Lyon-Perrache Station (Gare de Lyon-Perrache) is one of the city's oldest and most significant railway hubs, located in the historic Presqu'île district. This station serves both high-speed TGV trains and regional TER lines, connecting Lyon with Paris, Marseille, and numerous smaller towns in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The station building features an interesting architectural ensemble, where a classic 19th-century façade sits alongside a modern transport terminal. It is a convenient arrival point for tourists, as many city centre attractions can be reached on foot from here.
City
Lyon
Country
France
Type
Railway station
It is important for passengers to know that the station is integrated with a major transport hub — the Centre d'échanges de Perrache. To reach the trains, follow the signs marked "SNCF" or "Gare". The station has several levels: the upper level provides access to tracks via escalators and lifts, while the lower level houses passageways to the metro and trams. Platforms are usually announced 20 minutes before departure on large screens in the main hall.
Contact Information
Official website: garesetconnexions.sncf (Lyon Perrache section)
Information phone: 3635 (unified SNCF number, rates depend on the operator)
Address: 14 cours de Verdun, 69002 Lyon, France
Opening hours: daily from 04:45 to 00:30 (times may vary on public holidays)
Luggage storage: automatic lockers are available on the main hall level (paid service)
Accessibility:Accès Plus assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility (booking 48 hours in advance is recommended)
How to Get There
Getting to Lyon-Perrache station is very easy, as it is a major transport hub for the city. The most popular method is the metro: the terminus of line A (Perrache) is located here. The trip from Place Bellecour takes just a couple of minutes.
Tram lines T1 and T2 also serve the station, with stops located directly within the transport centre. For those who prefer buses, numerous city routes (TCL) and international buses (such as BlaBlaCar Bus or FlixBus) arrive here.
If you are in the centre of Lyon, for example in the Carnot or Bellecour areas, you can walk to the station in 10–15 minutes. A taxi rank is located at the exit facing Place Carnot. A taxi ride from the Part-Dieu business district will take approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Services and Amenities
Lyon-Perrache station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait. The main building houses ticket offices and numerous ticket machines (yellow for SNCF and blue/grey for regional trains). Waiting rooms equipped with USB ports and power outlets for charging gadgets are provided for passengers.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station (network _SNCF GARE GRATUIT_). Paid toilets, photo booths, ATMs, and a post box are also available. For travellers with luggage, there are automatic lockers of various sizes. Special attention is paid to passengers with reduced mobility: there are lifts, ramps, and a dedicated waiting area.
Where to Eat
There are several spots for a quick snack within the station grounds. You will find popular bakery chains such as Paul or Brioche Dorée, where you can buy sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. Relay kiosks selling drinks and snacks are also in operation. The average bill for a coffee and croissant will be around 5–7 Euros.
If you have time for a full meal, we highly recommend stepping out of the station to visit the historic Brasserie Georges, located just a two-minute walk away. This is a legendary establishment with traditional local dishes and a special atmosphere. For budget-friendly dining, the adjacent transport centre building (Centre d'échanges) has fast-food outlets and supermarkets.
Station History
The history of Lyon-Perrache began in the mid-19th century. The station opened in 1857 and for a long time served as the main railway gateway to Lyon, built by the famous PLM company (Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée). The architecture of the old building is executed in the classical style characteristic of that era.
In the 1970s, the station underwent significant changes: a massive concrete transport hub (Centre d'échanges) was erected next to the historic building, connecting the railway tracks with the motorway, metro, and bus station. Although Perrache lost its status as the city's main station with the opening of Part-Dieu in 1983, it remains a vital historic and transport facility serving millions of passengers annually.
Passenger Tips
Arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before your train departs to calmly find the correct platform and pass through ticket barriers if installed. Please note: in France, before boarding trains (except for TGV with e-tickets), paper tickets must be validated in the yellow machines at the beginning of the platform.
Keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and in the passageways to the metro — as with any major station, pickpockets may be active here. If you have a transfer to Part-Dieu station, allow at least 30–40 minutes for the journey (it is best to use the T1 tram). The station closes at night, so you will need to find accommodation in the city for overnight waits.
