Book a Japan fall by train – browse the full suite of Japan Rail Passes, here.

ReferralsBusiness

No tickets in your cart.

Why not plan a trip?

My Bookings
Loading...
Loading...

TrainlineTrainline is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*

Official distributor

    Support image
    TrainlineTrainline

    Search. Book. Travel.

    Say hello to Your Account

    All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.

    ChatChat

    Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.

    Companion image
    TrainlineTrainline

    Search. Book. Travel.

    No more fumbling in your pockets

    Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.

    ETicketETicket

    All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.

    Calendar week image
    TrainlineTrainline

    Search. Book. Travel.

    Looking for a cheap price?

    Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.

    CalendarCalendar

    We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.

    Support image
    TrainlineTrainline

    Search. Book. Travel.

    Say hello to Your Account

    All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.

    ChatChat

    Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.

    Companion image
    TrainlineTrainline

    Search. Book. Travel.

    No more fumbling in your pockets

    Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.

    ETicketETicket

    All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.

    Calendar week image
    TrainlineTrainline

    Search. Book. Travel.

    Looking for a cheap price?

    Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.

    CalendarCalendar

    We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.

    Support image
    TrainlineTrainline

    Search. Book. Travel.

    Say hello to Your Account

    All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.

    ChatChat

    Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.

    Companion image
    TrainlineTrainline

    Search. Book. Travel.

    No more fumbling in your pockets

    Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.

    ETicketETicket

    All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.

    Calendar week image
    TrainlineTrainline

    Search. Book. Travel.

    Looking for a cheap price?

    Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.

    CalendarCalendar

    We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.

    Strikes in France

    Strikes may affect your journey on Sept 18

    What customers say about Trainline

    Read real reviews from real users

    Traveling by train from Paris to Lyon

    Considering a trip to the gastronomic capital of France and need more information about taking the train from Paris to Lyon? You’ve come to the right place!  

    With around 30 trains per day, it takes around 2 hours to travel from Paris to Lyon by train, though it can take just 1 hour and 47 minutes on the fastest services. As there are direct services available, you don’t need to worry about changing along the way. You’ll arrive at either Lyon Perrache train station or Lyon Part-Dieu station. 

    On this route, you’ll be traveling on a Frecciarossa, TGV or OUIGO service. You can find more information about the services provided on board each of these trains in our guide below.  

    When traveling on this route, you can leave Paris in the morning and make it to Lyon in time for lunch – which is just as well, as Lyon is famed for its culinary culture and history. Not sure what to see first? We’ve got some ideas for you: 

    • Take a stroll through Lyon’s Old Town (Vieux Lyon) and visit a bouchon, a traditional restaurant.  
    • Explore the ruins of a Roman theater and discover the history of this UNESCO-listed area.  
    • Cross the Saône and wander up to La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière – a hilltop church boasting panoramic views of the city. 

    For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best things to do in Lyon

    Eager to explore? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Paris to Lyon in our Journey Planner. For more information, keep reading for FAQs, trip reviews, train times and tips on how to book cheaper train tickets

    What’s in this guide? 

    Paris to Lyon by train

    It takes an average of 1h 59m to travel from Paris to Lyon by train, over a distance of around 243 miles (391 km). There are normally 27 trains per day traveling from Paris to Lyon and tickets for this journey start from $12.41 when you book in advance.

    First train

    6:20 am

    Last train

    8:59 pm

    Departure station

    Paris

    Arrival station

    Lyon

    Journey time

    From 1h 54m

    Distance

    243 miles (391 km)

    Frequency

    27 trains per day

    Changes

    Direct trains available

    Price

    From $12.41

    Train and bus operators

    ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus, Flixbus, Internorte, OUIGO, SNCF, SNCF Voyageurs, Trenitalia

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

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

    How do you get to Lyon from Paris?

    To travel to Lyon from Paris, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 1 hour and 59 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 1 hour and 54 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information on routes and timetables.

    How long is the train ride from Paris to Lyon?

    Trains from Paris to Lyon take an average of 1 hour and 59 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 1 hour and 54 minutes. You'll usually find 27 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

    How much is the train to Lyon from Paris?

    Train tickets to Lyon from Paris can start from $12.41 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

    Can I get a high-speed train from Paris to Lyon?

    Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Paris to Lyon in as little as 1 hour and 54 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from TGV and OUIGO offer a range of classes and onboard services - take a look to see what suits you best!

    What are the train times from Paris to Lyon?

    Check out the next trains departing from Paris to Lyon for Tuesday Sep 23rd 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
    DepartsArrivesDuration
    9:59 am11:57 am1h 58m, direct
    10:51 am12:56 pm2h 5m, direct
    11:26 am1:22 pm1h 56m, direct
    11:50 am1:55 pm2h 5m, direct
    12:52 pm2:56 pm2h 4m, direct
    1:13 pm3:09 pm1h 56m, direct
    1:59 pm3:56 pm1h 57m, direct
    2:17 pm4:14 pm1h 57m, direct
    2:52 pm5:00 pm2h 8m, direct
    3:59 pm5:56 pm1h 57m, direct

    TGV, Trenitalia, OUIGO and TER trains from Paris to Lyon

    You can travel from Paris to Lyon on TGV, Trenitalia, OUIGO and TER trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

    PhotoErmell, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

    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.

    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.

    PhotoCramos, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

    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.

    PhotoSmiley.toerist, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

    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.

    What TGV INOUI, OUIGO and TER classes are there from Paris to Lyon?

    Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, OUIGO and TER when traveling from Paris to Lyon.

    What are the onboard services on TGV INOUI, OUIGO and TER?

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

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    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.

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    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.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    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.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    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.

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    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.

    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    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).

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    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.​

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    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.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    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.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    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.

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    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.)

    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    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).

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    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.

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    TER trains do not have any onboard catering facilities, so don't forget to pick up a snack at the station before you leave!

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    TER trains do not currently have WiFi available.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    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.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    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.

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    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.

    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    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.

    How do I find cheap train tickets from Paris 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 Paris to Lyon starts at $12.41§ 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.

    Frecciarossa train classes from Paris to Lyon

    Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa trains have three travel classes available on the Paris to Lyon 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 Paris to Lyon 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 luggage 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

    Onboard services on Frecciarossa trains

    Traveling from the airport to central Paris

    Visiting Paris from abroad? You’ll most likely arrive at one of Paris’ airports. If you want to know how to get to central Paris from the airport, keep reading for more details.

    In Paris, there are three major airports: 

    • Charles de Gaulle Airport (CGD) 
    • 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 Paris Gare de Lyon station

    Many train services to Lyon, including TGV, Frecciarossa and some OUIGO trains, leave from Paris Gare de Lyon. Not sure how to get there? We’ll tell you how!

    Trains from Paris Gare de Lyon

    If you’re headed to Paris Gare de Lyon train station from another part of Paris, you can get there using public transport:

    • 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 12:30am to 5:30am.

    What if my train doesn’t depart from Paris Gare de Lyon?

    Some high-speed OUIGO trains to Lyon depart from other train stations in Paris, such as Charles de Gaulle Airport station or Marne-la-Vallée station.

    To get to Charles de Gaulle airport, you can catch the RER (line B) from Paris Gare du Nord. A single journey from the city center to the airport costs €11.45 ($12.68) as of July 2023.

    To get to Marne-la-Vallée station (also known as the station serving Disneyland Paris), you can also hop on the RER (line A) from the city center. Alternatively, if you’re heading from Charles de Gaulle airport straight to Marne-la-Vallée, you can catch a high-speed TGV train between the two stations which takes just 10 minutes.

    Boarding the train from Paris to Lyon

    Once you’ve arrived at Paris Gare de Lyon station, you can make your way to the platform. If you’re traveling with TGV INOUI 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.

    Arriving in Lyon from Paris

    Depending on your chosen train, you’ll likely arrive either at Lyon Part-Dieu station or Lyon Perrache station.

    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

    Alternatively, you may arrive at Lyon Part-Dieu. From here, you can travel around Lyon by connecting 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

    Both of Lyon’s major train stations are well-connected thanks to the city’s extensive public transit network. From either station, you can easily reach:

    • Place Bellecour: A large public square, this is where Lyon’s tourist office is located. The staff speak both French and English so it’s a good place to start your trip if you want recommendations on what to see!
      • o From Lyon Perrache, take metro line A.
      • o From Lyon Part-Dieu, you can take the C9 bus.
    • Vieux Lyon (Lyon’s old town): This is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site boasting gorgeous old houses, many bouchons (small eateries serving traditional food from Lyon) and famous traboules (secret street passageways). There’s lots to explore!
      • o From Lyon Perrache: Jump on metro line A to ‘Cordeliers’. From this stop, it’s a short walk across the river to the Old Town.
      • o From Lyon Part-Dieu: Hope on metro line B and transfer to line D at ‘Saxe Gambetta’ station. It’s then a short ride to Vieux Lyon station.

    Using public transport in Lyon

    On Lyon’s public transport system, you can pay using your contactless card. It works on trams, buses, the metro and the funicular lines. You’ll pay €2 ($2.23) for an hour’s unlimited travel, and your spending is capped at €6.50 ($7.24) a day for unlimited travel.

    You can also buy tickets for public transport in Lyon at automated ticket machines at metro stations, or from the driver (on bus routes).

    Taking the metro in Lyon

    There are 4 metro lines in Lyon: A (pink), B (blue), C (orange), and D (green). Generally, the metro runs from around 5:00am to around 12:30am. On Saturdays and Sundays, the metro is open later (until around 2:00am).

    Line A runs between the east and the west, starting at Lyon Perrache station and stopping near Place Bellecour and the Parc de la Tête d’Or. Line B stops at one of Lyon’s other large train stations, Gare Part-Dieu. Line C runs in the north of Lyon, while line D serves Vieux Lyon (Lyon’s old town).

    There are also two funicular lines. Line 1 runs from Vieux Lyon to Saint-Just, stopping at the Roman Theatres (Lugdunum), while line 2 can take you up from Vieux Lyon to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. A one-way trip on either of these lines costs the same as a one-way trip on the metro.

    Taking the tram in Lyon

    There are 7 tram lines in Lyon (1 – 7). Times vary between lines, but generally you can catch a tram between 4:40am and 12:30am, 7 days a week.

    The Rhônexpress is a tram line between Lyon Part-Dieu station and Lyon’s St Exupéry Airport. It runs from around 4:30am to around 12:00am.

    Taking the bus in Lyon

    There are over 100 bus routes in Lyon, so it’s likely you’ll be able to catch a bus to your destination.

    There are also 3 night bus routes, called ‘Pleine Lune’ (Full Moon). You can find night buses on the timetable by looking for ‘PL’ before the number of the route.

    Explore Europe by train with a Eurail pass

    After visiting Lyon, 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.

    You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. 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.

     

    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.

    Traveling from Paris to Lyon on a Frecciarossa train in July 2023

    Buying my train ticket 

    Once I’d decided I wanted to visit Lyon on my holiday, it was time to book my train ticket. I booked online so I could compare different trains and times and pay for my ticket in pounds. What’s more, getting an e-ticket meant one less thing to remember – my ticket was saved automatically in the app for when I needed it. 

    Catching the train at Paris Gare de Lyon 

    Paris has a number of large train stations, so if you’re planning a trip in France, it’s important to know which one you’re headed to. Trains to Lyon depart from Paris Gare de Lyon, which is easily accessible using the metro (lines 1 and 14) or by hopping onto an RER train.  

    When I arrived at Gare de Lyon, I found the right platform and showed my e-ticket to the train crew at the ticket gates. After my ticket had been scanned, I headed to the train to find my reserved seat. All high-speed trains on this route include a seat reservation with your ticket, so there’s no need to stand! 

    Exterior of carriage 6 on Trenitalia Frecciarossa train sitting at platform at Paris Gare de Lyon

    On board a Frecciarossa train  

    There are three different train services on the route from Paris to Lyon: TGV INOUI, OUIGO and Frecciarossa. On this occasion, I took a Frecciarossa train. These trains have only been running on this route since December 2021, so they’re new and have been built to a high standard. 

    My boyfriend and I traveled in Standard Class, which had comfy seats with fold-down tables, power outlets at each seat, air conditioning and a reliable free WiFi connection throughout the journey. As we booked together, the system reserved us seats next to each other, so we settled in to watch the French countryside roll by.  

    The train was quite early, so I didn’t manage to eat breakfast beforehand. Luckily, I was able to grab breakfast from the onboard café bar – I got a coffee, an orange juice and a pastry for €5 ($5.50)! 

    Croissant, orange juice and coffee on a fold down table on a Frecciarossa train

    The journey from Paris to Lyon 

    We left Gare de Lyon right on time at 9:30am, and soon the train was speeding toward Lyon. There are two main train stations in Lyon: Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon Perrache. It’s worth checking which one is closest to where you want to be and making sure your chosen train stops there.  

    Trenitalia services stop at both, so we stayed on the train until Lyon Perrache station as we were staying nearby.  

    Arriving at Lyon Perrache 

    We made one stop at Lyon Part-Dieu station, where the train waited for a few minutes as passengers alighted, before the train pulled into Lyon Perrache, its final destination. We arrived exactly on time at 11:49am, having traveled 243 miles in just 2 hours and 19 minutes (while the journey to Lyon Part-Dieu is under 2 hours!). 

    Overall, I’d really recommend the Frecciarossa train between Paris and Lyon. The train was clean and well-equipped with everything you might need for the journey ahead – as we traveled in the middle of July, I appreciated the air conditioning the most! It was simple to book too, so the whole journey from booking a ticket to arriving in Lyon was stress-free. 

    About Kristina
    Kristina, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between Paris and Lyon.


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

    Europe’s leading train and coach app

    We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day.