Getting around Lyon

Roman ruins, modern boutiques, well-known restaurants and affordable prices. Already anxious to get carried away through this French urban jewel? The Lyonnais public transport (Transports en Commun Lyonnais) turns out to be the best choice.

The metro has 4 lines, 38 stations and runs every 2 minutes. It is an efficient mean of transport and also rather cheap, all in all the best way to get around the city. A ticket costs 1.50€ (useable on all buses, metros and trams, valid for one hour after the first use), while a daily ticket may be purchased for 4.40€. Group tickets and tickets valid for 10 trips or an hour are also available for purchase, either from tram/bus drivers, or at the metro entrance.

The bus system consists of regular buses, trolley buses and motor coaches for the city’s outskirts. As for trams, there are three lines since December 2006, following the South/North and Southwest/Southeast routes, as well as two cable-cars providing access to the Roman theaters and the Basilica. The public transport schedule is between 5 a.m. and midnight.

Since May 2005, the urban transport system has been improved due to the implementation of a bike public service, allowing pedestrians to borrow and park bicycles in various places, all around the city, after having registered with a credit card. In fact, prices are quite low – 1€ for the subscription card (“Carte Vélo”) and 2€ per hour of use, the first 30 minutes being free of charge each time. Nevertheless, make sure that the bicycle you choose is in good condition, in order to avoid later problems. Another reasonable way to move around Lyon is by electric tricycle, available in seven places across the city.

After all, the main thing for you to do is pick a destination, since from there on discovering the city is entirely at your feet.