Fastest way from Lyon to Nantes: Flight, about 1h 20min (from €35). Cheapest: Bus, from €27 (about 8h 55min – 11h 49min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 12, 2026): Air France, Blablacar Bus, FlixBus; main departure point: Lyon Airport.
There are 2 ways to get from Lyon to Nantes
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 | €27 | 4 |
| Blablacar Bus | Bus | Lyon Av Tony Garnier | €29 | 5 |
| EasyJet | Flight | Lyon Airport | €35 | 2 |
| EasyJet Europe | Flight | Lyon Airport | €36 | 4 |
| Air France | Flight | Lyon Airport | €185 | 7 |
| Daytrip private transfer with English speaking driver | Van / transfer | €1228 | 4 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Check the table on the page: the bus costs less but takes longer, while the plane is faster but its fare varies a lot. Choose based on your priority, and don't pay more than you need to.
In both Lyon and Nantes, several stopping points may exist. Reread the exact address on your e-ticket before leaving so you don't go to the wrong stop and miss your bus.
The lowest fares go first, especially for weekends and school holidays. Booking ahead gives you more choice of times and keeps you from paying top price at the last minute.
The plane is fast in the air, but the airport is far from the centre. Factor in the trip to the airport, check-in and security before deciding that flying really saves you time.
If you have a connection or an appointment in Nantes, don't book the last possible departure. A buffer protects you against a bus, road or flight delay and spares you the stress.
The journey experience
Lyon and Nantes sit at opposite ends of a long cross-country trip, and without a car, the right choice depends on what matters most to you: budget or time. Here the answer comes quickly: the bus wins on price, the plane wins on speed. The table on this page shows durations and price ranges side by side so you can decide before booking.
The long-distance bus is the budget option. Depending on the company, you get reclining seats, power outlets and a luggage hold, so travelling with a suitcase is easy. The journey is long, but there is no check-in or security screening. The plane connects the two cities in a single flight, saving a huge amount of time. The trade-off is that airports are outside the city centres, so you need to plan the trip to the airport, check-in and baggage.
Our advice: if your budget is tight and you are flexible, take the bus and book ahead. If you are short on time, compare plane fares, which vary a lot depending on the date. Before paying, always check the exact departure and arrival points on your e-ticket, and whether there is a connection. That way you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Frequently asked questions — Lyon → Nantes
It depends on your priority. The bus is the cheapest option, with a journey of 9 h to 12 h. The plane is much faster, about 1 h 20 to 1 h 35 of flight time, but its price varies more. If budget matters most, choose the bus; if time matters, compare flights.
By bus, tickets start from €27 and typically go up to €32. By plane, fares start from €35 but can reach €186 depending on the date and how early you book. Book early to get the best prices, especially during holidays or weekends.
By bus, allow 9 h to 12 h depending on the schedule and stops. By plane, the flight takes about 1 h 20 to 1 h 35. Remember to add the trip to the airport, check-in and security to compare the two options fairly.
The bus leaves from a Lyon coach station and arrives in Nantes; the plane leaves from Lyon's airport and reaches Nantes airport. The exact point depends on the departure you choose: check the address on your e-ticket before travelling.
It depends on the departure you select. The booking results show for each departure whether it is direct or includes a connection. If you have a connection, leave a comfortable margin between the two legs so you don't miss the next one.
Why visit Nantes?
- ✓ Explore the Machines de l'île and ride the giant mechanical Elephant on the Île de Nantes
- ✓ Visit the Château des ducs de Bretagne and walk along its ramparts
- ✓ Follow the Voyage à Nantes art trail, guided by the green line painted on the pavement
- ✓ Stroll through the Passage Pommeraye, a three-level 19th-century shopping arcade
- ✓ Cruise the Erdre or the Loire to riverside guinguettes and waterfront bars, sipping a Muscadet
When to visit Nantes?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
May to September — mild oceanic climate, long sunny days and plenty of outdoor summer events
What to do in Nantes?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Nantes?
Plan 2 to 3 days in Nantes: day one for the historic centre (Dukes of Brittany Castle, cathedral, Graslin district and Passage Pommeraye), day two for the Île de Nantes (Machines of the Isle, Great Elephant, Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery), and day three for a trip along the Loire or into the Muscadet vineyards. With only one day, focus on the castle, Passage Pommeraye and the Machines of the Isle, and buy the Pass Nantes to cover transport and entrance fees.
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