Lyon

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Train Travel

Sections

1. Types of Trains in Lyon

Lyon is served by a variety of train services, catering to local, regional, and international travel needs. These include:

a. Local and Regional Trains

  • TER (Transport Express Régional): These are regional trains that connect Lyon to nearby towns and cities within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. They are ideal for short to medium-distance travel.
  • Rhônexpress: A tram-train service that connects Lyon’s city center to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport.

b. High-Speed Trains

  • TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse): High-speed trains that connect Lyon to major cities in France (e.g., Paris, Marseille, Lille, Bordeaux) and neighboring countries (e.g., Switzerland, Italy, Germany).
  • OUIGO: A low-cost version of the TGV, offering budget-friendly high-speed travel with fewer amenities.

c. International Trains

  • Eurostar: Connects Lyon to London (seasonal service).
  • TGV Lyria: High-speed trains connecting Lyon to Switzerland (e.g., Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich).
  • Thello: Trains connecting Lyon to Italy (e.g., Milan, Venice).

2. Major Train Stations in Lyon

Lyon has three main train stations, each serving different types of train services:

a. Gare de Lyon Part-Dieu

  • The largest and busiest train station in Lyon.
  • Serves TGV, TER, and international trains.
  • Located in the Part-Dieu business district, it is well-connected to public transport (metro, tram, and buses).

b. Gare de Lyon Perrache

  • Located closer to the city center, in the Presqu’île district.
  • Serves TER regional trains and some TGV services.
  • Smaller and less crowded than Part-Dieu, making it a good alternative for regional travel.

c. Gare de Lyon Saint-Exupéry

  • Located near Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, about 25 km from the city center.
  • Serves TGV and OUIGO trains, as well as the Rhônexpress tram-train.
  • Ideal for travelers connecting to flights or heading to destinations via high-speed trains.

3. Ticket Costs

The cost of train tickets in Lyon depends on the type of train, distance, and booking time. Below are general guidelines:

a. TER (Regional Trains)

  • Prices are based on distance traveled.
  • Example: A one-way ticket from Lyon to Grenoble costs around €15-€20.
  • Discounts are available for youth, seniors, and frequent travelers.

b. TGV and OUIGO (High-Speed Trains)

  • TGV tickets vary widely depending on the route and how early you book. For example:
    • Lyon to Paris: €25-€100 (one way).
    • Lyon to Marseille: €20-€80 (one way).
  • OUIGO tickets are cheaper, starting at €10, but they have stricter baggage policies and fewer amenities.

c. International Trains

  • Prices depend on the destination and booking time. For example:
    • Lyon to Geneva: €30-€50 (one way).
    • Lyon to Milan: €40-€80 (one way).

4. How to Purchase Tickets

You can purchase train tickets for travel in and from Lyon through several methods:

a. Online

  • SNCF Website (www.sncf.com): The official website for booking TGV, TER, and international train tickets.
  • OUIGO Website (www.ouigo.com): For low-cost high-speed train tickets.
  • Trainline (www.trainline.com): A user-friendly platform for booking all types of train tickets in France and Europe.

b. Mobile Apps

  • SNCF Connect App: Offers ticket booking, train schedules, and real-time updates.
  • Trainline App: Another convenient option for booking and managing tickets.

c. At the Station

  • Ticket counters: Available at all major train stations in Lyon.
  • Self-service kiosks: Found in train stations, allowing you to purchase tickets or print pre-booked ones.

d. Onboard (TER Only)

  • You can buy tickets directly from the conductor on TER trains, but this may incur a small surcharge.

5. Train Schedules

  • Train schedules vary depending on the type of train and destination.
  • TGV and International Trains: Typically run on fixed schedules with multiple departures daily for major routes.
  • TER Trains: Operate frequently, especially during peak hours, with reduced service in the evenings and on weekends.
  • Use the SNCF Connect App or website to check real-time schedules and plan your journey.

6. Connections to Other Cities

Lyon is a major hub in France’s rail network, offering excellent connections to other cities:

a. Domestic Connections

  • Paris: 2 hours via TGV.
  • Marseille: 1 hour 40 minutes via TGV.
  • Nice: 4 hours 30 minutes via TGV.
  • Bordeaux: 6 hours via TGV.
  • Grenoble: 1 hour 30 minutes via TER.

b. International Connections

  • Geneva, Switzerland: 2 hours via TGV Lyria.
  • Milan, Italy: 5 hours via TGV or Thello.
  • Barcelona, Spain: 5 hours via TGV.

7. Local Tips and Considerations

  • Book Early for TGV: Prices for high-speed trains increase as the departure date approaches. Book tickets as early as possible to secure the best fares.
  • Validate Your Ticket: For TER trains, you must validate (composter) your ticket at the yellow machines located on the platform before boarding. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
  • Travel Light on OUIGO: OUIGO has strict baggage policies. If you have large luggage, you may need to pay extra.
  • Check Strike Schedules: France occasionally experiences transportation strikes (grèves). Check the SNCF website or app for updates before traveling.
  • Use Public Transport to Stations: Lyon’s train stations are well-connected to the city’s metro, tram, and bus networks. Use these to avoid parking hassles.
  • Consider Rail Passes: If you plan to travel extensively within France or Europe, consider purchasing a rail pass (e.g., Eurail or Interrail) for cost savings.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Lyon’s train system and enjoy seamless travel both within the city and beyond. Let me know if you need further assistance!