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Genève / Geneva to Lyon by train
For most of the year regional French TER services are the only trains available on this route, but in July and August, a faster Lyria service also comes this way.
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Routes
Option 1: taking the TER trains
Journey Summary
1hr 52 min
Daily
Travel Information
Final Destination: Lyon-Perrache
All trains also call at: Bellegarde
Connect at Lyon-Part Dieu for destinations in France with no direct trains from Switzerland, including Montpellier, Nice and Nimes; and also for cheaper alternatives for journeys to Paris; the Ouigo and TER services
Mon-Sat = 10 x trains per day
Sunday = 7 x trains
Tickets
Book early and save: No
Tickets will cost the same price if purchased at the station immediately before departure.
Most of the direct trains from Geneve are these TER trains, the alterative now only operates from early July to late August.
Tickets for the TER trains will cost the same online as the do as they do at the station, so there is no need to book these in advance.
In contrast, when it's an option, tickets for the Lyria train can be cheaper than these TER trains if you do book online in advance.
However, if you book at the station on the day of travel, then the alternative Lyria train will be (a lot more) expensive than taking these TER trains.
Where to book
| Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| SNCF Connect | * |
On this journey
Travelling On
Journey Features
Sit on the left of the train (when facing the direction of travel) for valley views of the River between the Swiss border and Culoz
Then between there and Ambérieu the railway travels through a dramatic gorge through the foothills of the Alps.
So if a double-deck train is being used for you departure it can be worth heading upstairs.
Option 2: taking the summer only Lyria service
Journey Summary
1hr 44min
Not Every Day
Travel Information
As referenced on the guide to changes in European train times for 2020, this service will now only be operating between the first Monday in July and the final Sunday in August
So on other dates take the service of TER trains]( for a journey from Geneve to Lyon.
Final Destination: Marseille
The train also calls at: Bellegarde
up to 1 x train per day
Tickets
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings usually open: 4 months ahead of the travel date
Most of the direct trains from Geneve to Lyon are TER trains, but from July 3rd to August 27th this train is scheduled to depart from Geneve at 08:41; so target that departure time if you want to travel by it.
When it's an option, tickets for this Lyria train can be cheaper than the TER trains;if you book before the limited numbers of cheapest discounted tickets are sold out.
Though if you book at the station on the day of travel, this Lyria train will be (a lot more) expensive than the TER trains.
Worth knowing is that Oui.SNCF can refer to Geneve station as GENEVE CORNAVIN
Rail pass users should avoid this train and take the TER trains.
Where to book
| Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| SNCF Connect | * |
On this journey
Travelling On
Journey Features
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