Paris to Lyon train with Trenitalia

Paris to Lyon in Less Than Two Hours: The Most Convenient Way Across France

Introduction

France is a fairly large country. With Paris as the largest city and Lyon the third-largest, trains have always connected the two. However, for decades, it took several hours to travel between them—until 1981, when France made a bold move by inaugurating its first high-speed rail line. This reduced the Paris to Lyon train travel time to just two hours. Since then, this line has become the busiest in France in terms of traffic. And I have to say—it’s one of the most convenient. Let’s take a ride on the “OG” of French high-speed lines.

Route Overview

Taking the train from Paris to Lyon is one of the easiest and most convenient travel experiences you can have. Three operators serve this route: two from the French national railway, SNCF, including TGV Inoui, its premium brand, and Ouigo, the low-cost alternative. In addition, Trenitalia, the Italian state railway, now runs its Frecciarossa service between the two cities. Fun fact: This marked the first time a foreign operator launched a high-speed passenger service in France!

For this trip to Lyon, I chose TGV Inoui and treated myself to the most comfortable option onboard: Business Première. As for the luggage policy, TGV Inoui allows in all classes two pieces of luggage and one personal item — no check-in needed.

Transportation Experience

Since there are three operators, the best way to compare prices and book is through Omio, where you can view and reserve tickets for all of them. It’s a seamless digital booking experience and by far the easiest way.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Paris Gare de Lyon is one of Paris’s most iconic train stations. It was the main hub of the historic PLM (Paris Lyon Méditerranée). Be aware that Gare de Lyon has two halls: Hall 1 (Tracks A to N) and Hall 2 (Tracks 5 to 23). 

Top tip: Don’t miss the Galerie des Fresques, a long mural above the shops that showcases destinations of the former PLM (Paris Lyon Méditerranée).

Lyon Part-Dieu is, in my opinion, not the nicest station. It’s often overcrowded and poorly designed. Although the main hall is currently being renovated, I personally prefer Lyon-Perrache (usually just one stop further). If you have extra time in Lyon, consider checking out the former Brotteaux station, which is a few hundred meters north of Part-Dieu. It’s the historic station of Lyon and well worth the short detour. 

Schedule & Frequency

TGV Inoui trains depart roughly every hour. However, schedules aren’t perfectly regular throughout the day. You’ll find more frequent service during morning and evening rush hours, usually around every 30 minutes. 

Onboard Experience & Services

TGV Inoui offers three travel classes:

• Second Class – Comfortable and affordable with a table and plugs at each seat.
• First Class – More spacious seating with a choice of seats in the Quiet Area.
• Business Première – Same seating as First Class, but with premium-level service, including snacks, drinks, and lounge access.

I traveled in Business Première, and it was absolutely worth it. After relaxing in the elegant lounge, I was welcomed by a steward as I boarded the train. Shortly after departing Paris, menus were handed out so we could choose our meals. The presentation wasn’t overly fancy, but the food was delicious—and the service was truly excellent. Free Wi-Fi is available on most TGV INOUI trains, including the Paris to Lyon route, and I found the connection to be generally reliable throughout the journey.

The scenery between Paris and Lyon varies quite a bit. My favorite section is through the Morvan Forest, about halfway through the journey. I also love the Monts du Mâconnais, just before arriving in Lyon. I always find the left-hand side of the train to be slightly more scenic. That said, since you're traveling at high speed, you won’t have much time to soak it all in!

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Train tickets are quite expensive, but prices have become more affordable since Frecciarossa and Ouigo started operations. Fare for Business Première seating remains the same at €160 all the time. 

Costs for one passenger:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Book early to secure the best prices.
• Sit on the left-hand side for the best views near Mâcon.
• When departing from Gare de Lyon, arrive early and visit Le Train Bleu — one of the most beautiful restaurants in any train station worldwide.

Conclusion

Traveling from Paris to Lyon by train in under two hours feels surreal, especially when you consider how much ground you're covering. The route is fast, smooth, and more flexible than ever, thanks to multiple operators. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, this journey is one of the most convenient rail experiences in Europe.

About the Author: Thibault Constant

Job Title: Train Travel Content Creator Bio: Content creator (Simply Railway), specializing in train travel from all across the globe — including over 40 countries explored by rail.