How to take the train from Lyon to Geneva / Genève

Share this journey with a friend...

Lyon to Genève / Geneva by train

For most of the year taking a French TER train is the only option for a rail journey from Lyon to Geneve, but in the summer a daily Lyria (TGV) train also take this route.

Routes you can take to go from Lyon to Genève / Geneva

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

Route Information

Option 1: taking the TER trains
Travel Time (approx)

1hr 52 min (approx)

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

Mon-Fri = 10 x trains per day
Saturday = 9 x trains
Sunday = 8 x trains


Is the journey from Lyon to Geneve direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.


Is the journey scenic?
Between Amberieu and Bellegarde the railway travels through a series of valleys and after Bellegarde there are views of the River Rhone


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Geneve from Lyon-Part Dieu on this journey option?


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Genève / Geneva?

The station is very conveniently located within the city centre.
There are trains which depart at least hourly on to Bern, Biel/Bienne, Brig, Lausanne, Luzern, Neuchatel, Montreux, Sion, Visp and Zurich.


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Lyon-Part Dieu to Geneve on this journey option
Before 19:15 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to get to the station in Lyon?
Lyon has a Metro and Part-Dieu station is on its line B, Part Dieu is also the main hub of the city's tram network.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by Lyon-Part Dieu.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Lyon to Geneve trains?
No


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Lyon to Geneve trains?
Up to 3 months in advance.


What are the child ticket terms for these Lyon to Geneve trains?
The adult rate is charged for all travellers aged 12 and over.
Children aged 4-11 pay half fare


Does the ticket for these Lyon to Geneve trains include assigned seats?
No - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Lyon to Geneve trains?
No, rail pass users can hop on.


Is catering available on the Lyon to Geneve trains on this journey option?
No


What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France


What else is good to know about Swiss rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Switzerland.

Route Information

Option 2: taking the Lyria train (July and August)
Travel Time (approx)

1hr 44min

Frequency

Not Every Day

Travel Info

1 x train per day
July 1st - Aug 27th

Take the stress out of your journey Everything planned to your specification, so sit back and relax… Try Concierge
hand-money

Please support ShowMeTheJourney

Help keep us advertising and paywall free!

Donate

This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help.

We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.

Instead of advertising or paywalls, your financial support will make a positive difference to delivering an enhanced service, as there’s a lot of ideas which we want to make happen.

So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please consider saying thank you.

See if there’s a unique journey guide for your trip, featuring info on the trains, tickets & stations.
Leaving From
Going To
ShowMeTheJourney

This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.