Lyon City Card: Public Transport & More Than 40 Attractions

If you’re planning a trip to Lyon, the Lyon City Card promises a smooth, cost-effective way to unlock the city’s best experiences. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, reviews suggest it’s a flexible, value-packed option guaranteed to make your visit memorable.

What we love about this card is how it combines unlimited public transport, access to over 27 museums, and fun activities like river cruises and guided tours — all at a reasonable price. Plus, it offers discounts on shopping and theatres, which means more opportunities to indulge and explore without breaking the bank.

A possible concern? Some attractions only offer subsidized entry, so you’ll need to pay a little extra if you want to visit certain spots like the miniature museum or specific exhibitions. However, the overall savings and convenience seem to outweigh this minor caveat.

This card suits travelers who want to see quite a bit without worrying about buying individual tickets or navigating transportation — perfect for first-time visitors, culture lovers, and those who enjoy flexible plans. If you prefer a structured, all-in-one pass to maximize your time and money, the Lyon City Card could be your best travel companion.

Good To Know

• Flexibility: Valid for 1 to 4 days, with activation on the first use, giving you plenty of time to plan.
• Transport Convenience: Unlimited access to Lyon’s bus, metro, tram, and funicular networks simplifies city exploration.
• Cultural Riches: Free entry to 27 museums, including major highlights like Musée des Confluences and the Fine Arts Museum.
• Activities & Tours: Options range from river cruises and guided walking tours to puppet shows and museum visits.
• Savings & Discounts: Reductions on shopping, theatres, and entertainment venues, adding extra value.
• User-Friendly: Comes with a mini-guide book and a map, plus skip-the-line access on many attractions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring Lyon with the City Card

How the Card Works

The Lyon City Card is designed to maximize your visit by combining transport, culture, and leisure into one easy package. It’s activated the first time you validate it at an included attraction or transport stop, and then remains valid for up to 96 hours depending on your choice.

Transport is valid from 5 AM on the first day until midnight on the last, meaning you can jump on buses, trams, or funiculars whenever needed. Reviewers mention how easy it is to use, especially if you pick up the physical card at the tourist office, which is conveniently located and provides helpful information and maps.

Museums and Exhibitions

The highlight for many is the access to 27 museums and temporary exhibitions, which covers major highlights such as the Musée des Confluences, Lumière Museum, and the Gadagne Museums. For history buffs, the Gallo-Roman Museum and the Museum of Lugdunum are must-sees, offering insights into Lyon’s ancient past.

One reviewer shared that they could spend two days just in the museums alone, especially the history of life and existence exhibit, which they highly recommended. The Fine Arts Museum and Contemporary Art Institute are also included, though some spaces like the Textile Museum are under renovation until 2026.

Tours and Activities

Beyond museums, the card offers entry to guided walking tours, river cruises along the Saône, and puppet shows—all appreciated for their engaging, informative nature. One reviewer praised the guided walking tour with Quentin, noting how knowledgeable and easy to follow he was, with stops planned strategically to cover many sites without fatigue.

The river cruise is available from April to October, providing a relaxing way to see the city from the water. Many found this to be a highlight, with one describing the bilingual guides as “excellent.”

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Public Transportation

Unlimited access to Lyon’s bus, metro, tram, and funicular network is a real time-saver. Reviewers mention how convenient and efficient the system is, especially when combined with the card, which eliminates the hassle of buying individual tickets. Some noted how the network connects major sights, including the Basilica of Fourvière and the Croix-Rousse district, making it easy to explore different neighborhoods effortlessly.

Additional Offers and Discounts

The card grants discounts on theaters, such as the National Opera and Lyons Theatre, as well as shopping options. This means you can enjoy some of Lyon’s vibrant arts scene and retail therapy without extra costs.

Potential Drawbacks

While the value is generally praised, some reviews point out that not all attractions are fully included—a few require paying extra for full access. For example, the Miniature/Movie Museum and certain temporary exhibitions are only discounted or partly covered. Also, booking guided tours in advance is recommended, as some spots fill up quickly.

Practical Tips

• Pick up your physical card early at the tourist office to avoid last-minute hassle.
• Plan your visits around museum opening hours and special events noted in the mini-guide.
• Book tours and river cruises ahead, especially during peak seasons.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as Lyon’s cobbled streets and hilly neighborhoods like Croix-Rousse can be tiring after a full day exploring.

The Experience in Action: What Travelers Say

One reviewer highlighted how Chloe’s tour made their visit special, with her making the experience both interesting and informative. She added a delightful mix of food treats and local neighborhoods, making the day feel personal and engaging.

Another mentioned how the transport system was a game-changer, especially in combination with the museum visits and the river cruise, which they enjoyed despite some attractions requiring extra payment. As one traveler put it, “Having the card as a metro pass was SO USEFUL,” especially for first-time visitors trying to navigate Lyon’s maze of streets.

The Value of the Lyon City Card

At just $37 per person, the card offers impressive value—most travelers agree that visiting just two attractions would pay for the entire card. For those planning to visit several museums, take multiple tours, and use the transport system extensively, savings quickly add up.

Many reviewers appreciate the flexibility, such as being able to hop on and off transport and spontaneously choose activities throughout the day. The inclusion of river cruises and guided walking tours truly enhances the experience, providing both relaxation and insight.

Who Should Consider This Card?

If you’re a culture enthusiast, museum lover, or first-time visitor wanting to get a comprehensive feel of Lyon without hassle, this card is highly recommended. It caters well to those who value convenience and affordability, and it’s perfect for families or groups who want a structured yet flexible sightseeing plan.

However, if you’re only interested in a handful of attractions or prefer private, curated experiences, you might find the card less cost-effective. Still, for most travelers, it’s a fantastic way to see Lyon’s highlights with minimal stress.

Final Thoughts

The Lyon City Card combines unlimited transport, free access to a broad range of museums, and fun activities like river cruises and guided tours into one simple package. Its value is clear, especially considering the number of attractions included and the discounts offered.

It’s best suited for curious travelers eager to explore freely, whether that’s museums, neighborhoods, or cultural shows. The ease of use, combined with the opportunity to see Lyon at your own pace, makes it a worthwhile choice for those wanting to maximize their time and budget.

In summary, if your goal is an immersive, flexible, and affordable Lyon experience, the Lyon City Card is a smart investment. It unlocks the city’s treasures while making transport and entry effortless, ensuring your trip is as enjoyable as it is enriching.

FAQs

How long is the Lyon City Card valid?
The card is valid for 18 months from your planned travel date, and you can choose between 48, 72, or 96 hours of validity depending on your purchase.

Do I need to pick up the physical card?
Yes, you must collect the physical card from the tourist office before using it, which then can be used for transport and attractions.

Can I use the transport immediately after activation?
Yes, public transport is valid from 5 AM on your first day of use and continues until midnight on the last day.

Are all museums and activities included?
Most are, including 27 museums and guided tours, river cruises, puppet shows, and discounts on theatre tickets. Some attractions are only subsidized, requiring an additional fee.

Is booking guided tours necessary?
Booking in advance is recommended for guided walking tours and shows, as they can fill up quickly, especially in peak seasons.

What if I want to visit attractions outside the included list?
You can still visit them, but you’ll need to pay extra, as only selected sites are fully covered by the card.

In the end, the Lyon City Card offers a fantastic way to experience Lyon’s cultural riches, scenic views, and lively neighborhoods—all without the headache of individual ticketing and transport costs. Perfect for curious explorers who want to do it all, it makes discovering Lyon both fun and budget-friendly.

You can check if your dates are available here: