There are 5 ways to get from Lyon to Geneva by train, bus, rideshare or car
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.
Bus
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Take the bus from Lyon Perrache to Geneva
Train, bus
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Take the train from Lyon Part Dieu to Saint-Julien-en-Genevois
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Take the bus from Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, gare to Genève, Bel-Air
Drive
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Drive from Lyon to Geneva
Lyon to Geneva by train
The train journey time between Lyon and Geneva is around 1h 57m and covers a distance of around 162 km. Operated by SNCF and TGV inOui, the Lyon to Geneva train service departs from Lyon Part Dieu and arrives in Geneve. Typically 69 trains run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance.
Travel safe during COVID-19
International entry into Switzerland from France
- Entry is unrestricted for citizens and permanent residents of France
Conditions of entry into Switzerland from France
- There are no current restrictions
Rules to follow in Switzerland
m
Regional advice
Considerations leaving from France
The official advice is to avoid non-essential international travel to high risk countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, entry into Switzerland is currently allowed from France.
Explore travel optionsDomestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply
- Face masks are recommended
- Regional restriction measures in place
- Health pass is required for long-distance travel by plane, train or coach, as well as in some public venues
- Observe COVID-19 safety rules
The national COVID-19 helpline number in Geneva is 0041 58 463 00 00.
Wearing a face mask on public transport in Geneva is subject to regional advice.
Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 0041 58 463 00 00.
No, returning to France from Switzerland is currently allowed.
See options for return travel.
Last updated: 22 Mar 2023
Exceptions may apply, for full details: Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.
We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.
This information is compiled from official sources. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.
Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help.
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from Lyon to Geneva is to rideshare which costs €9 - €13 and takes 1h 58m.
The quickest way to get from Lyon to Geneva is to drive which costs €27 - €40 and takes 1h 35m.
Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Lyon Perrache and arriving at Geneva. Services depart every four hours, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 2h 25m.
Yes, there is a direct train departing from Lyon Part Dieu and arriving at Geneve. Services depart every three hours, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 1h 57m.
The distance between Lyon and Geneva is 112 km. The road distance is 147.8 km.
The best way to get from Lyon to Geneva without a car is to train which takes 1h 57m and costs €20 - €45.
The train from Lyon Part Dieu to Geneve takes 1h 57m including transfers and departs every three hours.
Lyon to Geneva bus services, operated by FlixBus, depart from Lyon Perrache station.
Lyon to Geneva train services, operated by SNCF, depart from Lyon Part Dieu station.
The best way to get from Lyon to Geneva is to train which takes 1h 57m and costs €20 - €45. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €9 - €20 and takes 2h 25m.
- Distance: 112.3 km
- Duration: 1h 57m
What companies run services between Lyon, France and Geneva, Switzerland?
SNCF operates a train from Lyon Part Dieu to Geneve every 3 hours. Tickets cost SFr 20 - SFr 40 and the journey takes 1h 57m. TGV inOui also services this route once daily. Alternatively, FlixBus operates a bus from Lyon Perrache to Geneva 5 times a day. Tickets cost SFr 14 - SFr 20 and the journey takes 2h 25m. Blablabus also services this route once daily.
France’s state-owned railway company is a fast and efficient way of travelling around the country, with over 14,000 trains operating daily. SNCF runs the country’s extensive rail network, including the high-speed TGV network, regional TER trains and local Intercités. It also operates international routes including Eurostar and Thalys, as well as the low-cost, long-distance Ouigo services that run on limited routes across France. Book up to 3 months in advance for the cheapest fares. The railway network consists of about 32,000km in total, of which 1800km are high-speed lines and 14,500km are electrified.
Rome2rio's guide to SNCF
Contact Details
- Phone
- +33 1 84 94 36 35
- Website
- sncf.com
Train from Lyon Part Dieu to Geneve
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 57m
- Frequency
- Every 3 hours
- Estimated price
- SFr 20 - SFr 40
- Website
- https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/
- 2nd Class
- SFr 20 - SFr 29
- Rail 1st Class
- SFr 29 - SFr 40
France’s high-speed TGV train network runs at speeds of up to 320km/h connecting major cities across France and into neighbouring countries. All TGV tickets include a seat reservation; seating is 1+2 in 1st class, 2+2 in 2nd class. Popular routes include Paris to Marseille and Paris to Strasbourg. Most TGVs have a cafe area, power points at each seat and WiFi.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +33 1 84 94 36 35
- Website
- en.oui.sncf
Train from Lyon Part Dieu to Geneve
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 5m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- SFr 35 - SFr 45
- Website
- https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/
- 2nd Class
- SFr 35 - SFr 45
- 1st Class
- SFr 35 - SFr 45
The national railway company of Switzerland, Swiss Railways operates trains throughout the country and adjacent European nations including Germany, France, Italy and Austria. Tickets are sold in two classes - First and Second - with most long-distance trains offering a bistro car serving beverages and snacks. Individual tickets can be bought easily at stands, while a variety of travel passes are on offer to suit different travel needs.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +41 848 44 66 88
- Website
- sbb.ch
Train from Lyon Part Dieu to Saint-Julien-en-Genevois
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 2m
- Frequency
- 4 times a week
- Estimated price
- SFr 50 - SFr 90
- Website
- https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html
One of Europe’s leading bus companies, Flixbus serves 2000+ destinations in 29 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and Croatia and into Scandinavia and eastern Europe, as well as some US cities. Coaches have toilets, free WiFi and power outlets, plus snacks and drinks for purchase on board. Flixbus is a good choice for the budget-conscious traveller; purchase tickets in advance for the cheapest fares (note: there is no option to reserve a seat in advance).
Rome2rio's guide to FlixBus
Contact Details
- Phone
- +49 30 300 137 300
- service@flixbus.com
- Website
- flixbus.de
Bus from Lyon Perrache to Geneva
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 25m
- Frequency
- 5 times a day
- Estimated price
- SFr 14 - SFr 20
- Website
- https://www.flixbus.co.uk
- Book at
- https://shop.global.flixbus.com/
Frequently asked questions
As the bus subsidiary of French railway SNCF, Ouibus offers eco-friendly coaches serving 35 French cities and 10 European cities at affordable fares. Ouibus journeys are safe and comfortable, with the four-star coaches offering power outlets, restrooms and WiFi. All Ouibus stations are located close to town centres for easy access to public transport. Getting on one of the 130 daily journeys is easy - electronic travel documents include your ticket and a personalised mini-guide with handy information.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +33 1 71 53 01 80
- Website
- blablacar.fr
Bus from Lyon - Perrache Bus Station to Geneva - Bus station
- Ave. Duration
- 2h 35m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- SFr 9 - SFr 15
- Website
- https://www.blablacar.co.uk/
- Phone
- +41 22 308 33 11
- Website
- tpg.ch
Bus from Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, gare to Genève, Bel-Air
- Ave. Duration
- 35 min
- Frequency
- Every 15 minutes
- Estimated price
- SFr 7 - SFr 17
- Website
- Transports Publics Genevois
- Schedules at
- fahrplan.sbb.ch
- Day Pass 1st Class
- SFr 12 - SFr 17
- Day Pass 2nd Class
- SFr 7 - SFr 10
- Phone
- +3 318 576 2228
- Website
- blablacar.com
Rideshare from Lyon to Genève
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 58m
- Frequency
- 5 times a day
- Estimated price
- SFr 9 - SFr 13
- Book at
- blablacar.co.uk
Want to know more about travelling around Switzerland
Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.
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Read the travel guideMore Questions & Answers
Lyon to Geneva bus services, operated by FlixBus, arrive at Geneva station.
Lyon to Geneva train services, operated by SNCF, arrive at Geneve station.
Yes, the driving distance between Lyon to Geneva is 148 km. It takes approximately 1h 35m to drive from Lyon to Geneva.
Book your Lyon to Geneva train tickets online with Omio.
Book your Lyon to Geneva bus tickets online with Omio, FlixBus and Distribusion.
There are 171+ hotels available in Geneva. Prices start at SFr 87 per night.