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Taking the train from Genève Cornavin to Lyon
Travel with ease from Switzerland to France thanks to the wonders of the train network. Take the train from Genève Cornavin to Lyon and in less than two hours you could be enjoying the attractions of this beautiful city after relaxing on a comfortable and high-speed TGV train.
Taking the train is a much better option than driving. You can sit back and enjoy the view rather than stressing about crowded roads, and you'll have the benefit of spacious seats, onboard internet access and tasty snack options throughout your journey. You'll arrive refreshed and ready to experience the highlights within easy walking distance of Lyon Part-Dieu station. In just 30 minutes you can reach the zoo and green space of the Parc de la Tete d'Or, or, if you prefer to get a retail fix, one of Europe's biggest shopping centres is right on your doorstep.
Book your ticket from Genève Cornavin to Lyon today. Start a search in our Journey Planner at the top of the page, or keep reading for times and tips on how to find cheap tickets.
Trains to Lyon from Genève Cornavin
It takes an average of 2h 40m to travel from Genève Cornavin to Lyon by train, over a distance of around 70 miles (112 km). There are normally 14 trains per day travelling from Genève Cornavin to Lyon and tickets for this journey start from £31.19 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:14 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:29 | |
| Departure station | Genève Cornavin | |
| Arrival station | Lyon | |
| Journey time | From 1h 42m | |
| Distance | 70 miles (112 km) | |
| Frequency | 14 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £31.19 | |
| Train and bus operators |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Genève Cornavin to Lyon?
Want to know more about your journey from Genève Cornavin 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 Genève Cornavin and Lyon by train?
Are there direct trains from Genève Cornavin to Lyon?
What's the distance between Genève Cornavin and Lyon by train?
Who runs the trains from Genève Cornavin to Lyon?
Can you travel from Genève Cornavin to Lyon without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Lyon from Genève Cornavin?
What time is the first train from Genève Cornavin to Lyon?
What time is the last train from Genève Cornavin to Lyon?
How often do trains go from Genève Cornavin to Lyon?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Genève Cornavin to Lyon?
Is there a return trip from Genève Cornavin to Lyon?
TGV Lyria, SNCF and TER trains from Genève Cornavin to Lyon
TGV Lyria
SNCF
TER
TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).
More information
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).
More information
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.
More information
What TGV Lyria, RegioJet and TER classes are there from Genève Cornavin to Lyon?
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV Lyria, RegioJet and TER when travelling from Genève Cornavin to Lyon.
TGV Lyria
RegioJet
TER
Standard
TGV Lyria’s Standard Class offers comfortable seats and access to the dining car, perfect for an economical trip in comfort.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Unlimited drinks
Première
When travelling in Première with TGV Lyria, you will have additional legroom, the comfort of a first-class seat, as well as food sold at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Unlimited drinks
Première Signature
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to Première Signature class and enjoy a welcome drink, a meal on board and much more.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility (1)
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Unlimited drinks
- (1) Check conditions when selecting the ticket.
Low cost
Although Low Cost is the cheapest option offered by RegioJet, this class boasts a variety of free services, including WiFi, newspapers and an entertainment platform.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Standard
In addition to the amenities of the Economy class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power sockets and adjustable seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Relax
In the Relax class, you’ll take advantage of all the amenities in Standard and Low-Cost, as well as large fold-down tables, comfy leather seats and individual seating.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Business
Travel in RegioJet’s Business class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet carriage and enjoy spacious seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Second Class
Most TER trains don't have First or Second Class so the services offered on board are the same for all passengers. Please note that WiFi is not available on TER trains at the moment.
- Luggage storage
- Fold-down table
What are the onboard services on TGV Lyria, RegioJet and TER?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Genève Cornavin to Lyon.
TGV Lyria
RegioJet
TER
What luggage limits are there? | You can take luggage on board TGV Lyria trains without worrying about weight restrictions, so long as you're able to carry it yourself. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | There are two refreshment options on board TGV Lyria trains: Le Bistrot: Available in the café-bar carriage or at your seat, with a Standard or Première TGV Lyria ticket. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | Free WiFi is available on board. To get online, connect to the network _WIFI_LYRIA when you're on the train and go to the TGV Lyria Portal in your browser. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Families can reserve two different areas on the train: The Family Square, located in carriages 6, 16, 7 or 17 in Standard (Second Class). This is a set of four seats facing one another, with space for a pushchair. You will also find baby changing facilities, including a baby changing table on the upper deck of carriages 7 and 17, and the lower deck of carriages 1 and 11.
|
Can I bring a bike on board? | Bikes are allowed on board, so long as they're folded or their wheels are detached. Bikes must also be placed in suitable storage cases (no larger than 130 x 90 cm). |
Can I bring pets on board? | Small pets may travel with TGV Lyria, as long as they are carried in a carrier or container no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Pets must be placed on your lap or by your feet and must travel with their own ticket at a flat rate of €7. Dogs on a lead may travel on TGV Lyria trains, but they must be muzzled throughout the journey and placed by your feet. Passengers must pay a flat-rate ticket fee of €20. |
What special assistance is available? | 2 seats in carriages 1 or 11 in First Class are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility. You can request one of these seats when making your booking. If these spaces are no longer available, you can reserve a standard seat. You can also reserve assistance at the train station for help folding and storing your wheelchair. |
What else do I need to know? | You can travel with musical instruments if they're stored in a case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. If you're going skiing, snowboards and skis are allowed on board (one pair of skis or one snowboard per person). They must be stored in their covers. |
What luggage limits are there? | There are no weight limits when it comes to luggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it by yourself. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Pushchairs should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your pushchair at the front or back of the carriage. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains. |
Can I bring pets on board? | It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper carriages or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board. |
What special assistance is available? | Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains. |
What luggage limits are there? | There are no size limits for the luggage you take on board TER trains, so you can travel your way. However, you must be able to carry any luggage you bring unassisted, and it must fit into the dedicated luggage storage spaces on the train. |
|---|---|
What 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! |
What onboard entertainment is available? | TER trains do not currently have WiFi available. |
What 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. |
Can 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. |
Can 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. |
What 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 Genève Cornavin 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.