Road Tripping from Birmingham to Lyon: The Distance, Routes, and Drive Times

Planning a road trip across different countries, soaking in diverse cultures and landscapes is always an exciting adventure. One such journey is from Birmingham, England to Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in France. The route is about 574 miles and is an excellent way to explore the stunning scenery of England and France. Here are the different options for getting from Birmingham to Lyon, including the distance and drive times:

#1. Birmingham to Lyon via London

Starting from Birmingham, the quickest and direct way to get to Lyon is to drive down to London and then hop on a Eurostar train. The drive from Birmingham to London is about 118 miles, which takes around two hours.

Once in London, you can take a direct Eurostar train from St. Pancras International station to Lyon. The train journey usually takes around 4.5 hours. Hence, the total travel time from Birmingham to Lyon via London is approximately 7 hours.

We recommend making a stop in London and explore some of the iconic tourist attractions such as the London Eye, the Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace.

#2. Birmingham to Lyon via Channel Tunnel

Another viable route from Birmingham is to cross the English Channel via the Channel Tunnel. The distance from Birmingham to Folkestone is approximately 215 miles. From Folkestone, you can take the Eurotunnel train to Calais, France, which takes around 35 minutes.

Once in Calais, Lyon is around 440 miles away. The drive from Calais to Lyon takes approximately 6 - 7 hours, depending on traffic.

We recommend making a stop in Folkestone and explore the coastal town. You can also visit the historic city of Canterbury, which is less than 20 miles away.

#3. Birmingham to Lyon via Ferry

If you want to add some maritime adventure to your road trip, then taking a ferry from Portsmouth to Caen is a great option. The distance from Birmingham to Portsmouth is about 148 miles. From Portsmouth, you can take Brittany Ferries to Caen, which takes around 7 hours.

Once in Caen, Lyon is around 416 miles away. The drive from Caen to Lyon takes approximately 6 hours.

We recommend making a stop in Portsmouth and explore the naval base and the Historic Dockyard. You can also take a stroll on the Southsea Beach and enjoy fish and chips.

#4. Birmingham to Lyon via Paris

Another option is to take a less direct route via Paris. The distance from Birmingham to Paris is around 315 miles, which takes about five hours. From Paris, Lyon is approximately 290 miles away, and the drive takes around 4.5 hours.

We recommend making a stop in Paris and explore this romantic city. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Champs-Elysées.

Drive times and considerations

When planning your route, it's important to consider factors like the time of day, traffic, and road conditions, as they can all affect your drive time. Additionally, the speed limits and toll charges vary from country to country.

Driving from Birmingham to Lyon can take anywhere between 6 to 10 hours, depending on the route you take and assuming no major traffic incidents along the way.

As you travel through different regions, you'll encounter beautiful countryside, fantastic food, and charming towns. We recommend taking time to explore and enjoy some of these places, such as Beaune, Burgundy's wine region, and Troyes, known for its medieval architecture.

Final Thoughts

A road trip from Birmingham to Lyon is an incredible adventure full of diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences. Whether you choose to take a direct route via London or indulge in a ferry adventure, this road trip promises to be a memorable one. Be sure to stop and explore some of the charming towns and cities along the way. Happy road tripping!