Lyon with its 500,000 inhabitants is one of the most dynamic cities in France. Nicknamed the "city with two hills", it is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region, which combines mountainous landscapes and urban hubs. Its practical geographical location makes it a crossroad between the South of France, the Alps, Paris and even Italy. From Lyon, you can reach Toulon or Paris in 2 hours, and Marseille or Montpellier in 1hr 30mins. Here is all you need to know about the city - the places to visit, its train stations, how to get there and where you can go.
Choose your train ticket to Lyon
Connections and railway stations in Lyon
Before boarding a OUIGO train, please double-check its destination, as OUIGO trains run from all three of Lyon's railway stations. Fantastic, isn't it?
Here's more arrival/departure information for the 3 Lyon stations:
Located in the 3rd arrondissement, you will have no trouble reaching the city's tourist hotspots (Vieux-Lyon, Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Croix-Rousse district… all less than 30 minutes by public transport). From Lyon-Part-Dieu, you can board our OUIGO trains and get to Montpellier, Marseille, Paris and other stations across the whole of France. Lyon-Part-Dieu is also the city's international railway station from where you can travel to Switzerland, Italy, Luxembourg and Germany.
This is in the 5th arrondissement on the Presqu'Île de Lyon. This district is home to the famous Place de Bellecour and Hôtel-Dieu so you'll have plenty to do the moment you step off your train.
Lyon Perrache is a transport hub, ideal for people living or staying in the Rhône-Alpes region. It also provides a link between Lyon and Milan via the Alps. With OUIGO, you can head south from Lyon Perrache to Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and Nîmes, or travel further north to Dijon, Paris or Lille.
A station that's also an architectural masterpiece. Opened in 1994, it is located at the airport and you can reach central Lyon in half an hour.
Hop on a OUIGO train at Lyon – Saint-Exupéry and you can head to all four corners of France. And if you want to jet off from France, just get off at this station and board a flight to your chosen destination!
Buy a low cost train ticket to Lyon
You've decided to head to Lyon? Great news! Here are our tips before you book your ticket.
Travel in even more comfort with the OUIGO PLUS service. Do you want a single or double seat, need to take a huge suitcase or several pieces of luggage or feel like scrolling through social media thanks to OUIFI access? With the OUIGO PLUS offer, you can take advantage of numerous benefits for only €9 more than the price of your ticket.
NB: You can select a specific OUIGO PLUS service, for an extra benefit without paying for the complete €9 package.
Benefit from great prices by booking in advance, especially for far-away destinations. You can also keep an eye on early-bird and last-minute deals for discounted OUIGO tickets that provide excellent value for money!
Finally, if you sign-up to the Newsletter you'll be able to keep up with OUIGO’s latest news, promotions and offers.
Discover Lyon with OUIGO: France's capital of gastronomy is just a train ride away!
What to do in Lyon?
To make the most of your stay in Lyon, here are some things to do and see in this Rhône city.
A must in Lyon is a tour of the gorgeous Vieux-Lyon district. This old quarter dates between Roman times and the Renaissance (the latter being when most of the architecture and its distinctive colours stem from). Walk along the hidden "traboules", which are famous traditional passages that link buildings and contain some real architectural gems. You can get from Lyon Part-Dieu train station to this district in less than 25 minutes by public transport.
Take a break on Fourvière hill and visit the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière which sits at the top. Head down its slope to the Gallo-Roman Museum, which hosts the famous Les Nuits de Fourvière summer festival.
Fancy sampling Lyon's local cuisine? Then pop into the famous Bouchons Lyonnais: from quenelles, to cured pork cuts and praline pie, your taste buds will thank you!
You can then continue your visit on foot by walking up the slopes to Croix-Rousse. This neighbourhood is in the heart of the 1st arrondissement and lined with art galleries, cafés, tattoo parlours and thrift stores. It's a decent walk that will stretch your legs and allow you to admire its beautiful colourful buildings.
Make the most of your time in Lyon to visit its numerous museums: the Museum of Miniatures and Cinema, the Museum of Confluences, the Museum of Light, the Museum of Fine Arts…
Public transport in Lyon
In terms of public transport, Lyon is the 2nd best-served city in France. With 4 metro lines, 7 tram lines, and numerous bus lines, the city's 500,000 residents have plenty of options on their doorsteps.
And getting around is a cinch: a public transport ticket costs €1.90 and is valid for 1 hour. If you plan to visit every nook and cranny in the city, you can opt for a book of 10 tickets for €16.90 or purchase tickets that are valid for longer (24hrs, 48hrs and 72hrs).
Finally, if you want to enjoy the city and the Saône quays by bike, you can hire a Vélov’ for €1.80 and take advantage of the city's self-service bicycle service.
Services offered on your journey :
OUIGO PLUS
For just an extra €9, enjoy a range of options : OUIGO PLUS. Because OUIGO knows how to get to the essentials... but also how to go the extra mile!
OUIGO SWAP
To swap your tickets if your plans change, or book a ticket on a train that’s already full.
Quite convenient in case of emergencies!
OUIFI + OUIFUN
1 Service, 2 options: - A Wifi connection on all High Speed trains :
- An on-demand entertainment platform
On your marks, get set, connect!
SEAT CHOICE
Travel as a Duo, with family or friends... or enjoy a Solo seat!
You can book seats in upper carriages, lower carriages, with or without an electric outlet, Duo, Solo, for 3 or for 4 passengers... Take your pick!
EXTRA LUGGAGE
OUIGO limits the number of luggage per traveller, to save space and allow you to pay less for your weekends and vacations... but that doesn't mean you can’t bring what you need along with you! Simply tick the extra/XL luggage option.
TRAVEL WITH YOUR PET
OUIGO offers an option for all pets who may want to travel with you! Whatever the size of your four-legged friend, the fee is €10 for your pet to travel with you. No more pet-sitters: bring them along!
TRAVEL WITH YOUR BIKE
You don't have to leave your bike stored in the garage! Bicycle lovers are welcome in our
High Speed (TGV) or Classical train: just tick the Bike option and cycle away, right off the train!
LOW FARES FOR KIDS
On our OUIGO High Speed trains, children's tickets cost €8, top. And infants under 3 travel on your lap for free. Finally, a family vacation that won’t have you go bankrupt
OUIGOFLEX : UNLIMITED TICKET EXCHANGE
Simply tick the OUIGOFLEX option when booking your ticket. It’s free for anyone under 12 and just €9 per adult... and you can now change your train tickets as many times as you need! Last-minute changes, family emergencies, or just a change of heart.
Paris - Lyon