Fastest way from Lyon to Amsterdam (Netherlands): Flight, about 1h 40min – 2h 10min (from €193). Cheapest: Bus, from €49 (about 16h 40min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 12, 2026): Daytrip private transfer with English speaking driver, Vueling, KLM; main departure point: Lyon Airport.
There are 2 ways to get from Lyon to Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 12, 2026 for a departure on December 3, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | Lyon Av Tony Garnier | €49 | 1 |
| Vueling | Flight | Lyon Airport | €193 | 4 |
| Lufthansa | Flight | Lyon Airport | €260 | 2 |
| KLM | Flight | Lyon Airport | €296 | 3 |
| Daytrip private transfer with English speaking driver | Van / transfer | €1567 | 8 |
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Practical tips
Always look at the bus and plane table before buying. The price gap between the two is large, so choose based on what you value most, your budget or your time, and don't pay for speed you don't need.
In Lyon, the bus may leave from a bus station or a dedicated stop, and the plane from an airport outside the centre. Re-read the exact address on your e-ticket the day before so you don't go to the wrong place.
The lowest fares go first, especially during school holidays and weekends. Book as soon as your dates are fixed, and keep your e-ticket on your phone with an offline copy.
Keep a valid ID card or passport easily accessible, not buried in your suitcase. Checks can happen en route, especially on the bus, and having your document at hand avoids stress.
For a long overnight ride, bring a travel pillow, a warm layer, snacks, a power bank and headphones. Also keep your valuables with you rather than in the luggage hold.
The journey experience
Lyon to Amsterdam is a proper international trip: well over 1,000 km as the crow flies, with a border to cross along the way. Here the choice isn't bus versus train, it's bus versus plane. The two verified options for this route differ mainly on budget and on how much time you're willing to spend. The table on this page shows up-to-date durations and price ranges side by side.
The bus is the budget option: a long ride, overnight or by day, with a reclining seat and, in most cases, a single vehicle all the way to the Netherlands. You keep your luggage with you and have no transfers between airports to manage. The plane is the fast option: it saves you a big part of the day, but remember to factor in getting to the airport, check-in and sometimes a stopover depending on the schedule.
Our advice: if your budget is tight and you can travel overnight, take the bus. If time matters most, the plane is worth the extra cost. Either way, check your e-ticket for the exact departure and arrival points, and keep your ID handy for the border. Book early to get the best fares.
Frequently asked questions — Lyon → Amsterdam (Netherlands)
It depends on your priorities. The bus is much cheaper, with fares from €49, but the journey is long. The plane is much faster, with fares from €193. If your budget is limited and you can travel overnight, take the bus. If time matters more, take the plane.
By bus, expect about 17 hours depending on the schedule you pick. By plane, the duration ranges from about 1 h 40 to 2 h 10. The table on the page shows up-to-date durations for each option.
By bus, tickets start from €49 and typically go up to €50. By plane, fares start from €193 and typically go up to €261. Prices vary with the date and how early you book, so booking ahead helps you get the lowest fares.
The exact departure and arrival points depend on the schedule and operator you choose. They are always shown on your e-ticket, with the address of the stop or bus station. Check them before you leave, especially if you have a connection afterwards in Amsterdam.
It depends on the schedule you choose. For the plane, durations range from about 1 h 40 to 2 h 10, which suggests journeys are generally direct. For the bus, the trip takes about 17 hours and the details of stops and any changes are shown at booking, before payment.
Why visit Amsterdam (Netherlands)?
- ✓ Cruise the UNESCO-listed Grachtengordel canals and stroll through the Jordaan district
- ✓ Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum: Rembrandt's Night Watch and the Sunflowers
- ✓ Visit the Anne Frank House, with advance booking required
- ✓ Cycle through the Vondelpark, then browse the Albert Cuyp Market and try fresh stroopwafels
- ✓ Keukenhof tulip fields in April, about 45 minutes away by bus
When to visit Amsterdam (Netherlands)?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
April to September — long days, mild temperatures of 15 to 22 °C, tulips in April and May
What to do in Amsterdam (Netherlands)?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Amsterdam (Netherlands)?
3 days cover the essentials: canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Jordaan district and the Anne Frank House. With 2 days, focus on the historic center and one major museum. Book Anne Frank and Van Gogh tickets several weeks ahead and get around by bike or tram.
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