Lyon is readily accessible from Paris via the TGV, France's high-speed train network. Once in the city, you can take advantage of a robust public transport network that includes buses, trams, metros, and trolleybuses. For those unfamiliar, a trolleybus operates using overhead cables for power.
Lyon's transportation system is overseen by the Transports en Commun de Lyon (TCL) network. It's extensive and convenient, featuring four metro lines, seven tram lines, more than 120 bus routes, eight trolleybus lines (managed by Sytral Mobilités, the regional transport authority), and two funicular lines. In addition to public transport, car-sharing apps are widely used in France and are highly convenient for intercity travel.
Metro, funicular and tramway in Lyon
Lyon's metro network spans over 30 km and consists of four lines, one of which operates fully automatically. It serves 44 stations across the city's key districts. The network also features funicular connections to Fourvière, Vieux Lyon Saint-Just, Vieux Lyon Hôtel de Ville, and Croix-Rousse.
The tramway in Lyon
Seven tramway lines serve the city, which links the Lyon metropolitan area with the towns of Villeurbanne, Bron, Meyzieu, Décines, and Chassieu.
The lines are distributed as follows:
- Line T1 (Debourg/IUT Feyssine) serves 27 stations;
- Line T2 (Hôtel de Région Montrochet/Saint-Priest Bel-Air) serves 32 stations;
- Route T3 (Gare Part-Dieu Villette/Meyzieu les Panettes) serves 11 stations;
- Route T4 (La Doua Gaston Berger/Hôpital Feyzin Vénissieux) serves 29 stations;
- Route T5 (Grange-Blanche/Eurexpo) serves 11 stations;
- Route T6 (Debourg/Hôpitaux Est Pinel) serves 14 stations;
- Line T7 (Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie/Décines OL Vallée) serves four stations.
Alongside these lines is the Rhônexpress, a service not managed by TLC. Rhônexpress is a special tramway linking Part-Dieu station to Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport.
Buses in Lyon
To travel around Lyon by bus, you have a choice of using any of the 120 bus lines available in the city's network. For families relocating, Lyon provides over a hundred school bus routes that serve a total of 80 schools in the morning and evening. These routes are known as Lignes Junior Direct. Additionally, local authorities have established Optibus, a specialized on-demand minibus service catering to individuals with visual or motor disabilities.
Car-sharing and car-pooling in Lyon
Car-sharing is popular in Lyon, similar to the rest of France, offering a network of self-service car rentals. To use this service, simply register with an operator. Carpooling is also widely practiced in Lyon, whether for daily commutes, school runs, or social outings. Various dedicated websites like La Roue Verte, Mobicoop, and BlaBlaCar help connect individuals looking to carpool with others.
Other modes of transport in Lyon
In Lyon, you'll naturally find taxi stands conveniently located near train stations and airports. You have several options: you can book a taxi online or by phone, or simply go directly to a taxi stand.
If you want to explore the city by bike or electric scooter, the Vélo'V bikes are available 24/7.
Useful links:
Official portal of the city of Lyon
Oura: organizes and facilitates transport in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region
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