This city of Lyon, known as the ‘French Capital of Gastronomy’, is a hidden gem among the famed areas of France. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its progressive urbanism, and it’s also the 3rd biggest city in France!
With its large area packed with historic sites, must-try eateries, rich community culture, and more, your Lyon transportation determines the way you’re able to discover the city. If you’re taking the TCL, renting a car, or exploring on foot, it’s important to pick what meets your travel goals.
But with so many modes, which one should you choose? We’ve broken down the Lyon transportation system into one easy-peasy guide for you to get around Lyon. Read on to see which transportation is the best for you!
What's TCL?
TCL stands for Transport en Commun Lyonnais, or Lyon Public Transport, and serves as the city’s main public transportation network. It comprises metro lines, buses, and tramways.
Enjoy unlimited access to Lyon’s transportation system and free entry to must-see attractions like the Musée des Confluences and the Old Lyon district using the Lyon City Card!
Lyon’s Transportation
1. Metro
The metro is the most preferred transportation in Lyon. / Photo by Ronnie Schmutz via Unsplash
Lyon’s metro is similar to a subway or underground train. With four lines running through the city center, surrounding suburbs, and popular neighborhoods, the metro is a time and cost efficient way to get from point to point.
Take this if… you’re visiting multiple areas in a day, coming in from another city, or traveling from the city center to the outer suburbs.
Cost: $, about €1.60-3.70 ($1.85-4.27) per hour for unlimited rides to multiple destinations
Schedule: 5AM - 12AM daily, until 2AM from Friday-Saturday
🚊TCL Metro vs TGV Train
While the TLC Metro runs within the city of Lyon, it doesn't serve localities outside of it. If you want to enter Lyon or leave for another city, you have to take a different type of train called the TGV. This stands for Train à Grande Vitesse, or ‘High-Speed Train’, and is France’s intercity high-speed rail service.
Through the TGV, you can get a train from Paris to Lyon (or vice-versa) for a smooth, convenient, and speedy trip, with the fastest option being only a little under 2 hours. The TGV even offers international services, letting you go from France to other European countries like London and Belgium!
2. Bus
The bus is ideal for full-day adventures around Lyon! / Photo by Mitchell Johnson via Unsplash
The bus in Lyon has over 100 lines that stretch across the city center, suburbs, and nearby neighborhoods daily. But what sets buses apart from other transport options is their after-hour schedules.
Pleine Lune night lines–or overnight bus routes–runs throughout the night from Thursday to Sunday. Perfect if you’re a night owl who wants to make the most of your trip!
To see the best of Lyon, the city also offers its own hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. You can explore heritage sites, museums, monuments, and more across 9 stops including Place Bellecour.
Take this if… you want a convenient sightseeing experience or plan on experiencing Lyon’s night life.
Cost: Regular/Pleine Lune → $, same cost as Metro; Hop-On Hop-Off → $$
Schedule: Regular → 5AM - 12AM; Pleine Lune → 1:20 to 4:50AM Thursday-Sunday; Hop-On Hop-Off → 10AM - 5PM
🚏Bus vs Trolleybus
Unlike engine-running buses, the Lyon trolleybus is connected to overhead wires that power its movement. If you want a quiet ride and don’t mind a slower pace or limited routes, you might prefer a trolleybus over a bus!
3. Tram
Trams are electric-powered vehicles / Photo by Hugo Douchet via Unsplash
There are 7 tram lines that link Lyon to the surrounding cities of Villeurbanne, Bron, Meyzieu, Décines, and Chassieu. If you want to visit residential neighborhoods, school districts, business parks, and other outskirt spots, this is the vehicle for you.
Although trams may be slower than other available transport modes, their reach is wider than many and ideal for travelers who want to explore beyond the city!
Take this if… you’re going to an outskirt area that doesn’t have a metro line or want a slow-paced tour of the city.
Cost: $, same cost as Metro
Schedule: 5AM - 12:30AM daily
4. River Shuttle Navigône
River Shuttle Navigône is a 40-minute ride / Photo by Jorgen Hendriksen via Unsplash
A river shuttle is an unconventional type of transportation, but definitely one of the more exciting ones! Added to the TCL network in 2025, the River Shuttle Navigône allows you to sail across the scenic Saône River with four stops from north to south.
If you’re keen on trying new things when you’re abroad, this is a great way to get around Lyon!
Take this if… you need to travel a short distance but still want a scenic journey, want to beat road traffic, or want to try a fun and unique mode of transportation.
Cost: $, One-way ticket→ €3 ($3.47), Round-trip ticket → €5 ($5.78).
Schedule: 7AM - 9PM Weekdays, 9AM - 9PM Weekends
5. Pedicab
A pedicab is a cozy, close-up way of getting around Lyon
Take on the city in a tuk tuk! Join a Lyon pedicab tour around the city’s most popular areas (like Cathedral Saint Jean Baptiste and Saint-Georges) and learn about the city’s extensive history. The pedicab is the perfect size for zooming through hidden passageways and narrow historic streets, bringing you to destinations that conventional vehicles can’t.
If you want an engaging and educational travel experience, book a pedicab!
Take this if… you want to learn about Lyon’s history and culture, visit famous areas, and experience the city in a personal way.]
Cost: $$$, 2-passenger tour for $126.95.
6. Car Rental
Book a car through Klook’s rental service! / Photo by Dmytro Nushtaiev via Unsplash
For a flexible and comfortable ride that meets your personal needs, a Lyon car rental is your best bet! A private vehicle is especially ideal for group trips and long distance trips. With Lyon’s public transportation system, cars are actually an uncommon mode of travel. This means less traffic and delays on the road!
Take this if… you are traveling long distances, want to move at your own pace, or are traveling with family. Make sure to check French permit requirements and rules before driving.
Cost: $$, base fare of $32.91/day upward.
7. Bike
Take on Lyon on two wheels! / Photo by Chris Barbalis via Unsplash
Lyon is extremely bike-friendly for people of all ages, providing designated lanes, parking spaces, and even stoplights for bikers to use.
With a bike, you’ll be able to move at your own pace, beat rush hours and traffic, and see the city from a unique perspective all in one. Aside from being an entertaining transport alternative, it’s also environmentally-friendly and economical!
Take this if… you want a fast-paced yet scenic journey, are traveling a short distance, or want to exercise while on vacay.
Cost: $, First 30 mins. → Free, One-way → €1.80 ($2.08) base fare, One-day→ €4 ($4.63) base fare. Lyon City Card holders get a special rate of €5 ($5.79) for 3 days.
Schedule: Available 24/7.
FAQs about Lyon’s transportation
What is the best way to get around in Lyon?
Lyon’s best mode of transportation is the metro! It’s connected to more areas within the city compared to other public transport vehicles.
Is Lyon a walkable city?
Yes! There are pedestrian walkways across the city and many must-see spots are within walking distance from each other.
Is there a hop-on hop-off bus in Lyon?
Yes! The city of Lyon offers its own sightseeing hop-on hop-off city bus tour.
How to pay for transport in Lyon?
Metro, bus, tram, and river shuttle tickets can be bought at metro/tram stations using coins or credit cards. Some one-way tickets can be purchased inside their respective vehicles. You can also purchase a Lyon City Card to pay for all of your transport with a single card.
Is Lyon public transport good?
Yes! Lyon's public transportation network is very advanced and developed, being recognized for its efficiency, accessibility, density, and varied modes.
Does Lyon have a metro system?
Yes! They have a wide metro system consisting of four different lines making Lyon travel easy and efficient.
Check out these blogs for things to do in Lyon!
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
