Private car transfer from Milan to Lyon

Your venture begins when Milan's iconic white-tiled walkways lined by designer brands make way for Italy's lush greenery. As you speed through Lombardy's countryside, littered with medieval villages and ancient castles in the distance, the terrain rises into the heavens. Twisting cliffside roads and sprawling tunnels will release you into new jaw-dropping views until you cross the French border.

Charming towns nestled in gaping valleys welcome you to France. The towering mountains in the Rhone-Alpes follow you from your window before fading into gently sloping hills as Notre Dame de Fourviere peaks from the distance, marking the end of this epic journey.

There aren't many road trips with two bucket-list cities, a world-renowned mountain range, and endless treasures hidden en route. So, ensure you make the most of this golden opportunity by reading our extensive travel guide from Milan to Lyon in 2024!

Early Lyon

Tribes have lived in the hills surrounding Lyon since prehistoric times, but the Roman Empire first constructed a town in 43 BC. Its strategic position meant it spread like wildfire, and less than two decades later, it became the capital of the Three Gauls region.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city continued to thrive. It became a focal point for Christianity. But most significantly, it evolved into one of Europe's most significant silk manufacturers by the Middle Ages. Merchants from the four corners of Europe exchanged goods, bringing in much financial wealth.

The ups and downs of Lyon

From the 14th to the 20th centuries, Lyon saw its fair share of highs and lows. The Renaissance was arguably the city's prime when it became one of the most notable banking hubs outside of Italy. Due to the influx of revenue, the city built many buildings, such as St. Jean Cathedral, Saint-Nizier Church, and Town Hall, which still stand tall today.

In the late 18th century, Lyon was a vital city during the French Revolution, and it saw a brutal siege in 1793. In the 19th century, the region witnessed the industrialization of the textile industry. But Nazi Germany destroyed parts of the newly built town during World War II. However, Lyon became the headquarters for the French resistance to help defeat the Axis forces, and it's a testament to the fiery and proud nature of locals today.

Modern Lyon

Today, Lyon is one of Europe's most underrated cities. The city's mix of modern shopping lanes and historical UNESCO World Heritage sights creates a perfectly balanced city for locals and visitors. Even though the streets are lively, the pastel-colored buildings and pretty squares hidden throughout its metropolises inspire you to relax and soak up the French ambiance.

Most people know Lyon for its mouthwatering food scene. Paris may be the nation's political headquarters, but Lyon is undoubtedly France's food capital. The culinary institutions, 21 Michelin-starred restaurants, fresh products that grow only steps from the city limits, and traditional dishes such as salad lyonnaise and celestine chicken combine to create a melting pot of flavors!

• Language: French
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Climate: Temperate
• Plug types: C and E

Pack a picnic

There are countless breathtaking lookout points en route from Milan to Lyon, and most have picnic beaches where you can sit and enjoy the view.

The journey will also take over five hours. So you'll want to refuel at some point. Milan has plenty of local markets to pick up fresh products for the road.

Appreciate the scenery

No matter how many photos you see of the road from Milan to Lyon, you can't compare it to the real thing. The vistas will leave you speechless, and you'll be frustrated if you forget your camera to capture some memories!

Also, don't just stand in amazement. Stop at sites where you can admire the natural wonders, like the Sacra di San Michele or the Fort of Exilles.

Book tickets in advance

One of the most straightforward yet efficient travel tips is to book your tickets early. The mountainous terrain makes public transportation limited. And the lines the government built connecting the cities weren't cheap.

Therefore, ticket prices aren't as affordable as in the rest of Italy. By waiting until the last minute, you might suffer from open wallet surgery.

Fly from Milan to Lyon

If time is a priority, a flight is the best way to travel from Milan to Lyon. When the weather conditions are favorable, you can fly from Milan Malpensa to Lyon Satolas Airport in under an hour. Note that this doesn't include airport transfers, the time to check luggage, or getting through security checks.

A flight is also one of the most expensive travel methods. Twin Jet is the sole operator, with nonstop flights on this route, and many flights can cost over €200 if you wait until the last minute.

• Lowest/average cost: €134-€258
• Average flight duration: 1 hour
• First/last departure: 8:40 AM–8:05 PM

A train from Milan to Lyon

A train is the most popular way locals and tourists travel from Milan to Lyon. It's also the most scenic, as the tracks weave through steep mountain terrain where roads aren't accessible. Therefore, you might need to take a sleeping pill if you fear heights!

No nonstop trains run between the cities. So after booking your tickets from Milano Centrale Railway Station to Lyon Part-Dieu, you'll need to change carriage at least once. With Trenitalia, you'll likely swap at Geneva and Domodossola, whereas the SNFC service stops just once in Switzerland.

• Lowest/average cost: €57-€127
• Fastest/average duration: 6 hours, 17 minutes; 10 hours, 54 minutes
• First/last departure: 8:05 AM–11:09 PM

A bus from Milan to Lyon

If you're a backpacker or traveling through Europe on a budget, the bus will be the most convenient mode of transportation for you. It's the cheapest way to transfer from Milan to Lyon, with Flixbus offering tickets for only €21 one way. The service includes extra legroom, private outlets, restrooms, and some that give free wifi.

Remember to book online more than 30 days in advance for the best prices. A pro tip is to change your location on the Flixbus website to Italy for secret low fares! Finally, double-check your departures and arrival stations, as Lyon has three and Milan has 11 stops!

• Lowest/average cost: €21-€32
• Fastest/Average Duration: 6 hours, 15 minutes; 6 hours, 50 minutes
• First/last departure: 12:35 AM–11:45 PM

Daytrip private car service from Milan to Lyon

Daytrip's private door-to-door car service is the easiest and most comfortable way to get from Milan to Lyon. With a flexible schedule, you decide where and when your professional driver will pick you up. In only 5 hours, you'll be swept away from the glitz and glamor of Milan and dropped off at your new, hopefully comfortable, hotel in Lyon.

Unlike a traditional taxi, you have the opportunity to explore some of the magnificent sights en route. If you're a car or motor enthusiast, a trip to the Alfa Romeo Museum will be right up your street, and architectural nerds will appreciate the Basilica of Superga. But everyone will enjoy France's unofficial capital of winter, Chambery!

Additionally, you can speak to your local driver to uncover more fascinating tales and insights into the regional heritage!

• Seats from: €172
• English-speaking driver
• Clean, sanitized, smoke-free vehicle
• Equipped for kids or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 English-speaking customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Visit the Musee des Confluences

Situated at the junction of the Rhone and Saone rivers, this museum is a striking piece of contemporary architecture. Its exhibitions explore the convergence of science, culture, and society, covering topics from anthropology to technology.

The building's futuristic design and glass facade are a sight to behold. However, the gallery's engaging exhibits and interactive displays make it a fascinating visit for all ages.

Lose yourself in the Old Town

Since most of the setting was built during the Renaissance, it's no surprise that the Old Town is the most picturesque neighborhood in Lyon. Winding roads lead to traditional cafes, and terracotta roofs help extract the slower-paced French lifestyle.

Whether you're in the mood to get lost and explore or recharge with your daily dose of coffee, you can do it all here. If you need help finding its location, look for the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourviere looming over this postcard setting.

De-stress in Parc de la Tête d'Or

Parc de la Tete d'Or is the most expansive urban garden in Lyon. Throughout its 117 hectares of natural paradise, you'll discover lakes, leafy walkways, a zoo, and botanical gardens. If you're traveling as a family, you could spend the entire day in this peaceful yet thrilling oasis.

During the warm season, you can take a pony ride or glide over the water on a boat rental. You can watch the festive light shows before wandering the paths and listening to the snow crunch beneath your feet in the winter. So, no matter when you visit, you'll have a memorable experience.

Step back in time at Teatro Galo-Romano

If you're a history buff, the Teatro Galo-Romano should be your first stop in town. If you're not, visit these Roman ruins, and you will be eager to learn more about the city's historical roots!

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the center of the Roman city. It's one of the world's oldest theaters, where locals indulged in fun and culture around 2,000 years ago. Today, you can still feel the importance of this ancient wonder as you climb its steps and admire the preserved columns that are still fighting the elements.

From April to late May, you can take advantage of the glorious sunshine and avenues free from tourist herds. The average daily high temperature of 73° Fahrenheit is perfect for spending time outdoors, taking walking tours, and sitting at an alfresco-style eatery.

The blooming wildflowers hanging from building to building also bring the city to life, while parks transform into a painter's palette, with vibrant shades covering almost every blade of grass. There's no better time to enjoy a picnic and sample the fresh local cuisine on the freshly cut fields!