Getting around Lyon: public transport, passes and taxis

Lyon runs on one integrated network, TCL, which covers metro, tram, bus, trolleybus and the two funiculars up to Fourvière. Tickets are valid across modes, so the choice is really about how many rides you will take and how far out you are staying.

The city centre is small enough to walk. The Presqu'île between the two rivers, Vieux Lyon and the Croix-Rousse slopes are all within a 30-minute walk of each other, which is often faster than going down into a station.

TCL sells single tickets, books of tickets and time-based passes. A single ticket lets you ride for a set window and change between metro, tram and bus within it, so one ticket can cover a two-leg trip. Buy from station machines, some tabacs and newsagents, or load a rechargeable card.

If you are riding three or more times in a day, a day pass usually beats singles. For a stay of several days, a multi-day pass is simpler than buying carnets. Children and some students get reduced fares; bring ID if you qualify. Contactless bank-card payment has been rolling out on the network, so check whether your card works at the gate before buying a ticket.

Keep your ticket until you leave the system. Inspectors do patrol, and an unvalidated or expired ticket carries a fine.

Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS) sits about 25 km east of the centre and has its own TGV station. The Rhônexpress tram-train links the airport to Part-Dieu and Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie in roughly 30 minutes; it is priced separately from TCL tickets and is the fastest fixed option. A local bus is cheaper but slower and less frequent. Taxis and ride-hailing run the same route and cost more.

Part-Dieu is the main TGV station, on metro B and tram lines, with the airport link and regional trains. Perrache, on metro A, handles some regional and long-distance services and is a short walk from the Presqu'île. Both have ticket machines, luggage storage and connections onward.

Central Lyon rewards walking. Bellecour to Vieux Lyon is about 15 minutes on foot; Vieux Lyon to Croix-Rousse is uphill but doable, and the traboules and stairways make it interesting. The two rivers have long, flat quays that are pleasant on a bike.

Vélo'v is the city bike-share scheme, with stations across the centre and along the rivers. Short rides are free or very cheap, and longer use is charged by time. You need a bank card and a phone or card to unlock a bike. Electric bikes cost more. Helmets are not required for adults in France, and bike lanes are common but not universal, so ride defensively.

Taxis are metered and can be flagged in the centre or found at ranks at Part-Dieu, Perrache, Bellecour and the airport. Ride-hailing apps also operate in Lyon and are often cheaper for short central trips, though surge pricing at night and in rain can flip that. Both are best for late nights, heavy bags, or trips to suburbs and the airport where trams are slow or stop early.

For a group of three or four, a taxi can cost about the same as four transit tickets, which makes it worth considering for a cross-city trip. For one or two people going a few stops, transit wins on price and usually on time.

All figures are 2026 estimates; check current fares before you travel. Transit is the cheap option, taxis the expensive one, and the airport link sits in between.

A single TCL ride is around €2, with a carnet or pass bringing the unit price down. A day pass is worth it from about three rides. Rhônexpress is a separate, higher fare. Taxis charge a meter plus possible airport or luggage supplements; ride-hailing quotes upfront in the app.

Validate your ticket every time you enter a station or board a bus; inspectors fine unvalidated tickets. Keep the ticket until you exit.

Metro lines run from early morning to around midnight, with limited night service; check the last train if you are out late. Trams and buses start later and finish earlier than the metro.

Avoid the morning and evening peaks around Part-Dieu and Bellecour if you can; the metro is busy but frequent.

If you are staying outside the centre, check which metro or tram line is nearest before booking, because a 10-minute walk to a station changes the whole trip.