I’ve used public transport in a lot of cities, and Lyon’s is genuinely one of the easiest systems I’ve taken. The metro, trams and buses all connect cleanly, the signs are clear, and you rarely feel lost even if it’s your first time here. What I like most is everything runs on the same ticket system, and you can switch between lines freely for one hour after your first validation. Ughh why can’t Paris have this- it’s such a great feature.
And it fits the city’s direction too, because Lyon has introduced major restrictions on cars in its historic center, part of the mayor’s plan to make the city more pedestrian friendly. So I guess we’ll be using a lot of the public transport.
Top tip: a ticket stays valid for a full hour, so you can switch between metro, tram and bus without paying again. It’s valid for one hour if you’re travelling within two zones, and it extends to two hours if your journey crosses three zones or more. Transfers and even return trips are allowed as long as your final validation happens before the time limit.
A few things help right away:
- Paper tickets no longer exist (you can buy them through the TCL app, the machines in every metro station and the official TCL service points, contactless bank card)
- You must validate every time you board (bus, tram, funicular)
- You validate once at the start of a metro journey
- Children under 11 travel free, but kids aged 4–11 still need a free ticket loaded onto a card
Metro: the fastest way to move around
The metro is the quickest way to cross Lyon. There are four lines, and they run every few minutes during the day. I use the metro whenever I want to get somewhere quickly without thinking too much about connections.
Lyon Metro Lines
● Line A – Perrache ↔ Vaulx‑en‑Velin La Soie
Connects the Presqu’île, Bellecour, Hôtel de Ville and Part‑Dieu (via tram).
● Line B – Charpennes ↔ Saint-Genis-Laval
Fully automated, connects Part‑Dieu, universities and Gerland.
● Line C – Hôtel de Ville ↔ Cuire
Climbs up to Croix Rousse. Short but useful.
● Line D – Gare de Vaise ↔ Gare de Vénissieux
The longest line, connecting Vieux Lyon, Bellecour, Saxe‑Gambetta and Grange Blanche.
Overall, I found the stations to be clean, well signed and easy to follow. If you’re staying in the Presqu’île or near Part‑Dieu, you’ll use lines A and D the most.
Tram: the easiest
Lyon’s trams are modern, smooth and extremely easy to understand. They cover areas the metro doesn’t reach, like Confluence, the eastern districts and the university campuses.
I often take the tram when I want a calmer ride or when I’m heading somewhere the metro doesn’t go.
Trams are especially useful for:
- Confluence (T1, T2)
- Part‑Dieu (T1, T3, T4)
- La Doua university area (T1, T4)
- The eastern districts (T2, T3, T5, T6)
Most stops have real‑time screens that are accurate, and the lines run frequently throughout the day (so I didn’t find this overwhelming at all).
Bus
Buses fill in the gaps between metro and tram lines. They’re reliable during the day and cover almost all neighbourhoods in Lyon.
I used to take the C3 (now the TB11) from Cordeliers to the Part- Dieu mall (which I loved spending time in). Although the bus was usually crowded it only took 10 minutes.
Funicular
Lyon has two funiculars that run from Vieux Lyon up to Fourvière and Saint‑Just. They’re included in normal tickets and run frequently.
If you’re visiting the Basilica or the Roman theatres, the funicular saves you a steep climb. Unless you’re the sporty type who enjoys pain, and don’t mind climbing up the hill like like Rocky.
River shuttle (Navigône)
There’s also a small river shuttle that runs along the Saône. It’s not included in standard TCL tickets, but it’s a cool way to move between the Presqu’île and the Old Town.
Tickets: how to buy them & what changed
Lyon no longer uses paper tickets. Everything now runs through a small reusable card called the Billet Sans Contact, or through the TCL app.
I still remember the red old paper tickets. When I first switched to the new system, it felt strange not having a paper ticket in my pocket, but it’s actually much easier once you get used to it.
How the Billet Sans Contact works
- It’s a small plastic card you load with tickets.
- It costs 0.20 € the first time you buy it.
- You can recharge it up to 10 times.
- You can load single tickets, 24h–72h passes, 7‑day passes, and special event passes.
- You can also load group or family tickets if you’re traveling together.
You can buy or recharge it at:
- metro station machines
- TCL agencies
- TCL service points
If you’re visiting for a few days, the Billet Sans Contact is the simplest option.
Tickets you can load onto it
- Single ticket (valid 1 hour with transfers)
- 24h, 48h, 72h passes
- 7‑day pass
- Funicular ticket
- Carnets of 10 tickets (regular, under 26, or large families)
- Family ticket (2–5 people traveling together)
- Group ticket (10+ people)
- Special passes like the pollution‑day pass or festival‑evening pass
Children under 11 travel free, but kids aged 4–11 still need a free ticket loaded onto a card.
If you have a Lyon City Card, you get unlimited travel in zones 1 and 2 for the duration of your card.
Buying Tickets by Tapping your Credit Card (contactless)
One of the easiest ways to use Lyon’s public transport is to simply tap your contactless bank card, phone or smartwatch on the red validator. I love this option because it reminds me of the London oyster system where you don’t need to buy anything in advance.
This works across almost the entire TCL network in zones one and two, including the metro, trams, buses, funiculars and even the river shuttle under specific conditions. You just tap to validate at the start of your trip and again at each transfer, and the system handles everything automatically.
Using the TCL app
The TCL app is the easiest way to move around Lyon. I recommend getting it because it gives real‑time information that’s usually accurate.
You can use the app to:
- buy and store tickets
- validate tickets directly on your phone
- check real‑time arrivals
- plan routes
- see disruptions or delays
- find the closest stop
If you’re staying a few days, the app is the most convenient option because you don’t need to keep track of a physical card.
Night service and safety
Lyon’s public transport runs late enough that you can get home comfortably after dinner. The metro usually stops around midnight, and trams and buses continue a bit later depending on the line.
A few things I’ve noticed over time:
- The metro feels steady and predictable until closing time.
- Trams stay reliable late into the evening.
- Buses run less frequently at night, so check the app before heading out.
- Stations near Part Dieu, Perrache and Guillotière can feel quieter and less comfortable late at night, but most people move through without issues.
Related: Is Lyon Safe at Night by Neighbourhood
Hacks: What I Wish I’d Known about Lyon Transport
These are the things I wish I had known when I first started using TCL:
- Validate every time you board, even if you already validated earlier.
- Stand near the doors on trams if you’re getting off soon. They fill up fast at peak times.
- Use the metro for speed, the tram for comfort, and the bus for neighbourhoods the other lines don’t reach.
- Check the app before leaving a restaurant. This is annoying but some lines drop to 15–20 minutes late at night.
If you’re staying in…
- Part Dieu, trams are often faster than buses.
- Croix Rousse, Line C saves you a steep climb.
- Confluence, the tram is always the easiest option.
Finally
- If you’re traveling with kids, remember they need a free ticket loaded onto a card even though they travel free.
- If you’re visiting during big events (Fête des Lumières, Fête de la Musique), TCL sells special evening passes that make moving around much easier.
FAQ
Is Lyon’s public transport easy to use
Yes. The metro, trams and buses connect cleanly, the signage is clear, and the whole network runs on one simple ticket system.
How long is a ticket valid
A single ticket lets you travel freely for one hour, with unlimited transfers as long as your last validation happens within that window.
Can I pay with my bank card
Yes. You can tap a contactless bank card, phone or smartwatch on the red validator and travel across most of the network in zones one and two.
Do paper tickets still exist
No. Paper tickets have been phased out. You now buy or recharge tickets at metro station machines, TCL agencies, TCL service points or directly in the TCL app.
Does the metro run late
The metro usually stops around midnight. Trams and buses run later depending on the line, but frequencies drop at night.
Is it safe at night
Generally yes. Some stations like Part Dieu, Perrache and Guillotière can feel quieter late at night, but most people move through without issues.
Do I need a car in Lyon
Not really. Lyon has introduced major restrictions on cars in its historic center, so driving inside the core isn’t recommended. If you’re heading to areas outside the center, a car can be useful, but within the city itself public transport is much easier.
