Guide to Paris Gare du Lyon train station

The Paris Gare de Lyon train station is located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. It is one of the most important railroad stations in Europe and at the same time one of the sights of Paris.

There has been a railroad station on this site since 1847, but the current building dates from 1900. Its richly decorated facade is about 100 meters wide and has seven entrances. In its southeast corner is the famous Clock Tower, 64 meters high, which carries four clocks with dials 6.40 meters in diameter each. The clock tower is reminiscent of Big Ben in London.

The Gare du Lyon has 13 tracks, all on a single level. Platforms A to N are located in Hall 1, and platforms 5 to 23 in Hall 2.

Hall 3 is located below the two halls and is much smaller. Among other things, the ticket counters and luggage lockers are located here.

Train Connections in Gare de Lyon:

From the Paris Gare du Lyon, long-distance and regional trains as well as subways depart.

With around 83 million passengers a year, the Gare de Lyon is one of the three busiest train stations in Paris. Long distance trains go to Switzerland, Germany, Spain and Italy. There is a night train connection to Venice. Inner-French trains run from the Gare du Lyon mainly to the south and southeast of France.

There are among others the following international and national connections :

Public Transportation to get to Gare de Lyon:

Taxi at the Gare de Lyon Train Station:

In front of the Gare du Lyon, there are well-organized cab ranks with staff who distribute people to the cabs. Even if the queue looks long, it moves fast and it doesn't take much longer than 10 minutes to get into a cab. The Gare du Nord or Gare de l'Est is a 25-30 minute drive.

According to the currently valid taxi-rates, the minimum fee for a cab in Paris is 7,30 €, the kilometer price is 1.09 € for the first seven kilometers and 1.65 € for each additional kilometer. Standing and waiting times are charged at 33,48 € per hour.

The night tariff is valid from Monday to Saturday for the time between 17:00 in the evening and 10:00 in the morning and on Sundays all day. During the night the basic charge is 7,30 €, the price per kilometer is 1.38 €, for standing and waiting times 42 € are charged.

Lockers and luggage storage in Gare de Lyon:

The lockers at the Gare du Lyon are located on the first basement floor in Hall 3 under the tracks at the far end of platform N. The automatic luggage deposit is open daily from 6:15 to 22:00.

Prices vary between 5.50 euros and 9.50 euros for 24 hours depending on the size of the locker. You have to pay an extra 5 € per 24 hours extra. Only cash accepted. The period for keeping your luggage is 3 days maximum.

Food, restaurants and coffee shops at Gare de Lyon:

The gastronomic offer at the Gare du Lyon is varied.

Whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, various snack stands offer a quick meal for in-between from McDonald's to Starbucks, there is something for every taste.

In the Gare du Lyon, you will find the famous gourmet restaurant "Le Train Bleu", which opened in 1901. The interior with original furnishings in the style of the "Fin de Siècle" is imposing, large high dining rooms, polished floors, sculptures, gilded stucco. But most impressive are the 41 pompous wall and ceiling paintings showing scenes from France. Among the famous Regular Guest were Coco Chanel, Brigitte Bardot, Jean Gabin and Salvator Dali. Nowadays 500 dishes are still served here daily.

There are many other restaurants and coffee shops around the station.

Shopping, stores and boutiques at Gare de Lyon:

It is of course possible to buy everything you need for traveling at the Gare de Lyon in Paris - and much more. There are numerous stores, from newspapers and cosmetics to clothing and jewelry, press articles and food you can find everything here. Most stores are located on the first floor.

Mini-supermarkets such as Relay as well as coffee stores such as Starbucks can be found in the Gare du Lyon as well as a pharmacy.

The closest shopping mall to Gare de Lyon is Bercy Village. In Bercy Village, you can find all the popular shops and many restaurant options.

Parking, parking garage and rental cars at Gare de Lyon:

There are four fee-based parking facilities near the Gare du Lyon.

At the Indigo parking lot at 191, Rue de Bercy, you can park or stop for a short time at no charge to let someone in or out or to wait for a traveler. The Lyon Diderot parking lot is located at 198, Rue de Bercy, Parking Méditérranée is located at 26 et 44, Rue de Chalon, Parking Parc Paris Lyon is located at 193, Rue de Bercy. It is recommended to book a parking space in advance.

The car rentals are located on the basement floor. Many big car rental companies are available at Gare du Lyon, among others Avis, Hertz and Europcar. Of course, you can also book your rental car online in advance. The vehicle is then immediately available upon arrival.

Hotels at the Gare de Lyon train station:

There are numerous hotels near the Gare du Lyon. Just a minute's walk away you will find the Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon, Hotel Terminus Lyon and Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon.

In addition, there are numerous other providers in all price ranges, hotels with stars or without, pensions and bed & breakfast. Find a nice 3 star hotel around Gare de Lyon or other areas of Paris thanks to our selection of the 25 Affordable 3 Star Hotels in Paris.

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