Transport in Lyon

Public transport: Bus, Metro & Tram

Lyon’s public transport network, ran by TCL, consists of 4 metro lines, 6 tram lines, 2 funicular railways and over a hundred bus routes.

(Update, March 2023)

A single ticket costs €1.90 and can be used for any mode of public transport. The ticket lasts for one hour and you can use it as many times as you want within this hour. However, you must validate your ticket every time you board a new bus/tram.
You can purchase tickets from the machines (pictured here) found at all metro/tram stations and major bus stops. Look out for the little flags in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen to change the language to English.

Bus drivers also sell single-journey tickets, but they cost €2.30 and will hold up the queue, so best avoid it.
Remember also that public transport is free with the Lyon City Card.

There are several other types of ticket that may help you save money.

Check out the table below to find out which suits you best.

The book of 10 1 hour tickets (€19)  is also a good option if you are travelling in a group or as a couple.

Directions

TCL has a fantastic mobile app available for iPhone and Android phones.
It features an interactive map and journey planner, allowing you to easily find your way around. If you prefer a traditional paper map, they can be found at the TCL agencies at the Part-Dieu train station and Place Bellecour.
Also, feel free to ask any of the TCL representatives often posted in the main tourist areas, who will be able to point you in the right direction.

Map of Lyon Metro, Tram & Bus (TCL): stations & lines.

River boat shuttle

A fun alternative to the public transport system is the Vaporetto. This boat shuttle service is managed by the Confluence shopping centre, and operates along the Saône river between the Vieux-Lyon (old district) and the trendy Confluence area.

There are 4 stops:

• Confluence stop (14 quai Antoine Riboud, 69002 Lyon – opposite the Confluence shopping centre)
• Bellecour stop (11 quai des Célestins, 69002 Lyon)
• Saint-Paul stop (1862 quai de Bondy, 69005 Lyon)
• Vaise stop (9 quai Arloing, 69009 Lyon)

A single ticket costs 5€ including tax (tickets purchased on board). Tickets for children between 5 and 12 years old cost 2€ and children under 5 travel for free.

The shuttle runs every day from 10am to 9:30pm, each journey taking less than half an hour. There is a departure every 1 hour and 20 minutes. As of 2020, take a seat at the front of the boat on their new outdoor benches! Also as of 2020, users of this service have the option to pay for a 1-year unlimited pass priced at 39€.

The Water Taxi Lyon, run by local entrepreneur Jeff, is another solution to visit the city center through the Rhône and Saône rivers. Navigate and discover the city’s sights alternatively, accompanied by the useful tips and the friendly atmosphere brought by Jeff.

Starting from the Confluence marina, this water taxi explores the Saône and its riversides with up to 10 stops towards the Ile Barbe. A quick turnaround at the confluence, and passengers can visit the Rhône river until the Cité Internationale.

Driving in Lyon

Getting around Lyon in a car can be a rather stressful experience, especially as finding parking places often proves to be difficult and costly.

Car rental

Renting a car is therefore generally not recommended nor needed given the extensive public transport system. However, if it cannot be avoided, then most major car hire companies operate in the city (Europcar, Avis, Sixt, etc.). There are several underground car parks, and most street parking is pay-and-display.

Top tip: most short/medium-stay street parking is free on Sundays, public holidays and all of August.

Car Sharing in Lyon: Cheap Car Rental Deals

Zity

Zity is a carsharing service where you can rent a car from your phone and drive wherever you want.
The service is available in Lyon and Villeurbanne, but you can still drive outside the service area.
The cars are 100% electric and have no emissions.
You can use the Stand by mode to take a break while keeping the rental.

Leo&Go

This is a car-sharing service where you can use a car whenever you want and wherever you want. Everything is done through a digital app, so you don’t need any keys or badges.
The price is all-inclusive, which means parking, insurance, and energy or fuel is included.
You can sign up for free and choose from different pricing plans, including an airport package.
The service is available in Lyon, Villeurbanne, Écully, Caluire, Bron & Saint-Exupéry airport.

Citiz

Citiz is a carsharing service in Lyon. You can subscribe and use their cars whenever you want for an hour or more.
They have different pricing plans for individuals and businesses. Insurance is included in their rates, and there’s an option to reduce the excess amount.
They have a free-floating service called Yea! cars, available with the same subscription as Citiz cars.

Velo’v bike rental

Lyon has over 540 kms of cycling paths, making biking a great way to get around the city. Vélo’v is comparable to London’s Boris bikes.

Recognisable by their distinctive red mud guards, the bikes can be rented at any one of the almost 350 stations around Lyon.

JCDeaux, the developers of Vélo’v, replaced 2,500 Vélo’v manual bikes with Vélo’v hybrid bikes across the Greater Lyon area. Users of this service can choose between a manual bike or an electrically-assisted self-service bike, using a portable, personal battery. You can pay for a subscription to own one of these portable batteries for just €7 extra each month.

A single ride ticket costs €1.80 (a €180 deposit is secured), with the first 30 minutes of each journey free. If after 30 minutes you have not returned the bike, then you will be charged for each consecutive 30 minutes. Simply return the bike and hire it again to reset the counter.

A Velo’v day pass costs €4. With this pass, you can take as many rides as you want in 24 hours.

Additionally, If you have purchased the 3-day Lyon City Card, you can get three days’ rental for only €5.

For more information, visit the Velo’v website (in English).