SNCF agents in orange uniforms at Lyon-Part-Dieu train station

Gare De Lyon Part Dieu

Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu is Lyon’s main railway station and stands as one of France’s busiest and most strategically important transport hubs outside Paris. Serving over 140,000 passengers each day, the station links Lyon with national and European destinations via high-speed TGV, regional TER, and international trains. Since its transformation from a 19th-century freight yard into a modern passenger station in 1982, Lyon-Part-Dieu has become a pivotal gateway to the city’s vibrant business, cultural, and historical heart.

Located in the Part-Dieu business district, the station offers seamless multimodal connections—trains, metro, trams, buses, and the Rhônexpress airport tram—while also providing commercial amenities, shopping, and dining. Recent extensive redevelopment has expanded capacity and comfort, integrating architectural innovations like a new main hall, a revitalized Place Béraudier, and a forthcoming iconic stainless-steel canopy. The station’s proximity to major attractions, including Westfield La Part-Dieu shopping center, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, and Lyon’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, makes it not just a transport node but a gateway to the city’s rich heritage.

This guide delivers essential information on visiting hours, ticketing, station facilities, accessibility, redevelopment updates, travel tips, and nearby attractions—ensuring a seamless experience for commuters, tourists, and business travelers alike. For real-time updates, schedules, or to plan your visit, consult the official Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu website and related resources. (Lyon Part-Dieu Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide, Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu Station Guide, Recent and Ongoing Transformations)

Old condemned escalator at Lyon-Part-Dieu train station

Part-Dieu train station in Lyon, France, in 2016

View of railway tracks and Paul Bert street from a building on Rue de la Villette with part of the south column of a car rental parking

Inscription on a platform pillar at Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu train station

Laser rangefinder reflector at Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu train station

Interior view of Lyon Part-Dieu train station showing ticket counters and passengers

Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu railway station in Lyon, France

Ground markings indicating elevators at Lyon-Part-Dieu train station

Prophetic message about Jesus Christ's imminent arrival at Lyon Part-Dieu bus station

Waiting area with boxes at Lyon-Part-Dieu train station in April 2019

Waiting area with mailboxes at Lyon-Part-Dieu train station in April 2019

Waiting area with lockers at Lyon-Part-Dieu train station in April 2019

Southern arrival view of Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu in Lyon with the Rhône Archives building in foreground

Social distancing marks on platform G and H at Lyon Part-Dieu train station during Covid-19

View of rue du Docteur Bouchut from the top floor terrace of Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu in Lyon

View of the new hall and La Part-Dieu tower at Lyon Part-Dieu train station Voie A

View of Lyon Part-Dieu train station from the car rental parking lot

View of the To-Lyon Tower construction site from a platform at Lyon Part-Dieu train station

View of the To-Lyon tower construction site from a train at Lyon-Part-Dieu station

View of train tracks J and K at Lyon Part-Dieu station south side

Train departure board at Place Charles Béraudier, Lyon 3e

Southern railway tracks near Lyon-Part-Dieu station including Place de la Villette, Place de Francfort, and Rue du Rêve d'Or

Closed public toilet at Lyon Part-Dieu train station showing locked doors and signage

Introduction
Historical Background and Significance
Station Layout, Facilities, and Accessibility
Redevelopment and Future Vision
Visiting Lyon-Part-Dieu: Practical Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Media
Related Articles
Conclusion and Summary
Sources

Historical Background and Significance

Origins and Early Development

Lyon-Part-Dieu’s origins trace back to 1859 as a freight station, but its transformation into the city’s principal passenger hub began in the late 1970s. Officially inaugurated in 1978 and becoming fully operational for passengers by 1982, this redevelopment was integral to Lyon’s broader urban renewal and the growth of the Part-Dieu business district.

Architectural and Urban Role

Conceived with modernist design principles, the station is characterized by its linear layout, functional orientation, and integration with the surrounding cityscape. Its expansion catalyzed the Part-Dieu district, enabling efficient transit and supporting economic development.

Growth as a European Rail Hub

Now France’s busiest rail station outside Paris, Lyon-Part-Dieu serves over 700 daily trains, including 150 high-speed TGVs, connecting Lyon with Paris, Marseille, Geneva, and beyond. Its importance as a transfer point within France’s and Europe’s rail network continues to grow.

Station Layout, Facilities, and Accessibility

Structure and Orientation

Centrally situated in the business district, the station stretches along Boulevard Vivier Merle and Place de Francfort. The design features:

Ground Floor: Main concourse with ticketing, shops, and platform access.
Upper Floors: Additional waiting areas, retail, and business lounge.
Underground: Metro Line B, parking, and tram/bus interchanges.

Three integrated shopping galleries (Béraudier, Pompidou, Villette) enhance the passenger experience. (lyon-partdieu.com)

Visiting Hours

Station Access: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM.
Shops and Services: Typically operate 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with variations by business.
Check the official website for up-to-date hours, especially during holidays.

Ticketing

At the Station: Counters and self-service machines on main levels.
Online: Purchase via SNCF or operator apps.
Types: Single, return, and rail passes. Advance booking is recommended for TGV and international routes.

Platforms

With 12 main tracks (including the recent Voie L expansion), platforms are accessible via escalators, elevators, and stairs, with clear bilingual signage and digital displays for real-time updates. (lyon-partdieu.com)

Multimodal Integration

Trains: TGV, TER, Intercity, and international services.
Metro: Line B, direct access from the station.
Trams: Lines T1, T3, T4.
Buses: Extensive city and regional network.
Airport: Rhônexpress tram to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport in ~30 minutes (rhonexpress.fr).
Cycling: Vélo’v bike stations and e-scooter rentals (velov.grandlyon.com).

Amenities and Services

Waiting Areas: Climate-controlled lounges, business zones, family and accessible seating.
Retail & Dining: 15,000 m² of shops and eateries spread across three galleries.
Luggage: Automated lockers; lost & found at SNCF information desk.
Toilets: Modern, accessible restrooms with baby-changing and showers.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi, charging points, digital boards, and travel apps.
Parking & Rentals: Four public car parks and on-site car rental agencies.
Taxis/Rideshares: Taxi ranks and dedicated pickup zones at main entrances.

Accessibility

The station is fully accessible, with step-free routes, elevators, tactile paving, accessible toilets, induction loops, and pre-bookable assistance (Accès Plus). Reserved parking and seating are available for travelers with reduced mobility. (lyon-partdieu.com)

Redevelopment and Future Vision

Timeline and Investment

Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu’s redevelopment, launched in 2014, is the largest of its kind in France outside the Paris region. With €440 million in funding from multiple stakeholders, the phased project is scheduled for completion by 2026. Key milestones include:

2014: Initial demolition and construction.
2018: Accessibility and urban integration upgrades.
June 2024: Opening of the new 210-meter main hall, expanding available space by almost one-third.
Autumn 2024: New pedestrian access and the underground “place basse.”
Summer 2025: Delivery of Place Béraudier and the new stainless-steel canopy.
(La Tribune, Le Figaro)

Architectural Innovations

Main Hall: A bright, spacious new gallery opened in June 2024, easing congestion and improving comfort.
Place Béraudier: Transformed into a leafy, pedestrian-friendly urban square with 55 new trees.
Place Basse: Underground area with a 1,300-space bicycle station, taxi stand, metro access, and new shops.
Stainless-Steel Canopy: A dramatic 15-meter-high landmark, due for completion in 2025.
(Le Figaro)

Urban Integration and Sustainability

Redevelopment improves pedestrian access and multimodal connections, supported by enhanced green spaces to boost air quality and urban comfort. (La Tribune)

Operational Challenges

With up to 1,200 trains daily, Lyon-Part-Dieu faces congestion and platform crowding. Redevelopment focuses on enhancing circulation and safety, but long-term rail saturation remains a challenge. (Le Figaro)

District Integration

The station’s upgrade is central to the revitalization of the Part-Dieu district, balancing business, residential, and retail needs while preserving key architectural features.

Visiting Lyon-Part-Dieu: Practical Information

Visiting Hours

Station: 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM daily.
Shops & Services: Generally 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (check individual businesses).

Ticketing

Purchase Points: Online, mobile apps, ticket counters, and machines.
Recommendation: Book TGV/international tickets in advance for best fares.

Travel Tips

Use new, clearly marked entrances and step-free routes.
Take advantage of the large underground bike station and taxi stand.
Allow extra time during ongoing construction through mid-2025.
Peak travel periods are weekday mornings and afternoons—plan accordingly.

Nearby Attractions

Westfield La Part-Dieu: 200+ shops and 40+ restaurants.
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse: Renowned food market.
Tour To-Lyon: Modern skyscraper with business and dining.
Old Town (Vieux Lyon): UNESCO site, accessible by metro/tram.
Parc de la Tête d’Or: Major urban park, accessible by public transport.

Guided Tours & Photo Spots

While official guided tours aren’t offered at the station, its contemporary architecture and the new canopy are popular with photographers. The city offers walking tours focused on history and gastronomy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the station’s opening hours?
A: 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM daily. Shops and services generally open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Q: How do I buy train tickets?
A: Purchase at counters, self-service machines, or online via SNCF and official apps.

Q: Is the station accessible for those with disabilities?
A: Yes. Step-free access, tactile guidance, and assistance services are available.

Q: Are there luggage and bicycle storage options?
A: Yes. Automated lockers for luggage; underground bike parking for 1,300 bicycles.

Q: What are the main transport connections?
A: TGV, TER, metro (Line B), trams (T1, T3, T4), buses, Rhônexpress airport tram, taxis, and bike-share.

Visuals and Media

For images and virtual tours of the redevelopment, see Tribune de Lyon and Le Figaro.

Conclusion and Final Tips

Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu represents the future of urban mobility—combining efficient transit, passenger comfort, and city integration. Its comprehensive facilities, multimodal links, accessibility features, and proximity to shopping and tourist highlights make it an essential gateway for exploring Lyon and the broader Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Ongoing redevelopment ensures the station meets evolving traveler needs while strengthening Lyon’s position as a European rail and cultural hub.

For the latest updates, travel tips, and exclusive content, visit the official Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu website, download the Audiala app, and follow relevant social media channels.