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Getting to Lyon by train, plane or car
Lyon is served by two main railway stations, Part-Dieu (the main one) and Perrache, by Lyon–Saint-Exupéry airport 25 km away, and by a network of motorways. Paris is about 2 hours away by TGV.
By train: Part-Dieu or Perrache?
Most TGV trains stop at Part-Dieu, on the left bank of the Rhône. Perrache, on the Presqu'île, mainly serves Saint-Étienne, the south and the west, and some TGVs. Tram line T1 links the two stations, and so does the metro (change at Charpennes), so picking the wrong one is not costly. Allow about 2 hours from Paris and 1 hour 40 from Marseille. There is no longer a direct train between London and Lyon: change in Paris or Lille.
By plane: Lyon–Saint-Exupéry
The airport, 25 km east of the city, handled about 10 million passengers in 2023. The Rhônexpress tram-train reaches Part-Dieu station in about 30 minutes, with one intermediate stop. Taxis and ride-hailing are an option, at a higher price.
By car
The A6 leads to Paris, the A7 to Marseille, the A42 and A40 to Geneva, the A43 to Chambéry and Grenoble, the A47 to Saint-Étienne and the A89 to Clermont-Ferrand. Approximate distances: Paris 466 km, Marseille 315 km, Geneva 150 km. Parking in the city is expensive: use the park-and-ride car parks at the ends of metro and tram lines, and check the low-emission zone rules before you come.
Frequently asked questions
Part-Dieu or Perrache: which station should I choose?
Choose the one printed on your ticket. Part-Dieu is the main station for TGVs; Perrache is closer to the Presqu'île and Old Lyon. Tram T1 links the two.
How do I get from the airport to central Lyon?
Take the Rhônexpress: about 30 minutes to Part-Dieu. A taxi or ride-hailing car is possible but more expensive.
How long is the train from Paris to Lyon?
About 2 hours, with very frequent departures.
The Festival of Lights in Lyon
Metro and tram mapUpdated 25 October 2026.