Ready to travel from Paris to Lyon by train? This guide will help you navigate the brief, pleasant train journey between these two priceless French destinations with ease!

Overview of train services

The main train operator along the Paris/Lyon train route is the French national operator SNCF’s TGV inOui or TER services.

SNCF (TGV inOui or TER)

Operator details

SNCF (short for “Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français”) is the national railway operator of France. Its TGV inOui service is its top-of-the-line high-speed service, operating on modern trains known for their attention to detail and luxurious touches. TER (Transport Express Régional) is its system of regional trains — less new and luxurious, not as fast and with more stops along the way, but comfortable, efficient and cost-effective.

Route

TGV inOui trains depart from Paris Gare de Lyon train station and arrive at Lyon Part Dieu train station, taking the LGV Sud-Est high-speed train line. TER trains, by contrast, depart from Paris Bercy train station and arrive at Lyon Part Dieu. The TER route uses classic rail lines that meander through adorable little towns. It’s a longer trip, but more scenic, beautiful and relaxed — fantastic for getting on and off at quaint station towns along the way.

Train features

TGV inOui trains provide spacious seats with tables in first class, as well as free Wi-Fi, a bar-buffet car, large windows and quiet zones.

TER trains are usually older and less luxurious, but they do offer comfortable open-plan seating, large windows for panoramic views and space for bicycles (on most trains).

Benefits

SNCF benefits include frequent departures, connections to France's extensive rail network and unique loyalty programs. SNCF trains are also eligible for rides on the Eurail/Interrail Rail Passes.

Schedule details

Quickest journey time and total distance

The fastest trains from Paris to Lyon cover a distance of 400 kilometres in 1 hour and 54 minutes. Regional trains that take classic scenic routes with stops will obviously take longer. Whether you choose a high-speed train Paris to Lyon France or a slower route, the experience will be enjoyable.

Earliest and latest departure times

If you want to take the first train out of Paris bound for Lyon, it departs on the weekdays at approximately 05:50, while the latest train departs at approximately 21:00.

Weekend trains from Paris to Lyon depart as early as 06:59 and depart as late as 21:00.

Average number of daily trains

With a total number of roughly 67 trains trains departing every day for Lyon, you have many itineraries to choose from on any given day. The Paris to Lyon train schedule offers excellent frequency for both business and leisure travellers.

Frequency of departures

A train to Lyon leaves one of the Paris train stations every 2 minutes.

Ticket information

Ticket prices

Paris to Lyon train ticket prices depend on several factors. The ticket prices can depend on the time of year, demand, popularity of the itinerary and the speed and amenities of the train you select. In general, here’s what you can expect to pay right now based on a variety of factors:

• Cheapest ticket on the route: US$11.60

• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 30 days in advance: US$45

• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 7 days in advance: US$57

Importance of booking in advance

Booking your Paris to Lyon train tickets early saves you money. SNCF release tickets 12 months in advance. Early booking gets you the best prices.

Point-to-point Tickets vs. rail passes

Point-to-point Tickets

If you are seeking cheap train travel, ‘Paris to Lyon’ point-to-point tickets usually save the most money. They are simply tickets for a specific itinerary on a specific train, guaranteeing you a spot on that train and that alone. They also allow you to select your seat and class of service. Point-to-point train tickets are ideal if you're primarily focused on the Paris to Lyon leg or if your Paris to Lyon dates of travel are already locked in.

Rail passes you can use from Paris to Lyon

Rail passes are suitable for multiple journeys in France or Europe. They’re pricier, but they enable you to travel with more freedom and flexibility. With a pass, you get hop-on/hop-off flexibility (reservations may be required for high-speed trains). There may also be cost savings for multiple journeys. Your one pass covers all trips, rather than having to buy multiple tickets.

• Eurail Pass: Covers up to 33 European countries, including France. On your set number of travel days over a set number of months, you can cross international borders and get on and off trains as many times as you want.

• Interrail Pass: For European residents; flexible travel across Europe, similar to a Eurail Pass.

Train stations served

Paris Gare de Lyon

Paris Gare de Lyon, in the 12th arrondissement, is a main station for trains to southern and eastern France, including Lyon Part Dieu. Built for the 1900 World Exposition, it features a clock tower resembling Big Ben. A marvel of Belle Époque architecture, it serves over 100 million passengers annually and houses Le Train Bleu restaurant.

Facilities and services

• Spacious waiting areas

• Ticket counters (SNCF, Trenitalia)

• Self-service ticket machines

• Luggage storage lockers

• Restrooms

• Free and unlimited Wi-Fi

• Public pianos

• Defibrillators

• Lost and Found office

• Disabled Passenger Assistance service

• Luggage portering service

• Group meeting points

• Prayer rooms

• Medical assistance

• Water fountains

• Photocopier

• Amazon Locker

• Postboxes

• Photo developing machine

• Plug sockets

• Short story dispenser

• Salon Grand Voyageur (1st class lounge)

• Multiburo (business center)

• Various shops

• Restaurants and cafes

• Pharmacy

• Convenience stores

• Beauty and wellness services

• Taxi stand

• Access to Metro lines 1 and 14

• Access to RER lines A and D

• Access to multiple bus lines

• Access to Noctilien night bus lines

• Le Bus Direct to Charles de Gaulle Airport

• Vélib' bike-sharing station

• Car parking area

Paris Bercy

Paris Bercy (Paris-Bercy-Bourgogne-Pays d'Auvergne) in the 12th arrondissement mainly serves regional and low-cost trains. Converted from a goods yard in the 1990s, its modern architecture contrasts with Gare de Lyon as it serves its 4.76 million passengers annually. This station is where some TER trains depart for Lyon, offering a scenic alternative to high-speed options like the TGV or Frecciarossa.

Facilities and services

• Reception area for people with disabilities

• Waiting area

• Grand Voyageurs Members' Lounge

• Cashpoints

• Self-service ticket kiosks

• Transilien self-service ticket kiosks

• Mainline ticket office

• Lost & Found

• Public piano

• Digital jukebox

• Free Wi-Fi

• Toilets

• Letterboxes

• Defibrillator

• Water fountain

• Ile-de-France ticket machines

• Service counter for disabled people

• Waiting room on first floor

• Partner left-luggage services

• Travel assistance

Lyon Part Dieu

Lyon Part Dieu, Lyon's main station, is in the 3rd arrondissement. Built in 1983, this major hub connects northern and southern France, including those coming from Paris by train. Approximately 30 million travellers every year pass under its soaring arched ceiling. This station handles arrivals for high-speed trains, including the TGV Paris to Lyon and Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa.

Facilities and services

• Ticket counters

• Self-service ticket machines

• Waiting areas

• Shops

• Restaurants

• Left luggage facilities

• Toilets

• Accessibility services for passengers with reduced mobility

• Free Wi-Fi

• Currency exchange

• Car rental services

• Parking facilities

• Connection to Lyon Metro Line B

• Connections to tram lines T1, T3 and T4

• Rhônexpress tram service to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport

Travelling with SNCF (TGV inOui or TER) – boarding process

Security and boarding procedures

Security and boarding are relatively simple compared to the security and boarding procedures of an airport. Expect light baggage screening and personal search. When the train arrives at your platform, try to find the train car to which you are assigned so that you don’t have to search car-to-car. Have your ticket or pass ready for the train officers to examine.

Navigating the stations and boarding

Despite the fact that several of the train stations you will use are very large with multiple platforms, navigating them is not too difficult. All stations have highly visible digital departure boards which you can use to easily find your platform. Information is available in English and station staff are available to answer any of your questions. When you arrive, directions to metro or ground transit are clearly marked.

SNCF TGV inOui

Second Class

A great option for budget travellers. You’ll find comfortable seats and plenty of legroom. Power outlets are available so you can keep your devices charged. There's a cafe car for snacks and drinks. This is a popular choice for those seeking a cheap train from Paris to Lyon.

First Class

Offers wider, more comfortable seats with extra legroom. Your drinks are on the house, plus snacks and a welcome kit with magazines is often provided. The cabins also tend to be quieter for your relaxation and enjoyment.

TER

Second Class features a comfortable seat, often with a tray table and large windows.

First Class steps it up with a more comfortable, spacious seat and a welcome drink or snack.

Travel documentation and customs requirements

Documentation required

Since the train journey from Paris to Lyon takes place entirely within France (no border crossings) there is no passport or immigration check. Just have your photo ID and visa if necessary, along with your ticket or pass.

Customs requirements

Due to it being an entirely domestic journey, there is no customs check — just the chance for random baggage screenings and standard prohibitions on the transit of controlled goods like tobacco, alcohol and large quantities of cash.