey time between Lyon and Paris by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Lyon to Paris is 1 hour and 56 minutes.
How much does the train from Lyon to Paris cost?
Train tickets from Lyon to Paris can start from as little as $11.27 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Lyon to Paris?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Lyon to Paris without having to change trains. There are 26 direct trains from Lyon to Paris each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Lyon to Paris leave?
The first train from Lyon to Paris leaves at 06:04. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Lyon to Paris leave?
The last train from Lyon to Paris leaves at 21:04. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Lyon and Paris by train?
Trains travelling from Lyon to Paris cover a distance of around 243 miles (391 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Paris to Lyon.
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
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