Gare de Lyon
One of Europe’s busiest railway stations, Gare de Lyon connects Paris to the Mediterranean and beyond, handling nearly 150 million passengers annually through its historic and modern halls.
At a glance
Located in the 12th arrondissement on the right bank of the Seine, Gare de Lyon ranks as France’s second-busiest station after Gare du Nord. The station combines a 19th-century heritage structure with contemporary infrastructure, serving high-speed TGV trains, regional services, and the RER transport network.
History
Opened in 1849, Gare de Lyon was established as the northern terminus of the Paris–Marseille railway. Named after the city of Lyon—a key stop for southbound trains—the station has grown from a single historical train shed into a major European transport hub, expanded with modern facilities to meet contemporary demand.
What you see
Two distinct train halls define the station’s layout. Hall 1, the original structure, contains 14 platforms labelled A through N; Hall 2, a modern addition, holds numbered tracks 5 to 23. Four further platforms serve the RER system beneath the main lines. The 32 mainline platforms support the station’s vast operational capacity.
Cultural significance
Gare de Lyon embodies France’s commitment to rail transport and European connectivity. The station represents both industrial heritage and contemporary engineering, facilitating millions of journeys annually across France and to neighbouring countries. It remains a vital gateway to Southern France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Spain.
Key facts
- Country: France
- City: Paris, 12th arrondissement
- Opened: 1849
- Annual passengers: approximately 148.1 million (2018)
- Coordinates: 48.8448°N, 2.3735°E
Practical information & getting there
Gare de Lyon is accessible via the Gare de Lyon Métro station. The station serves TGV high-speed trains to destinations across Southern and Eastern France, plus international services to Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Spain. Regional and RER services operate throughout the day.
Sources & resources
- Gare de Lyon (Wikipedia)
- Cultural Heritage Online
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