How to get to Gare de Lyon-Perrache Train Station

Travel from Lyon city centre to Lyon-Perrache

Lyon is one of the biggest cities in France and is famous for its unique culture, diverse cuisine, and ancient architecture. The city boasts an extensive transportation system that makes it easy for travellers to get around the city and its environs. Lyon-Perrache railway station also referred to as Gare de Lyon-Perrache, lies a few miles outside the city centre of Lyon. Besides the Lyon Part-Dieu railway terminal, Lyon-Perrache is one of the oldest train stations in this city. The terminal is a transit for coaches operating along the Paris-Marseille route and serves the trains operating from Lyon to Geneva. Still, regional connections from various townships near this city use the Lyon-Perrache train station. The station is well-connected to the T1, T2, T3, and T4 tramway lines, making it easily accessible from all areas of the city. Intercity and high-speed trains (TGV) and regional trains (TER) serve this station.

How far is it from Lyon city centre to Lyon-Perrache?

Lyon-Perrache railway station sits in the city of Lyon, which also serves as the capital of Rhone in the Auvergne-Rhode-Alpes area. The terminal is situated in the neighbourhood of Perrache between the confluence of Rhone and Saone Rivers on Lyon Peninsula. You’ll need to travel for about 1.8 miles (3.2 km) from the station to get to Downtown Lyon. The station is within easy reach of Lyon’s old town, and hence more convenient than Part Dieu, based on your location in Lyon. With the TGV high-speed train running at speeds of up to 198m/ph (320km/h), it’ll take less than 5min to commute from Lyon city centre to Lyon-Perrache railway station. Travelling via buses or taxis is also a good option, but you might delay due to the heavy traffic on some occasions. Cities connected to Lyon-Perrache train station include Paris, Avignon, Lille, and Brussels. Moving from the terminal to Brussels lasts about 4h, but Paris is a 2h ride away.

What is the best way to get to Lyon-Perrache train station from Lyon city centre?

There are numerous means at your disposal if you're travelling from Lyon city centre to Lyon-Perrache train station. The subway system and the local trains provide some of the most efficient means of travelling to and from the train station. You can hop onto subways A, B, C, and D for a fast and regular connection to Lyon-Perrache. The subway operates from 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. every day of the week, with coaches departing every 2 to 5min. Also, you can get to the train station via the numerous public buses in downtown Lyon. Popular bus lines connecting to Lyon-Perrache Train Station include C21, C22, S1, 49D, 55, and 63.

On the other hand, the electrically powered tramlines T1, T2, T3, and T4 come in handy for conservation buffs as they generate little noise, with no emissions. Travelling by any of the means mentioned above to the train station Lyon-Perrache is a sure way to connect you to several European destinations easily.

Where is/are the airport(s) in Lyon, and how to get there?

Lyon Airport (Lyon Saint-Exupéry) is situated about 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Lyon city. The official way to connect from Lyon city centre to the airport is via public transportation using the Rhonexpress tram. This tram shuttle service connects the two destinations and Part-Dieu, Lyon’s main train station. The express coach departs every 15min, with the trip lasting approximately 29min.

How accessible is Lyon train station for those with limited mobility?

Lyon-Perrache train station has specific services and facilities that cater to the needs of travellers with mobility problems. Passengers with disabilities should make early arrangements with the station management, preferably 48h in advance, to facilitate the use of wheelchairs to board and transfer. In this regard, passengers with limited mobility should arrive at the terminal about 30min before departure if they want to use these services. Besides, there are wheelchairs and boarding ramps for those who need them. Amenities such as bathrooms, elevators, and platforms are raised and adapted for passengers with reduced mobility to access them easily. Disabled passengers have separate queues from the rest at the Train Station Lyon-Perrache, and get priority boarding.

Lyon Train Station. Source: Shutterstock

Night trains to/from Lyon-Perrache

As highlighted in Omio magazine, numerous passengers are increasingly embracing night-time journeys, particularly those who are conscious of their comfort and privacy. Therefore, some operators run night trains from Train Station Lyon-Perrache to other cities in the region. For instance, TGV high-speed trains offer a few connections to Paris with different departure schedules depending on the specific travel days. If you’re a first-class ticket holder, you can expect a thrilling journey in a comfortable seat as you enjoy your complimentary beverage. Still, those in the economy enjoy cheaper tickets besides meeting and sharing contacts with other like-minded travellers.

Traveling by train in Lyon: Sustainable journey

Train as a means of transport consumes significantly less fuel than personal cars and planes. It is thus an economically friendly and efficient means of transport from Lyon-Perrache train station. As they combust less energy, they emit fewer volumes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Quantifiably, climate change experts approximate that travelling by train reduces your carbon footprints by about 13 times more than cars.

Local tips: Lyon train station points of interest

SATOBUS shuttles and taxis are available at the train terminus. Although the latter is a more convenient way of reaching Lyon-Perrache Train Station, especially if you have luggage, are more expensive to hire than public buses and subway lines. This terminal is close to numerous amenities to cater to your needs, such as parking lots, nursery area, luggage storage, ticketing office, telephone booths, and fast food. You can thus have a good time near the station as your luggage lies safely in a locker. Pop into the Three Maries and grab a plate of roasted potatoes before strolling through the Roman Antiquities’ Museum to delve into the area’s rich heritage.Other attractions at this destination include:

• Le GentleCat
• Université Catholique de Lyon - Ancienne Prison Saint-Paul
• Le Périscope
• Spa Cinq Mondes Lyon
• L'Oasis Meiso - Le Centre de Flottaison

What to do in Lyon

Head to Lyon and explore the undiscovered treasures in the city, including cultural treasures, the charm, and other iconic landmarks. Spare a moment and venture into the Musée des Beaux-Arts, where you’ll browse a large assortment of artwork, including sculptures and paintings, ancient coins, and antiquities. After a long day in the noisy outdoors, it may help if you took a meditative walk along the Quartier Saint-Jean and experience the quiet little courtyards and narrow cobblestone lanes.

If you’re here with your family, the little ones will relish every second of their time watching a traditional puppet show. A stop at the Museum of Archaeology immerses you into the region’s remarkable history as defined by Gallo-Roman-era objects such as ceramics, coins, statues, mosaics, gravestones, and vases. A visit to this French city won’t be complete without sampling its diverse menu. Famous for its hearty local gastronomy, the delectable dishes range from poached eggs in red wine sauce and roast chicken with morels to lamb or steak stew. Locate eateries specializing in locally inspired delicacies served in an elegant dining setting for something different.