Getting Around Lyon
Lyon's public transportation system, known as TCL, is regarded as one of the most efficient in France. The city centre is compact and walkable, with most attractions accessible on foot, and metro stations generally located about a 10-minute walk apart. For visitors, understanding the available transport options makes navigating the city straightforward.
Paying for Public Transport
The easiest way to travel on Lyon's public transport is to tap a contactless bank card—Visa, Mastercard, or CB—directly on the reader at entry points. This method also works with Google Pay and Apple Pay. You will be charged per journey with a daily cap, and your ticket includes unlimited transfers between all modes of transport.
If you prefer a physical ticket, you can buy a rechargeable card at any TCL vending machine or office (agences TCL) for a small fee, then load single tickets or multi-day passes onto it. A carnet (booklet) of 10 single tickets is also available and can be shared among a group.
The Metro, Tram, and Light Rail Network
Lyon's rapid transit network comprises metro lines, tram lines, and the RhônExpress light rail connection to the airport. The metro and tram network covers central areas very well, with good service to campuses and eastern suburbs where many jobs are concentrated. The network is divided into fare zones, with zones 1 and 2 covering central areas including all metro lines.
The RhônExpress is a light rail service connecting Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport to the city centre in under 30 minutes, making it the fastest and most reliable public transport option from the airport. It connects at the main Part-Dieu station and includes a stop at Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie on metro line A, which is convenient if you're staying in Presqu'île or Villeurbanne. Trains run between 04:25 and midnight daily, departing every 15 minutes during peak hours (06:00–21:00) and every 30 minutes at other times. The service offers power sockets and free WiFi onboard.
Buses
Local buses serve all areas of Lyon and the surrounding region. Buses are particularly useful for reaching the western suburbs, which are more residential and can be difficult to reach by metro or tram. The same contactless payment system and tickets used for metro and tram travel are valid on buses.
Walking
The city centre is compact and most attractions can be reached on foot. A walk from Place des Terreaux to Place Bellecour takes about 20 minutes. However, traffic is dense on major axes, so exercise caution when crossing streets.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout the city and can be found at major locations like railway stations. They offer an alternative to public transport if you prefer not to navigate the metro, tram, or bus system.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport is located approximately 25 kilometres east of the city. Several options exist for reaching the city centre:
- RhônExpress light rail: The fastest and most reliable option, taking under 30 minutes to the city centre. It connects at Part-Dieu station and includes a stop at Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie on metro line A. Trains run daily between 04:25 and midnight, with frequent departures. Adult fares are charged per journey, though tickets are free if you are under 12 or connecting to a TGV service at the airport. To find the station in the airport, follow red signs in the terminals; note that you may need to walk through the TGV station, which can take up to 10 minutes from Terminal 3.
- Buses: Local buses serve the airport at a much lower cost than RhônExpress. Bus 47 runs half-hourly from 06:30 to 22:00 to Meyzieu Z.I., where you can pick up tram number 3 to the centre. Alternatively, bus C200 runs to the eastern end of metro line A. These options cost significantly less than RhônExpress.
- Taxi: Taxis are found outside Terminal 1. The fare to the city centre is typically €40–50 depending on destination. Asking the driver to drop you at one of the metro stations on the eastern side of town (such as Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie or Mermoz-Pinel) can reduce the fare. For groups of four or more, this option may be cost-competitive with RhônExpress.
Alternative Airports
Geneva Airport is another option for reaching Lyon. BlaBlaCar operates two daily non-stop bus services from Geneva Airport to Lyon's Perrache bus station, taking around two hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Geneva station and then a regional train (TER) to Part-Dieu, which takes slightly longer but offers more flexibility. Flying into Paris Charles de Gaulle and taking a high-speed TGV train directly to Part-Dieu is also an option for intercontinental travellers, and in some cases this can be faster and more convenient than flying into Lyon.
Rail Connections
Lyon has two main railway stations serving national and regional destinations. Part-Dieu station, located in the city's main business district, is the primary station and serves almost all national and international trains. Perrache station is the historical station and is generally more convenient if you are staying in the city centre, being just a short walk from Place Bellecour. Both stations are connected to the metro system, allowing easy onward travel to other parts of the city.