Lyon Transport

By far the best and most efficient way to get about Lyon is to make use of Lyon's TCL public transport system, which features metro lines, bus services, tramways and funiculars. The metro runs throughout the day and tickets cover all modes of transport and can be bought singularly, daily and monthly. Taxis are also a constant feature of the Lyon transport infrastructure and bicycles are being used increasingly more.

By metro/bus

Lyon’s metro and bus systems are interconnected and you can get to most places in the city with one, daily ticket. Tickets can be used on metro trains, trams, buses and funicular railways, with the metro running from 05:00 to midnight and buses finishing at about 20:00. The metro system itself is spotless and boasts 40 stations and four separate lines. Tickets are best purchased in packs of 10, while single tickets are valid for one hour and limited to three changes across the different modes of transport. The funiculars run to the Roman theatres and Basilica.

By train

There are two train stations in Lyon: Gare de Perrache and La Part-Dieu TGV station, the latter of which is mainly for TGV intercity trains. Trains are not really much use to tourists within central Lyon, as the metro system takes care of travel within the city and out to the suburbs.

By bus

The bus system in Lyon is part of the city’s metro/bus combination. The main bus station is located at Lyon Perrache railway station, which is just to the south of the city centre.

Taxis

There are a number of reputable taxi firms in Lyon that can be called and booked or hailed from any street for travel to destination where there is no metro, bus or tram line, or if visitors prefer the convenience of taxi travel. Taxi firms in Lyon include: Allo Taxi, Taxis Lyonnais, Taxis Radio and Télétaxi. Make sure the meter is reset on entering the vehicle and that it is on during the journey; drivers do not expect tips.

By bicycle

Lyon is fairly biker-friendly and there is now a public bicycle service available to travellers in the city, where they can pick up a bike and register their credit card at one place and drop the bike off at another elsewhere in the city. Prices are good, although you may need a French credit card for the rental.

Tourist services

The Lyon City Card is valid for one, two or three days and is the standard sightseeing pass for Lyon, which allows unlimited use of city transport as well as free access to selected museums and guided tours. Discounted tickets are also available for juniors and cards are available for purchase at the Tourist Office and public transport offices.

From the airport

Getting from Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport to Lyon is easy, with all transport options available to tourists including trains, shuttle buses, taxis and limousines. Trains run throughout the day, as does the Satobus shuttle and shuttle buses to the various nearby ski resorts. Taxis and limousines provide a faster and more convenient transfer option.