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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
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Travelling from Essen to Lyon by train
If you're planning to travel from Essen to Lyon, we're here to help!
On average, the train journey from Essen to Lyon takes around 10 hours 47 minutes. There are normally 33 trains per day travelling from Essen to Lyon.
You'll have to make 2 changes on your journey to Lyon, as there are no direct trains.
Ticket prices start from £97.44 on this route. Save money on your train tickets by booking in advance.
Use our Journey Planner to compare ticket prices and find the cheapest fares.
Trains to Lyon from Essen
It takes an average of 10h 47m to travel from Essen to Lyon by train, over a distance of around 405 miles (652 km). There are normally 33 trains per day travelling from Essen to Lyon and tickets for this journey start from £97.44 when you book in advance.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Essen to Lyon?
Want to know more about your journey from Essen to Lyon? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Essen to Lyon?
How close is Essen to Lyon by train?
Is it possible to get from Essen to Lyon without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Essen to Lyon?
What time does the first train from Essen to Lyon leave?
What time does the last train from Essen to Lyon leave?
How often are trains from Essen to Lyon?
Do you need to book the train from Essen to Lyon in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Essen to Lyon?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Essen 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 Essen to Lyon starts at £97.44§ 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 travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train 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 Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within 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 discounts
Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!
6. Take a night train
Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.
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.