Lyon City Card: Public Transport & More Than 40 Attractions

Traveling to Lyon? Then you’ll want to get your hands on the Lyon City Card, a flexible pass packed with unlimited public transport, museum entries,, and excursions. We’ve reviewed what makes this pass a smart choice for visitors, especially those eager to explore the city’s vast cultural offerings without breaking the bank. Whether you’re after a quick visit or a longer stay, this card aims to cover all your needs.

What we love about it? First, the convenience of unlimited public transport—no more buying individual tickets. Second, the access to over 27 museums and exhibitions—which saves you a lot on entrance fees. Third, the additional discounts on shopping and theaters, adding a touch of luxury to your trip.

Of course, there are some considerations. The card doesn’t include special programs like evening river cruises or the Lyon City Bus, which might be a drawback if those are high on your list. But overall, it’s a versatile, cost-effective option for most travelers.

This pass works best for those who want to maximize sightseeing without the hassle of multiple ticket purchases. If you enjoy museums, guided tours, and public transport, you’ll find it provides solid value and greater flexibility.

Key Points

• Unlimited Public Transport: Use metro, bus, tram, and funicular as much as you like.
• Free Museum Access: Over 27 museums and exhibitions included.
• Additional Activities: River cruises, guided tours, puppet shows, and more.
• Discounts & Savings: On shopping, theaters, and special events.
• Flexible Duration: Valid for 1, 2, 3, or 4 days, adaptable to your schedule.
• Easy to Use: Valid from 5 AM on the first day to midnight on the last; activated with your first activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Lyon with the City Card

What’s Included and How It Works

The Lyon City Card offers unlimited access to all public transport within the city’s network, including metro, buses, trams, and funiculars. Travelers find this especially helpful because it removes the need to buy single tickets each time they hop on a new tram or bus. One reviewer mentioned, “The network transport is fantastic. Be careful on May 1st, as services might be out of commission,” which highlights the importance of checking service schedules even with a pass.

Once you activate your card—either at the tourist office or during your first use—it’s valid for 18 months from the planned travel date. That means you can plan your sightseeing at leisure, even if your plans shift slightly. The card has a 24-hour activation window for museum entries and activities, but you can access each attraction 24 hours after your first visit.

Museums and Exhibitions

With the card, you can access 27 museums and exhibitions for free, including some of Lyon’s most notable cultural sites. The list covers everything from the Musée des Confluences and Fine Arts Museum to the Lumière Museum and Gallo Roman Museum. Many reviewers appreciated the priority access to these museums, saving time that would otherwise be spent waiting in lines.

One traveler loved the Museum of Life and Existence, suggesting it could easily fill two days of museum-hopping. The Museum of Textile is currently under renovation until 2026, so it’s good to verify availability beforehand. Several museums such as the Automobile Museum and House of Guignol provide insights into Lyon’s history, art, and culture, making the card perfect for history buffs or art lovers.

Tours and Activities

Beyond museums, the card grants access to guided walking tours, river cruises, puppet shows, and visits like the roof of the basilica of Fourvière (season-dependent). One reviewer raved about the boat cruise along the Saône, which offers scenic views of Lyon’s skyline—a relaxing way to see the city from the water.

Guided tours, such as those arranged by the Greater Tourism Office, require advance reservation, but are highly recommended for those who want a deeper understanding of Lyon’s neighborhoods. The Silk Museum and Mini World are other popular activities included, offering a glimpse into Lyon’s industrial past and fun photo opportunities.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transport: How Practical Is It?

The public transport included covers the entire city, and many reviews highlight how easy and efficient it is to get around. The metro system is modern and clean, with bus and tram lines connecting key attractions. Some travelers mention how the funicular railway makes reaching the Basilica of Fourvière a breeze, especially on a hot day.

The Bordeaux-like convenience of hopping on and off transport without worrying about individual tickets makes sightseeing less stressful. Travelers also appreciated that the card is valid from 5 AM to midnight, giving plenty of flexibility for early or late activities.

Extras and Discounts

The card also offers discounts on theaters and shopping, which can add up if you plan to indulge in Lyon’s vibrant cultural scene or purchase local crafts. Shows at venues like the National Opera of Lyon or Lyons Theatre are discounted, enabling a taste of Lyon’s performing arts scene without overspending.

Price and Overall Value

Pricing varies depending on whether you choose the 48-hour, 72-hour, or 96-hour option. Several reviews describe it as “great value for money”, especially when visiting just a couple of museums or taking a river cruise. One reviewer noted that just two attractions covered the cost of the pass, making it a savvy buy for those with a packed schedule.

If you plan to visit at least two museums or activities and use public transport extensively, the pass quickly pays for itself. Plus, the added convenience of not having to purchase multiple tickets is a significant saving in time and mental effort.

Authentic Insights from Visitors

Several travelers mention the knowledgeable guides and how their friendly, helpful staff made activation and planning straightforward. One reviewer found the tour office staff to be extremely helpful, providing maps and booking help, which enhanced the experience greatly.

Others praised the scenic views from river cruises and how the guided walking tours introduced them to hidden alleys and local stories. Some guests noted that planning ahead was beneficial—knowing which museums to visit and booking tours early helped maximize the pass’s value.

A common tip? Plan your stops in advance, especially to avoid missing out on popular tours or museums that require reservations. Even with some minor inconveniences—like needing to pick up the physical card at the tourist office or occasional service disruptions—the overall feedback is positive.

Who Should Consider the Lyon City Card?

This pass is ideal for culture lovers and explorers who want to see plenty of Lyon in a short amount of time. If you enjoy museums, guided walks, and river rides, you’ll find the card offers great value. For families or groups, it simplifies logistics, making city touring smoother.

Those who prefer flexibility will appreciate the validity period, allowing for spontaneous adventures or relaxing days. However, if you’re only interested in a couple of attractions or prefer a more relaxed pace, the pass might be less cost-effective.

In essence, the Lyon City Card is perfect for independent travelers wanting to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of individual tickets, especially if they enjoy a mix of museums, scenic cruises, and cultural shows.

FAQs

Does the Lyon City Card include transportation on the day I activate it?
Yes, once activated, the public transport is valid from 5 AM on the first day until midnight on the last day, covering metro, buses, trams, and funiculars.

Can I use the card for multiple people?
No, each card is valid for a single person. However, there are Junior and student options available.

Is it necessary to reserve guided tours in advance?
Yes, reservations are required for guided walking tours and activities like river cruises, which can be made at the tourist office.

What museums are included for free?
Over 27 museums and exhibitions, including the Musée des Confluences, Fine Arts Museum, Lumière Museum, and Gallo Roman Museum, among others.

Can I buy the card online?
Yes, the card can be booked online, and it’s recommended to pick it up at the tourist office. Some reviews mention the convenience of booking in advance.

Are all activities available year-round?
Most activities are seasonal and depend on opening schedules, so it’s best to check availability and opening hours before planning.

To sum it up, the Lyon City Card offers a smart, affordable way to explore Lyon’s cultural treasures, scenic waterways, and vibrant neighborhoods. It suits travelers who want to make the most of their visit, especially those eager to combine museums, guided tours, and public transport into a seamless experience. While it may not cover every special program or evening activity, its overall flexibility and value make it a worthwhile investment for anyone wanting a thorough, stress-free Lyon experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: