Planning a day trip from Paris? We’d be lying if we didn’t think Lyon was one of the best. 

Paris to Lyon by train is one of our guilty pleasures. High-speed trains from Paris to Lyon are super convenient, getting you from the Eiffel Tower to the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste in two hours.

Where else can you take a two hour train ride from one of the most romantic cities in the world to one of the most gastronomic destinations in Europe? 

All with the comfort and convenience only a train can provide. 

Here’s everything you need to know about train travel between Lyon and Paris and why Lyon should be your next trip from the French capital by train.

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, SerrNovik. Image Location: Saone River, Lyon, France.

5 reasons for a Paris to Lyon day trip

Roman ruins

Bet you didn’t think Ancient Rome would make an appearance on our Lyon list. The Gallo-Roman Museum is an archeological site which overlooks its neighbouring Ancient Roman amphitheater. Chronicling five centuries of the city's history, these ruins offer a journey into the vestiges of Lyon's ancient civilisation. The Roman amphitheater also offers music lovers a chance to indulge, with the concert Nuits de Fourvière spanning the summer months.

Very French food

Yes, much of the food in France is “French”, but Lyon’s got some gastronomical goodness that can’t be beaten. You’ll find plenty of Michelin Stars and more down-to-earth eateries to quell your appetite for fine French cuisine. You'll find both traditional cuisine from restaurants dating back to early 20th century, such as Léon de Lyon (1904), alongside punchy modern takes on French cuisine, such a Nicolas Guilloton's restaurant L'Atelier des Augustins.

Easy on the wallet

You won’t need to set aside a huge budget for a Lyon day trip from Paris by train. Pick one or two restaurants and attractions, then spend the rest of your time wandering the Parc de la Tête d’Or, Old Town, and the trails up to Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere.

Live events galore

From summer music festivals to film festivals, plan your day trip based on Lyon’s live events calendar. 

Lyon celebrates:

  • Nuits Sonores, an electronic music festival in May
  • Fête de la Musique (or Music Day) on June 12 
  • Fourvière Nights in June, July and August
  • The Dance Biennial in September in even years
  • The Contemporary Art Biennial from September to December in odd years
  • The Lumière Film Festival is an annual film festival in October
  • Fête des lumières (The Light Festival) in October
  • The Festival of Lights December 8

You only need a day

While you could spend weeks along the Saône River, Lyon is compact enough to explore to your liking and still make it back to Paris feeling like you’ve maximized your day trip.

Image Credit, Getty Images, Gregory_Dubus. Location, Saone River, France.

Let’s talk logistics: Lyon to Paris by train

Can I take a direct, non-stop train from Lyon to Paris?

Yes, you can take a direct, non-stop train straight from Lyon to Paris, which makes it quite convenient for one who wishes to compare and contrast the Gothic Revival architectural features of the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière to French Gothic grandeur of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.

Is there a high-speed train between Paris and Lyon?

Absolutely: the TGV. Train à Grande Vitesse, or “high-speed train” if your French is as crusty as a baguette. This high-speed rail route will get you from Lyon to Paris in 2 hours. Maybe even 1 hour and 43 minutes if everyone on the train leans a bit forward. 

Could I just fly from Paris to Lyon instead?

Yes, you could fly but don’t assume you can score a cheap plane ticket direct from Paris to Lyon. France just passed a law banning certain domestic flights that could be accomplished via train travel in less than 2.5 hours. Air France was actually ahead of the game, nixing their Paris-Orly to Lyon leg back in 2020. 

Take that, carbon emissions. 

Now, technically, you could get from Paris to Lyon by plane, but that means flying from Paris to a city beyond the 2.5 hour train rule (Nice, for instance) and then flying to Lyon. That’s like starting in New York City and wanting to go to Philadelphia, but instead of just hopping a single train south, you fly north to Boston and then switch planes to fly over the Big Apple to Philly. Folle. 

Why overly complicate your vacation? Download the Trainline app, buy a ticket from Paris to Lyon right on the app, drink wine while streaming Emily In Paris, and arrive in the center of Lyon in under two hours. 

What is the Paris to Lyon flight time?

Too long, and with one too many planes. What once was an hour-long, single-plane flight between Paris and Lyon is now a multi-flight excursion lasting hours. Seriously. France banned a number of domestic flights that could be replaced with a train trip lasting less than 2.5 hours. Lyon to Paris was one of them. 

Technically, you could still travel from Paris to Lyon, but you’d have to fly farther away to a city like Toulouse or Marseille, get off the plane, wait to board a flight to Lyon, then arrive with hours of your vacation wasted in the up-right position. 

Related: trains vs planes: why rail is the best way to travel in Europe

Image Credit: Getty Images, Gael Fontaine. Image Location: Saone River, Lyon, France. 

How much does it cost to go from Lyon to Paris?

Would you believe it if we said less than lunch? Just a quick ticket search as of this writing shows ticket prices one-month-out ranging from $124 in 1st class to $11 for a standard ticket. Ticket prices fluctuate based on what time you want to travel and how far in advance you book it. Sometimes a first-class ticket may even be cheaper than a standard fare. That’s why it’s so important to purchase your Lyon to Paris train ticket ASAP.

How far in advance should I book my train tickets from Paris to Lyon

The beauty of downloading the Trainline app is that you can book your train tickets from Paris to Lyon long before you even get to France. We recommend purchasing them right after you’ve booked your flight to get the best price, but you can also book last-minute tickets for the lowest prices available. 

How far from Paris to Lyon?

Just under 300 miles separates Paris and Lyon. Friendly reminder: a rental car, gas, and obligatory collations de route add up to much more than an affordable train ticket. 

Is the train from Lyon to Paris scenic? 

Yes, you’ll get a glimpse of the French countryside during your Lyon to Paris train ride. Fair warning: such a quick trip means the scenery will literally pass you by. By the time you settle in, order a drink, and take advantage of the free WiFi, you’ll be half-way to your destination.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Yujie Chen. Image Location: The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Lyon, France. 

What are the train station names in Paris and Lyon?

You’ve got a few station options to get from Paris to Lyon. The simplest to remember is Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon Part-Dieu. Paris Bercy Bourgogne-Pays d’Auvergne is a mouthful but also connects to Lyon Part-Dieu. Marne-la-Vallée—Chessy and Lyon St-Exupéry TGV hold hands across France as well.

Lyon train stations

Things to do near Lyon Part-Dieu:

  • It’s near sites like the Lyon Botanical Garden, Lyon Auditorium, Montluc Prison National Memorial
  • It’s conveniently close to the historic district and likely your hotel 
  • Loads of restaurants and shops in and around the station

Things to do near Lyon St-Exupéry TGV:

  • It’s located at the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, so you can fly in and head immediately to Paris
  • There are multiple cafes and take away spots to grab a quick bite
  • No need to head into the city’s crowds

Paris train stations 

Things to do near Paris Gare de Lyon:

Things to do near Marne-la-Vallée:

  • Right at Disneyland Paris' doorstep
  • Skip all of the capital city congestion
  • Discover unique sites like the Louis Braille Museum and Castle of Chessy

Trying to find the cheapest price of tickets from Lyon to Paris by train? Consider that done, too. Download the Trainline app today and buy the best tickets before they’re gone.

Header Image Credit, Atlantide Phototravel. Location, Old Lyon, Lyon, France.

Ready to book your tickets?