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Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes to Zurich, Zurich (Canton) from €22: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Lyon, France
to
Zurich, Switzerland

How to Get from Lyon to Zurich: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$22 by busBest price
338 kmDistance
4h 18m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Lyon to Zurich with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Train
Average Duration
4h  53m
Estimated price
115-234
Recommended
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
6h  35m
Estimated price
22-53
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 338 km
Duration: 4h 18m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
ALSA
Bus
Average Duration
7h  14m
Estimated price
49-63
Company
self-drive
Drive
Average Duration
4h  18m
Estimated price
82-1151
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
5h  27m
Estimated price
97-215
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  38m
Estimated price
1150-1151
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  33m
Estimated price
1152-1153
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  48m
Estimated price
1154-1155

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $32 $41 $35 $38 $32 $19 $33
Train $78 $92 $90 $93 $101 $98 $117

Traveling From Lyon to Zurich

Traveling from Lyon to Zurich reveals a fascinating blend of Lyon's rich culinary scene and vibrant street life with Zurich's serene lakeside charm and efficient urban design.

Best Neighbourhoods in Zurich

Zurich offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and character.

Old Town (Altstadt)
• Cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings
• Vibrant cafes and shops create a lively atmosphere
Kreis 5 (Zurich West)
• Trendy bars and restaurants attract a youthful crowd
• Former industrial area transformed into creative hub
Rietberg
• Home to Zurich's beautiful botanical gardens
• Tranquil parks perfect for leisurely strolls

Best Times To Visit Zurich's Attractions

Timing your visits to Zurich's attractions can significantly enhance your experience.

Lake Zurich
Early morning or late afternoon offers peace and stunning light for photos.
Swiss National Museum
Weekdays, especially mid-mornings, provide a quieter atmosphere for exploration.
Bahnhofstrasse
Visit during weekdays for a more relaxed shopping experience, avoiding weekend crowds.

Zurich Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Zurich experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters, making spring and early autumn ideal for visits. Weather influences outdoor activities, so packing accordingly can enhance your experience in this beautiful city.

Dining Recommendation in Zurich

Try Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, a creamy veal dish served with Rösti, at Restaurant Swiss Chuchi, showcasing Zurich's unique flair for comfort food. This dining experience contrasts with Lyon's rich gastronomic traditions, offering you a taste of Swiss simplicity and local ingredients in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Lyon - Zurich operators

Explore transport companies operating between Lyon and Zurich, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+33 1 84 94 36 35
Website
https://www.sncf.com/en

Train from Lyon Part Dieu to Geneve

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
2147-2148

Train from Lyon Part Dieu to Mulhouse Ville

Average Duration
2h 46m
Estimated price
2149-2142
Contact phone
+33 1 84 94 36 35
Website
https://www.sncf.com/en

Train from Lyon Part Dieu to Geneve

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
1089-210

Train from Lyon Part Dieu to Mulhouse Ville

Average Duration
3h 16m
Estimated price
210-1080
Contact phone
+41 848 44 66 88
Website
https://www.sbb.ch/en

Train from Geneve to Zürich Hb

Average Duration
2h 41m
Estimated price
214-215

Train from Mulhouse to Zürich Hb

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
2148-76
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Lyon, Perrache Bus Station to Zurich Bus Station

Average Duration
6h 35m
Estimated price
21-49
Contact phone
+33 1 71 53 01 80
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk/

Bus from Lyon Perrache Bus Station to Zürich

Average Duration
6h
Estimated price
2147-211
Contact phone
+34 910 207 007
Website
https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

Bus from Lyon, Perrache Bus Station to Zurich

Average Duration
6h
Estimated price
1089-49

Bus from Lyon-Aeroport Saint Exupery to Zurich

Average Duration
5h 45m
Estimated price
1089-49
Plane Show flights
Website
swiss.com

Plane from Geneva (GVA) to Zurich (ZRH)

Average Duration
51m
Estimated price
2140-2141
Website
airfrance.com

Plane from Lyon to Zurich via Paris Charles de Gaulle

Average Duration
3h 31m
Estimated price
2142-2143

Plane from Lyon to Strasbourg

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
2144-2143
Website
lufthansa.com

Plane from Lyon to Zurich via Frankfurt

Average Duration
3h 56m
Estimated price
2145-490

Plane from Lyon to Zurich via Munich

Average Duration
4h 8m
Estimated price
2145-490
Website
rj.com

Plane from Geneva to Zurich

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
2146-2144

Lyon to Zurich: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Lyon and Zurich offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from Lyon to Zurich, covering a distance of 266 miles. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes as you cruise through charming French and Swiss towns along the way. 💰 Prices for the trip from Lyon to Zurich by car range from €78 to €119, offering flexibility for different budget preferences. Plan your budget accordingly and set off on a budget-friendly road trip adventure. ⏱️ With an approximate driving time of 4 hours and 18 minutes, the road trip from Lyon to Zurich is not only convenient but also allows for ample opportunities to make pit stops and explore hidden gems en route. Hit the road and discover the beauty of traveling at your own pace.
Average price
€78 - €120
⭐️ When traveling from Lyon to Zurich by train, there is no direct route available. However, you can take a service from Lyon Part Dieu to Geneva, followed by another service to Zurich Hb, with a total journey time of approximately 4 hours and 53 minutes. 🚆 The train services are operated by SNCF Bus for the Lyon to Geneva leg, and by Swiss Railways for the Geneva to Zurich leg. The prices for this train journey vary between €111 and €221. It's a convenient and scenic way to travel between these two beautiful cities. 🌍 The train journey covers a distance of 513 kilometers and involves a transfer in Geneva. Whether you choose a route with one or multiple transfers, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Swiss countryside and arrive in Zurich ready to explore this vibrant city.
Departure Point
Lyon Part Dieu station
Arrival Point
Zürich Hb station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services on the train from Lyon to Zurich may vary between operators, such as TGV Lyria and SBB. TGV Lyria offers a catering service with a bistro menu featuring snacks, light meals, and beverages, which can be purchased in the onboard café. SBB trains may offer a similar service but check their website for specific options available on your departure date.
• The train options mostly include First Class and Second Class seating. First Class offers spacious seats with extra legroom, complimentary refreshments, and quieter compartments. Second Class provides comfortable seating at a more affordable price but can be busier. TGV Lyria’s spacious seating can make the journey enjoyable regardless of the class selected.
• For your journey, operators include TGV Lyria (tgv-lyria.com) and SBB (sbb.ch). Ensure to check both for the best schedules and pricing. Useful links for local transport in Zurich include the Zurich Public Transport (ZVV) site (zvv.ch), where you can find local transport schedules, and the station map can help you navigate Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB).
• Upon arrival at Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB), luggage storage is available in the station for a small fee, and restrooms are easily accessible. Showers are typically not available at the station, but you can find nearby fitness centers or hotels that offer shower facilities. Zurich HB is very well signposted, making navigation straightforward.
• The fastest way to get from Zurich HB to the city center is to take tram line 4 or 6, both of which stop right outside the station and will take you directly to the heart of the city. Trams run frequently, so you won’t have to wait long.
🛫 Flying from Lyon to Zurich is a convenient option with a flight time of approximately 6 hours and 33 minutes. ✈️ For the quickest journey, consider taking a direct flight from Geneva Airport to Zurich Airport, which only takes 45 minutes. 💸 Prices for flights from Lyon to Zurich can range from €89 to €299, with airlines like Royal Jordanian and Swiss offering flights from Geneva Airport to Zurich Airport.
Departure Point
Geneva Airport
Arrival Point
Zurich Airport
There are direct FlixBus services departing from Lyon's Perrache Bus Station and arriving at Zurich Bus Station 4 times a day, offering convenience and flexibility. 🛣️ The journey from Lyon to Zurich by bus takes approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views along the way. With daily operations, you can choose a schedule that best suits your travel plans. 💸 Ticket prices for the Lyon to Zurich bus route typically range from €21 to €51, making it an affordable and efficient transportation option for travelers wanting to explore both cities without the hassle of navigating multiple transfers.
Departure Point
Lyon, Perrache Bus Station
Arrival Point
Zurich Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Check the FlixBus schedule for any potential service changes on the day of your trip, as departures from Lyon, Perrache Bus Station are available four times a day, and can vary slightly, so it's best to be updated through their website: flixbus.com
• Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle, as the 6h 35m journey does not include meal service, and it’s good to have your preferences on hand; you can stock up at a nearby grocery store in Lyon before departure or grab a quick bite at the station.
• Upon arrival at Zurich Bus Station, use the station's multilingual signs to navigate to the city center; consider buying a Zurich Card for free public transport and discounts on local attractions, available at: zürich.com

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Lyon to Zurich.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Lyon and Zurich is 210 miles, with a road distance of 265.9 miles. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes 5 hours and 6 minutes to reach Zurich from Lyon. Alternatively, taking a train to Geneva and then flying to Zurich can take 4 hours and 41 minutes. By plane, the journey from Lyon to Zurich takes approximately 6 hours and 2 minutes. Finally, driving by car takes around 4 hours and 18 minutes, while traveling by bus can take approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Lyon to Zurich is by taking a bus, which costs between €32 and €51 and takes approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option would be to drive, which takes around 4 hours and 18 minutes but costs between €79 and €121. It ultimately depends on your budget and time constraints for choosing the best transportation option.
The prices for a train ticket from Lyon to Zurich range from €104 to €193. Alternatively, a bus ticket from Zurich to Lyon can cost anywhere between €32 and €51. These prices can vary depending on factors such as the time of travel and the class of service chosen. It is recommended to compare prices from different providers and book in advance for the best deals.
To travel from Lyon to Zurich without using public transportation, you can consider driving. The distance between the two cities is approximately 266 miles and it takes around 4 hours and 18 minutes by car. The cost of driving from Lyon to Zurich can vary between €79 and €121, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from Lyon to Zurich without a car is by train. The train journey takes approximately 5 hours and 6 minutes and costs between €102 and €195. If you prefer a slightly longer travel time, you can also consider taking a bus, which takes around 6 hours and 35 minutes and costs between €32 and €51. Another option is to fly, which takes about 6 hours and 2 minutes and costs between €93 and €306.
Yes, there is a direct link between Lyon and Zurich. The most convenient way to travel between the two cities is by train. However, there are no direct trains available, so travelers will need to take a train from Lyon Part Dieu to Geneva, and then transfer to another train to reach Zurich HB. This journey typically takes around 5 hours and 6 minutes. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service that departs from Lyon Perrache and arrives at Zurich Bus Station, with a travel time of approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes.
The flight between Lyon and Zurich typically takes around 45 minutes. The prices for a flight between the two cities can range from €99 to €304, depending on factors such as the airline and the time of booking. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best prices.
There are numerous accommodations available near Zurich. With over 647 hotels to choose from, there is a wide range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels start at €72 per night. Whether you are looking for luxury hotels, boutique accommodations, or budget-friendly options, you can find suitable places to stay in Zurich.