How about a cacao-fueled journey through the heart of France this Christmas? 

Winter turns France into a festive wonderland, and there’s no better way to experience it than on a train trip from Lyon to Paris. 

As you plan your travels, let Trainline be your guide and book a ride from the culinary haven of Lyon to the dazzling lights of Paris

Image Credit: Getty Images, fredericmonin24. Image Location: Lyon, France

Start in Lyon: a delicious beginning

Lyon is the place to be if you’re into mouth-watering food like coq au vin (that’s chicken cooked in red wine, super yum) and quenelles, which are these awesome fluffy dumplings, usually with fish or meat. And guess what? When December rolls around, Lyon shines even brighter with its famous Fête des Lumières—the Festival of Lights. 

Before boarding your train to Paris, lace up some skates at Lyon’s ice rinks. There’s something truly special about gliding on ice with the backdrop of a city so rich in history and culture. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Cavan Images, Image Location: Lyon, France

Lyon to Paris by train: need to know 

  • Departure stations in Lyon. Choose between Lyon Part-Dieu, the main hub for high-speed trains, and Lyon Perrache, another well-connected alternative for your journey to Paris. There’s also a third train station — Lyon Saint-Exupéry, located at Lyon’s international airport. It’s further from the city center but more convenient if you’re connecting from a flight. 
  • Early booking. Secure your tickets well in advance to enjoy the best fares and seat choices (especially important during the Christmas rush). 
  • Journey time. The high-speed train typically covers the route in about 2 hours, providing a quick and scenic travel experience. 
  • Luggage convenience. High-speed trains have plenty of room for luggage, but it’s always easier to travel if you pack light
  • Café proximity. All Lyon’s stations and Paris Gare de Lyon are close to delightful cafés, great for a pre-journey coffee or a post-arrival bite. 
  • Onboard comforts. Expect comfortable seating, power outlets for charging devices, and free Wi-Fi on most high-speed train services. 
  • Flexible ticketing options. If your vacation plans might change, go for the flexible tickets. Sure, they might cost a bit more, but the peace of mind they offer is priceless. 

Lyon to Paris: how to travel by train with ease

Trainline makes booking train tickets a breeze. It’s super user-friendly and lets you compare fares from different train operators all in one spot. This way, you can easily find the best deal and plan the ideal journey. 

Do trains run on Christmas Day in France? 

Most trains, including the ones running between Lyon and Paris, keep chugging along even on Christmas Day. They might run on a different timetable, but don’t worry, you won’t be left guessing. Trainline’s got you covered with real-time updates. So, you can stay in the loop and make sure your holiday travel plans go off without a hitch. It’s like having a little elf in your pocket keeping you informed. 

What high-speed trains operate from Lyon to Paris? 

You can catch TGV, OUIGO, or Frecciarossa (operated by Trenitalia) for high-speed travel between these cities.

Frecciarossa now operates between Lyon Part-Dieu station and Paris Gare de Lyon station, and trains run at 06:34 a.m., 11:55 a.m., and 5:22 p.m. from Lyon, arriving in Paris at 08:33 a.m., 1:51 p.m., and 7:21 p.m., respectively. 

What amenities are available on Frecciarossa trains? 

Onboard, you’ve got all the comforts you could ask for. Settle into those comfy seats, connect to the free Wi-Fi, and dive into your favorite Christmas stories under your own reading light. Need to charge your devices? No problem, there are power sockets ready for you. And don’t stress about where to stash your bags—there’s plenty of room for luggage

How long does the train journey take? 

On average, it takes about 1h 58m, with the fastest TGV INOUI services whisking you from Lyon to Paris in just 1h 56m. 

How many trains run daily from Lyon to Paris? 

There are around 27 trains per day, with the first at 6:04 a.m. and the last at 9:04 p.m. 

Why should I take the train instead of driving? 

Opt for a relaxed, hassle-free experience, avoiding car rentals and parking woes, and enjoy a quick journey right into the heart of the city. 

What about First Class options? 

If you’re thinking of giving yourself a little Christmas gift of comfort, First Class is the way to go. Think spacious seats with cushy headrests and footrests, perfect for kicking back and relaxing. Now that’s traveling in the spirit of the season! 

Read more: The differences between standard and first class on trains in Europe

Image Credit: Getty Images, Cavan Images

Where can I book my tickets to Paris from Lyon? 

To book your tickets from Lyon to Paris, just use the Journey Planner on the Trainline website. It’s a simple and straightforward way to find the best times and fares for your trip. Plus, if you’re always on the go, the Trainline app is a great option. 

  • Explore a variety of options. With Trainline, you have access to a bunch of different train providers for the Lyon to Paris route, so you can easily compare and choose what works best for you. 
  • Book in a snap. Use the guest checkout for quick ticket purchases without the fuss of signing up. 
  • Stay updated on the go. Open the app for live train updates. Keep an eye on platform numbers and delays in real time. 
  • Store your tickets on your phone. Download once and access anytime, even offline. 
  • Get alerts. Turn on notifications for instant travel updates and handy tips. 
  • Share your travel info. Easily share your itinerary and live journey updates with friends and family. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, encrier. Image Location: Paris, France

Destination: Paris, a city of festive cheer 

As your train pulls into the heart of Paris, you’ll sense the Christmas spirit right away. And you’ll feel it even more while strolling down the Champs-Élysées, with its twinkling lights and elegant decorations. 

Paris's Christmas markets are a spectacle in themselves, bustling with unique finds and aromatic vin chaud (mulled wine). Don’t miss out on roasted chestnuts, crêpes and galettes, and a Christmas dessert staple called bûche de Noël. It’s the yule log-shaped cake that comes in different flavors like chocolate, chestnut, or raspberry. 

And then, there are Paris’s cozy cafés, the perfect hideaways to escape the winter chill. Imagine sipping on a warm café au lait or indulging in a rich chocolat chaud, watching the world go by. This city knows how to celebrate the holidays in style. 

Your festive adventure in France awaits 

The train route from Lyon to Paris is beautiful, especially in winter. Those snow-dusted landscapes look like something straight out of a fairy tale. 

So, treat yourself by upgrading for a more luxurious experience! Plus, with Trainline, you can snag e-tickets and stay updated with real-time info about your journey. It’s all about making your Christmas trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible! 

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Jorg Greuel. Image Location: Paris, France

Ready to book your tickets?