Traveling from Paris to Lyon by train is fast, convenient, and eco-friendly. Here’s what you need to know:
- Travel Time: High-speed trains like TGV INOUI and OUIGO take about 2 hours, while TER regional trains take over 3 hours.
- Ticket Prices: Start at $27 for early bookings, averaging around $45. OUIGO offers budget options from $11.
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Train Options:
- TGV INOUI: Premium service with Wi-Fi and a bar car (1h 55m).
- OUIGO: Budget-friendly, basic amenities (2h).
- TER: Regional trains with more stops (3h+).
- Daily Departures: Around 26 trains run daily, with schedules starting at 7:00 AM.
Quick Comparison:
| Service Type | Price Range | Travel Time | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| TGV INOUI | $45 avg | 1h 55m | Wi-Fi, bar car, comfort |
| OUIGO | $11+ | 2h | Budget, basic amenities |
| TER | $38+ | 3h+ | Regional stops, flexible tickets |
Book early for better prices, and consider TGV INOUI for comfort or OUIGO for savings. Trains depart from Paris Gare de Lyon and arrive at Lyon Part-Dieu, making it a direct and city-center-to-city-center journey. Perfect for business or leisure travel.
Train Classes and Ticket Options
Standard Class Travel
Standard class includes comfortable seating, a café-bar, power outlets, and free WiFi. Features may vary depending on the operator. For example, TGV INOUI focuses on ergonomic seating, while OUIGO offers a no-frills service with optional add-ons. Travelers looking for more comfort can explore first-class options, which come with extra benefits.
First Class Service
SNCF offers two first-class tiers: Standard Premier and Business Premier. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Standard Premier | Business Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge Access | SNCF Salon Grand Voyageur (Paris) | SNCF Salon Grand Voyageur (Paris) |
| Onboard Dining | Café‐bar access (pay as you go) | Complimentary meal and drinks |
| Ticket Flexibility | Standard change fees apply | Free changes; 100% refundable |
| WiFi & Power | Included | Included |
| Ideal For | Leisure travelers | Business travelers |
Standard Premier offers upgraded seating and access to the SNCF Salon Grand Voyageur lounge at Paris Gare de Lyon. Business Premier adds perks like a welcome drink and a hot meal served at your seat, making it well-suited for professionals. If you’re watching your budget, OUIGO’s services might be a better fit.
OUIGO Budget Service
OUIGO is a low-cost option for Paris–Lyon trips, with tickets starting at around $11. Bookings are only available online, and the fare includes one cabin bag and one hand baggage. Travelers can pay extra for additional services, including:
- Access to the "Espace tranquillité" (quiet zone)
- Extra baggage ($8.75 in advance or $11 if added later)
- Power outlet access
Keep in mind, OUIGO tickets have stricter change policies, with modifications costing about $20.75.
These options cater to a variety of budgets and preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Low Cost High-Speed Train From Paris to Lyon
Train Companies and Services
Three major train operators run services on the Paris–Lyon route, catering to different types of travelers. Here’s a quick look at the main providers:
SNCF TGV inOui
This is the primary high-speed service, completing the journey in about 2 hours. It offers standard onboard amenities for a comfortable travel experience.
OUIGO Trains
OUIGO is SNCF’s low-cost high-speed service. While it has fewer onboard features, it’s an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.
TER Regional Trains
TER operates regional trains on this route, with travel times exceeding 5 hours due to frequent stops. Tickets are fixed-price, making TER a good choice for those exploring towns along the way.
Up next, we’ll cover the different ways to purchase tickets for these services.
How to Buy Tickets
Getting tickets for the Paris–Lyon route is simple and can be done through several options.
Direct Booking Options
The official platform for booking Paris–Lyon train tickets is SNCF Connect. Their website and mobile app offer features like real-time schedules, live updates, mobile e-tickets, booking management, and train status tracking.
"One app to manage all your trips" – SNCF Connect[2]
OUIGO tickets are available starting at $18.50 for travel between July 5 and December 13, 2025. These tickets cover stops at Lyon Perrache, Lyon Part Dieu, and Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport[2].
Other online platforms are also available if you’re looking for more flexibility in your booking options.
Booking Platforms
Booking early can save you money, with tickets starting at $27. On average, fares are around $45[1].
Prefer in-person service? Here are your options for buying tickets at the station.
In-Person Purchase
If you’d rather buy tickets in person, Paris Gare de Lyon has several options to assist travelers:
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Self-Service Machines
Located throughout the station, these machines accept credit cards, contactless payments, and U.S. dollars (converted from euros). They’re available 24/7 and offer multilingual interfaces. -
Ticket Office
The Ticket Office, also known as Boutique Grandes Lignes SNCF, is in the Galerie des Fresques. Staffed by SNCF agents, it’s ideal for detailed bookings. Be aware that wait times may be longer during busy periods.
If you’re buying tickets at the station, it’s a good idea to arrive early. Keep in mind that some staff at the ticket office may primarily speak French.
Prices and Discounts
Ticket Price Timeline
Train ticket prices can change a lot depending on when you book. For instance, booking about 91 days ahead could get you fares as low as $27, but waiting until the last minute will likely cost you much more [1].
Here’s a quick look at starting prices for various train services:
| Train Service | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| TGV INOUI | $145 |
| SNCF TER | $38 |
| Trenitalia | $27 |
| Regionale | $95 |
Rail Cards and Passes
SNCF Connect offers several discount cards that might help cut costs on the Paris–Lyon route [3]. Keep in mind, though, that rail passes come with mandatory seat reservations and could include extra fees. The discounts these cards provide often depend on factors like travel time (off-peak vs. peak), how early you book, the traveler’s age, and the card’s validity.
Special Offers
If you’re looking to save even more, here are a couple of tips:
- Off-Peak Travel: Traveling during less busy hours can mean lower ticket prices.
Train Times and Frequency
Daily Train Schedule
The Paris–Lyon route runs 27 trains daily from Paris, starting at 7:00 AM and ending at 8:56 PM. From Lyon, 32 trains operate daily, beginning at 7:16 AM and finishing at 9:04 PM. Weekend schedules are nearly identical. For example, on April 5, 2025, a TGV INOUI left Paris Gare de Lyon at 7:00 AM and reached Lyon Part Dieu by 8:56 AM [4].
Travel Time by Train Type
Travel times vary depending on the type of train and stop patterns. Here’s a breakdown:
| Train Service | Travel Time Range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| OUIGO | 1h 44m – 1h 56m | Marne-La-Vallee to Lyon: 1h 47m |
| TGV INOUI | 1h 56m – 2h 8m | Paris to Lyon Part Dieu: 1h 56m |
| TER | 5h 24m – 5h 33m | Paris-Bercy to Lyon Part Dieu: 5h 24m |
OUIGO trains can complete the trip in as little as 1 hour 44 minutes [4]. TGV INOUI services are similarly quick, while TER regional trains take much longer. Travel times can vary depending on specific stops and station locations. For instance, some OUIGO trains depart from Marne-La-Vallee – Chessy or arrive at Lyon Saint-Exupery TGV instead of the central stations. On average, the journey across all train types takes about 2 hours and 7 minutes [1].
Extra Fees and Rules
Before your trip, make sure to check for any extra fees or rules that might apply to your journey.
Seat Reservation Costs
On the Paris–Lyon route, TGV seat reservations are mandatory. The standard reservation fee is $10 for both first and second class. If the initial seat allocation sells out, the fee increases to $20. These fees also apply to travelers using rail passes.
Change and Refund Rules
| Train Service | Change Policy | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|
| TGV INOUI | Free up to 7 days before departure; $19 fee within 6 days | Matches the change policy |
| OUIGO | $19 fee up to 30 minutes before departure | Non-refundable |
| TER Regional | Free changes until the day before departure | Full refund until the day before departure |
For TGV INOUI, any changes made within six days of departure will cost $19 per person, and the refund policy follows the same rules. OUIGO tickets can’t be refunded but can be changed up to 30 minutes before departure for a $19 fee per passenger.
Baggage Rules and Fees
Different train services have varying baggage policies:
- TGV INOUI: Passengers can bring two large pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage. Travelers are responsible for handling their own items.
- TGV Lyria: Luggage is limited to dimensions of 51 × 35 inches (130 × 90 cm). Hazardous, oversized, or commercial items are not allowed. All luggage must include the passenger’s name and address.
- TER Regional: No size restrictions, but luggage must be stored properly and securely.
OUIGO allows passengers to purchase extra luggage options beyond the basic allowance.
Next, we’ll take a closer look at how Interrail passes work on this route and what specific requirements you need to know.
Using Interrail Passes
Interrail passes include full access to the Paris–Lyon route. However, all high-speed TGV services require mandatory seat reservations in advance, which come with additional fees.
Reservation Fees
- Base fee: $2.15 per person, per train
- Paper ticket surcharge: $9.70 per booking (note that seats for pass holders are limited)
Booking Your Reservations
| Booking Method | Advance Booking Window | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Interrail Self-Service | Up to 3 months ahead | Immediate |
| SNCF Station Counter | Up to 3 months ahead | Immediate |
| SNCF Call Center | Up to 3 months ahead | 1-2 business days |
| Railway Station | Same day | Immediate |
Reservation availability can be very limited during peak travel months (June to September). If you’re unable to secure a reservation, here are some alternative travel options:
Alternative Options
- Regional TER trains: No reservations are needed, but the trip will take longer.
- Multiple-leg journeys: Break the trip into smaller segments using regional services with stops along the way.
- Alternative routes: Explore other high-speed services that pass through different cities.
These options can help you navigate the route when reservations for TGV services are unavailable.
Pass Coverage
With your Interrail pass, you can access the following:
- All SNCF TGV INOUI services
- Regional TER trains
- Most Intercités services
Important: OUIGO services are not included in the Interrail pass. You’ll need to purchase separate tickets for these trains.
For the best experience, make your reservations as early as possible to secure a seat on the fastest TGV services.
Quick Guide Summary
Here’s a quick overview to help plan your journey from Paris to Lyon.
The Paris to Lyon train route offers options to match different budgets and preferences. TGV INOUI provides high-speed travel with perks like Wi-Fi and power outlets, while OUIGO is a more affordable choice. The trip spans 244 miles and typically takes around 2 hours.
| Service Type | Average Price | Journey Time | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| TGV INOUI | $45 | 2h 7m | Wi-Fi, power outlets, comfortable seating |
| OUIGO | $27 | 2h 37m | Basic service, budget-friendly |
| TER Regional | Varies | 4h+ | Flexible tickets, no reservations needed |
High-speed services require reservations, even for Interrail pass users. Trains run between Paris Gare de Lyon and Lyon Part-Dieu with departures throughout the day. Booking early can help you find lower prices.
What’s more, this route is an eco-conscious choice. Train travel produces only 0.1–0.4 kg of CO₂ emissions compared to other transport options [1].
This summary highlights the balance of speed, convenience, and sustainability offered by the Paris–Lyon train route.