Geneva to Lyon train with SNCF TER

Train Geneva Lyon

The capital city of French gastronomy, Lyon, is approximately 70 miles (112 km) from Geneva. On average, a train from Geneva to Lyon takes 2h 4min to cover the distance. Roughly 91 trains leave for Lyon from Geneva weekly. There are direct trains and trains with a change in the route. A fast train Geneva - Lyon takes about 1h 52min on the rail, while the slowest takes roughly 2h 52min. The frequency of the trains applies even on weekends and holidays.

Geneva to Lyon Train Time: Daily Departures

Ideally, 13 trains depart from Geneva to Lyon daily. Every hour a train to Lyon from Geneva leaves the Geneva station. The first train starts its journey at around 5:14 a.m. and takes 2h 8min to cover the distance between the two cities. It is a direct train. The last train Geneva – Lyon leaves Geneva at roughly 7:30 p.m. and arrives in Lyon at about 9:22 p.m. It is a direct train that takes roughly 1h 52min on the route. Passengers can view the train schedule Geneva to Lyon by going to the Omio website and searching for it.

Boarding your train Geneva Lyon

Boarding your train at Geneva train station is easy, as the station is easy to navigate. After arriving via tram or taxi, there are two entrances you will see. On the left is the West departure hall, while on the right is the East departure hall. The ticket office is in the corridor that links the departure hall. Your train from Geneva to Lyon will depart from voies 7 and 8. To access the voies use the East departure hall and the passageway. At the east passageway's end is an elevator and a slope up to the trains. You may also pass through passport control to get to the voies. Arrive at the station at least 15 min before departure to board your train in no hurry. A valid ticket is needed to get through the gates to the train.

Geneva: city view of the lake and famous fountain. Source: Shutterstock

Where does the train departure in Geneva and arrive in Lyon

All trains from Geneva to Lyon depart from Geneva train station. The station is northwestern and operates less than a mile from the city centre. You will take about five minutes on foot to the station from the Geneva city centre. If you arrive a few minutes before departure, you can wait in the waiting area. There are also several shopping and food outlets at the station. Outside the station are a taxi rank and a bus stop.

Upon arrival in Lyon, your train from Geneva to Lyon will stop at Lyon Part Dieu. The station operates roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from Lyon city centre. A taxi will cover the distance in about three minutes while a bus takes roughly 15 min. Alternatively, you can walk for roughly 30 min from the station to downtown Lyon.

When is the best time to book your train ticket Geneva Lyon?

The train ticket cost from Geneva to Lyon depends on the train providers. You can book your train tickets Geneva to Lyon any time of the day as they are standard. All the SNCF | TER trains offer similar ticket fares for all the direct trains from Geneva to Lyon. However, the SNCF | TER train that makes a change has a different ticket fare that is slightly higher than the direct trains. The SNCF | TGV Lyria trains ticket fare is also constant throughout the day but higher than the SNCF | TER trains fare.

What to see between Geneva and Lyon

After booking your train from Geneva to London, rest assured that the journey will be adventurous. You will see Lac Leman in the background as you leave Geneva station. Enjoy the scenery while passing the stretch of Reserve Naturelle Nationale de la Haute. The stretch of River Rhone will be a constant view during your journey from Geneva to Lyon. Catch a glimpse of Cret la Neige mountain from your train Geneva Lyon window. Other interesting sites you may come across during the journey are:

• Saléve
• Lac du Bourget
• Grand Parc Miribel Jonage
• Maison du Parc naturel regional du Massif
• Parc naturel regional du Haut-Jura

Information on Lyon Part Dieu

Lyon Part Dieu station receives all the trains from Geneva to Lyon. The station is the main railway station of Lyon and is in the heart of Lyon Metropolis. Car rental services are available at the station. There is also a car park near the station. Outside the station, you can take a bus or a taxi to your next destination. The station has lifts, ramps and accessible toilets, making it accessible to people with disabilities. Other useful facilities at the station are:

• Information office
• Wi-Fi
• Lounge
• Lost and found office
• Luggage storage services
• Trolleys

Night trains Geneva Lyon

Night trains from Geneva to Lyon account for one daily departure. The night train starts its journey about 7:30 p.m. and arrives in Lyon Part Dieu around 9:22 p.m. it is a direct train. The train covers the distance between the two cities in roughly1h 52 min. It is among the fastest and cheapest trains from Geneva to Lyon. It is also the last train on the day from Geneva to Lyon.

SNCF | TER trains Geneva to Lyon

SNCF | TER trains account for 12 daily departures from Geneva to Lyon, translating to about 84 trains to Lyon from Geneva weekly. The first SNCF | TER train starts its journey at around 5:14 a.m. and gets to Lyon at about 7:22 a.m. It is a direct train that takes roughly 2h 8min to cover the distance between the two cities. The last SNCF | TER train departs Geneva at around 7:30 p.m. and takes about 1h 52min on the rail. The train arrives in Lyon at roughly 9:22 p.m. SNCF | TER trains have one train that makes a change. The train leaves Lyon at around 10:00 a.m. and takes 2h 52min on the route. It makes a transfer at Gare d'Aix les Bains-Le Revard which lasts for 36 min.

SNCF | TGV Lyria trains Geneva to Lyon

SNCF | TGV Lyria trains account for one daily departure from Geneva to Lyon. The train leaves the Geneva station at around 6:29 a.m. and arrives in Lyon Part Dieu at about 9:07 a.m. The SNCF | TGV Lyria train Geneva to Lyon takes about 2h 38 min on the rail. It also changes at Bourg-en-Bresse, which lasts for about 27 min. The Geneva to Lyon train speed is roughly 199 mph (320 km/h).

Trains Geneva to Lyon: Sustainability travel

Rest assured, when you take from Geneva to Lyon, you contribute to protecting the environment. Rail is the most sustainable transit method in terms of fuel. Due to the large capacity, a train from Geneva to Lyon carries more people, thus reducing the number of cars on the road. Fewer cars on the road ease traffic congestion. Moreover, trains have a lower carbon footprint and emit minimal carbon gases. SNCF | TGV Lyria and SNCF | TER trains are committed to having operational trains with even lower carbon emissions. Dustbins are available in all trains from Geneva to Lyon, keeping the environment clean.

Train Geneva to Lyon: Services on Board

SNCF | TER trains from Geneva to Lyon offer two seating classes on your journey to Lyon. You may consider checking into the first-class cabin if you have a flexible budget. The cabins have wider seats and extra leg room. Passengers also enjoy complimentary food and drinks. The SNCF | TGV Lyria trains only offer standard cabins. The seats in the standard cabins of both providers are comfortable. You can also take advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi on the trains and charge your devices with the power sockets near the window seats. Other useful on-board services are:

• Pets: Small pets can travel from Geneva to Lyon on any train. They must, however, be in a pet carrier not exceeding 45 by 30 by 25 cm. The pets should travel on your lap or at your feet. Big dogs should travel muzzled or on a leash. Passengers must purchase a ticket for big dogs. Service dogs and other support animals travel for free.
• Luggage: There is no weight limit on the luggage you can carry onboard your train Geneva – Lyon. However, you must be able to carry your luggage. You should also store it properly on board to avoid blocking the aisle or access doors. The luggage should also not disturb other passengers.
• Bikes: Passengers are permitted to bring their disassembled bike or foldable bike for free on any train to Lyon from Genova as long as they are stored in a lab not bigger than 120 by 90 cm. Fully assembled bikes are not allowed.
• Accessibility: Staff members on trains from Genova to Lyon offer required aid to passengers in wheelchairs. SNCF | TGV Lyria trains have seats specifically reserved for wheelchair users and a transfer chair to help you move independently to the toilets. SNCF | TER train seats are spacious enough for wheelchair users.
• Seat reservation: You can book your ticket minutes before you travel as they are available. However, please book in advance and get an opportunity to book your preferred seat and train.

When to book your train tickets from Geneva to Lyon?

You have a chance to reduce your ticket cost when you purchase your ticket abouta month in advance. There are usually ticket sales that happen months before your travel date. Purchasing the ticket a week in advance is also an option. Consider boarding the slower trains if your schedule is flexible. You will spend a few more minutes on the rail but save on ticket fare. Alternatively, you can board the night train as it is the cheapest train from Geneva to Lyon. Another money-saving method is buying a flexible ticket. The ticket permits you to alter your travel time and date without incurring additional Genova to Lyon train cost.

To Lyon by train — travel tips

Lyon reflects over two thousand years of historical and architectural landmarks. Historically, the city was an important area for the production and weaving of silk. Lyon is one large World Historic Site at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. With all the city has to offer your to-do list will be full. You may start by discovering one of Europe's largest Renaissance old quarters. The Vieux Lyon was built between the 15th century and 17th century in a Gothic and Renaissance style. Admire the countless works of art at Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. The museum is set inside a former abbey. The abbey dates back to the 1600s and holds pieces from 1300 till the 1900s. It also has detailed sculptures and valuables from ancient Egypt. Try out one of Lyon's popular and famous dishes, quenelle, which is a delicate and refined fish. Other sites that you may visit during your time in Lyon include:

• Traboules
• Fourvière Basilica
• Parc de la Tête d'Or
• Presqu'île
• Ancient Theatre of Fourvière
• Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière
• Lyon Cathedral
• Institut Lumière


Lyon: cityscape of Saone river and colorful famous houses. Source: Shutterstock

What are the other cities you can go from Lyon

Your journey does not have to end in Lyon after alighting your train Geneva – Lyon. There are several nearby cities worth visiting. Take a train to Voiron city, the home of Caves de Chartreuse where centuries-old liqueur is made. The cellars are one of the largest liqueur cellars in the world. The city is roughly an hour from Lyon. Experience the national Musilac festival in Aix-les-Bains city. The city is about two hours from Lyon, roughly 71 miles (113.7 km). You can also explore Chalon-sur-Saone city and taste their wine pallet. The city is roughly an hour and thirty minutes from Lyon.