- 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.
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 £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 16 trains from Lyon to Besançon, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 189 km distance in an average of 2 h 40 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 57 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.
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Trains from Lyon to Besançon run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 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 12m.
Distance 189 km |
Average train duration 2h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 12m |
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 |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Lyon to Besançon.
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Besançon trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
12183+ 894522 | 10:01 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h26 | 12:27 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
5516+ 894530 | 11:38 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h52 | 14:30 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
117760+ 894259 | 13:16 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h28 | 16:44 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
117762+ 894263 | 15:16 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h28 | 18:44 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
5500+ 894554 | 16:01 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h54 | 18:55 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
895810 | 16:30 Lyon Part Dieu | 2h39 | 19:09 Besançon Viotte | 0 changesdirect | |
117764+ 894267 | 17:16 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h28 | 20:44 Besançon Viotte | 1 change | |
9896+ 894229 | 18:00 Lyon Part Dieu | 3h04 | 21:04 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
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.
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.
Check train stations information for Lyon and Besançon, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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