Your driver will meet you at your address in Geneva.
You’ll travel in comfort for 1 h 50 min.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in 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!
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.
Before you begin your journey from Geneva to Lyon, here are two must-know travel tips:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
This sturdy medieval castle houses a fragile treasure - the town’s porcelain museum. Handle with Care
This ancient city’s magical old town, filled with canals, flowers, and stately buildings is truly a historic gem. Pearl of the Alps
Once the capital of Savoy, this hidden gem combines the serene atmosphere of an alpine village with medieval glory. An Italian in France
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
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
Learn about the generous work of St. John Vianney in the museum and shrine housed in a Romantic basilica. Doing God's Work
“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”
lakekariba
Dec 4, 2024“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!”
pgh1125
Dec 3, 2024“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.”
BruceV
Jul 14, 2022“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!”
julie c
Sep 30, 2019All 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.
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.
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 are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
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).
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.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
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.
Switzerland - France
Switzerland - France
Switzerland - France
Switzerland - France
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland - France
Switzerland - Netherlands
Switzerland
Switzerland - Czechia
Switzerland
Switzerland - France
Switzerland - France
Switzerland
Switzerland - France
Switzerland
Switzerland - France
Switzerland - France
Switzerland - France
Switzerland - France
France
France
France
France
France
Germany - France
France
France
France
Andorra - France
France
Belgium - France
France
France
France
Switzerland - France
France
Spain - France
France
France