Practical info Lyon, France
Getting around the city
Getting around in Lyon is easy and fairly cheap compared to other European cities. Lyon takes full advantage of the Rhone Valley's roads and rivers, and transport routes into and out of the city are numerous. Air-rail links are made simple with Lyon Saint-Exupéry International Airport's TGV high-speed train station, as well as the highly developed TGV network and freeway system. The urban transport network consists of over 130 bus lines, two funiculars, four metro lines and five tramway lines. Tickets can be used across all modes of transport. A single ticket is valid for an hour and allows for multiple changes across the different forms of transport, but not a return journey. The City Card is ideal for sightseeing as you can get to most places in the city with it and receive free entry to some sites. The metro runs from 5am to midnight and night buses are available thereafter. Taxis are widely available. Commuters should make sure the meter has been reset before travelling and that the meter is on during the journey. If there is no meter then agree on a fee before setting off. Lyon's Old Town is a charming part of the city to explore on foot, and bicycles can also be rented.
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October).
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are standard.
Currency
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in France. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels, though you will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in major tourist destinations. Foreign currency is not accepted.
Communication
The international access code for France is +33. Most public telephones accept phone cards, which are available in newsagents. Mobile phones can be used in France, but be sure to check roaming costs before travelling. It is often cheaper to get a local sim card from providers such as Orange or Bouygues. Free wifi is available in most hotels, cafes, restaurants and similar establishments.
Emergency number
112 (General)
Travel documents and health
Lyon Saint Exupéry International Airport
Getting to the city
Buses leave regularly for Lyon and the other main towns and cities in the Rhône-Alpes area. There is a TGV train station within walking distance of the airport with regular services to France's main cities.
Car rental
Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt are represented at the airport.
Airport taxi's
Taxis are available outside Terminal 1 Arrivals. Fares to Lyon cost more at night than during the day.
Transfer between terminals
The terminals are adjacent and within walking distance of each other and are connected to the long-stay parking by a free shuttle bus.
Facilities
Facilities at the airport include left luggage, a post office, bars, restaurants, shops, a travel agency, baby-changing stations, chemist, photobooth, game area, concierge service, and a business centre with meeting rooms and secretarial services. ATMs and bureaux de change are available throughout the airport. Disabled facilities are good; passengers with special needs should contact their airline in advance.
Parking
Plenty of car parking is available; the farther away areas are connected to the terminal building by a free shuttle service every 10 minutes.
Internet
Wifi is available for free in all terminals.