When you book a short break somewhere in Europe, have you ever considered swapping a flight for a train journey?
Sure, the flight itself may be shorter than your train journey. Yet, if you fly somewhere in Europe for a long weekend, you will need to get to the airport 2 hours before your flight, spend between 1 and 3 hours in the air, get out of the airport at the other end, and make your way to the centre of the city you are visiting. That takes between 5 and 7 hours.
If you are based in Lyon, in 6 hours and under, you can get to many of the most loved destinations in western Europe - or discover others off the beaten path.
Moreover, instead of spending 6-7 hours travelling to and from an airport and in the air, you will spend them admiring the Alps. the Swiss and Italian lakes, the German rivers, the Black Forest, the Pyrenees, etc. from the comfort of your seat all the way to your final destination!
My top 20 weekend European trips from Lyon by train
How do you find out where you could go? And how do you start planning your first flightless long weekend abroad from Lyon? Personally, the first thing I do is check RailEurope, Trainline and the national rail operator of my departure country, so SNCF in this case.
Then, I also check the national rail operators of nearby countries, such as Germany, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland for more flexibility in designing my break, or to look for special offers.
Below is a list of train trips abroad doable from Lyon. They all have a travel time of between 5 and 7 hours, so they are perfectly feasible as weekend trips.
So, without further ado, let's take a closer look at some of these wonderful destinations and at how to get there from Lyon by train.
1. Barcelona
Casa Batlló © Amal Bourkhis/Unsplash
You can get from Lyon to Barcelona with a direct train in 5 hours.
The journey takes you through Provence, and you will ride through some of the most ancient French cities, such as the medieval papal capital of Avignon, and Roman Nimes and Narbonne. Crossing the border, you'll catch glimpses of Salvador Dali's beloved retreat of Figueres before heading towards Girona and finally Barcelona.
Once in Barcelona, you will be spoiled for choice of what to do and see.
Visit the incredible Gaudi buildings such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Parc Guell.. Or explore the tiny alleys of the medieval centre and the cathedral of La Seu.
Visit the Barcelona football team stadium. I love its museum. The way it illustrates the team's history as a symbol of Catalunyan identity in the Franco era will touch your heart even if you have no interest in football.
Enjoy delicious food, or relax by the palm-fringed Mediterranean basking in the bright sunshine!
2. The Hague
Getting to The Hague from Lyon requires two changes. The first leg of the trip is Lyon to Paris Gare de Lyon (2 hours). The change in Paris can seem a bit more complex as you will need to go from Gare de Lyon to Gare du Nord where you'll catch the train to Amsterdam. But you can easily do it with the line B of the RER. The train to Amsterdam stops at Rotterdam after 2 hours and 40 minutes. Once you get off i Rotterdam, change for The Hague (a 23 minute journey). So in total the journey from Lyon to The Hague is around 6 hours.
The Binnenhof at night © Ruddy.Media/Unsplash
The Hague (Den Haag to the locals) is a vibrant university city as well as the official seat of the Dutch Parliament (housed in the medieval Binnenhof) and of the Dutch royal family.
Climb the tower of the Grote Kirk for magnificent views, tour the iconic Peace Palace (seat of the International Court of Justice, and enjoy the amazing art collection at Mauritshuis, which includes the Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Like all historic Dutch cities, there is the charm of the canals, and the canal side lifestyle, cycling or walking while swans glide past. But the canals are not the only water you'll enjoy in Den Haag.
Head to the magnificent dunes of Scheveningen and Zuiderstrand Beaches (30 minutes by bicycle or you can walk there in one hour), to walk on powdery sand, swim in the North Sea, and join the locals for drinks and food in one of the beachside restaurants.
Thanks to the wonderful beaches, I strongly recommend The Hague as a summer break. I did it last year, and the combination of sea, sand and sightseeing made my long weekend feel much longer. You can read about my trip here.
3. Brussels
Arcade du Cinquantenaire, Brussels © Wix
From the heart of Lyon to the heart of Brussels without catching a plane....It is possible!
Lyon has great direct connections to Bruxelles Midi (the journey is 3 hours and 43 minutes) There are also indirect services via Paris. They require a change of station (Paris Gare de Lyon to Paris Gare du Nord) and take between 4 hours 15 and 4 hours 45 minutes.
If you prefer not to change station, you can make your way to Lyon Part-Dieu (2 hours) and then catch the service to Brussels from there. There are two such options a day,
Once you are there, soak in the stunning eclectic mix of gothic and Renaissance/Baroque styles of the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, climb up the twentieth century Atomium, visit one of the city's museums, or dive into its comic book culture, while enjoying delicious beer stew or waffles - and let's not forget the chocolate!
It will not take you long to understand why Brussels is considered one of the gourmet capitals of Europe.
Grand Place, Brussels © Tomas Tuma/Unsplash
4. Amsterdam
Amsterdam canal vibe © Jace and Afsoon/Unsplash
Amsterdam is between six and 7 hours from Lyon, with a change in Paris - and a change of station between Gare de Lyon and Gare du Nord. The journey from Lyon to Paris is roughly 2 hours, and you will need to factor in at least one hour to change station. Once you arrive in Gare du Nord the train to Amsterdam is direct and takes 3 hours and 22 minutes.
From the moment you reach Brussels the views from your train window will make you feel like you have been transported into a Flemish painting. And Amsterdam's cultural highlights will keep you in that mood.
Book a boat day or night tour on the canals to admire the grand houses in all their splendour - the city looks so different from the water level!
Personally, I love going in winter, when it is quieter. The roads along the canals become very peaceful, and you can wonder around the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum without the crowds.
If you are lucky, you may even get a glimpse of locals ice-skating on the canals!
5. Geneva
From Lyon, if you follow the course of the river Rhone towards its source, at some point you will end up in Geneva, a delightful city that is also a fantastic lake escape
Le Jet d'eau © Meizhi Lang/Unsplash
Wander around the Old City, the birthplace of the Reformation, and Saint Pierre - the area around the Cathedral.
Wherever you are in Geneva, you are never far from Lac Leman, the largest freshwater body in Europe, so make the most of it! Explore its glittering beauty, and if it is summer treat yourself to a few hours, or a day, of swimming and sunbathing at Bains des Pâquis,
Make your way to the Jet d'Eau, the tallest water fountain in the world, and stroll through the buzzing lakeshore promenades. If you love history and politics, a guided tour of the European headquarters of the United Nations in a must.
You can travel from Lyon to Geneva direct with SNCF in just 2 hours!
Depending on how much time you have, you may want to consider a stopover in beautiful Lausanne, with its lively Old Town, Switzerland's finest gothic cathedral, and elegant houses on the hills sloping down Lac Leman.
6. Bern
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a pearl where culture merges with nature at every step. Its size makes it the perfect weekend destination.
The Aare river and the rooftops of Bern © Carol Jen/Unsplash
And when you get there, you will discover a capital city you would not expect, lively and yet relaxed, cultured and adventurous. From admiring the views from the Rosengarten, to strolling through the medieval arcades, to swimming in the green waters of the Aare river like the locals love to do, from visiting Einstein's house to bear spotting in the Bärengraben, your weekend will be full and refreshing at the same time.
Bern prides itself on being one of the sustainability capitals of Europe too, and thanks to the Bern ticket, tourists travel free on public transport!
You can get to Bern from Lyon via Geneva (journey time 4 hours`and 18 minutes).
7. Zurich
The Altstadt © Wix
There are many connections a day between Lyon and Zürich. You will need to change in Geneva but the overall journey is still in the region of 5 hours and 20 minutes.
When you step off your train in the elegant Hauptbanhof, you will soon appreciate that Zürich is far more than a financial centre and the largest Swiss city. there. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town (Altstadt), stroll along the peaceful shores of Lake Zürich, visit the Kunsthaus, one of Switzerland's most important contemporary art collections, or the FIFA Football Museum.
If the weather's nice you can go hiking on the Uetliberg, Zürich's mountain, and reconnect with nature.
Zurich is a city for all seasons too. There is a lovely Christmas market, foliage in autumn, and glittering waters all around you.
Culture, relaxation, and a proper break from the hustle and bustle of Milan, Zürich has it all.
If you have an extra day, you could also organise a day trip to Schaffhausen. You will travel one of Switzerland's most scenic rail routes, as your train will ride by the Rhine Falls!
8. Bruges
The magic of Bruges© Peter Boccia/Unsplash
The entire historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wandering through its streets, squares and along its canals you will feel like you are in a Flemish painting.
Stroll through the Grote Markt (Market Square), and sit down to people watch in a café. Climb to the top of the medieval Belfry, for the incredible views of the city. Catch a glimpse of Michelangelo's "Madonna and Child" sculpture in the museum of the majestic Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady). Take a boat tour or walk/cycle along the beautiful canals. And do not forget to channel your inner Epicure with a feast of local beer, hearty Flemish food, and chocolate!
Bruges is about 5 hours from Lyon by train, with a change in Bruxelles Midi.
9. Cologne
From Lyon, you can get to Cologne in between 5 hours 45 minutes and 6 hours 15 minutes (depending on connections), with a single change in Bruxelles. There is also an alternative route via Mannheim.
Cologne cathedral © Aravind Gopinath/Unsplash
A Roman city with two thousand years of history, Cologne boasts a magnificent medieval cathedral, often considered, together with the Brandeburg gate, one of iconic images of Germany.
The charms of Cologne are waiting for you, only 4 hours and 15 minutes from London! The trip is easy, thanks to great connections at Brussels Midi, and your arrival in Cologne will be unforgettable, as the famous cathedral is literally outside the station!
Walk through the delightful Old Town; visit the Romano-Germanic museum for an immersion in the city's Roman origins; relax in nature in Rheinpark (great views of the cathedral from across the Rhine) or by the Aachener Weiher Lake; visit a historic breweries.
If you are a classical music lover, Bonn, the former capital of Western Germany, and birthplace of Beethoven, is 20 minutes from Cologne.
10. Aachen
The exterior of the Aachener Dom © Carolina Nichitin/Unsplash
Aachen, the medieval capital of the Holy Roman Empire is between 5 and 6 hours from Lyon. You have a choice of routes too. You can change in Brussels, or in Paris - for the latter option you will need to make your way from Gare de Lyon to Gare du Nord, but the
Whichever way you get to Aache you will discover one of the most amazing German cities, with a lovely compact city centre, dominated by Aachener Dom, the palace chapel and burial place of Charlemagne.
Called Aachen because of the thermal waters, the city is also a delightful wellness getaway. And the surrounding Eifel countryside, whose rounded hills belie a volcanic origin, is beautiful and yet relatively unknown outside Germany.
If you are looking for culture, relaxation, and a proper break from the hustle and bustle of London, Aachen is a perfect choice.
11. Rotterdam
Rotterdam and its mighty river © Bart Ros/Unsplash
The Paris Amsterdam-Eurostar has an intermediate stop at Rotterdam. So after arriving in Paris from Lyon (roughly two hours) and changing station from Gare de Lyon to Hare du Nord, you can catch the train to Amsterdam and get off in Rotterdam after 2 hours 40 minutes. That means the journey from Lyon to Rotterdam takes between 5 and a half and six and a half hours.
Heavily bombed in WW2, Rotterdam emerged from its ashes as a visionary image of skyscrapers and waterways. Europe's biggest trading port is a world leader in sustainability and innovation, be it in architecture, transport, housing, food or even farming.
Tourists are invited to join the Rotterdam ethos from their arrival, welcomed into Rotterdam Centraal station, whose roof is covered in solar panels, and encouraged to walk and explore sustainably whenever possible,
From the newly opened Depot Bojimans, the first art storage facility opened to the public, to the horshoe-shaped apartment building overlooking a market square in Markthal, to the many museum and architectural feats, innovation and creativity are everywhere.
The Historisch Delfshaven, one of the areas that survived WW2, is a delightful throwback to the old Rotterdam of herring fishing and gin distilleries.
Nature is a strong presence in a city that seems to be defined by the mighty Nieuwe Maas River, and boasts the largest city park in the Netherlands. And there are beaches nearby too!
12. Freiburg
The cathedral at nighttime © Kankan/Unsplash
The vibrant university town of Freiburg, 34 and a half hours from Lyon, thanks to a change in Mulhouse and Basel, is a lovely year-round destination, with fantastic medieval architecture, literary reminiscences, one of the best German Christmas markets, and its proximity to spa towns and the Black Forest.
You can spend a weekend exploring the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt, crossing the medieval gates, making your way to the bustling market square (Münstermarkt) in front of the iconic gothic Freiburger Münster (the Gothic cathedral) with its spire and stained glass windows, and visiting the Augustiner Museum, a medieval monastery turned into a museum.
Feeling active? you can hike the Schlossberg hill and reward yourself with a beer and fantastic views of the Black Forest.
Freiburg has been at the forefront of sustainability since the 1990's so it is no surprise that you can hire bikes for free to move around. And now you are on your bike, you can cycle to the 'Solar Settlement' of Vauban (a city quarter redeveloped with sustainability in mind, which produces more energy than it consumes.
Cyclists and pedestrians in the Altstadt © Marco Pregnolato/Unsplash
If you have more than a couple of days, you can use Freiburg as a base and venture into the Black Forest. Local train lines can get you to Titisee, and onward to Donaueschingen, where you can see the symbolic source of the Rhine (in the park of a princely residence).
13. Milan
Milan's Duomo © Sophia Karageorgiou/Unsplash
The direct train from Milan to Lyon was a wonderful experience taking under 5 hours, and riding through lovely Alpine scenery and the city of Torino. Its suspension due to a landslide is frustrating, but the service should resume in early 2025.
When it does, Milan will become one of the most interesting destinations you could reach from Lyon for the weekend, even for an overnight - you can arrive in time for a late lunch in Milan and time for a stroll around Piazza del Duomo or to visit a museum or art gallery, followed by the Milanese ritual of aperitivo by the Navigli.
Speaking of the Duomo, Milan's majestic cathedral, which took five centuries to complete, make sure you step inside, and get yourself a ticket to the rooftop terrace, from where you can catch an incredible view of the city and beyond, with the Alps in the distance.
You can admire the Duomo itself from the Museo del Novecento (while walking through the Kandinskijs, Modiglianis and Picassos, or from the top floor of the Rinascente department store.
If you are into Italian fashion, be it as a buyer or as a window shopper, the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is a must, as are Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga.
Milano's Navigli , popular for aperitivo © Cristina Gottardi/Unsplash
Milan is famous in Italy and beyond for its opera, and the La Scala theatre is one of the temples of the genre. together with the Arena of Verona. Amongst my personal highlights are the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, built when the city was the capital of the Western Roman empire, and the Pinacoteca di Brera, a fantastic art ciollection in one of Milan's most bohemian districts. With a bit of planning, you can also book yourself to see Leonardo's Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Keep an eye on their website, as bookings are only open on specific days every three months and are snapped up immediately.
Milano's Brera district © Simone Daino/Unsplash
14. Lucerne
Luzern by night © Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash
Here is another super easy Swiss escape from Lyon: in roughly 5 and a half hours, you can reach the picturesque city of Luzern.
Luzern's centre is quite compact. In one day you can easily visit the famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a covered wooden bridge adorned with paintings, which offers fantastic views of the Reuss River, and wander through the cobbled streets of Lucerne's Old Town,
Hazy day on Lake Luzern © Alps2Coast
In a long weekend , you will also have the time for a boat cruise the lake, gliding past stunning mountains and picturesque villages., and for a climb or a cable car up Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi. And if it is summer make sure join in the Swiss ritual of a day at the lido, swimming and enjoying the lakeside nature. You can get a list of Luzern's lidos here.
15. Heidelberg
A view of Heidelberg © Maria Lopez Jorge/Unsplash
Germany is one of the most underrated tourist destinations in Europe. There is so much to see along its western side, which is well connected with France by train.
Picturesque Heidelberg, between 5 and a half and six and a half hours from Lyon (changing either once in Mannheim or twice in Strasbourg and Karlsruhe) is a case point. The seat of Germany's most ancient university, Heidelberg is a lively city on the Neckar River, with stunning architecture, an imposing castle, lovely town squares and surrounded by lush forests,
A walk on the Philosophenweg, a path on the sun-bathed hills facing the old town beloved of poets and philosophers, will give you a feel for a city where nature and culture seem to fuse,
Heidelberg is a great winter escape too, as its Christmas market is one of the most celebrated in Germany.
Basing yourself in Heidelberg, you can also visit the elegant spa town of Baden Baden, whose waters have been popular since the days of the Romans (1 hour away), or the stunning 11th-century UNESCO-listed medieval cathedral of Speyer (51 minutes by train).
16. Montreux and Valais
Montreux castle © Michal Matlon/Unsplash
The trip from Lyon to Montreux takes three and a half hours, with an easy change in Geneva.
Elegant Montreux oozes old-world charm, It has many musical connections. It was loved by Freddie Mercury, who recorded a number of Queen albums at Phoneix Studios, where Bowie, Stones and Iggy Pop also recorded. Freddie Mercury's statue take place of honour in one of the lakeside squares. The Jazz Festival in July is world-famous. As for historical sights, Chillon Castle, situated on a rocky island on Lake Geneva, is one of Switzerland's most iconic and well-preserved medieval landmarks.
After you change train in Geneva, you will feel like you are travelling through a series of postcards. The train coasts Lake Geneva all the way! This is by far one of the most memorable train rides in the whole of Europe!
And there is no reason to stop the journey if you want to continue until Sion, in the Valais canton, you will ride through wonder after wonder. his area, en route from Italy to Geneva, I could not believe my eyes. The Valais is the sunniest canton of Switzerland, all alpine vineyards and castles perched on mountains towering above the turquoise waters of the Rhône River (whose source is the Rhône Glacier).
Dominated by not one but two mighty medieval fortresses, the town of Sion is the perfect base to visit the Valais. .You can hike, you can eat, you can drink, visit the castles, and even an Underground Lake. If you have more than a couple of days, make sure you stop over in Sion and explore!
The twin mountains of Sion, with a castle each © Fabrice Smet/Unsplash
17. Thun - Lakes, rivers and mountains
Thun, a Swiss gem © Hattie Lacye/Unsplash
A small but lively city, in the Bernese Oberland, Thun is the perfect mix of culture and activity. It is surrounded by water. If you prefer to immerse yourself in water with a green hue, you can swim and even surf on the Aare river; If you fancy a blue hue, you can try the waters of Lake Thun, or hike alongside it And if you are after the thrill of history, the 12th-century Thun castle will charm you.
The journey between Lyon and Thun is between 5 and 6 hours, with easy changes in Geneva and Bern.
Thun, Castle © Marcreation/Unsplash
18. Torino
Torino is the kind of gem the Italians keep to themselves, and the perfect size to visit over a long weekend, although you will end up wishing you could stay a week!
As mentioned when discussing Milan, there used to be a high-speed link between Torino and Lyon, riding through lovely Alpine scenery and the city of Torino. Its suspension due to a landslide is frustrating, but the service should resume in early 2025. When it does, don't forget about Torino!
The direct high-speed journey between Lyon and Torino takes under 4 hours, Additional options with changes in Chambery-Challes-Les-Eaux take slightly longer
The former capital of Italy, criss-crossed by two rivers, saw light as a Roman city, and the centre has preserved the typical Roman grid ('Quadrilatero') layout, so it is almost impossible to get lost!
Torino's famous harbour © Alps2Coast
Stroll around the elegant Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo, follow Via Po through to the river, with its beautiful bridges and green banks. Walk under an authentic Roman gate ('Porta Palatina'), visit the Cathedral, where the Holy Shroud is guarded, and the incredible Baroque Church of the Consolata, with its early medieval belltower, and admire the details of the many baroque and art nouveau palaces.
Pause for an aperitivo, or for a glass of bicerin in one of the historic cafes, and indulge in the amazing food scene (Torino is part of Piedmont and the first large city to embrace the slow food movement.
If it rains or snow, like when I last visited, enjoy the Baroque interiors of Palazzo Madama, which also boasts an art and design collection comparable to London's V&A, or the world-famous Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) - to be booked in advance.
The Mole Antonelliana, from the Roman tower of Palazzo Madama © Alps2Coast
And if you are into cinema, Torino is the birthplace of Italian cinema, and museum dedicated to it is housed inside the Mole Antonelliana (above), which also happened to be the tallest building on earth when it was built in in 1889.
For more ideas of what to do in Torino, check out my blog post.
The Lux is one of Torino's historic cinemas © Alps2Coast
19. Interlaken and Jungfrau
Interlaken is set between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz © Rat Ski/Unsplash
A medieval pilgrimage centre, and celebrated for its mountain scenery since the days of Goethe, Interlaken is a gem for nature lovers, It is also the departure point of the train journey to Jungfraujoch or the “Top of Europe”, a railway station built high in the mountains at 3,463 metres above sea level, overlooking Jungfrau and the Aletsch glacier.
You may need to book the train journey in advance, especially in high season, but if you want to experience alpine Switzerland at its best over a short break, Interlaken is the perfect place!
And it is in the region of 5 and a half hours from Lyon, with changes in Geneva and Bern.
20. London
Quintessential London © Pedro Carballo/Unsplash
The train journey from Lyon to London takes between 6 and a half and 7 hours, but it is very enjoyable.
When you arrive in Gar de Lyon, take the RER to Gare du Nord and then get on the Eurostar.
You can see a lot of central London even in a couple of days . Allow more if you want to visit attractions further afield or the great museums and galleries such as the British Museum, the V&A, the National Gallery - all free, although donations are welcome - and the historical monuments such as the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.
Aperitivo in Milan? Tea in London? Tapas in Barcelona?So much is possible from Lyon by train
The suggestions above are just the beginning. What do you love, what makes you travel, what inspires you? Make a list, and before browsing flights, check if there is a train that can take you there from Lyon.
For more inspiration on how to travel by train from anywhere in Europe by train, sign up to my blog.
As you have seen from my list of weekend trips, Lyon is particularly well connected with Switzerland. If you want to explore more of this magnificent alpine country, check out my post on Switzerland's most scenic train rides.
Σχόλια