The Lyon Part-Dieu (Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu) railway station is Lyon's main transport hub and one of the busiest stations in France, second only to the major stations of Paris in terms of passenger traffic. Located in the very heart of the modern business district La Part-Dieu, it serves as a key point for high-speed TGV trains connecting the north and south of Europe, as well as for regional express trains. This monumental structure welcomes tens of thousands of tourists daily, serving as an important gateway to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
City
Lyon
Country
France
Type
Railway station
It is important for passengers to note that the station has a distinctive two-level structure: the main hall with ticket counters, shops, and waiting areas is on the ground level, while the railway platforms (designated by letters A to K) are located on the upper level. The station has two main exits: Béraudier (towards the city centre, metro, and shopping mall) and Villette (exit towards trams, car parks, and the bus station). Navigation here is intuitive, but due to the sheer size of the complex, it is recommended to follow the colour-coded signs carefully.
Contact Information
Official website: garesetconnexions.sncf (SNCF)
Helpline: 3635 (SNCF unified number)
Address: 5 Place Charles Béraudier, 69003 Lyon, France
Opening hours: Daily from 05:00 to 00:45 (timings may vary on public holidays)
Left luggage: Located on Level 0 on the Villette side (paid service)
Accessibility: The Accès Plus service is available to assist passengers with reduced mobility (the meeting point is in the central hall)
Getting There
Getting to Lyon Part-Dieu station is very convenient thanks to its close integration into the city's transport network. The fastest way is the metro: the Gare Part-Dieu - Vivier Merle station is on Line B. Popular tram routes T1, T3, and T4 also stop here, with platforms located near both exits. For travellers arriving from Saint-Exupéry Airport, the Rhônexpress high-speed tram runs directly to the Villette exit (travel time is approximately 30 minutes).
Taxi ranks are available at both main exits of the station. A car journey from the historic centre (Presqu'île) will take approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Walking from the centre is also possible but will take about 25–30 minutes at a brisk pace, so if you are carrying heavy luggage, it is better to use public transport.
Services and Amenities
The station offers a full range of services necessary for the modern traveller. In the central hall, there are ticket counters and numerous self-service machines (yellow ones are for TGV and Intercités, blue ones are for regional TER trains). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the complex. For a comfortable wait, there are seating areas, some of which are equipped with power sockets for charging gadgets (these can often be found in the piano area).
Restrooms are located on the lower level and require payment, so it is advisable to keep some coins or a card handy. The station also houses a lost and found office, a police station, and a first aid point. For passengers with reduced mobility, there are lifts leading to all platforms and a special assistance service that can be booked in advance.
Dining Options
Inside the station, there are many outlets for a quick bite, which is very convenient during a short transfer. Popular bakery chains, such as Paul or Brioche Dorée, offer fresh sandwiches, traditional pastries, and coffee (the average cost is 8–12 Euros). There are also well-known coffee shops, for example, Starbucks, where you can wait for your train in comfort.
If you have time for a full meal, it is best to leave via the Béraudier exit. Directly opposite the station is the huge Westfield La Part-Dieu shopping centre with an extensive food court and restaurants to suit every taste: from quality burgers to traditional French cuisine and Asian dishes.
Station History
The history of Lyon Part-Dieu station began relatively recently by European railway standards. It was inaugurated in 1983, replacing the old Brotteaux station, whose elegant building is now a historical monument used for other purposes. The construction of the new transport hub was part of an ambitious urban planning project to create a second city centre on the site of former barracks.
Initially, the complex was designed for 35,000 passengers per day but faced an incredible growth in the popularity of TGV trains. Today, it serves many times more people, which has led to a large-scale renovation programme. Modernisation is aimed at expanding areas, adding new entrances, and improving passenger flow logistics to match its status as the region's main railway gateway.
Passenger Tips
Experienced travellers recommend arriving at the station at least 20–30 minutes before the train departs. The platform number (Voie) is usually announced on large information screens 20 minutes before the train arrives. Do not forget to validate paper tickets in the yellow machines before entering the platform or escalator; this action is not required for electronic tickets on a smartphone.
Be mindful of your belongings: as at any major transport hub, pickpockets may operate here, especially in crowds. If you have a night transfer planned, please note that the station closes for a technical break (usually from 00:45 to 05:00), and staying inside the building during this time is not permitted.
