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How to get from Annecy to Lyon
The easiest way from Annecy to Lyon is the regional TER train to Lyon Part-Dieu, about 2 h. The cheapest is a long-distance coach, about 1 h 45 to 2 h 15 for a low fare. Driving takes about 1 h 45 on tolled motorways.
Best option: Train. TER trains run through the day from the town centre straight to Lyon Part-Dieu, with no booking needed.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional trains from Annecy station to Lyon Part-Dieu, direct or with a change at Aix-les-Bains or Chambéry | about 2 h | roughly every 1–2 hours | about €25–35 | Regional fares are fixed and no seat reservation is needed; buy from the SNCF Connect app or the station machines. |
| bus Long-distance coaches (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus) from Annecy bus station to Lyon (Perrache or Part-Dieu) | about 1 h 45 to 2 h 15 | several a day | about €10–20 | Usually the cheapest option if booked ahead; traffic into Lyon can add time. |
| car A41 and A43 via Chambéry, or A41 north and A40/A42 via Bellegarde | about 1 h 45 | fuel plus motorway tolls of about €15–20 | Lyon has a low-emission zone (ZFE) that requires a Crit'Air sticker; parking in the centre is expensive. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Annecy station and the coach station are next to each other, a 10-minute walk from the old town.
- Get a Crit'Air sticker before driving into Lyon; it is ordered online and takes several days to arrive.
- Lyon Part-Dieu is the main station, with metro and tram links; Perrache is closer to the old town.
- Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport is reached from Part-Dieu by the Rhônexpress tram.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Annecy to Lyon?
Some regional TER trains run direct from Annecy to Lyon Part-Dieu, while others require a change at Aix-les-Bains or Chambéry. The trip takes about two hours either way. Tickets have fixed regional prices and no seat reservation is required, so you can simply board the next train. Check current timetables, as engineering works sometimes replace trains with buses.
Can I do Annecy to Lyon as a day trip?
Yes. With about two hours of travel each way by train or coach, you can leave Annecy in the morning, spend the day in Lyon's old town and Presqu'île, and return in the evening. Check the time of the last train back, especially on Sundays when services are fewer.
What is the cheapest way from Annecy to Lyon?
A long-distance coach booked in advance, often around €10–20 one way. FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus both run the route. The TER train costs more, about €25–35, but regional discount cards and weekend offers can lower the price. Driving costs fuel plus about €15–20 in tolls.
Do I need to book ahead?
Not for the TER train, which has no compulsory reservation. Coaches are cheaper the earlier you book and can fill up on Friday and Sunday evenings. If you are driving into Lyon, order a Crit'Air emissions sticker in advance, as the city's low-emission zone applies to most vehicles.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.