How to Get Around Lyon, France using Public Transportation (Metro, Bus, Tram and Funicular)

Lyon, France has an excellent public transportation system known as the “TCL.” This network comprises several metro, bus, tram, funicular, and trolleybus lines, making it simple to get around Lyon, France without a car.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Metro ticket or pass

1. Tickets are usable on the entire TCL network, so consider which ticket plan works best before you buy. A single ticket costs 1.60 euros, but “Liberte” tickets – which allow unlimited access to the metro, bus, tramway and funicular lines for a day or an evening – might be the best value if you expect to use the metro several times in a day. If staying for a longer period of time, consider buying a weekly or monthly pass for even greater savings.

2. Buy tickets at the machines found at any Metro station and at many bus and tramway stops. You may also buy tickets in person at major subway stops such as Bellecour, Part Dieu, Hotel de Ville and Perrache.

3. Plan your itinerary. Consult Lyon's metro maps, and familiarize yourself with www.tcl.fr , which has a trip planning feature to minimize your travel time.

4. Hold on to your ticket throughout the trip. Ticket inspectors make random checks on all TCL lines, whether metro, funicular, bus or tramway, and if you are caught without a valid ticket you will have to pay a fine.

Tips & Warnings

• Carnets -- packs of 10 tickets -- are sold at a discounted price, and may be split between several people.
• Students, young adults, and families with 3 or more children can benefit from reduced fares, but ticket inspectors might ask for documentation.
• If using an American credit card, you typically must either pay in cash at the ticket machines or pay in person at a major metro stop.

Resources

• The Official Website of Lyon, France's Public Transportation System, the TCL