- Must visit
Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie
Fine arts and archaeology museum with paintings, ancient collections and a notable modernist interior. A strong introduction to Besançon’s cultural heritage.
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£15
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£36
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
2 h 26 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
2 h 33 m
Trains on 17 Sept
22
Distance
189 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lyon to Besançon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lyon to Besançon will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £15.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 22 trains from Lyon to Besançon, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 189 km distance in an average of 2 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 26 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 39 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
889477 · 895914
895810
895804
17810+
894261
17762+
894263
9583+
894522
895804
9898+
894211
895810
895802Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lyon to Besançon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 8m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, while a train costs an average of £30.
Distance: 189 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£30 Average Price | £15 Average Price Cheapest | £55 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 2h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 48m Average total duration 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Lyon to Besançon:
A coach is £14 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lyon to Besançon costing on average £30.
Other travel options to Besançon take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 18m.
The journey is about 4m faster (2h 38m by train vs 2h 42m by car) and roughly £25 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£30 vs £55). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with TER, SNCF TER | Operated by SNCF Voyageurs 1187, Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Besançon trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
889461 · 895906 | 6:12 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h57 | 9:09 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
17800+ 6741 | 6:16 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h03 | 9:19 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
4300+ 894209 | 7:04 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h00 | 10:04 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
895802 | 7:30 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h39 | 10:09 Besançon Viotte | 0 changesdirect | |
9898+ 894211 | 8:32 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h35 | 11:07 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
895804 | 9:42 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h27 | 12:09 Besançon Viotte | 0 changesdirect | |
9583+ 894522 | 10:01 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h26 | 12:27 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
17804+ 894215 | 10:16 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h49 | 14:05 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
5516+ 894530 | 11:38 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h52 | 14:30 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
17806+ 894219 | 12:16 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h48 | 16:04 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
17760+ 894259 | 13:16 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h28 | 16:44 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
889477 · 895914 | 14:12 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h58 | 17:10 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
17810+ 894261 | 14:16 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h28 | 17:44 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
17762+ 894263 | 15:16 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h28 | 18:44 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
895810 | 16:30 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h39 | 19:09 Besançon Viotte | 0 changesdirect | |
4302+ 894227 | 17:04 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h00 | 20:04 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
4302+ 6709+ 894558 | 17:04 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h48 | 19:52 Besançon Viotte | 2 changes | |
17764+ 894267 | 17:16 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h28 | 20:44 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
9896+ 894562 | 18:00 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h52 | 20:52 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
895814 | 18:30 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h39 | 21:09 Besançon Viotte | 0 changesdirect | |
17816+ 894269 | 19:16 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h59 | 23:15 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
17816+ 6715+ 894570 | 19:16 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h36 | 22:52 Besançon Viotte | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Lyon to Besançon run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 20:16. The fastest train covers the 189 km distance in 2h 39m.
Distance 189 km |
Average train duration 2h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 39m |
First train 4:55 |
Last train 20:16 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Besançon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Besançon trip today.
Fine arts and archaeology museum with paintings, ancient collections and a notable modernist interior. A strong introduction to Besançon’s cultural heritage.
Museum in Victor Hugo’s birthplace presenting the writer’s life and his commitments. Compact, thoughtful and easy to combine with a walk in the centre.
Museum devoted to timekeeping, watchmaking and local industry inside the citadel. It offers interactive displays and a distinctive regional story.
Grand riverside square lined with handsome buildings and terraces, often used for events. It is a natural starting point for exploring central Besançon.
Main shopping street through the old town with historic façades, arcades and everyday city life. Ideal for an easy stroll between major sights.
Popular viewpoint above the city with broad panoramas over the Doubs loop, roofs and citadel. A rewarding stop for walkers and photographers.
Smoked pork sausage from nearby Morteau, slowly cooked and often served with potatoes or lentils. It is a Franche-Comté staple with protected regional identity.
Air-dried smoked sausage from the Haut-Doubs, traditionally eaten cooked with warm dishes or cold in charcuterie platters. A classic local mountain product.
Rich cheese tart from Franche-Comté made with Comté, eggs and cream in pastry. It is a signature regional comfort dish often found in local brasseries.
Popular casual spot for crêpes and galettes with a warm, informal atmosphere. Good for a lighter meal in the old town.
Established restaurant serving refined French cuisine with regional produce in an elegant but relaxed setting close to the historic centre.
Traditional brasserie near the centre known for regional Franche-Comté dishes, generous portions and a lively classic dining room.
Moderate for France: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Paris, while local transport and everyday cafés stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Service is included in restaurant bills. Locals may round up or leave 5-10% for excellent service. Round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés if service was good.
Official public transport app
Besançon Viotte -> Centre-ville, Besançon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lyon to Besançon by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Besançon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Lyon to Besançon trains use the Lyon Part Dieu to Besançon Viotte station pair, with some services arriving at Besançon - Mouillère. Use this guide to compare Lyon and Besançon train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Lyon Part Dieu is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
Lyon Part Dieu has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Alto Café, Paul, Paul The Café, Starbucks, Exki, Sushi Shop, Carrefour
Free unlimited WiFi. ATMs are located in the station's main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Wed: 05:00 - 20:45, Thu - Sat: 05:00 - 21:45, Sun: 06:45 - 21:45. Information desks are located in the station's main hall. .
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are available daily from 06:15 to 23:15. They are located near the station's reception desk. .
Available at Lyon Part Dieu: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lyon Part Dieu: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon Part Dieu: Complimentary personalized care is available.
Nearby hotels include Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon, Mercure Lyon Center, ibis Styles Lyon Center.
Lyon-Perrache is 1 km from Lyon city centre. Public transport options include:
Lyon-Perrache has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: PAUL
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available after creating an account and connecting to "CONNECTION.". ATMs are aTM machine is located in Hall Level 2 in front of the PAUL bakery.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 10:00 - 18:00. Information desks are information services are available at the ticket office, located in Hall Level 2.
Available at Lyon-Perrache: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lyon-Perrache: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon-Perrache: Hearing, mobility, and visual disability assistance. Accessibility available with elevator, ramp or step-free access, barrier-free toilets.
Nearby hotels include Mercure Lyon Centre Chateau Perrache, Hotel De Normandie, InterContinental Lyon-Hotel Dieu.
Lyon-Jean-Macé has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Jean Moulin, Brasserie de l'Est
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Lyon-Jean-Macé. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lyon-Jean-Macé. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lyon-Jean-Macé: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lyon-Jean-Macé: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lyon-Jean-Macé: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Ibis Lyon Centre, Hotel des Facultés, Comfort Suites Rive Gauche Lyon Centre.
Besançon Viotte has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Pain Soleil, Selecta
Free, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi when you create a free account. ATMs are located in the front of the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:10, Sat - Sun: 10:00 - 17:10. Information desks are located at the south entrance to the underground level. .
Available at Besançon Viotte: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Besançon Viotte: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Besançon Viotte: The station is fully accessible, including wheelchair ramps, a magnetic induction loop for people with hearing loss and a guidance system for people with visual impairments. Staff can provide additional assistance, and wheelchairs are available.
Nearby hotels include ibis budget Besançon Centre Gare, Victor Hugo Hotel and Spa, Le Viotte King Size.
Besançon - Mouillère is 1 km from Besançon city centre. Public transport options include:
Besançon - Mouillère has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Besançon - Mouillère.
ATMs are available at Besançon - Mouillère.
Available at Besançon - Mouillère: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Besançon - Mouillère: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Besançon - Mouillère.
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