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How to get from Geneva to Lyon
Direct TER trains run from Genève Cornavin to Lyon Part-Dieu in about 1 h 50 to 2 h for roughly €25–35. Driving takes about 1 h 45 on the A40/A42 motorways with French tolls, and coaches take about 2 hours for less.
Best option: Train. Direct trains run several times a day between the two city centres with no need to book.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes trains from Genève Cornavin to Lyon Part-Dieu | about 1 h 50 – 2 h | roughly every 1–2 hours | about €25–35 | Fixed fares; book on SNCF Connect or buy at the station. |
| car A40 and A42 motorways | about 1 h 45 | French tolls about €15 plus fuel | Swiss motorways need a vignette if you drive in Switzerland. | |
| bus Coaches such as FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus | about 2 h | several a day | about €10–25 | Cheapest option; check pick-up points. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Check for the Lyon Part-Dieu or Perrache station on the ticket.
- TER trains do not need booking; buy at the station.
- Coaches can be cheaper if booked early.
- If driving, park in Lyon’s public car parks rather than on the street.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Geneva to Lyon?
Yes. Direct TER regional trains run from Genève Cornavin to Lyon Part-Dieu several times a day, taking about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours through Bellegarde and Ambérieu. Fares are about €25–35 and are fixed, so there is no need to book in advance. Check current timetables, as engineering works sometimes replace trains with buses.
What is the cheapest way from Geneva to Lyon?
Coaches such as FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus are usually cheapest, at about €10–25 one way, taking about 2 hours if traffic is light. Book early for the lowest fares. Coaches may stop at Geneva airport or other points rather than the city centre, so check pick-up and drop-off locations before booking.
Do I need a passport between Geneva and Lyon?
Switzerland and France are both in the Schengen area, so there are usually no systematic passport checks on this route. Still carry your passport or national ID card, because customs and police spot checks happen on trains and at road crossings. Switzerland is not in the EU customs union, so duty-free limits apply to goods.
Can I drive from Geneva to Lyon?
Yes. The A40 and A42 motorways take about 1 hour 45 minutes, with French tolls of about €15 for a car. If you use Swiss motorways to leave Geneva, you need a Swiss vignette; rental cars from Switzerland usually include one. In Lyon, use public car parks, as street parking in the centre is limited.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.