The Discontinuation of the Bordeaux-Lyon Train: Understanding the Reasons Behind Its Closure

October 20, 2025

Lost Connection: Will the Bordeaux-Lyon train Line Return?

A once-vital rail connection linking Lyon and bordeaux has been absent since 2014, leaving a notable gap in France’s transportation network. The 500-kilometer route, popular with travelers, vanished despite sustained demand, sparking questions about its disappearance and the possibility of its reinstatement. This story explores the factors contributing to the line’s closure and the ongoing efforts to revive it.

The former Bordeaux – Lyon train route bypassed Paris, offering a direct connection between the Atlantic coast and the Rhône valley.

A Historic Railway Route

For over a century, the Bordeaux-Lyon train line served as a critical artery in the French railway system.Inaugurated in the late 19th century,the route traversed five regions via Limoges and Montluçon,providing a direct link between the Atlantic and Rhône regions. By the 1980s and 1990s, the Corail Intercités service offered multiple daily round trips, averaging a seven-hour journey.

Timeline of Disconnection

The cessation of direct service wasn’t abrupt but rather a gradual process marked by underinvestment and shifting political priorities.

Year	Event
1980s-1990s	Corail Intercités Bordeaux-Lyon operates daily (approx. 7-hour journey).
Early 2000s	Service reductions and declining infrastructure quality.
December 2012	Official end of direct Intercités service.
2014	Final direct train between Lyon and Bordeaux.
2017-2024	Regional studies and political discussions; no firm reopening plans.

The Reasons Behind the Line’s Demise

Several factors contributed to the line’s ultimate closure. The aging infrastructure, with some sections dating back to the 19th century, required substantial and costly upgrades. Together, the advent of the high-speed TGV network, favoring routes through Paris, drew passengers away. A perceived lack of political support for transverse lines,with investment prioritized for north-south routes channeling through the capital,sealed the route’s fate.

Potential Reopening in 2026?

The collapse of Railcoop in 2024 has reignited the debate surrounding cross-country rail connections. Regional authorities in Nouvelle-aquitaine and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes have urged the national government and SNCF to reassess the feasibility of reinstating the bordeaux-Lyon train as part of the broader Rail Recovery Plan. However, disagreements over funding continue to impede progress, and a definitive reopening date remains uncertain.

Current Travel Options

Currently, travelers seeking to journey between Lyon and bordeaux have several alternatives:

• TGV via Paris: Approximately 5 hours, including a station transfer.
• Connecting Trains: Over 6.5 hours via Limoges and Clermont-Ferrand.
• Long-Distance Bus: Travel times range from 6 to 7 hours.
• Carpooling: Cost-effective but subject to traffic conditions.

An SNCF train at a station in France.

A Broader Issue of Regional connectivity

The loss of the Lyon-Bordeaux train line highlights a wider trend in France: the prioritization of radial routes centered on Paris at the expense of transverse connections. While France champions lasting transport and aims to reduce air travel, investment decisions have ofen reinforced regional reliance on roads and the capital city. The balance between environmental concerns and economic pragmatism remains a key challenge for the future of the French railway network.

The Rise of Air Travel

Ironically, as the Bordeaux-Lyon train service dwindled, flights between the two cities have proliferated. Low-cost carriers have capitalized on the railway gap, offering flights as short as 55 minutes at competitive prices. This has created a paradoxical situation where it’s now faster-though more environmentally damaging-to fly between Bordeaux and Lyon than to travel by train.

The Future of Regional Rail

The debate surrounding the Bordeaux-lyon line is emblematic of a broader discussion on the role of regional rail in France and beyond. As concerns over climate change and sustainable transportation grow, there’s increasing pressure to invest in alternatives to air and road travel. Revitalizing existing rail infrastructure, fostering cross-border cooperation, and exploring innovative financing models will be crucial to achieving a more balanced and sustainable transportation system.

Did You Know? France’s rail network is the second-longest in Western Europe, totaling over 30,000 kilometers.

Pro Tip: When planning a train journey in France, utilize the SNCF Connect website or app for real-time schedules and ticket purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What happened to the direct train between Bordeaux and Lyon? The direct train service was discontinued in 2014 due to aging infrastructure, competition from the TGV, and a perceived lack of political support.
• Is there any plan to reinstate the Bordeaux-Lyon train line? Regional authorities are pushing for its revival as part of the Rail Recovery Plan, but funding disagreements remain a hurdle.
• What are the current alternatives to travel between Lyon and Bordeaux? Travelers can choose from TGV via Paris, connecting trains, long-distance buses, or carpooling.
• Why is air travel sometimes faster than train travel in France? The prioritization of the TGV network through Paris has led to reduced investment in direct regional connections.
• What is the Rail Recovery Plan? It’s a government initiative aimed at modernizing and expanding France’s railway network.
• How does the disappearance of this train line impact sustainability goals? It encourages the use of more polluting modes of transport, such as air travel, hindering efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
• What role does political will play in the future of regional rail? Significant political support and consistent funding are crucial for revitalizing and expanding regional rail networks.

What are yoru thoughts on the priorities of France’s railway system? Do you think regional connections should be prioritized over speed?

Share this article and let us know your opinion in the comments below!

What were the main infrastructure problems that led to the suspension of the bordeaux-lyon train line?

A History of the Bordeaux-Lyon Rail Link

For decades, the direct Bordeaux-Lyon train represented a vital connection between Southwestern France and the Rhône-Alpes region. This rail route, popular with both buisness travelers and tourists, facilitated access to key economic hubs and leisure destinations. The service, historically operated by SNCF (Société Nationale des chemins de fer Français), offered a convenient alternative to lengthy road journeys or connecting train services. However, in late 2024, the direct line was suspended, leaving many passengers seeking alternative travel arrangements. Understanding the factors contributing to this discontinuation requires a look at infrastructure challenges,economic considerations,and evolving national rail priorities.

Infrastructure Deficiencies & Track Modernization

The primary driver behind the Bordeaux-Lyon trainS closure stems from meaningful infrastructure deficiencies along the route. Specifically, sections of the track, especially between Périgueux and Lyon, were in dire need of modernization.

* aging Infrastructure: Much of the track dated back to the mid-20th century, requiring increasingly frequent and costly maintenance.

* Speed Restrictions: The condition of the track imposed significant speed restrictions, making the journey time less competitive compared to high-speed alternatives.

* Gauge Compatibility Issues: Certain sections presented gauge compatibility issues hindering the seamless integration of modern rolling stock.

* The Lyon-Périgueux Line: This section was identified as the most problematic, requiring extensive repairs and upgrades to meet contemporary safety and efficiency standards.

These issues culminated in a decision to temporarily suspend the direct service to allow for thorough track renovations. The modernization project, estimated to cost upwards of €300 million, aims to bring the line up to the standards of France’s high-speed rail network (TGV).

Economic Factors & Ridership Trends

Beyond infrastructure, economic factors played a crucial role in the decision. While the Bordeaux-Lyon train enjoyed consistent ridership, it wasn’t generating sufficient revenue to justify the ongoing maintenance costs and the substantial investment required for modernization.

* Declining Passenger Numbers: In the years leading up to the suspension,passenger numbers on the direct Bordeaux-Lyon route had been gradually declining. This was partly attributed to the rise of budget airlines and the increasing popularity of high-speed rail connections via Paris.

* Financial Sustainability: SNCF, facing financial pressures and a mandate to modernize the national rail network, prioritized investments in high-speed lines and routes with higher potential returns.

* Competition from TGV: The TGV network, offering faster connections between Bordeaux and Lyon (albeit via Paris), presented a significant competitive challenge.

* Regional Economic Impact: The closure has impacted tourism in smaller towns along the route, reliant on the train for accessibility.

The Impact of the LGV Sud Europe Atlantique

The opening of the LGV Sud Europe Atlantique (SEA) – the high-speed line connecting Bordeaux to Tours and then onwards to Paris – significantly altered the rail landscape in Southwestern France. While the LGV SEA didn’t directly replace the Bordeaux-lyon train, it offered a faster, albeit indirect, route to Lyon via Paris.

* Shift in Travel Patterns: The LGV SEA encouraged passengers to opt for the high-speed connection to Paris and then transfer to a TGV service to Lyon.

* Reduced Demand for Direct Route: This shift in travel patterns further diminished the demand for the direct Bordeaux-Lyon train, reinforcing the economic arguments for its suspension.

* Focus on High-Speed network: The success of the LGV SEA solidified SNCF’s commitment to expanding and improving the high-speed rail network, at the expense of maintaining less profitable conventional lines.

Alternative Travel Options & current Situation

With the direct Bordeaux-Lyon train suspended, travelers now have several alternative options:

1. Bordeaux – Paris – Lyon (TGV): This is the most common and generally fastest option, utilizing the LGV SEA and the TGV network. Journey times typically range from 4.5 to 6 hours.
2. Bordeaux – Toulouse – Lyon: A longer, indirect route involving a change in Toulouse.
3. Bus Services: Several long-distance bus companies offer services between Bordeaux and Lyon, but these are significantly slower than train travel.
4. Car: Driving offers versatility but involves a lengthy journey (approximately 6-7 hours) and potential costs for tolls and fuel.

As of October 2025, the track modernization project is ongoing. SNCF has indicated that the direct Bordeaux-Lyon train service will not be reinstated until at least late 2026, pending the completion of the infrastructure upgrades and safety certifications.

Potential Future Developments & Long-Term Outlook

The future of the bordeaux-Lyon rail link remains uncertain. While SNCF has committed to restoring the service, the long-term viability of the route will depend on several factors:

* Triumphant Completion of Modernization: The timely and effective completion of the track modernization project is crucial.

* Ridership Recovery: Attracting passengers back to the direct route will require competitive pricing and convenient schedules.

* Regional growth Initiatives: Investment in regional development initiatives could help boost tourism and economic activity along the route, increasing demand for rail travel.

* **Integration with National Rail