Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

LYSFranceTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport

Lyon, France

Drop-off

Lyon Part-Dieu (city centre rail & metro hub)

Pin before customs

Fastest

Rhônexpress

rail · 15 (30 early morning/late evening)m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Rhônexpress
Headway: 15 (30 early morning/late evening)
Backup: T3 + TCL Bus 47 · 7-15 (T3) + 20-30 (47)m

Note

Express tram-train from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to Lyon Part-Dieu in under 30 minutes, also stopping at Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie and Meyzieu Z.I. First departures around 04:25 from Part-Dieu and 05:00 from the airport; runs until about midnight with reduced 30-minute frequency at the edges of the day.cite

Budget focus

Lyon: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likelyon airport busandlys to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: TCL Bus 47 (from Meyzieu ZI)
Mode: bus
Freq: 20-30m
Note: Local bus line 47 runs between Meyzieu ZI (connected to tram T3 from Part-Dieu) and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport from roughly 05:45 to 20:45 daily on regular TCL fares. Useful for budget travellers willing to combine tram and bus rather than pay the Rhônexpress premium.cite

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: Rhônexpress
Mode: rail
Freq: 15 (30 early morning/late evening)m
Note: Express tram-train from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to Lyon Part-Dieu in under 30 minutes, also stopping at Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie and Meyzieu Z.I. First departures around 04:25 from Part-Dieu and 05:00 from the airport; runs until about midnight with reduced 30-minute frequency at the edges of the day.cite

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.