Lyon Metro — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

In operation since 1978, the Lyon Metro provides efficient transport services throughout the city of Lyon, France. With a network of four lines and 42 stations, the metro covers a total distance of 31.5 kilometres. Most of this network is underground, except for a certain section of Line C. Lyon’s public transport system includes buses, trolleybuses, trams, light rail, funiculars, metro and regional trains, most of which are managed by TCL (Transports en Commun de Lyon). The Lyon Metro carries more than 700,000 passengers a day.

The Lyon Metro, also known as the “Métro” in France, carries approximately 708,232 passengers per day. The fare for this metro is 1.60 euros.

The Lyon Metro does not operate 24 hours a day, but is open from 4:00 am to 12:30 am every day. This metro system uses driverless trains on the D/Maggaly line, which are rubber-tired but do not have platform screen doors (PSD), a feature it has had since 1991. Passengers are not allowed to walk between platforms and the trains have no air conditioning.

Lyon Metro Map

Map of Lyon Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Lyon Metro map in PDF format.

Snapshot: Lyon Metro

Lyon has one of the most extensive public transport networks in France, second only to Paris. A key part of this network is the Lyon Metro, which was inspired by its counterpart in Montreal, Canada. Owned by TCL, it was officially inaugurated in 1978. The metro network not only facilitates commuting throughout the city, but also connects to major tourist attractions, including several museums. It also integrates seamlessly with other rail systems such as the Rhonexpress. The Lyon Metro uses rubber-tyred technology in most of its vehicles, and the majority of its vehicles operate with either partial or full automation. Metro services start at around 4.30am and run until midnight, with 40 stations on four lines. Metro tickets start at two euros and are also valid for transfers to other vehicles such as buses and trams.

Lyon Metro: Quick Facts

Popularly Known as: Metro
System Length: 31.5 km (80% of which is underground)
Number of Lines: 4
Number of Stations: 42
Official Website: www.tlc.fr
Operating Agency: TCL (Transports en commun lyonnais)
Average Daily Ridership: 708,232
Operational Since: 1978

Detailed Insight into the Lyon Metro System

Lyon, a tranquil city in France about 500km from Paris, is home to around half a million people, making it one of the largest cities in France. Known for its silk production, museums, culinary delights and as the birthplace of cinema, Lyon is a major city and a top tourist destination. The city is also home to the famous Fete des Lumières, a grand festival of light.

While the Lyon metro and its equipment are owned by SYTRAL, the entire system is managed by the Transports en Commun de Lyon (TCL) brand, part of Keolis Lyon. TCL manages public transport in Lyon, covering an area of more than 600 square kilometres.

The metro’s rolling stock, including the MPL 75 (Metro Pneus 1975), MCL 80 (Metro Crémaillère Lyon 1980) and MPL 85 (Metro Pneus Lyon 1985), is manufactured by Alstom. Unlike conventional trains, Lyon’s metro cars are fitted with rubber tyres, which makes for a smoother and quieter ride.

The metro is made up of four lines: Line A, Line B, Line C and Line D, each of which has unique characteristics. For example, Line C uses steel tyres instead of the standard rubber tyres used on the other lines. The stations on these lines are also different, with some built on steep mountainsides and others featuring vibrant decorations. In 2014, the Lyon metro carried nearly 200 million passengers. The maximum speed of the metro is 80 km/h. The Lyon metro network also intersects with other public and private transport networks such as Rhonexpress, Dragonfly, Full Moon, Optibus, as well as trams, buses and trolleybuses.

A Brief History of Lyon Metro

The concept of an underground railway in Lyon dates back to 1862, well before its counterparts around the world. Engineer Joseph Jaubert was the first to propose the idea of an underground railway, although the initial plan was eventually abandoned. In 1897, TCL and another competitor competed for funds to build an underground railway. TCL emerged victorious, leading to the construction of funiculars in Croix-Rousse, which were later integrated into Line C of the Lyon metro. However, a later plan to build a network of 14 stations was abandoned. The final design of the metro, approved on 22 July 1963, was carried out under the direction of René Waldmann’s research metro company. Construction of the tracks for Line B began in 1973 and took about four years. Lines A, B and C were operational when the Lyon metro was inaugurated, while Line D was introduced later.

Since its inauguration, the metro has undergone several extensions. Line B was extended for the first time in 2000 and again in 2013, adding around 2 km of track. Line C was extended in 1984.

Lines and Stations

The Lyon Metro consists of 40 stations, dispersed across four lines: A, B, C, and D.

Line A

Line A, marked in red, has 14 stations and is about 9 kilometres long. A complete journey on this line takes about 25 minutes. The trains, type MPL 75, are all equipped with rubber tyres. Inaugurated in 1978 and extended in 2007, the line carries around 250,000 passengers a day. It consists of three-car trains that cross a river. The line is semi-automatic and connects key areas such as the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts, Place des Terraux, City Hall, the Lyon Opera House, the Bibliothèque, the Astroballe, the Place du Silk and the Lyon Hippodrome. The line also provides connections to the airport with the private Rhonexpress trains.

Stations on line A: Perrache station, Ampère: Victor Hugo, Flachet, Foch, Vaulx-en-Velin: La Soi, Charpennes: Charles Hernu, Cordelier, Repúblique: Villeurbann, Laurent Bonneva, Bellecou, Cusse, Masséna, Hotel de Ville: Louis Prade, Gratte Cie.

Line B

Line B, marked in blue, has 10 stations and is about 8 kilometres long. A full journey takes about 20 minutes. Similar to Line A, Line B uses rubber tyres and MPL 75 models and is semi-automatic. The line serves approximately 130,000 commuters per day. Notably, there are plans to convert this line to full automation. The majority of the line is single track, but there are plans to extend it to double track. Line B provides easy access to the Part Dieu shopping centre.

Stations on Line B: Debourg, State-de-Gerland, Brotteaux, Part Dieu, Jean Macé, Place Guichard: Bourse du Travail, Place Jean Jaurés, Gare d’ Oullins, Saxe: Gambetta, Charpennes: Charles Hernu.

Line C

Line C, identified by the colour orange, has five stations and is approximately 2 kilometres long. A complete journey on this line takes about 10 minutes. Opened in 1974, this line carries around 30,000 passengers a day. Unlike the other lines of the Lyon metro, the trains of Line C, specifically the MCL 80 model, are equipped with steel wheels. It’s unique for its steep gradient and manual operation system. The line serves the hospital and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Stations on line C: Bellecour, Croix Paquet, Hotel de Ville: Louis Pradel, Hénon, Croix-Rousse.

Line D

Line D, indicated by the colour green, has 15 stations and is about 12.5 kilometres long. A full journey takes just under 30 minutes. Opened in 1991, the line has an average daily ridership of around 270,000. Using MPL 85 models with rubber tyres, this line is unique in that its vehicles are completely driverless. An additional safety feature is an infrared sensor that stops the train if it detects an obstacle on the track. This eliminates the need for safety doors at stations. The line connects to Parilly Park and the historic courthouse of Lyon.

Stations on the D line: Gorge de Loup, Vieux Lyon, Gare de Vaise, Fnac Lyon Bellecour, Valmy, Part Dieu Villete Sud, Sytral, Laennec, Monplaisir: Lumiere, Garibaldi, Sans Souci, Cordeliers Bourse, Cuire, Mermoz: Pinel, Guillotiere.

Funiculars

Lyon Metro also includes associated funicular stations:

Funicular Fourviére:

Fourvière
Vieux-Lyon: Cathèdrale Saint-Jean

Funicular Saint-Just:

Minimes: Thèatres Romains
Saint-Just
Vieux-Lyon: Cathèdrale Saint-Jean

Connecting Rail Services:

Lyon Metro facilitates connections with other transport services at the following stations:

Charpennes: Charles Hernu (Lines A and B): Transfers to Lyon Tramways 1 and 4.
Debourg (Line B): Transfers to Tramway 1.
Oullins (Line B): Transfers to Rhonexpress.
Vaise (Line D): Transfers to Rhonexpress.
Venissieux (Line D): Transfers to Rhonexpress, and Tramway 4.
Part-Dieu (Line B): Transfers to Tramways 1, 3, and 4; Rhonexpress, Intercités, and TGV (high speed train).
Gorge de Loup (Line D): Transfers to Western Lyon Tramway.
Grange Blanche (Line D): Transfers to Tramways 2 and 5.
Guillotiére-Gabriel Péri (Line D): Transfers to Tramway 1.
Perrache (Line A): Transfers to Rhonexpress.
Jean Macé (Line B): Transfers to Rhonexpress.
Sans Souci (Line D): Transfers to Tramway 4.
Place Guicard-Bourse du Trovail (Line B): Transfers to Tramway 1.
Vieux Lyos: Cathédrale Saint-Jean (Line D): Transfers to Funiculars 1 and 2.
Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie (Line A): Transfers to Tramway 3.

Airport Connection

Lyon’s Saint-Exupéry airport is served by the private Rhonexpress. The nearest Lyon metro station is Part-Dieu on line B. The journey from Part-Dieu to the airport takes about 30 minutes. To get to Part-Dieu from the airport, take tram 3 (also operated by TCL) and then transfer to a Rhonexpress train.

Schedule, Timetables, and Hours of Operations

The operation times for each line are as follows:

Line A: Perrache’s station begins operations at 5:00 am, and ends service at 12:20 am. Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie’s station starts at 4:35 am, and stops service 12:20 am.
Line B: Charpennes’ station starts at 4:50 am, and ends service at 12:20 am. Gare d’ Oullins’ station starts at 4:50 am, and ends at 12:10 am.
Line C: Hotel de Ville’s station starts at 5:00 am, and ends at 12:25 am. Cuire’s station starts at 5:00 am and generally ends service at 12:10 am, though sometimes it closes at 11:50 pm. Henon vers Hotel de Ville’s station starts at 4:50 am.
Line D: Gare de Vaise’s station starts at 5:00 am, and ends at 12:20 am. Gare de Vènissieux starts at 5:00 am, and ends at 12:10 am.

Car parking services are available from Monday to Sunday, from 1:30 am to 1:00 am.

Prices, Tickets, and Cards

In the Lyon Metro and other TCL public transport vehicles, a single ticket can be used on all vehicles for one hour without validation. TCL provides information and sells tickets for the Lyon Metro from Monday to Saturday. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines or in TCL shops.

A single ticket can be used for a journey of any distance and can be used to change to a bus, tram or funicular. The same ticket can also be used for a return journey, provided it is used within the one-hour period.

Single tickets

One-way ticket: A €1.80 ticket valid for one hour for a single person on all vehicles.
Bus ticket: A €2 ticket that is only valid on buses and only in emergencies.

Liberté Tickets

Liberté 1 Day: A €5.50 ticket allowing unlimited travel for one day for a single person.
Liberté Evening: A €3 ticket for unlimited travel from 19:00 until the end of the service. This ticket must be validated at each transfer.
Liberté 2 hours: A €3 ticket gives unlimited travel for two hours.

Specific Tickets

TCL en Fete: A €3 ticket specially designed for night-time festivities in the Lyon area.
Funicular ticket: A €2.80 ticket, also used during special festivities in Lyon.
Group ticket: A bundle of 10 tickets, each costing 1.40 euros. This ticket is only for groups of more than 9 people and is valid for one hour. It is valid on the Lyon Metro and all public transport in Lyon.
Combined tickets: A ticket with a fixed price. This ticket gives access to museums and other leisure activities. Prices range from six euros to 23 euros.
TCL Pass: Another concessionary ticket. It is also available for groups of more than 9 people and can be valid for one or more days.
Lyon City Card: There is a card for paying for the metro. Its price ranges from 13.5 to 17 euros and lasts for one, two, or three days.

Student Subscription

A subscription plan is available for national and international students under the age of 29. To obtain this subscription, the following documents must be presented at a TCL office

A debit card, credit card or cash to make the first monthly payment.
A passport or identity card.
A photo ID.
Five euros.
Your social security card or student card.
Bank details if you choose a monthly payment plan.

The student card is valid for five years. You must top up your card every month. It is valid until the last day of the month. Monthly and annual plans are available. The monthly plan costs 29 euros, while the annual plan costs 290 euros.

Parking at Lyon Metro

Parking facilities are available for metro and bus users. Parking is free of charge if you hold a TCL ticket or Card. The following parking locations are available:

Laurent Bonnevay (680 spaces) – Terminus Metro A
Stade de Gerland (400 spaces) – Terminus Metro B
Cuire (80 spaces) – Metro C (reserved for subscribers)
Gare de Vaise 1 (490 spaces) and 2 (780 spaces) – Terminus Metro D
Gorge de Loup (680 spaces) – Metro D
Mermoz-Pinel (140 spaces) – Metro D
Parilly (140 spaces) – Metro D
Gare de Vénissieux (380 spaces) – Terminus Metro D
IUT Feyssine (100 spaces) – Terminus Tram T1
Porte des Alpes (390 spaces) – Tram T2
Bel Air / Saint-Priest (120 spaces) – Terminus Tram T2

Rules in Lyon Metro

Smoking is not permitted on the Metro.
Bicycles, scooters and other portable vehicles are not allowed on the Metro.
Do not speak to the driver while he is driving.
It is recommended that you give up your seat for a disabled or pregnant person if necessary.
All activity on the metro is recorded on camera.
Prepare your money in advance.
Validate your ticket or metro card on the metro or when changing to a bus or tram.
Tickets can be checked at any time on board.

Future Expansions

Line D is set to receive 30 new trains. More trains will also be added to Lines A, B, and D. Four more metros with rubber tires are planned to be added to lines A, B, and D. These will have the capacity to transport around 300 people each. These new trains will be 36 m long. Furthermore, these new train’s brakes will work using only electricity.

Tips

Travelling on the Lyon Metro is one of the most recommended ways of getting around the city due to its speed.
If you have pets, make sure they are in kennels or cages, as only caged animals are allowed.
Do not take pictures of the metro as you will be escorted off the vehicle by security.
Park and ride services are available for those who bring their cars.
Cars can be parked free of charge if you have a metro ticket.
The Lyon metro also offers a paid parking service for cars.
The language spoken on the metro is French, so it is advisable to have some knowledge of the language.

Curious Facts

Over 75% of the metro lines are underground.

The Lyon metro trains run on the left side of the tracks, even though people in France drive on the right.

Over 650,000 people use the metro every day.

The loading gauge of the carriages is about 2 metres.

All carriages used to be orange until they were refurbished in the 90s.

The stations of the D line have a colourful design. Their floor tiles have lights that come on in different patterns.

The reason the metro uses electric brakes is to save energy.

Nearby Attractions

There are 22 museums within reach of the metro, including the Museum of Fine Arts. Mini World Lyon Park is also accessible by metro. Boat trips on the river are also available.

Here are some of the tourist attractions and places of interest within the reach of the Lyon Metro:

Museum of Fine Arts in Lyon: This is the second most important museum of fine arts after the Louvre, with a collection ranging from Egyptian artefacts to contemporary art.

Museum of Archaeology: This museum displays relics from the Gallo-Roman period and has a nearby excavation site where some relics have been discovered.

Old town of Quartier Saint-Jean and Saint Georges: These old districts feature cobbled streets, traditional restaurants and the Lyon History Museum and Puppet Museum.

Croix-Rousse: Built on the side of a mountain, this town is full of history. There are hidden passageways, called traboules, which provide access from the streets to the houses.

Presqu’ile district: This area is known for its stunning architecture and is surrounded by the Garonne River. It includes the Palais de la Bourse et du Commerce and a stylish square.

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviére: This towering church near the Saône combines Byzantine and Gothic designs. You can climb to the top of the tallest tower for a breathtaking view of Lyon.

Musée des Tissus and Musée des Arts Decoratifs: Two museums housed in an old mansion. The Tissue Museum traces the history of Lyon’s silk trade, while the Art Museum displays antiques from the 16th century.