Taking the train from Lyon to Nice
Looking for the best way to travel from Lyon to Nice? Take a direct train from Lyon station to Nice and you can be wandering through the historic Place Massena square in under five hours. The high-speed TGV train services from SNCF will whizz you over at speeds of up to 320 km/h. By taking the train, you can avoid the pain of lengthy airport transfers and long security checks. And most importantly, you’ll get off at a station in close proximity to the city’s highlights.
TGV trains are fully equipped for a comfortable journey, with food carriages, free WiFi, and plenty of power sockets to keep your devices charged up for those holiday snaps.
Want to find out more? Read on to find out train times and more information about the journey from Lyon to Nice by train in our FAQs. If you’re ready to book, start your search for cheap train tickets in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
Lyon to Nice by train
TGV, OUIGO, SNCF and FlixTrain trains from Lyon to Nice
TGV
OUIGO
SNCF
FlixTrain
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.
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OUIGO is the low-cost brand of French rail company SNCF, who operate trains in France and Spain. In France, all seats on OUIGO are Second Class and tickets can only be purchased online. You can also pay for additional extras, such as reserving a seat in the ‘quiet area’, at-seat power sockets and extra luggage. OUIGO has been operating in Spain since May 2021, and their trains include an onboard bar and a premium class of service called OUIGO Plus.
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SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
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Operating alongside its sister coach company FlixBus since 2018, FlixTrain provides cheap intercity connections using 100% green energy. The main routes served by FlixTrain are Cologne-Hamburg, Aachen-Cologne-Berlin, and Berlin-Stuttgart. The network will expand in future to include more routes to Munich and Leipzig. FlixTrain carriages are fitted with free WiFi and power outlets or USB charge points. Plus, every ticket comes with a seat reservation, guaranteeing you a seat for the journey.
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Cheap train tickets from Lyon to Nice
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 Nice 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.
Journey details
How long does the train from Lyon to Nice take?
The average journey time by train between Lyon and Nice is 5 hours and 48 minutes, with around 8 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 Nice by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Lyon to Nice is 4 hours and 31 minutes.
How much does the train from Lyon to Nice cost?
Train ticket prices from Lyon to Nice can start from as little as €10 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Lyon to Nice?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Lyon to Nice without having to change trains. There are 3 direct trains from Lyon to Nice 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 Nice leave?
The first train from Lyon to Nice leaves at 05:28. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Lyon to Nice leave?
The last train from Lyon to Nice leaves at 20:50. 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 Nice by train?
Trains travelling from Lyon to Nice cover a distance of around 186 miles (300 km) during the journey.