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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Essen to Lyon. Traveling by train from Essen to Lyon usually takes 12 hours and 59 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 406 mi (653 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 59m |
| Lowest price | $52.32 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Essen to Lyon?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Essen to Lyon. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 1 | 12h 59m | $52.32 |
Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 1 daily trips to Lyon from Essen. The train usually departs from Essen Hbf in Essen and arrives at Gare Routière De Lyon Perrache in Lyon after about 12 hours and 59 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Essen and Lyon is approximately 406 miles, or 653 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 59 minutes,
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains departing from Essen to Lyon tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Essen at 8:00pm and arrives in Lyon around 12 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Lyon to Essen.
City Information
Lyon
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône rivers in the central-west of France, Lyon is France's third-largest city, after Paris and Marseille. Lyon has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its 2,000 years of history and its central role in the Renaissance. Vieux Lyon is the city's historic area, full of old buildings and a vibrant French atmosphere. Wander through the traboules, a unique architectural feature of the city; these secret passageways wind through Lyon's buildings and courtyards. Several guided tours will describe the many uses of these covered paths throughout Lyon's history: from shortcuts to the river for 4th-century residents to meeting places for 19th-century silk workers and the World War II French resistance.
Lyon is also famously hailed as the birthplace of cinema. To immerse yourself in film history, visit the Musée Cinéma et Miniature to explore old movie props, costumes, and even complete film sets from several iconic films. To experience a traditional French market, stop in Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. This indoor gourmet market offers only the finest local produce, the perfect place to sample the local cuisine.
Getting to Lyon is simple, and the lion's share of options are via ground travel. Eurolines bus services offer transport from many European cities into the Perrache train station, and many train services, including the TGV, also operate from the same station. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is only 25 km east of the city, providing both European and intercontinental flights.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Essen?
Main departure station: Essen Hbf
There is one train station in Essen.
All train stations in Essen:
Essen Hbf
Where is the train station in Lyon?
Main arrival station: Gare Routière De Lyon Perrache
Lyon has one train station.
All train stations in Lyon:
Gare Routière De Lyon Perrache
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Need a return trip from Lyon to Essen?
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