Lyon

Private car transfer
from Geneva to Lyon

Door-to-door
in 1 h 50 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Geneva.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 1 h 50 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Lyon.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 150 km
  • 1 h 50 min

Overview: car trip from Geneva to Lyon

Despite being France’s third-largest city, Lyon often doesn’t rank among the top destinations travelers consider when visiting France. However, with Geneva being relatively close to Lyon and the two cities being well-connected, a sort of invisible bridge connects them. And there is no better way to travel from Geneva to Lyon than by a private car service like Daytrip which will take you on a unique journey.

“Why unique?” you may ask. Daytrip allows you to tailor your trip to your desires by adding whichever sightseeing stops you wish to explore as you approach Lyon. There are plenty of places to explore before you reach Lyon—the well-preserved medieval Nyon Castle, the picturesque town of Annecy, situated beside one of Europe's purest lakes, Chartreuse Cellars, to degustate their liqueurs, or wander around the charming town of Perouges. And these are just a few options, so be sure to check out all the stops when booking your trip!

About Lyon

Lyon, just like other cities in France, has gone through many ups and downs throughout its history. The city was founded during the Roman period in 43 BC when it was officially named Lugdunum.

Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, the sanctuary Notre-Dame de Fourviere in Lyon became a popular pilgrimage center. Unfortunately, in the 14th century, the Black Death struck Lyon, sweeping away approximately one-fourth to one-half of the city's population. This had long-term effects on the city's growth, but Lyon eventually recovered.

In the 15th century, Lyon started producing silk, which marked a new beginning. As of the 16th century, it became one of the main silk trade centers, which significantly helped its growth. Today, the textile industry continues to play a vital role in Lyon's economy.

In 1998, Lyon was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with approximately 10% of the city recognized for its historical and architectural value. Some of the landmarks can be found in the Old Town of Lyon, such as Saint-Jean Cathedral or the iconic traboules which are unique passageways that were used by silk weavers.

Given the importance of silk to the city's growth, the silk weavers' neighborhood of Croix-Rousse is also UNESCO-listed. Additionally, La Maison des Canuts, now a museum dedicated to Lyon’s silk industry, is located in this historic district.

Lyon is worth exploring not only because of its rich historical and cultural heritage but also because it is renowned as the gastronomic capital of France. From the traditional cuisine to numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, you will find a rich culinary scene.

From Geneva to Lyon: travel tips

Before you begin your journey from Geneva to Lyon, here are two must-know travel tips:

Get the Lyon City Card

Purchasing the Lyon City Card is a great way to save money if you plan to visit 27 museums and major attractions, as well as take guided tours or enjoy a sightseeing cruise. The card comes in four options: 24, 48, 72, or 96 hours. Additionally, if you’re traveling with children aged 4 to 15, the card is available at a discounted rate.

The Lyon City Card also gives free access to public transport (tram, bus, metro, or even funicular), and you can even choose a card that includes a transfer to the airport.

Book restaurants in advance

As Lyon is renowned for its exceptional cuisine and exquisite restaurants, it is highly advisable to make reservations in advance, particularly for the most popular dining spots. Additionally, consider checking if the restaurant you plan to visit is hosting any special events or offering seasonal dishes.

How to get from Geneva to Lyon

Although the cities are relatively close to each other, with a distance of just 93 miles (150 km), there are several transfer methods available from Geneva to Lyon. Here are some of the main transportation options you can choose for your journey:

From Geneva to Lyon by bus

Bus is a great option for those looking to save. One of the most popular bus companies operating between Geneva and Lyon is Flixbux. The cheapest tickets cost around $15 (€14) and typically the travel time is from 2 to 2.5 hours.

From Geneva to Lyon by train

If you are planning to travel by train, choose TGV Lyria which seamlessly connects France and Switzerland. Be aware that these trains don't depart every single day and if they do, there is just one train per day. Depending on the day you travel, the ticket prices start from $42 (€39) to $82 (€76) for the 2nd class. With these comfortable trains, you will reach Lyon in 1 hour and 40 minutes.

From Geneva to Lyon by private car service

However, if you are looking for not only a comfortable but reliable and flexible way to travel from Geneva to Lyon, Daytrip’s private car service is for you. With Daytrip, you don’t have to worry about navigating public transport or getting to the bus or train station, as your personal driver will pick you up from your address. If you travel with kids, you can also request child seats. Daytrip is also pet-friendly, so feel free to take your four-legged friend on your next journey.

What makes Daytrip stand out from the rest is that you are allowed to add sightseeing stops to your trip. Start your journey by exploring the medieval Nyon Castle, then enter France and explore the charming town of Annecy and its pure lake. Since you are not driving, you can take a break at the Chartreuse Cellars for a liqueur tasting and then have a walk around Perouges, one of the most beautiful medieval towns. If you choose a straightforward journey without any sightseeing stops, the drive takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Things to do when you get to Lyon

Once you arrive in Lyon, you might be unsure where to start. We're here not only to take you from Geneva to Lyon but also to offer recommendations for must-see attractions and activities. Here are some highlights that will surely enhance your trip:

Get lost in the traboules

One of the best ways to delve into Lyon’s history and understand the significance of its silk industry is by exploring its famed traboules. You can discover hundreds of these hidden corridors in both the Old Town and the Croix-Rousse neighborhood. These unique passageways, hidden within the historic buildings of Lyon, form a labyrinth that connects one street to another. As you explore each traboule, you will encounter unique architectural details, such as intricate spiral staircases, inner courtyards, and arched ceilings.

The traboules were also used during World War II as escape routes for the French Resistance. If you want to learn more in-depth about these passageways, consider joining a guided tour.

Admire the city from above

When in Lyon, visiting the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a must. Often compared to an upside-down elephant for its unique form, this impressive basilica is known for its ceiling covered in mosaics and stunning stained glass windows. It is set on top of a hill, allowing you to soak in the best panoramic views of the city. For a unique experience, you can take the Fourvière funicular to access the basilica.

Go on a boat tour

If you're looking to explore Lyon from a different perspective, consider taking a sightseeing boat cruise along the Rhone and Saone Rivers. For a truly relaxing experience, you might opt for a cruise that includes brunch or dinner.

Savor the local cuisine

With Lyon being France’s gastronomic capital, trying its local cuisine is something you simply can’t miss. Here are some of the best dishes that originated in Lyon:

  • Quenelle: a traditional dish from the 19th century. It consists of soft dumplings made from fish or meat combined with breadcrumbs and eggs.
  • Cervelle de canut: given Lyon’s rich history in silk production, it's only fitting that there’s a specialty dedicated to silk. Known as ‘silk weavers' brains,’ this dish consists of fresh cheese mixed with herbs and garlic. It is often served as a dip or spread to complement other dishes.
  • Tarte à la praliné: this famous pastry originated in the 17th century. It is a tart made with caramelized ground almonds coated in pink sugar.

When is the best time to visit Lyon

The best months to visit Lyon are May and September, when you can enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. Late spring and early fall offer the perfect conditions for outdoor activities, such as sightseeing cruises along the river or dining at one of Lyon’s many charming outdoor restaurants.

If you plan to attend the annual Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) and don’t mind cooler temperatures, December is an excellent time to experience Lyon in a festive light. The festival takes place on December 8th, so be sure to book your accommodation and transport well in advance.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Geneva to Lyon

The quickest way to travel from Geneva to Lyon is by train, as it takes only 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach your destination.
Although both cities have an airport, there are no direct flights from Geneva to Lyon due to the short distance between them.
The most seamless way to travel from Geneva to Lyon is with a private car service like Daytrip. With Daytrip, you don’t have to worry about getting to the bus or train station or dealing with potential delays. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation at your chosen time. The drive typically takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes, but you can extend your journey by making stops along the way, allowing you to explore more and potentially reduce the need for additional day trips
Since the journey from Geneva to Lyon takes under 2 hours, you can easily fit in a day trip to Lyon. However, to fully explore Lyon, it is recommended that you stay for at least two days.
Although you will enjoy some scenic views during the train ride, the journey from Geneva to Lyon is not considered one of the most picturesque routes.
The cheapest tickets for the train operated by TGV Lyria cost $42 (€39).

Visit these sights on the way

Nyon Castle

Nyon Castle

This sturdy medieval castle houses a fragile treasure - the town’s porcelain museum. Handle with Care 

Annecy

Annecy

This ancient city’s magical old town, filled with canals, flowers, and stately buildings is truly a historic gem. Pearl of the Alps 

Chambery

Chambery

Once the capital of Savoy, this hidden gem combines the serene atmosphere of an alpine village with medieval glory.  An Italian in France 

Chartreuse Cellars

Chartreuse Cellars

Learn the secrets of this medieval alchemical ‘Elixir of Long Life’ that has become one of the world’s premier liqueurs. The Secret to Long Life 

Perouges

Perouges

One of the most beautiful villages in France, Perogues developed in the 14th and 15th centuries around local wine-making and weaving industries. Grown from Wine 

Sanctuaire d'Ars

Sanctuaire d'Ars

Learn about the generous work of St. John Vianney in the museum and shrine housed in a Romantic basilica.  Doing God's Work 

Why people love Daytrip

Tripadvisor logo
4,800+ reviews
  • 489 travelers took this route with us
Dec 4, 2024

Excellent service for transfers in Thailand

I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler lakekariba
Review author image

lakekariba

Dec 4, 2024
Dec 3, 2024

Excellent option to get to Vienna to Budapest!

We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler pgh1125
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pgh1125

Dec 3, 2024
Jul 14, 2022

Excellent Service

We had a car pick us up on July 3rd, 2022 in Lyon France, to take us to Geneva. The car/driver was on time, found us easily, the car was large and very comfortable, with plenty of room for our luggage. The drive was friendly, helpful and professional. He spoke much better English, than my French. The trip was smooth and got us to our hotel in Geneva without any problem. I will happily use Daytrip again. Trains are cheaper, but a lot more hassle and Covid exposure. We noted on our trip that almost no one in the area of France we visited, wore masks, and certainly not on the trains we took. The car ride was comfortable and had excellent scenery.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler BruceV
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BruceV

Jul 14, 2022
Sep 30, 2019

great trip!

We did a transfer from Lyon to Geneva with a stop along the way at Perouges to visit this wonderful medieval town. Daytrip was reliable, efficient and helpful and our driver, Saman, turned the transfer into one of our most enjoyable vacation days. I'd highly recommend Daytrip!

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler julie c
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julie c

Sep 30, 2019

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

Best reviews

luxury sedan

Luxury sedan

Comparable to aMercedes Benz E-class
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Luxurious vehicle
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
From ... per seatSelect
van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
From ... per seatSelect

The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Geneva to Lyon
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Geneva to Lyon

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 13,800+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.

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