Transportation in Lyon
Taxi
Grab a ride at a cab stand, order a car by telephone or simply hail a taxi on the street. Take a speedy guided tour of the city in one of Lyon's many tourist taxis with English-speaking drivers.
Foot
The best way to appreciate Lyon's rich history is on foot. Stroll the airy embankments of the two big rivers, Saône and Rhône, which enclose the city-centre Presqu'île. Amble around the narrow streets of Vieux Lyon taking in the stunning Renaissance architecture. Explore the 'montées' (steps) and secretive 'traboules' (covered alleys) that dart from street to street in Croix Rousse.
Coach
Lyon's red and white buses and trams travel along 70 separate routes in and around the city. Although not as quick as the Métro system, they are cheaper.
Underground
Lyon's clean and reliable Métro system is the most convenient way to hop from one district to another. Buy tickets individually, or in books of 10, to travel on the four lines serving the city's 40 stations.
Rent your car
Main roads lead into the heart of Lyon while other boulevards and the Tunnel de Caluire allow you to drive around the edge of the city. There’s both metered on-street parking and car parks; you can book passes for the Parking Parc Opera from the tourist office website (www.en.lyon-france.com).
Transportation tips
Buy a carnet of 10 Métro tickets from any train station to save on fares, or pick up a Lyon City Card from one of the city's tourism offices for full use of Lyon's public transport system for up to three days. Driving in Lyon is not as challenging as in Paris but beware, parking spaces are scarce during the week, and the Croix Rousse's sloping one-way streets can be tricky.
