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Travelling from Barcelona to Lyon by train

From Spain to France in just under 5 hours, all by modern, high-speed Renfe-SNCF trains? That sounds pretty cool to us! This fantastic route starts in Barcelona, where all the icons of the city await.

From there, you’ll head to Lyon, so you can safely tick two of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe off your bucket list. History-lovers are sure to love Lyon as it has a secure place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of the oldest landmarks in France call this city home, including two impressive Roman amphitheatres. The Old Town around Quartier Saint-Jean and Quartier Saint-Georges is the perfect place to get lost, enjoy a meal and sample the local tipples. Go from Spain to France in true train style – just see our journey information below!

Barcelona to Lyon by train

It takes an average of 5h 38m to travel from Barcelona to Lyon by train, over a distance of around 331 miles (532 km). There are normally 4 trains per day travelling from Barcelona to Lyon and tickets for this journey start from £35.06 when you book in advance.

First train

08:19

Last train

16:34

Departure station

Barcelona

Arrival station

Lyon

Journey time

From 5h 1m

Distance

331 miles (532 km)

Frequency

4 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £35.06

Train and bus operators

BlaBlaCar Bus, Flixbus, Renfe

Barcelona to Lyon train times

Check out the next trains departing from Barcelona to Lyon for martedì 2º aprile 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
07:19 12:20 5h 1m, direct
08:28 14:50 6h 22m, 1 change
12:25 18:20 5h 55m, 1 change
15:34 20:48 5h 14m, 1 change

AVE and Renfe trains from Barcelona to Lyon

You can travel from Barcelona to Lyon on AVE and Renfe trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

AVE is Renfe's flagship high-speed service, with trains capable of reaching up to 193 mph (310 km/h). It’s one of the fastest trains in Europe and connects the main cities of Spain. Most AVE trains offer two comfort classes – Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class equivalent, with 1-1 configuration, ultra-wide seats, gourmet food and drink and lounge access). All AVE trains have air conditioning, power sockets, free WiFi and a buffet carriage serving a selection of food and drinks. There are three fares for AVE services: the cheapest but least flexible Básico fare, the Elige fare (slightly pricier but more flexible), and the Premium fare for seats in Confort Class.

Renfe is the national train operator in Spain. It operates trains on the longest high-speed railway network in Europe, and the second-longest in the world. The country's major cities are linked up by the high-speed AVE and Avlo trains, while other long-distance routes are served by Altaria, Talgo, Alvia and Euromed trains. Renfe also operates cross-border services into neighbouring Portugal and France. Depending on which service you are travelling on, you'll usually find two classes on Renfe trains - Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Fare types range from the cheapest (but least flexible) Básico fare, to the more flexible Elige fares, to the Premium fare for seats in Confort carriages.

AVE classes from Barcelona to Lyon

Compare the different travel classes offered by AVE when travelling from Barcelona to Lyon.

Onboard services on AVE

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Barcelona to Lyon.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

With AVE, you can travel with up to 3 pieces of luggage that do not exceed 290 cm and 25 kg. In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of luggage are 85 x 55 x 35 cm. Musical instruments also count as hand luggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38 cm and are stored in a case.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

If you’d like to stretch your legs and grab a coffee during your journey, AVE trains have an onboard bar carriage serving drinks and snacks. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff sell food and drinks from a trolley that will pass through the train during the journey.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment service. Giving you access to exclusive content and fast connection speeds, PlayRenfe can be downloaded from the app store on your phone. Once you’re connected, you can access the PlayRenfe portal, where you’ll find exclusive live sport, news, films and TV series.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children under 3 years old travel for free with AVE, as long as they do not occupy a seat and have their free child ticket. Children from 3 to 14 years old can take advantage of a 40% discount on ticket prices.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

On all AVE trains, each passenger can take one bicycle or scooter on board, as long as it’s folded and carried inside a case. Also, the pedals must be removed and handlebars turned 90 degrees. Lastly, if the sum of the dimensions of the case is less than 180cm, it is considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm).

PetPetPets

With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg and travels inside a cage or carrier (60 x 35 x 35 cm). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re travelling with a Premium ticket, in which case the pet ticket is free. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly.

Cheap train tickets from Barcelona to Lyon

The price of train tickets from Barcelona to Lyon starts at £35.06 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

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 Barcelona to Lyon 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.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Barcelona to Lyon? 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 Barcelona to Lyon take?

The average journey time by train between Barcelona and Lyon is 5 hours and 38 minutes, with around 4 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 Barcelona and Lyon by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Barcelona to Lyon is 5 hours and 1 minute.

How much does the train from Barcelona to Lyon cost?

Train ticket prices from Barcelona to Lyon can start from as little as £35.06 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Barcelona to Lyon?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Barcelona to Lyon without having to change trains. There is 1 direct train from Barcelona to Lyon each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Barcelona to Lyon leave?

The first train from Barcelona to Lyon leaves at 08:19. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Barcelona to Lyon leave?

The last train from Barcelona to Lyon leaves at 16:34. 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 Barcelona and Lyon by train?

Trains travelling from Barcelona to Lyon cover a distance of around 331 miles (532 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Lyon to Barcelona. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Barcelona to Lyon.

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