Overview
Lille's public transport system is operated by Ilevia and includes a modern driverless metro, tram lines, and buses. As a visitor, you can move seamlessly across the city using a single ticket that works on all three modes. The metro is fast and frequent—trains run every 1½ to 4 minutes during the day (every 66 seconds in rush hour)—and the network radiates from the two central railway stations, making it easy to orient yourself. Simply buy a single ticket (€1.80) at a machine in any station, board at the marked platform, exit at your destination, and repeat for each journey. All-day passes (€5.30) offer better value if you plan multiple trips.
The network
The Lille Metro comprises two driverless light-rail lines serving 60 stations across a 45-kilometre network. Both lines connect the two main railway stations (Gare de Lille Europe and Gare de Lille Flandres) and carry platform screen doors at every station.
- Line M1 (13.5 km, 18 stations): Runs from Lille CHU-Eurasanté through the city centre to Villeneuve d'Ascq 4 Cantons Stade Pierre Mauroy, serving the southern suburbs.
- Line M2 (32 km, 44 stations): Connects Lomme Saint-Philibert through the city to Tourcoing CH Dron near the Belgian border, passing through the suburban towns of Roubaix and Tourcoing.
The metro operates daily from 5:00 a.m. until midnight. On weekdays and Saturdays, trains depart every 1½ to 4 minutes during daytime hours; early mornings and evenings see trains every 6 to 8 minutes. On Sundays, frequency is every 2 to 6 minutes.
Two tramway lines complement the metro:
- Tram R: Connects Roubaix Eurotéléport to Gare Lille Flandres.
- Tram T: Runs from Tourcoing centre to Gare Lille Flandres.
Buses operate throughout the city and suburbs, with over 40 urban bus lines and several high-frequency services. Night buses run from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Tickets & fares
A single journey ticket costs €1.80 (an additional €0.20 charge applies if you need a rechargeable smartcard). A 10-journey carnet (book) is €15.40. A 24-hour day pass costs €5.30. These tickets and passes are valid on all metro lines, trams, and buses throughout Lille.
Tickets can be purchased at automated machines located in every metro and tram station, which accept both cash and cards. Longer stays may benefit from other ticket types available through Ilevia.
Note that longer-distance regional trains to suburbs like Roubaix require separate tickets beyond the standard public transport pass.
From the airport
Lille–Lesquin Airport is located 15 minutes from the city centre. A direct coach service runs from the airport to the main railway station (stops outside Gare de Lille Flandres) every hour; the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €7, and a return ticket is €9. Alternatively, a taxi to the centre costs around €20.
Etiquette & customs
The Lille Metro operates smoothly with a few local conventions to observe. Queue in an orderly fashion when waiting for trains. On escalators in stations, stand on the right side to allow others to pass on the left. The metro has designated priority seating near the doors for elderly passengers, disabled travellers, and those with young children; give up your seat if you occupy one of these areas and someone in need boards. Eating and drinking are discouraged on the metro itself, though water is generally tolerated. During rush hours (typically early morning and late afternoon on weekdays), the metro becomes crowded; keep bags and belongings close and allow passengers to exit before boarding. Note that platform lengths are much longer than the trains; floor markings show where the doors will align, so position yourself accordingly to avoid a long walk on the platform.
Survival terms
- Métro (MEH-troh) – metro / subway
- Ticket (tee-KAY) – ticket
- Ligne (LEEN-yuh) – line
- Entrée (ahn-TRAY) – entrance
- Sortie (sor-TEE) – exit
- Correspondance (kor-es-pohn-DAHNS) – transfer
- Ticket simple (tee-KAY SIM-pluh) – single fare
- Pass 24 heures (pahs VAHNT-kah-truh EUR) – 24-hour pass
Official links
Pick up a paper metro map at any station or use the Ilevia mobile app to plan your journey before you travel, as it will save you time if you are unfamiliar with station names and line connections.