How to travel from Lyon to İstanbul, Turkey
The distance between Lyon and İstanbul is around 2,017km (1,253 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 4hrs.
10 routes found
We've found 10 different ways to get from Lyon to İstanbul by plane, train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.
👋 Also check out İstanbul → Lyon if you're planning a return trip.
Fly
Fly from Lyon (LYS) to Istanbul (IST).
- Duration4hrs
- Flight time3h 10m
- Typical cost$310($310)
Turkish Airlines
+ 4 others3 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Bus
Take the bus to Lindau Reutin Bahnhof and then to Istanbul.
- Duration1 day 12h
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical cost$81($81)
Multiple bus operators
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Train and Bus
Take the train to Karlsruhe Hbf then München Hbf and then to Salzburg Hbf then take the bus to Istanbul.
- Duration1 day 5h
- Departs3 times a week
- Typical cost$260($260)
Multiple operators
2 similiar routes
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Lyon and İstanbul
Popular questions
There are several options for getting from Lyon to İstanbul by plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around $81 and will take around 1 day 12h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 4hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately $310.
The distance between Lyon and İstanbul is around 2,017km (1,253 miles).
It takes around 4hrs to get from Lyon and İstanbul by plane. If you are travelling by car it will take around 22h 40m to drive there.
The quickest way to get from Lyon to İstanbul is to fly which takes around 4hrs and will set you back approx $310.
The cheapest way to travel between Lyon and İstanbul, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around $81 for a standard one-way ticket.
Train travel
There is no train service that runs between Lyon and İstanbul. We recommend that you fly from Lyon (LYS) to Istanbul (IST). instead which will take 4hrs.
Bus travel
Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Lyon and İstanbul. It typically takes around 1 day 12h and departs 3 times a week.
There are no direct bus services that runs from Lyon to İstanbul. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Lindau Reutin Bahnhof and Istanbul. These services run 3 times a week and will take a minimum of 1 day 12h.
FlixBus, Alpar Turizm, Lasta and Ozlem Tours run regular bus services between Lyon and İstanbul. Buses run 3 times a week and take around 1 day 12h on average but will vary depending on you book with.
Flights and Airlines
Yes you can fly from Lyon and İstanbul. Flights depart from Lyon (LYS) and arrive at Istanbul (IST). The flight takes around 3h 10m.
Yes there is a direct flight between Lyon and İstanbul with no stop-overs required. Flights typically take around 3h 10m.
Turkish Airlines, Transavia France, Air Serbia, Air Algérie, Lufthansa and Pegasus Airlines fly between Lyon and İstanbul. Flights depart from Lyon (LYS) and and arrive into Istanbul (IST). These flights usually take around 3h 10m.
The flight from Lyon to İstanbul typically takes around 3h 10m. Flights depart from Lyon (LYS) and and arrive into Istanbul (IST).
The closest major airport to İstanbul is Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) (SAW) which is approximately 31km (19 miles) from İstanbul. Istanbul Airport (IST) (IST) and Balikesir Koca Seyit Airport (EDO) (EDO) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.
Drive yourself
Yes it is possible to drive from Lyon and İstanbul. The distance is around 2,396km (1,489 miles) by road and it will take around 22h 40m in normal traffic conditons.
If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Lyon to İstanbul is to fly which takes, on average, 4hrs and will usually cost around $310.
Compare travel optionsbetween Lyon and İstanbul
| Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fly + 3 similar | 4hrs | $310($310) | every 20 mins | 2,017km (1,253 miles) |
| Fly to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) | 4hrs | $255($255) | every 20 mins | 2,063km (1,282 miles) |
| Train and Plane | 5h 40m | $300($300) | every 3 hours | 2,092km (1,300 miles) |
| Train to Geneve, Fly | 5h 50m | $215($215) | every 3 hours | 2,139km (1,329 miles) |
Bus + 1 similar | 1 day 12h | $81($81) | 3 times a week | 2,653km (1,648 miles) |
| Bus via Belgrade | 1 day 15h | $120($120) | once a week | 2,513km (1,562 miles) |
Train and Bus + 2 similar | 1 day 5h | $260($260) | 3 times a week | 2,809km (1,745 miles) |
| Train to Mulhouse Ville, bus | 1 day 6h | $450($450) | 3 times a week | 2,736km (1,700 miles) |
| Bus and Train | 1 day 17h | $85($85) | once daily | 2,494km (1,550 miles) |
Drive | 22h 40m | $430($430) | on demand | 2,396km (1,489 miles) |
Top Carriersoperating between Lyon and İstanbul
Airlines
Turkish Airlines
Transavia France
Air Serbia
Air Algérie
Train operators
Transdev
Bus companies
Alpar Turizm
Lasta
Ozlem Tours
Union Ivkoni
Airports near İstanbul
The following major airports near İstanbul offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Turkey and internationally.
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
- Distance
- 31km (19 miles) from İstanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Distance
- 34km (21 miles) from İstanbul
Balikesir Koca Seyit Airport (EDO)
- Distance
- 232km (144 miles) from İstanbul