Introduction — Why Lyon and how to get around
Lyon, sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône, is a city where history, food and modern urban design mix effortlessly. How you choose to get around will shape your experience: the tram brings you close to the riverbanks and contemporary neighborhoods, the metro whisks you quickly to historic and commercial hubs, and cycling gives you the freedom to slow down, breathe the air and discover hidden alleys at your own pace. This guide offers essential routes tailored to each mode—complete with exact addresses, opening times, approximate prices and local tips to help you make the most of each day.
Lyon is ideal for a multimodal approach: the Presqu’île (the peninsula between the two rivers) sometimes requires a comfortable walk; Vieux Lyon, perched beneath Fourvière hill, reveals its traboules and Renaissance façades best on foot or by funicular; Croix-Rousse, with its slopes and views, is great by bike if you don’t mind a few climbs; and contemporary areas like Confluence or Gerland are well served by a modern tram network, perfect for riverside strolls. In addition, Lyon’s public transport (TCL) is affordable and frequent, making tram-metro-bike combinations very practical for seeing a lot in a single day.
In this guide you’ll find detailed routes (tram, metro, bike), points of interest with exact addresses, prices in euros current at the time of writing, typical opening hours and immersive descriptions designed to make you feel like you’re there. You’ll also get local tips—when to choose a bike, how to avoid metro rush hour, where to find a lunch spot near a museum, and which stretches of riverbanks are pedestrian on Sundays. The aim: to help you plan a typical day in Lyon based on the transport mode that best matches your pace and interests.
A few practical notes: TCL fares (tram and metro) and Vélo’v rates change from time to time; double-check before you travel on the TCL website (www.tcl.fr) and the Vélo’v app (www.velov.grandlyon.com). Museum and market hours can vary with the seasons and local events (Nuits Sonores, Fête des Lumières, fairs), so always note an official phone number or website to confirm. Finally, while Lyon is generally safe, stay mindful of your belongings on public transport during busy periods.
1) Tram route: Confluence, Gerland and the modern riverbanks
Lyon’s tram system is perfect for riverside strolls and routes that cross the city’s newer districts. If you want to combine contemporary architecture, waterside promenades and museum visits, take tram T1 or T5 depending on where you start. A classic route begins at Hôtel de Ville – Louis Pradel station (69 001 Lyon) and heads across the Presqu’île and the south bank of the Saône to the tip of the peninsula and on to Confluence.
Stop 1: Place Bellecour — Place Bellecour, 69002 Lyon. Start at Europe’s largest pedestrian square to get a feel for Lyon’s urban scale. Nearby tram/metro stop: Bellecour (metro lines A and D). Don’t miss the equestrian statue of Louis XIV and the view up to Fourvière hill. Free. Opening times: public space open 24/7.
Stop 2: Musée des Confluences — 86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon. From Bellecour, take tram T1 towards Debourg (southbound) or walk to Perrache station for a short stroll. The museum (science and society exhibits inside a futuristic glass-and-steel building) is spectacular on the water. Exact address: Musée des Confluences, 86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon. Opening times: typically open Tuesday to Sunday, around 11:00–19:00 (closed Mondays); occasional late nights—check www.museedesconfluences.fr. Prices: full price about €10–12, reduced €7–9, free for under 18s. Suggested visit length: 1.5–3 hours.
Stop 3: Confluence and the riverside walk — After the museum, stroll along Quai Rambaud and Quai Antoine Riboud. The Confluence district (Jean-Macé / Confluence area) brings together shops, restaurants and redeveloped public spaces. Wander toward the Confluence shopping center, address: 112 Cours Charlemagne, 69002 Lyon. Opening times: shops typically 10:00–19:00, some restaurants open later. Cost: entrance to the mall is free; restaurants and shops are pay-as-you-go.
Stop 4: Gerland and Parc de Gerland — Extend your tram ticket to Debourg station (T1) then walk (or change to T1 towards Givors) to Parc de Gerland and the stadium area. This sporty and scientific neighborhood is a nice place to finish a riverfront day, with OL stadium (Groupama Stadium is further out in Décines) and Halle Tony Garnier events (Halle Tony Garnier events sometimes listed at 20 Place Bellecour 69002 for city shows). Times and prices depend on the event; Halle Tony Garnier ticket prices vary by concert.
Prices and TCL tickets (tram): Single TCL ticket (valid 1 hour across tram/metro/bus): ~€1.90. 24-hour ticket (day pass): ~€6.10 (check www.tcl.fr for exact fares and passes). Tram hours: most lines run roughly from 05:00 to 00:30 on weekdays, with higher frequencies at peak hours; reduced service overnight. Trams commonly run every 6–12 minutes during the day depending on the line.
2) Metro route: Vieux Lyon, Fourvière and the historic Presqu’île
Lyon’s metro is the quickest way to reach major historic sites. Lines A and D serve the Presqu’île and the Bellecour/Opéra areas; line C and the funiculars (F1/F2) climb up to Fourvière. This route focuses on heritage and the cathedral—perfect for a half-day concentrated on the city’s landmarks.
Stop 1: Place des Terreaux and Musée des Beaux-Arts — Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, 20 Place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon. From Hôtel de Ville – Louis Pradel or Cordeliers (metro A), get off at Hôtel de Ville and walk to Place des Terreaux. The museum sits in a former Benedictine palace and houses a rich collection of paintings and sculptures. Opening times: typically Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00; closed Mondays. Prices: full price ~€8–10, reduced ~€5–7, free for under 18s. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the visit.
Stop 2: Opera and the Presqu’île — Continue toward the Opéra de Lyon, address: 1 Place de la Comédie, 69001 Lyon. The Presqu’île is ideal for coffee breaks, shopping and leisurely wandering. If you want local specialties, head to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse by metro/tram towards Guillotière. Halles Paul Bocuse: 102 Cours Lafayette, 69003 Lyon. Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 07:00–19:30, Sunday 07:00–13:00, closed Monday. You can sample Lyonnaise specialties (saucisson, quenelle, cheeses); meal budgets vary—plan ~€15–40 per person depending on choice.
Stop 3: Vieux Lyon and Fourvière Basilica — Take metro lines D or A to Vieux Lyon (Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean via metro A + walk) then the funicular F2 from Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean up to Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Basilica address: Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, 8 Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon. Opening times: basilica is generally open daily, around 07:00–19:00; the tower (if open) and nearby museums have varying hours. Entrance to the basilica is free; some adjacent sites charge small fees (museum: typically €3–6). From the viewpoint the panorama across greater Lyon is spectacular at sunset.
Stop 4: Traboules and Renaissance streets — Walk back down through Vieux Lyon’s narrow streets (Rue Saint-Jean, Rue du Boeuf) and explore the traboules (hidden passageways). Useful address: Maison des Avocats, 6 Rue du Boeuf, 69005 Lyon (one of many traboules nearby). Most traboules are accessible during the day; respect residents and avoid entering after dark. Free to explore; guided tours available (prices vary, often €10–20).
Metro practical tips: Lyon’s metro generally runs from about 05:00 to 00:30 on weekdays. Line C (and the funiculars F1/F2) complement the classic lines and are perfect for reaching Fourvière without the climb. Standard TCL ticket (~€1.90) is fine for a single trip; consider the 24-hour ticket (~€6.10) if you plan multiple journeys. At peak times (08:00–09:30 and 17:00–19:00), allow a bit of extra time when heading up to Fourvière to avoid queues at the funicular ticket office.
3) Bike route: Parc de la Tête d’Or, Croix-Rousse and the hills
Cycling in Lyon—whether on your own bike, a Vélo’v public bike or an e-bike rental—is one of the best ways to experience the city. There are plenty of bike lanes, long stretches of protected riverbanks and areas like Parc de la Tête d’Or that feel like urban oases on two wheels. This route focuses on relaxation, viewpoints and tasty stops.
Stop 1: Parc de la Tête d’Or — Address: Parc de la Tête d’Or, Place du Général Leclerc, 69006 Lyon. The park is a huge green space with a lake, rose garden, botanical garden and a free zoo. Hours: generally open from 06:30 to 22:30 (seasonal hours may vary). Free entry. Cycle the lake circuit (around 2–3 km) and enjoy a coffee break at Café du Parc (opening times vary). Numerous bike routes circle the park and continue toward the Saône.
Vélo’v — Lyon’s public bike-share system. Indicative fares: 24h pass ~€5.00–5.50 (varies with offers), the first half-hour is often included (free), then pay-by-interval (around €1.20 per extra half-hour). Annual or weekly subscriptions are available. Popular stations: Parc de la Tête d’Or (Place du Général Leclerc station), Hôtel de Ville, Perrache, Guillotière. Check the official Vélo’v site (www.velov.grandlyon.com) for current pricing.
Stop 2: Croix-Rousse and its slopes — Head to the Croix-Rousse hill (plateau and markets) using the bike lane along the Saône until the climb (expect a short but steep ascent if you don’t have electric assist). Central neighborhood spot: Place Joannes Ambre, 69004 Lyon (Croix-Rousse center). The Croix-Rousse market (Gros Caillou) runs on certain days; times and locations vary. On a bike, prefer the escalator-assisted routes where available (or walk your bike in steeper sections), or choose an electric Vélo’v if you’d rather avoid the heavy pedaling.
Stop 3: Riversides and tasty pit stops — Descend back to the Presqu’île then join the Rhône riverbanks: the bike path runs along the river and gives access to cafés, ice-cream shops and seasonal riverside bars. For a gourmet stop, visit Les Halles Paul Bocuse (102 Cours Lafayette, 69003 Lyon) to pick up delicacies for a picnic. Picnic budget: plan ~€10–25 per person depending on your selections.
Safety and local bike tips: wear a helmet, stick to bike lanes (often painted red), slow down at pedestrian crossings and avoid riding on sidewalks to not obstruct walkers. Vélo’v stations are widespread; make sure the station you ride to has docks available or that you can securely lock your bike. On busy weekends, the riverbanks can get crowded—ride carefully and consider starting early (07:00–10:00) to beat the crowds and capture soft morning light for photos.
4) Practical info, tickets, opening times and multimodal tips
This final section gathers everything you need to combine tram, metro and bike effectively in Lyon: ticketing, schedules, useful addresses and a few recommendations for safety and comfort. Having these details in one place will help you plan your days and avoid unpleasant surprises.
TCL tickets and passes (Tram & Metro): single ticket ~€1.90 (valid 1 hour for trips with transfers), 24-hour ticket ~€6.10 (indicative prices; check www.tcl.fr). Buy tickets at station machines, TCL offices, some tram/metro stops or via the TCL app. Contactless payments (smartphone) are accepted on some lines. Keep your ticket validated: there are checks on board and on platforms; fines apply if you travel without validation.
Vélo’v: for a short stay, the 24-hour pass is often the most convenient. Pricing and conditions: first half-hour commonly included, extra charges apply for overtime. The Vélo’v app shows bike and dock availability—very useful for planning. Note: stations near major train stations (Part-Dieu, Perrache) are in high demand in the mornings.
Opening hours for major sites (reminder):
– Musée des Confluences: 86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon — open Tue–Sun, ~11:00–19:00, closed Mon. Prices ~€10–12.
– Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon: 20 Place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon — Tue–Sun, ~10:00–18:00, closed Mon. Prices ~€8–10.
– Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière: 8 Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon — generally open 07:00–19:00, free.
– Halles Paul Bocuse: 102 Cours Lafayette, 69003 Lyon — Tue–Sat 07:00–19:30, Sun 07:00–13:00.
– Parc de la Tête d’Or: Place du Général Leclerc, 69006 Lyon — generally open 06:30–22:30, free.
These hours may change with seasons, religious holidays or special events; consult official websites before your visit.
Practical local tips:
– Best time to visit Fourvière: early morning or late afternoon for ideal light and fewer visitors. The walk down to Vieux Lyon is lovely—wear comfortable shoes.
– Eating out: favor a stop at Les Halles Paul Bocuse or a traditional “bouchon lyonnais” in Vieux Lyon (examples: Café des Fédérations, 8 Rue du Major Martin, 69001 Lyon—book ahead). Budget for a bouchon meal: ~€20–45 per person depending on dishes and drinks.
– Top cycling routes: Rhône riverbanks (both sides), the loop around Parc de la Tête d’Or and the gentler ascent to Croix-Rousse via bike lanes.
– Useful apps: TCL (transit), Vélo’v (bikes), Google Maps / Citymapper for walking routes and times.
Conclusion — Plan your days around your pace and interests
Lyon is best discovered by combining tram, metro and bike—each mode offering a distinct palette of experiences. The tram is ideal for a smooth exploration of modern riverbanks and Confluence; the metro (and funiculars) quickly bring you to major historic sites like Fourvière and museums on the Presqu’île; while the bike gives you the freedom of a slower, more sensory and often more personal discovery through Parc de la Tête d’Or, Croix-Rousse and the landscaped riverbanks.
Based on the routes above, build your ideal day: a museum morning (by metro), a gourmet lunch at Les Halles Paul Bocuse, an afternoon by tram along the Saône and an evening of cycling or wandering in Vieux Lyon to finish with the sunset view from Fourvière. The exact addresses, opening times and prices provided will help you plan realistically. Remember that transport fares and opening hours change—always check official sources before you leave to avoid surprises.
A few final recommendations: buy a 24-hour ticket if you expect multiple journeys in one day, try Vélo’v for a couple of flexible rides, and always pack a comfortable pair of shoes—Lyon is also meant to be savored on foot. Respect local rules (stick to bike lanes, validate your tickets, respect residential areas), taste the regional specialties and give yourself time to notice the architectural details and atmospheres of each neighborhood. Enjoy your trip to Lyon—whether by tram, metro or bike, the city has a way of sneaking into your heart.
