Lyon Part Dieu (Train Station): Departures and guide

Travel from Lyon city center to Lyon Part Dieu train station

Lyon is France’s third largest hub after Paris and Marseille. This city was of great importance especially during the Renaissance period. It’s known for its historical sites and architectural landmarks. Lately it has also developed a reputation for its excellent gastronomy. The main train terminal in the city is the Lyon Part Dieu station. This train station in Lyon is located in the heart of its central business district, just east of the historic city center.

To travel from the Lyon city center to the Lyon train station is fairly easy and doesn’t take very long. Depending on if you’re in the Old Town of Lyon or in the Presqu’Île central area, a connecting route to the Blue B subway line will take you directly to the Lyon Part Dieu station and public transportation hub. There are also public buses operating from the city center to the train station. For instance, travelers can catch the C3 or C13 routes from the Cordeliers-Jacobins district on the Presqu’Île.

How far is it from Lyon city center to Lyon Part Dieu train station?

The historic Old Town of Lyon is about 2.5 miles (4 km) away from the Lyon Part Dieu main train station. Starting from the west bank of the Saone River, cross over on the Alphonse Juin Bridge heading east. Continue straight on Rue Grenette until you go over the Rhone River on the Lafayette Bridge and it turns into Carrer Lafayette. Take your first right along the Rhone River and your first possible left turn onto Rue de Bonnel. You’re going to follow Rue de Bonnel for about 1 mile (1.6 km) until you go south on Rue de la Villette. The Lyon Pont Dieu train station will be on your right-hand side. This route by car can take about 20min depending on if your train time in Lyon is during rush hour. Getting to the train station from the Presqu’Île area of Lyon can be about 10min faster.

What is the best way to get to Lyon Part Dieu train station from Lyon city center?

The best way to get to the Lyon Part Dieu train station from the city center is by public transportation. A good way to avoid traffic during peak hours is taking the Lyon subway system. The Lyon Part Dieu train station has connections to the blue B Metro Line. From Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) city center, make your way south on Rue Saint-Jean. Right after you pass the Saint-Jean Square on your right and the Saint-Jean Cathedral on your left, the road turns into Avenue du Doyenné and the Vieux Lyon Metro entrance will be on your right-hand side. Ride the Green D Line in the direction heading towards Gare de Vénissieux. After three stops, you’ll switch trains at the Saxe-Gambetta metro station. Take the B train heading towards Charpennes, and the Part-Dieu V. Merle stop is where you’ll be getting off. Follow the signs on the street to “Gare”, walking east. This entire route can take about 21min.

A young traveler in the Part Dieu Statio. Source: Shutterstock

Where is the airport in Lyon and how to get there?

The Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is the main airport serving the area of this French city. It’s about 17 miles (27 km) east of the city of Lyon, and takes around 40min to get to and from the Part Dieu train station by car. However, there is an express train that makes the trip directly to Lyon Part Dieu in about 37min. This train is called the Rhônexpress.

How accessible is Lyon train station for those with limited mobility?

Passengers traveling through the Lyon Part Dieu train station can benefit from barrier-free travel at this station. The access to the building, as well as getting around it, is accessible for travelers with reduced mobility. The train station entrance on Rue de la Villette is directly at street level and step-free. Once inside the station, the hall is wide, favorable for mobility with a wheelchair. The Lyon Part Dieu station is equipped with accessible restrooms as well as lifts to get around the station and to the train platforms. For more information about the train station in Lyon and its accessible services, passengers can go to the information desk and also request assistance from the staff available. This assistance service is offered daily between the first and last trains of the day. It’s a free service available for passengers with disabilities to get on and off trains, as well as getting around the station with their luggage if necessary.

Night trains to/from Lyon Part Dieu

There currently aren’t any night trains to Lyon or direct night trains departing out of the Lyon Part Dieu station. However, there are a few options with a stopover in between that arrive at your final destination the next morning. For instance, there is a train to London from the Lyon Part Dieu station, stopping in Paris before the overnight route to the station in England’s capital city.

Traveling by bus/train in Lyon: Sustainable journey

SNCF is the French national railway. Its current objective, among others, to ensure a more sustainable way of travelling by train, is cutting down their carbon emissions by 2030. Their target is to improve air quality as well as finding new green ways of powering their trains, like with electricity and biofuels.

Local tips: Lyon train station points of interest

The Lyon Part Dieu train station is the main train terminal of the city, located in the central business district of Lyon. The station offers train routes connecting Lyon with other cities around France as well as some international destinations like Belgium, Luxemburg and Switzerland. Upon getting off your train, the Lyon Part Dieu has plenty of services available to suit any needs, such as restaurants, travel information and even car rental agencies. Make your way to the city center to really get to explore the beautiful historical landmarks such as the large central square called the Place Bellecour, or the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Saint-Jean Cathedral in the Old Lyon district.

• Explore the fine arts collections at the Musée des Beaux Arts
• Stroll along the cobblestone streets in the Saint-Jean and Georgés Quarters in Old Lyon
• Go back in time at the Gallo-Roman archeological site in the Museum of Archaeology
• Enjoy the fine authentic cuisine at Le Grand Café Lyonnais
• Witness a performance at the Opéra de Lyon

Lyon's traveler view the cityscape during the sunset. Source: Shutterstock

What to do in Lyon

Lyon is a city in the east of France, known for its architectural and historic landmarks as well as its UNESCO World Heritage site. Its central districts you won’t want to miss during your visit are the Vieux Lyon (Old Town of Lyon) and Presqu’Île, the “almost island” part of the city between the Saone and Rhône Rivers. Travelers can start off at the Place Bellecour on the Presqu’Île and then make their way towards the Old Lyon.

The Presqu’Île District is known for its monumental town squares and beautiful architecture. As you cross the Saone River to the Old Lyon district, the streets get narrower and the roads turn to cobblestone. Take some time to just wander around the Saint-Jean and Georgés Quarters where you can see the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Cathedral as well as the Gallo-Roman Theater dating back to the ancient Roman Empire. Make sure to try the delectable cuisine in Lyon. Some typical dishes are the “quenelle” egg and fish dish or the Lyonnais sausage.