Lyon to Paris train with Trenitalia

An Epic 300KM/H High-Speed Train Journey Across France

Introduction

Taking the train across France offers a brilliant mix of speed, comfort and scenic beauty. It’s my favorite way to experience the country. No check-in lines, airport delays or hectic bus journeys—just smooth and fast travel through stunning French landscapes on a vast high-speed network that radiates from Paris in all directions, including many international services.

Route Overview

Most trains between Lyon and Paris are operated by France’s national railway company, SNCF, and served mostly by high-speed double-decker TGV trains. These run along the LGV Sud-Est high-speed line, the first one to be built in France back in the early 1980s. The distance is 409 kilometers (254 miles) and takes around two hours, depending on the stopping pattern of your service.

Transportation Experience

Booking tickets on Omio was incredibly simple and quick. I selected a TGV INOUI service, departing at 11:38 am, and received my e-ticket immediately after completing payment. I arrived early at Lyon Part-Dieu station, had a nice brunch, and easily found my platform on the large departure boards and clear signage.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Lyon Part-Dieu is a central hub and well-linked to local transport, including three of the city’s tram lines on the expansive network. It’s busy but well-organized with information desks, a ticket office and ticket machines, not to mention plenty of food outlets. Once in Paris, you’ll arrive at Gare de Lyon, one of the capital’s most iconic stations. With its grand architecture and strategic location, you’re just a nice walk or quick metro ride from the top neighborhoods and landmarks in the city of love.

Schedule and Frequency

Departures from Lyon to Paris start around 6 am and run until just after 9 pm. Trains leave hourly throughout the day, with some additional peak-time services, making it the most convenient way to get between the two cities. Some additional services are also operated by Trenitalia—on the Paris to Milan route—but these are much less frequent.

Onboard Experience and Services

I rode in First Class and was impressed by how quiet and relaxed the experience was. The seats were wide, the legroom decent, and the large windows made the ride enjoyable from the top deck of the train.

Although there are no complimentary goodies, like you’d find elsewhere in some European First Class products, I feel the small price difference doesn’t warrant this. A dining car is available should you wish to purchase drinks or snacks, but be aware that it's quite pricey.

There was also fast Wi-Fi and standard European power sockets for charging phones or laptops. The train was very clean, including the toilets — and all announcements were clear and made in both French and English.

Ticketing Advice and Budget Breakdown

If you book ahead on Omio, fares can be quite affordable. However, be aware prices can rise steeply in the days leading up to—or on—the day of travel, sometimes 4x the price of booking a month in advance. My ticket was €51 for First Class. Prices vary depending on the time of day, season and class, with First Class offering more space and a quieter environment at a very small supplement in cost. Second Class tickets on this service were €43.

Top Tips and Personal Recommendations

• Plan to be at Lyon Part-Dieu at least 20 minutes before departure time to navigate to the correct platform and pass through the ticket-checking procedure or gate line.
• Arrive even earlier if you want to buy coffee or snacks at the station to save money on board, as they are quite expensive in the dining car.
• Try to get a seat on the top deck for the best views. Although you can’t select a specific seat, you can move to a free seat when everyone has boarded.
• Always download or screenshot your ticket before your trip in case Wi-Fi is patchy.
• In Paris, use Metro lines 1 or 14 from Gare de Lyon for fast access to central attractions.

Conclusion

The journey from Lyon to Paris is one of the smoothest railway journeys in Europe, with one of the highest average speeds. It’s quick, scenic and stress-free. Traveling by train is more than just getting from A to B—it’s part of the travel experience. Book your tickets through Omio and see why high-speed rail in France is hard to beat.

About the Author: Matt Barbour (Nonstop Eurotrip)

• Job Title: Travel Reviewer & Content Creator
• Bio: I create YouTube trip reports and reviews on trains, planes, buses and ferries within Europe and all around the world — and also share blog posts and travel deals on my website.