Getting Around Lyon's Perrache Train Station
Useful Tips for Traveling, Tickets, Trains, and Buses
Dec 5, 2008
Train stations in foreign cities can be extremely intimidating to travelers, particularly at busy times and if those traveling cannot speak the language of the country. In order to make a trip smoother and therefore more enjoyable, one should always know a few details about how to get around when traveling.
Getting to Lyon Perrache
From the city, Perrache can be reached easily by metro/subway, tram, and foot.
- By metro/subway: Perrache is the terminus of the red A line.
- By tram: Both the T1 and T2 trams stop at Perrache.
- By foot: From Place Bellecour, Victor Hugo street (pedestrian shopping street) leads straight to Perrache.
One-way tickets for both the tram and metro cost 1.60 Euro/ 2.00 USD (2008 prices).
Buying Train Tickets in Perrache
Travelers can purchase tickets in one of three ways.
- Internet: Travelers can buy tickets on-line anywhere in the world and print out the ticket at one of several yellow guichets/automatic ticket booths located inside the train station. In order to retrieve the ticket, the traveler must have the credit card he or she used when purchasing it on-line.
- Automatic Machine: The same yellow ticket booths can also be used to purchase tickets on the spot. These machines are easy to use and provide a quick alternative to standing in line at the ticket counter. However, the machines only accept Euro coins (2, 1, .50, .20, .10, .5 cent pieces) or Carte Bleue French debit cards.
- Ticket Counter: Buying at the ticket counter is a good idea for those who would like to know the cheapest and/or fastest way to get somewhere. A person behind the counter will be able to help travelers with specific needs or questions and will most likely be able to speak English.
Inquiring about discounts is best done at the ticket counter. For those between the ages of 12 and 25, there is a discount card (12-25 card) that gives travelers a 50% discount on all off-peak travel. The card is valid for one year and costs approximately 50 Euro/64 USD.
Composting Tickets and Gates in Perrache
After purchasing a ticket, it's obligatory to compost or punch it at one of several yellow machines that stand just before the escalators or stairs going down to the gates. Doing this makes a ticket valid for travel and notes the exact date and time it was composted. If not done, travelers are at risk of a fine.
Television screens noting train departure and arrival times as well as gate numbers/letters can be found everywhere in Perrache. At each gate near the tracks, another television screen notes in which city or town the train will stop.
Airport Shuttle Bus
To find the airport shuttle bus, travelers should follow the signs in the train station to the bus stop, near the metro line. The bus leaves every 20 minutes or 10 minutes during peak hours and stops at Lyon's bigger train station, Part-Dieu, and Lyon's St. Exupery Airport. A one-way ticket costs 8.90 Euro/11 USD, while a round-trip ticket costs 15.80 Euro/ 20 USD.
Having a few tips on how to navigate Lyon Perrache or other busy train stations beforehand will make traveling easier and less stressful, allowing more time for enjoyment and relaxation during the trip.
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