Starting 3 September 2026, Nexline Group is launching a new rail freight solution between Dunkirk and Lyon.
Three departures will be available each week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
This new connection expands our multimodal offer and provides an additional option for flows between northern France and the Lyon region.
The objective is simple: give our clients more possibilities, depending on their constraints, volumes and lead times.
A new rail freight alternative between Dunkirk and Lyon
Rail can be a relevant solution for certain regular or containerised flows.
With this new Dunkirk–Lyon connection, Nexline Group is strengthening the range of options available between two important logistics areas in France.
The frequency of three departures per week makes it easier to integrate this service into existing transport plans while adding more flexibility.
This new route is not intended to replace other transport modes. It complements them.
That is the value of a multimodal approach: choosing the most suitable option according to the actual needs of each shipment.
How is transport organised between Dunkirk and Lyon?
The operational process starts at the Terminal des Flandres in Dunkirk.
Containers are collected there before being transported by rail to Lyon.
Once they arrive at Lyon Rhône Terminal, the intermodal transport units are collected so that final delivery can be organised.
After delivery, the empty units are returned to the terminal in Lyon.
In practical terms, the operation follows five main steps:
- collection of containers at Terminal des Flandres;
- rail freight transport to Lyon;
- collection of the units at Lyon Rhône Terminal;
- final delivery;
- return of the empty units to the Lyon terminal.
The process may look straightforward on paper, but coordination remains essential.
Rail schedules, terminal availability and final delivery all need to line up correctly to ensure continuity throughout the transport chain.
Rail freight as part of a multimodal solution
In this case, rail freight covers only part of the overall journey.
Before the train departs and after it arrives, other transport modes are involved to complete the shipment.
That is exactly what defines a multimodal solution.
The idea is not to choose between road and rail, but to combine different modes when that makes more sense for the flow.
For some companies, this can provide an additional way to organise shipments between Dunkirk and Lyon.
A new option for flows between northern France and the Lyon region
This connection expands the range of solutions available to companies moving goods between these two regions.
Depending on the type of flow, shipment frequency and delivery constraints, rail can be integrated into a broader transport plan.
Each shipment, however, remains different.
A regular flow is not managed in the same way as an occasional shipment. Terminal constraints, final delivery requirements and the client’s schedule can also influence the solution selected.
Our role is therefore to assess the full requirement before recommending the most appropriate transport setup.
A new route from 3 September
With this new Dunkirk–Lyon connection, Nexline Group continues to expand its multimodal offer.
From 3 September 2026, three rail departures will be available every week.
A new route is opening between Dunkirk and Lyon, providing an additional option for managing your flows.
Do you have goods to move between northern France and the Lyon region?
Let’s discuss your requirements and identify the most suitable solution together.
Nexline Group
The human touch to your supply chain
