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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Taking the train from Lyon to Nice
Looking for the best way to travel from Lyon to Nice? Take a direct train from Lyon station to Nice and you can be wandering through the historic Place Massena square in under five hours. The high-speed TGV train services from SNCF will whizz you over at speeds of up to 320 km/h. By taking the train, you can avoid the pain of lengthy airport transfers and long security checks. And most importantly, you’ll get off at a station in close proximity to the city’s highlights. Find out more about Nice's train stations here.
TGV trains are fully equipped for a comfortable journey, with food cars, free WiFi, and plenty of power outlets to keep your devices charged up for those holiday snaps.
Want to find out more? Read on to find out train times and more information about the journey from Lyon to Nice by train in our FAQs. If you’re ready to book, start your search for cheap train tickets in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
Lyon to Nice by train
It takes an average of 5h 17m to travel from Lyon to Nice by train, over a distance of around 186 miles (300 km). There are normally 11 trains per day traveling from Lyon to Nice and tickets for this journey start from $28.40 when you book in advance.
| First train | 6:28 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:06 pm | |
| Departure station | Lyon | |
| Arrival station | Nice | |
| Journey time | From 4h 19m | |
| Distance | 186 miles (300 km) | |
| Frequency | 11 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $28.40 | |
| Train and bus operators |
TGV and SNCF trains from Lyon to Nice
TGV
SNCF
TGV is the high-speed train service of the SNCF company. It connects the major cities of France at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h). All TGV trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection, power sockets and fold-down tables. Two comfort classes are offered – First Class and Second Class, with flexible fare options available and access to the Grand Voyageur lounge in some stations.
More information
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
More information
TGV INOUI classes from Lyon to Nice
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI when traveling from Lyon to Nice.
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power outlets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Prefer to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional extras.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- Fold-down table
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Onboard services on TGV INOUI
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Lyon to Nice.
On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.
All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
Cheap train tickets from Lyon to Nice
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Lyon to Nice by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Lyon to Nice
Want to know more about your journey from Lyon to Nice? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Lyon to Nice take?
The average journey time by train between Lyon and Nice is 5 hours and 17 minutes, with around 11 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Lyon and Nice by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Lyon to Nice is 4 hours and 19 minutes.
How much does the train from Lyon to Nice cost?
Train tickets from Lyon to Nice can start from as little as $28.40 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Lyon to Nice?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Lyon to Nice without having to change trains. There are 3 direct trains from Lyon to Nice each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Lyon to Nice leave?
The first train from Lyon to Nice leaves at 06:28. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Lyon to Nice leave?
The last train from Lyon to Nice leaves at 22:06. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Lyon and Nice by train?
Trains travelling from Lyon to Nice cover a distance of around 186 miles (300 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Nice to Lyon.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.