Destination guide · France · Updated 18 October 2026 · Services are subject to change.
Why choose Lyon for a European rail trip?
Lyon is one of the rewarding stops to consider in France. Discover Vieux Lyon, spend time around Basilica of Fourvière and include Presqu'île if your visit allows. The Interrail Global Pass can help link this stop with other participating rail destinations when the chosen train is eligible.
France offers a wide choice of capital-city culture, wine regions, mountains and Mediterranean coastline. Rail links allow an ambitious multi-region itinerary. If you have a flexible pass, decide whether Lyon is a daytime sightseeing stop or a place to spend the night; using an extra travel day for a short transfer is not always the best value.
What to see and do in Lyon
Vieux Lyon
Vieux Lyon is an important part of a visit to Lyon. Check opening hours, ticket policies and the location relative to Lyon Part-Dieu. Plan a route that leaves time for the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rushing straight back to the platform.
Basilica of Fourvière
Basilica of Fourvière is an important part of a visit to Lyon. Check opening hours, ticket policies and the location relative to Lyon Part-Dieu. Plan a route that leaves time for the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rushing straight back to the platform.
Presqu'île
Presqu'île is an important part of a visit to Lyon. Check opening hours, ticket policies and the location relative to Lyon Part-Dieu. Plan a route that leaves time for the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rushing straight back to the platform.
Arriving in Lyon by train
Main rail gateway: Lyon Part-Dieu. The actual station for your journey depends on the train and route. Verify whether the pass covers your operator, and inspect the platform and service information shortly before departure.
From station to sightseeing
Some trains also serve Lyon Perrache; confirm the correct station. A pass does not generally include city metros, trams, sightseeing buses or attraction admissions unless a specific benefit says otherwise.
A practical one- or two-day sightseeing plan
On arrival, leave luggage at your accommodation or a suitable station facility if available, then prioritise Vieux Lyon. Continue towards Basilica of Fourvière at a comfortable pace, leaving time for a meal and unplanned exploration. For an overnight stay, visit Presqu'île the following day and check onward rail departures before you commit to a timed booking.
Staying overnight can make sense if the city has several attractions or if your next connection leaves early. For a shorter stopover, verify luggage storage, opening hours and how far the sights are from the station.
Using the Interrail Global Pass for Lyon
SNCF TGV and regional TER services have different reservation rules; check Paris terminal stations before booking a connection.
TGV, many cross-border services and Eurostar require paid seat reservations, sometimes with passholder quotas. Add each required journey to the mobile pass in accordance with the current instructions and keep seat reservation documents separately available when necessary. Pass validity is not a guarantee of a seat.
Where to go after Lyon
Continue your France adventure with Paris and Nice . These are suggested next places, not guaranteed direct or daily trains; check running services and travel times for your date. Cross-border options should also be checked against current network availability.
Read the complete France Interrail rail guide or browse all 33 Global Pass countries to build a longer European itinerary.
Tours and activities in Lyon
Browse current cultural experiences, walking tours and sightseeing via Viator. Activities are separate purchases and their availability does not depend on the Global Pass.
Experiences appear when the external Viator widget loads. Widget help .
Hotels and practical onward transport
Compare hotels and accommodation near Lyon Part-Dieu or closer to the sights, depending on luggage and walking preferences. For places beyond participating rail lines, check separately priced ferry, regional ticket and onward travel options .
Explore Lyon by rail
Compare Global Pass options before choosing your travel days and reservations.