Getting Around, Lyon Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Lyon, Rhône Alpes, France)

Getting around Lyon couldn't be easier thanks to the variety of public transport on offer, including tram, bus and metro services. Combined tickets allowing a full day's travel on the whole of Lyon's public transport system are available from métro stations, and also bus and tram drivers.

When it comes to exploring the winding narrow streets of the Vieux Lyon and Croix Rousse districts, though, it's definitely worth heading out on foot or hiring a bicycle.

Lyon St. Exupéry Airport (LYS) / Arriving by Air

Address: BP 113, 69125 Lyon, France
Tel: +33 8 2680 0826
Lyon St. Exupéry Airport is situated 24 km /15 miles east of the city centre and features regular international, European and domestic services. Passengers arriving at the airport can use the available Satabus shuttle bus transport to travel into the city centre. The journey takes 45 minutes and operates a regular service, making it a good-value option for travellers to Lyon.


Lyon Airport Guide

Car Rental

It's best to park your car in one of Lyon's many car parks and explore on foot. It should be noted, though, that car parks can fill up fast. If you plan to head outside the city in search of the many attractions that the Rhône Alpes region has to offer, then hiring a car is a good idea. Lyon is linked by motorway directly to a number of cities, including Geneva, Grenoble and Marseille. Car rental offices are located at the city's Part Dieu and Perrache train stations.

Book your Lyon Car Rental here.

Trams

Lyon boasts an enviable modern tram network. Opened in 2000, it has become a popular way of avoiding traffic congestion in the city, and is competitively priced, suiting both locals and visitors alike.

Metro

Lyon's four-line metro system offers quick, efficient transport to 40 stations between the city centre and the outer suburbs. Métro trains run from 05:00 to 24:00.

Buses and Coaches

Local buses and coach lines travel to other European destinations and can be caught from Lyon's central bus station located at Centre Perrache, next to the Gare de Perrache. Some bus services do not travel after 20:00.

Bicycles

Bicycles can be rented by the day or half-day from a number of outlets in the city centre, including the car park located under the Place Bellecour.

Trains

Lyon is ideally placed on the high-speed TGV rail transport network. There are direct services to all major French and European cities from its train station at Lyon Part-Dieu, as well as trains to nearby towns and cities. Regional train services also travel from Lyon's Gare de Perrache on the Presquile. This station is the closest to most of the city's main tourist attractions.

Taxis

Lyon offers a good selection of taxi transport. English-speaking drivers of tourist taxis can help you travel around the city and also provide a running commentary of what you see on the way. Lyon also offers eco-friendly electric tricycle taxis, which offer good value for money. The position on the Saône and Rhône rivers also means that boat taxis are a practicable way of getting around and avoiding traffic congestion.