Paris to Lyon by train: TGV, OUIGO or Frecciarossa, times and fares

By the TrainsNews Rail Expert · updated 12 October 2026

Paris to Lyon is one of Europe's busiest high-speed routes. The fastest trains cover the 427 km in 1h43, with fares from around €16 to €23 when booked early. Three operators compete on the line: SNCF's TGV INOUI, its low-cost brand OUIGO, and Trenitalia's Frecciarossa. Here is how to choose, where to board, and how to pay less.

Paris to Lyon by train: key facts

• Journey time: 1h43 on the fastest train, 2h09 on average, according to SNCF Connect. About 4h45 on the slow OUIGO Train Classique.
• Frequency: SNCF Connect lists 33 trains a day between Lyon and Paris, plus up to 14 Frecciarossa round trips a day.
• Fares: from €16 one way on SNCF Connect, €19 on OUIGO high-speed, €23 on Frecciarossa and €10 on OUIGO Train Classique, subject to availability.
• Paris stations: Gare de Lyon for most trains; Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy (Disneyland) and Charles de Gaulle Airport for some OUIGO trains; Paris Bercy for OUIGO Train Classique.
• Lyon stations: Part-Dieu (main business district), Perrache (south of the Presqu'île) and Saint-Exupéry (airport).

Times and the number of trains vary by day and with engineering works: always check before you travel.

TGV INOUI, OUIGO or Frecciarossa: which one?

TGV INOUI: the most departures

SNCF's main high-speed service runs the largest number of trains, from early morning to evening, and stops at Lyon Part-Dieu, with some trains continuing to Perrache. Luggage is generous (two suitcases and a hand bag) and tickets can be exchanged, depending on the fare. The best choice for business trips and for travellers who need flexibility.

OUIGO: cheapest if you travel light

OUIGO is SNCF's low-cost high-speed train. Fares start at €19, but only one cabin bag (55 × 35 × 25 cm) and a small hand bag are included: an extra suitcase costs €5 if booked online, or €20 if found at the station. Check your departure station carefully: some OUIGO trains leave from Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy or Charles de Gaulle Airport, not central Paris. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, as boarding closes before the train leaves.

OUIGO Train Classique: the slow but cheap option

OUIGO also runs classic-speed trains from Paris Bercy to Lyon Perrache, via Melun, Dijon, Chalon-sur-Saône and Mâcon. The trip takes about 4h45, but fares range from €10 to €49 for adults, with children capped at €5. A good deal if you have time and a tight budget.

Frecciarossa: the Italian alternative

Trenitalia France runs up to 14 Frecciarossa round trips a day between Paris and Lyon, taking about 2 hours, with fares from €23 in Standard. Some trains continue to Italy via Chambéry, Turin and Milan. Wi-Fi is free in every class, and each passenger can bring up to two suitcases and a hand bag.

Our advice

• Tight budget, small bag: OUIGO, booked early.
• Big luggage or business trip: TGV INOUI or Frecciarossa.
• Lots of time, very small budget: OUIGO Train Classique.
• Always compare the three operators: competition on this route keeps fares down.

Which Lyon station should you choose?

• Lyon Part-Dieu: the main station, in the business district on the east bank of the Rhône, with metro line B and trams. The best choice for most travellers.
• Lyon Perrache: closer to the historic centre and the Presqu'île, with metro line A. Useful if you are staying in Bellecour or Vieux Lyon.
• Lyon Saint-Exupéry: the high-speed station at the airport, linked to the city by the Rhônexpress tram. Only useful if you are flying.

How to pay less for Paris–Lyon

• Book early: the cheapest fares go first, especially on Friday and Sunday evenings and during French school holidays.
• Be flexible on time: early morning and late evening trains are often cheaper.
• Compare operators: SNCF and Trenitalia set their prices independently.
• Use a railcard if you travel often in France: SNCF's Avantage cards give discounts on TGV INOUI and Intercités.

Where to buy Paris–Lyon tickets

Our advice: compare on a booking site if you like, then buy directly from the operator to avoid booking fees and get after-sales service more easily.

Why under 2 hours for 427 km: the engineer's view

Paris to Lyon runs almost entirely on the LGV Sud-Est, France's first high-speed line, opened in 1981. Trains run at up to 300 km/h. At that speed, a driver cannot read lineside signals in time: speed instructions are sent to the driver's cab through the rails by the TVM cab-signalling system.

The line is also France's most saturated high-speed route, carrying trains to Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, the Alps, Switzerland and Italy. SNCF Réseau is therefore replacing TVM with ETCS Level 2, the European standard, and its 58 old relay interlockings with digital ones, in an €820m project part-funded by the EU. By cutting the minimum interval between trains from 4 to 3 minutes, it will allow up to 16 trains per hour in each direction from 2030. For passengers, that means more trains at peak times, and more room for competition.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train from Paris to Lyon?

1h43 on the fastest trains and about 2h09 on average. The slow OUIGO Train Classique takes about 4h45.

How much is a train ticket from Paris to Lyon?

From around €16 on SNCF Connect, €19 on OUIGO and €23 on Frecciarossa when booked early. Fares rise close to departure and during holidays.

Which Paris station do trains to Lyon leave from?

Paris Gare de Lyon for most trains. Some OUIGO trains leave from Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy or Charles de Gaulle Airport, and OUIGO Train Classique leaves from Paris Bercy.

Is it better to arrive at Lyon Part-Dieu or Perrache?

Part-Dieu is the main station and the best connected. Perrache is closer to the historic centre, Bellecour and Vieux Lyon.

Is Frecciarossa cheaper than the TGV between Paris and Lyon?

Not always. It depends on the day and time, so compare TGV INOUI, OUIGO and Frecciarossa before you buy.

Can I take the train from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Lyon?

Yes. TGV and OUIGO trains link Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV station directly to Lyon, without going through central Paris.

Key takeaways

• 1h43 on the fastest trains, dozens of departures a day.
• Three operators: TGV INOUI, OUIGO and Frecciarossa. Compare before buying.
• Check your Paris station: not every train leaves from Gare de Lyon.

Read also

• Paris to Marseille by train: TGV, OUIGO or Frecciarossa
• Paris to Barcelona by train: direct TGV times, fares and booking
• London to Paris by train: Eurostar times, fares and booking
• All our train travel guides

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Sources: SNCF Connect, Lyon–Paris route; OUIGO, Paris–Lyon; Trenitalia France, Paris–Lyon; Railway Gazette, ERTMS on the Paris–Lyon line. Pages accessed on 12 October 2026.