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Trains from Madrid to Lyon

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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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  3. Madrid to Lyon

Take the train from Madrid to Lyon in 8 hours 18 minutes

If you want to travel from Madrid to Lyon by train, you've come to the right place.

You can expect the journey from Madrid to Lyon by train to take around 11 hours 40 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 8 hours 18 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 5 trains per day running on this route, which spans 567 miles (913 km). You’ll have to make 1 change along the way on your journey to Lyon.

Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Madrid to Lyon start from £85.70 when you book in advance.

If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!

Trains to Lyon from Madrid

It takes an average of 11h 40m to travel from Madrid to Lyon by train, over a distance of around 567 miles (913 km). There are normally 5 trains per day travelling from Madrid to Lyon and tickets for this journey start from £85.70 when you book in advance.

First train

06:16

Last train

21:07

Departure stationMadrid
Arrival stationLyon
Journey time

From 8h 18m

Distance

567 miles (913 km)

Frequency

5 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £85.70

Train and bus operators

ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus, Flixbus

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Madrid to Lyon?

Want to know more about your journey from Madrid to Lyon? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I get from Madrid to Lyon?

You can travel from Madrid to Lyon by train in about 11 hours and 40 minutes. With around 5 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Madrid to Lyon. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Madrid to Lyon?

On average, the train journey from Madrid to Lyon takes around 11 hours and 40 minutes, with 5 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

How much is the train from Madrid to Lyon?

Train tickets from Madrid to Lyon start from as little as £85.70, depending on the time of booking, class of service and type of train. Booking in advance often results in cheaper prices.

What is the fastest train from Madrid to Lyon?

The fastest trains from Madrid to Lyon can cover the distance of 567 miles (913 km) in as little as 8 hours and 18 minutes.

What are the train times from Madrid to Lyon?

Check out the next trains departing from Madrid to Lyon for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
05:1614:509h 34m, 2 changes
06:2718:5012h 23m, 3 changes
06:5718:5011h 53m, 4 changes
12:1820:368h 18m, 1 change
20:0712:2016h 13m, 1 change

How do I find cheap train tickets from Madrid 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 Madrid to Lyon starts at £85.70§ 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.

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