- Recommended
Musée municipal de Pontarlier
The town museum presents Pontarlier’s history, art and regional life, including absinthe heritage; a compact introduction to the area.
Cheapest price
£33
Average price
£33
Fastest journey
3 h 5 m
Average duration
3 h 5 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
173 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lyon to Pontarlier is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lyon to Pontarlier will cost around £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.
Of the 1 trains that leave Lyon for Pontarlier every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 173 km distance in an average of 3 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 5 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lyon to Pontarlier among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £17, and a coach costs an average of £30.
Distance: 173 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£33 Average Price Cheapest | £34 Average Price |
3h 26m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 33m Average total duration 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Lyon to Pontarlier trains for tomorrow, Thursday 13 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 15:30 Lyon | 3h05 | 18:35 Pontarlier | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Pontarlier run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:57, the last at 18:58. The fastest train covers the 173 km distance in 2h 55m.
Distance 173 km |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 2h 55m |
First train 5:57 |
Last train 18:58 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Pontarlier — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Pontarlier trip today.
The town museum presents Pontarlier’s history, art and regional life, including absinthe heritage; a compact introduction to the area.
A working distillery with museum displays on absinthe production, local ingredients and revival of the spirit; informative and distinctive to Pontarlier.
The visitor experience at this historic distillery explores absinthe-making traditions and old equipment, offering insight into a defining local craft.
Pontarlier’s central square, framed by civic buildings and shops, is the best place to feel the town’s daily rhythm and historic urban core.
A popular natural walking area south of town with cliffs, forest and broad views; suited to visitors wanting an easy outdoor escape.
A scenic lake area near Pontarlier known for walking, birdlife and calm waterside views; a strong local favourite for nature and relaxation.
An anise-flavoured spirit distilled in Pontarlier. It became the town’s signature drink through its historic absinthe distilleries.
Traditional Franche-Comté pork sausage from nearby Morteau, smoked in mountain chimneys. A regional staple often served with potatoes.
A cooked pressed cow’s milk cheese from the Jura mountains. It is central to local cooking and widely eaten in slices, fondues and baked dishes.
Casual local address for crêpes, galettes and simple meals, popular for an easy lunch or relaxed evening in town.
Established restaurant known for refined French cooking and regional produce, with a smart yet approachable atmosphere.
Traditional brasserie in central Pontarlier serving regional dishes, Jura cheeses and hearty classics in a relaxed setting.
Moderate for France. Hotels and dining are reasonable for a small town, though border demand can lift prices. Local transport needs are limited, helping overall visitor costs.
Service is usually included in restaurant bills. Locals may round up or leave 5-10% for very good service. Round up for taxis, and leave small change in cafés if you wish.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lyon to Pontarlier 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 Pontarlier, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Lyon to Pontarlier trains use the Lyon Part Dieu to Pontarlier station pair. Use this guide to compare Lyon and Pontarlier 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.
Pontarlier has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Grill Comtois, La Table de Gustave
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Pontarlier. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Pontarlier. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pontarlier: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Pontarlier: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pontarlier.
Nearby hotels include Hôtel Saint-Pierre, Campanile Pontarlier, Ibis Pontarlier.
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