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Trains to Lyon from Paris
Want to travel from Paris to Lyon by train? Start your journey with us.
It takes an average of 1 hour 58 minutes to travel from Paris to Lyon by train. You'll find on average 26 trains per day running on this route.
Trains are direct, so once you’re on board you can sit back and relax.
TGV, SNCF, Trenitalia and OUIGO trains run on this route.
The journey from Paris to Lyon starts at £8.99. Generally, booking Advance train tickets works out cheaper.
See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.
Trains to Lyon from Paris
It takes an average of 1h 58m to travel from Paris to Lyon by train, over a distance of around 243 miles (391 km). There are normally 26 trains per day travelling from Paris to Lyon and tickets for this journey start from £8.99 when you book in advance.
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.
What is the quickest journey time between Paris and Lyon by train?
Are there direct trains from Paris to Lyon?
What's the distance between Paris and Lyon by train?
Who runs the trains from Paris to Lyon?
Can you travel from Paris to Lyon without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Lyon from Paris?
What time is the first train from Paris to Lyon?
What time is the last train from Paris to Lyon?
How often do trains go from Paris to Lyon?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Paris to Lyon?
Is there a return trip from Paris to Lyon?
TGV, Trenitalia, OUIGO and SNCF trains from Paris to Lyon
TGV
Trenitalia
OUIGO
SNCF
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.
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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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What TGV INOUI and OUIGO classes are there from Paris to Lyon?
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI and OUIGO when travelling from Paris to Lyon.
TGV INOUI
OUIGO
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power sockets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
First Class
Want to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional perks.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
OPTIMUM / OPTIMUM PLUS
This Premium offer allows you to travel in a dedicated compartment for a comfortable journey. With OPTIMUM PLUS, a meal is served directly at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Lounge access
- Catering at your seat
Standard Class
OUIGO comes with only one class, Standard Class, which is the equivalent of TGV INOUI'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 plug socket, as not all seats currently have one.
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage (1)
- Catering at your seat (2)
- WiFi (3)
- Power sockets
- (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
What are the onboard services on TGV INOUI and OUIGO?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Lyon.
TGV INOUI
OUIGO
What luggage 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, plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm. If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm pieces of luggage authorised. All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar carriage offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. Le Bistro is always situated in carriage 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer to whet your appetite. |
What 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. |
What 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. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand luggage, 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. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a lead. Tickets for pets cost €10. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains. |
What 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). |
What luggage limits are there? | One piece of hand luggage (40 x 30 x 15 cm) and one piece of cabin luggage (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. |
|---|---|
What 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. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost. |
What 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. |
Can 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. |
Can 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.) |
What special assistance is available? | Passengers with reduced mobility can travel onboard OUIGO trains. You can also request the "Assist'enGare" service for help at the station. |
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
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts
6. Take a night train
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
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 luggage space.
On the Paris to Lyon route, both the Standard and Business Class come with two areas, Silenzio and Allegro. Enjoy the tranquillity 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 neighbours.
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, electrical sockets at each seat, ample space for your luggage, free WiFi and more.
| Free WiFi | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Ample luggage space | ✔ |
| Reclining seats | ✔ |
| Power sockets | ✔ |
Business Class
Business Class is ideal for travellers looking for peace of mind while travelling 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 luggage area and a welcome service with sweet or savoury snacks, coffee and drinks. Not only that, but the glass partitions installed between the seats offer more privacy.
| Large leather recliners | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Large luggage 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
Luggage
Food and drink
Entertainment
How to get to Paris Gare de Lyon and Paris Bercy stations
On this route, TGV INOUI, OUIGO and Frecciarossa trains leave from Paris Gare de Lyon station and arrive at Lyon Part-Dieu station. However, the OUIGO Train Classique leaves from Paris Bercy station and arrives at Lyon Part-Dieu station.
How to get to Paris Gare de Lyon train station
Address: Pl. Louis-Armand, 75012 Paris
To get to Paris Gare de Lyon station, you can use public transport:
- Metro and RER lines (located downstairs, allow about 15 minutes to access the platform): 1, 14, RER A and RER D
- RATP bus (bus stops serving the station are Rue de Bercy and Boulevard Diderot): lines 24, 29, 57, 61, 63, 65, 87, 91
- Transilien train
- Taxis and private drivers
- On foot: Paris Gare de Lyon can be accessed either from the forecourt (Place Louis Armand) overlooking Boulevard Diderot, or from Rue de Bercy, or from Place Henri Frenay.
How to get to Paris Bercy station
Address: 48 bis boulevard de Bercy 75012 Paris
To get to Paris Bercy station, you can use public transport:
- Metro lines: 14
- RATP bus: lines 24, 87
- Taxis and private drivers
- On foot: Paris Bercy train station is 20 minutes away via Rue de Bercy, then Boulevard de Bercy.
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 travelling 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.
TGV INOUI
TGV OUIGO
Frecciarossa trains
Arriving at Lyon Part-Dieu station from Paris
Address: 5, Place Charles Béraudier 69003 Lyon
To get to Lyon Part-Dieu train station, you can use public transport:
- Metro and tram line: metro line B and tram line Rhônexpress
- Bus and coaches: bus lines C1, C2, C3, C6, C7, C9, C13, C25, 25, 37, 38, 70 and intercity bus lines 165, 1980, 2960, 1920
- Taxis and private drivers
- On foot: Please note that Lyon Part-Dieu train station is currently under construction. In order to leave the station on foot, you will find a pedestrian bridge that will allow you to reach the boulevard Vivier-Merle from the temporary hall of the station.
Things to see and do in Lyon
Perched where the Rhône meets the Saône, Lyon is famed for its architectural heritage, history and gastronomy. Whether you're travelling for work or leisure, Lyon is the perfect place to visit all-year-round!
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.
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 on my phone 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!
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.
I travelled in Standard Class, which had comfy seats with fold-down tables, plug sockets 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!
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 I stayed on the train until Lyon Perrache station as I was 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 travelled 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 travelled in the middle of July, I appreciated the air conditioning the most! It was simple to book, 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.