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How to take a rail journey from Lyon to Paris
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Lyon to Paris by train
There is now a choice of four travel options when making the journey by train from Lyon to Paris:
- The high speed TGV InOui trains which arrive at the Paris Gare De Lyon.
- The cheaper, but more basic Ouigo services, which also arrive at the Gare De Lyon and take the same high speed route as the InOui services.
And when booking ahead they can be the cheapest option of all. - Less frequent Frecce high speed trains operated by Trenitalia.
- Much slower TER trains, which arrive at a station further from the centre of Paris.
So why are these TER trains an option worth considering?
Two reasons:
- if you'll be buying tickets last minute at the station they'll be cheaper; or
- if you will be using Eurail or InterRail passes you can save at least €10.
Routes you can take to go from Lyon to Paris
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:
Looking for connections?
Route Information
Option 1: taking a regular TGV InOui service
Travel Time (approx)
2 hrs
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
1 - 2 x trains per hour
Is the journey from Lyon to Paris direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is the journey scenic?
Not particularly, though 95% on the journey is on a high-speed line.
What other tourist locations are along the route from Lyon to Paris?
None, most of these trains are non-stop to Paris.
Though Dijon is located off of the direct route and there are trains from Lyon to Dijon and from Dijon to Paris.
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Paris Gare De Lyon from Lyon-Part Dieu on this journey option?
- Before 08:15 on Monday to Friday
- Before 09:05 on Saturday
- Before 10:15 on Sunday
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Paris?
The Gare De Lyon is served by two Metro lines - line 14 is now directly linked to Orly Airport. The station also has rail links to the Gare Du Nord and the La Défense business district.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by the Gare De Lyon.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Lyon-Part Dieu to Paris Gare De Lyon on this journey option
- Before 20:55 on Monday to Thursday and Saturday
- Before 21:55 on Friday and Sunday
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel to the station in Lyon?
Lyon-Part Dieu is served by two metro lines and multiple tram routes - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighborhood.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Lyon to Paris trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access a guide to how rail tickets are managed in France, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Lyon to Paris trains?
Up to 6 months in advance, but it varies according to when / if SNCF has a promotion in place; see the Ticket Information.
What are the child ticket terms for these Lyon to Paris 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 Paris trains include assigned seats?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Lyon to Paris trains?
Yes - See the rail pass guide for France for info on the multiple booking options.
Is catering available on theLyon to Paris trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car.
Purchasers of Business Première tickets will receive an at seat catering service when travelling between Paris and Lyon.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.
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