Getting Around Lyon. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation in Lyon

The metro has four lines (A, B, C, D). Line D operates fully automated trains. Trams (T1-T7) complement the underground, serving business districts and housing areas. Buses and trolleybuses reach all corners of the city. Two funicular lines connect Vieux Lyon to Fourvière hill and Saint-Just district, integrated into TCL.

Route Maps & Important Hubs

Maps: Detailed maps available at metro stations, tourist offices, and on the TCL website or official app.
Part-Dieu: Lyon's main train station and a significant transport hub. Connections to metro, tram, and bus lines. Arrival point for Rhônexpress.
Bellecour: Central square, a major metro (A, D) and bus hub. An ideal starting point for exploring the Presqu'île area.
Perrache: Train station, connects to metro, tram, and various bus routes.

Ticketing

Single Ticket (€2.10) valid 1 hour. Carnet (10 tickets, €19.50) for a discount. Daily Passes: 24h (€6.50), 48h (€12.50), 72h (€16.50).

Hours & Frequency

Metro: ~5 AM to 12:30 AM (weekdays), 2 AM (Fri/Sat). Trams & Buses: ~4:30 AM to midnight. High frequency during peak hours.

Accessibility

Modern stations, trams, and newer buses are generally accessible with ramps and elevators. The TCL website details accessibility for routes and stations.

Lyon City Card

Card Benefits

Unlimited Transport: Includes unrestricted public transit on the TCL network.
Attraction Access: Free or discounted entry to many attractions and museums.
Value for Visitors: AN appropriate choice for tourists planning considerable sightseeing.

Card Options

Duration: Available for 24, 48, 72, or 96 hours.
Pricing: Prices start from €29 for 24 hours.
Purchase: Purchase online or in person at tourist offices.

Ticketing & Payment

Payment Options

Automated retail machines accept coins, banknotes, and plastic.

Contactless

Contactless payment (credit card or phone) at ticket gates on some lines offers quick entry.

Validation

Validate your ticket at the turnstile or machine at the start of each journey. Not doing so do so incurs a fine.

Consider Card

Consider a Lyon City Card for savings and convenience.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing in Lyon

Taxis and ride-sharing services provide convenient alternatives, specifically for direct trips or when carrying luggage.

Licensed Taxis

Identification: Licensed taxis in Lyon are typically black or white vehicles. They have a "Taxi" the sign on its roof and a meter inside.
Hailing: Hail a taxi on the street if the "Taxi" sign is illuminated. Find them at designated taxi stands, like at train stations or major squares.
Typical Fares: Fares are metered. Airport transfers to the city center typically cost €50-€60. Short rides within the city generally range from €10-€20.
Payment: Most taxis accept plastic, but confirm with the driver. Cash is always accepted.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber: Widely available and popular in Lyon.
Bolt: Another common ride-sharing service.
Transparency: These apps show the fare estimate before reservations and accept payment through the app.
Safety: Ride-sharing services offer traceability through the app. Always confirm the driver and vehicle match the app's details before entering the car. Avoid unofficial cabs.

Departure Arrangements

Airport Taxis: Dedicated taxi stands are is offered directly outside the terminals at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport.
Train Station Taxis: Find them at both Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon Perrache train stations. Pay attention to signs for "Taxis."
Pre-Booking: You can call a taxi company for pickup, especially outside busy hours or for specific locations.

Location Awareness: Know your exact pickup location for drivers, specifically when using ride-sharing apps.
Confirm Details: Always make sure of the driver and vehicle against app details for ride-sharing.
Luggage: Taxis are a good option when carrying significant luggage.

General Advice

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy during rush hour in and around Lyon, potentially impacting travel times.

Efficiency

Taxis and ride-sharing suit direct trips or when managing luggage, offering door-to-door service.

Cost

These options are generally more expensive than public transportation for single travelers or short distances.

Rental Options for Travelers

For more independence or specific activities, consider renting a vehicle.

Car Rental

Requirements: Typically minimum age (21 or 25), valid driver's license (held for a minimum of one year), International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU citizens.
Deposit: A major credit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
Companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, Enterprise have offices at LYS and various city locations.
Booking: Booking in advance suits better rates, especially during peak season.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Agencies: Specialized rental agencies in Lyon offer motorcycles and scooters.
License: Requirements similar to car rental, often with specific motorcycle license endorsements.
Cost: Rental prices vary based on model and duration.
Availability: Check availability and book ahead, notably for popular models.

Bicycle Rentals

Vélo'v System

Lyon's popular public bike-sharing system has hundreds of stations throughout the city. Purchase a 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day pass.

The first 30 minutes of each ride are often free or very cheap.

Private Rentals

Several shops offer daily or weekly bike rentals, including e-bikes. This suits longer excursions or specific bike tours.

Suitable for more specialized cycling needs.

Cycling Infrastructure

Lyon has a growing network of dedicated bike lanes, making cycling a safe and enjoyable way to explore.

Helmets are recommended but not mandatory for adults.

Driving & Parking

Driving Laws

Side of Road: Drive on the right side of the road.
Speed Limits: Speed limits are enforced (e.g., 130 km/h on motorways, 80 kilometers per hour on rural roads, 50 km/h in urban areas, and 30 km/h in some city zones).
Mobile Phone Use: Using smartphones while driving is prohibited.

Parking

On-Street Parking: Limited and often metered.
Underground Car Parks: Many available and suggested (e.g., Parc Saint-Antoine, Parc Bellecour, Parc Cordeliers).
Cost: Prices vary but it's possible to be expensive for extended periods. Consider hotels with parking.

Considerations for Renting

IDP: An International Driving Permit is a must for non-EU drivers.
Fuel Costs: Gasoline prices can be high in France.
Toll Roads: Factor in motorway tolls (péage) for longer journeys.
Insurance: Understand rental car insurance coverage fully.

City Driving: Narrow streets in The Old city can be challenging for larger vehicles.
Deposits: Rental companies require a credit card for a security deposit.
Public Transport Option: Consider public transport for city exploration instead of a rental car.
Value Check: Compare rental costs against other transportation methods for your itinerary.

Walking & Cycling: The Best Way to Explore

Lyon is a city best explored on foot or by bike, specifically in its historic districts and along the rivers.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Vieux Lyon (Old Town): Highly pedestrianized with narrow cobblestone streets. Ideal for walking, exploring traboules, and soaking in the Renaissance atmosphere.
Presqu'île: The peninsula between both rivers. Largely walkable, featuring wide boulevards, grand squares (Place Bellecour, Place des Terreaux), and bustling shopping streets.
River Banks: Renovated paths of the Rhône and Saône offer pleasant walking and cycling paths, presenting scenic views and recreational space.
Croix-Rousse: Known for its steep slopes and "traboules." This the area provides unique urban exploration.

Walking & Cycling Tours

Guided Walking Tours: Numerous options available, including general historical, gastronomic, and specific tours focusing on traboules or silk workers' history.
Self-Guided Tours: Possible with maps from the tourist office or using navigation apps.
Bicycle Infrastructure: Lyon has a growing network of dedicated bike lanes, making cycling a safe and enjoyable way to explore. Vélo'v stations are ubiquitous.
No-Go Areas: Generally, no specific "no-go" areas exist during the day for pedestrians or cyclists in tourist zones. Exercise normal urban caution in less-trafficked areas at night.

Tour Buses

Several companies offer hop-on-hop-off bus tours with audio guides. These tours cover main sights and present a good overview of the city.

River Cruises

Various companies offer scenic boat tours on the Rhône and Saône, ranging from short sightseeing cruises to dinner cruises. These tours offer unique perspectives of the city's architecture and bridges.

Funiculars

As part of the TCL network, the two funicular lines (F1 to Fourvière, F2 to Saint-Just) are useful for accessing the Roman ruins and Basilica on Fourvière hill from Vieux Lyon. They offer a quick ascent.

Specialized Transportation

Boat Taxis Vaporetto

Service: A river shuttle service operates on the Saône river, connecting points like Vieux Lyon, Bellecour, and Vaise.
Ticketing: Part of the TCL network, but typically requires a separate ticket or a specific pass.
Scenic Route: It offers a picturesque method to travel by the river, viewing the city from a different perspective.

Accessibility Services

TCL Efforts: TCL has made efforts to improve accessibility across its network.
Infrastructure: Many metro stations have elevators. Modern trams and buses are low-floor.
Information: Specific accessibility information is best sought from TCL or the Lyon Tourist Office before your trip.

Travel Efficiency

Download the official TCL app for real-time schedules and route planning. This app assists your journey.

Purchase a Lyon City Card if you plan extensive sightseeing and transport use. The card suits savings and convenience.

Where to Stay in Lyon

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