Lyon
Lyon stands as a city adorned with a wealth of architectural marvels and a tapestry of historical treasures. This vibrant metropolis seamlessly weaves together a tapestry of culture, renowned gastronomy, and an inviting ambiance. From its picturesque streets to its iconic landmarks, Lyon beckons visitors with an irresistible blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure.
Lyon invites travelers to indulge in a myriad of enriching experiences that showcase the city’s unique charm and cultural depth. For those with an appreciation for history and architecture, Lyon’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, Vieux Lyon, transports visitors back in time with its labyrinthine cobblestone streets, Renaissance-era buildings, and hidden traboules, inviting exploration and discovery around every corner. The city boasts an impressive array of museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Confluence Museum, each contributing to Lyon’s cultural richness. Lyon is not only a feast for the senses but also a hub for outdoor activities. The scenic banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers provide a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls and boat cruises.
Its central location makes Lyon effortlessly accessible by road, rail, and air, connecting it swiftly to major European cities. Lyon, much like Budapest along the Danube, invites tourists to immerse themselves in a city where history and modernity coexist harmoniously.
Getting there
By Plane
By plane
Getting to Lyon by plane is very easy. Located in the heart of Europe and with more than 120 (in 2024) non-stop flight routes, Lyon Airport boasts one of the most comprehensive international route networks with 44 airline companies. It offers 102 international destinations and is connected to 71 European cities. Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport, situated approximately 20 kilometers east of the city center, ensures smooth arrivals and departures. The airport’s terminals cater to both Schengen and non-Schengen flights.
Getting to the city from the airport:
- All major car rental companies have offices in the arrivals hall of Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport. The airport is located close to the A432 motorway, connected to Lyon city centre by the A43 (E711) motorway.
- The fastest way to go to the city its by tram, the Rhônexpress tram/train shuttle connects Lyon city centre to Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV station in just 30 minutes. Located just 2 minutes from Terminals 1 and 2 of the airport.
- Several bus lines serve Lyon Airport. Buses 47 and 48 allow you to get to or from Lyon Airport for the price of a metro ticket. The journey takes 40 minutes.
- By taxi, you can find them outsideTerminal 1 and Terminal 2. The ride takes aprox 25 mins and the price changes by day/night fare. Usually it costs between 50-55 € to go to the city center.
- Another option: Self-service car. The Leo&Go self-service car service offers you a car sharing solution at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport. You book your car on the application, you move freely, and you leave your car in a Leo&Go zone on the public areas in Lyon.
- For uber, cabify etc a carsharing terminal is available at the exit of the SNCF station. It can be used as a meeting point, and also allows you to book a carsharing journey.
By Train
By train
Lyon has three main train stations: Lyon Part-Dieu, Lyon Perrache, and the TGV Station at Lyon Saint-Exupéry. The first two stations are in Lyon’s city center, while the TGV Station at Lyon Saint-Exupéry is located at Lyon’s Airport.
The TGV or fast speed train places Lyon in the center of Europe today: 2 hours from Paris, 5 hours from London, 2 hours from Marseille and many more European cities are connected.
The main train companiess where you can book your ticket are: SNFC, Ouigo, Trainline and Trenitalia.
Consult all the information on the regional public transport network: routes, timetables on oura.com.
By Car or Bus
By car/bus
By car
The city is the center of a vast road network of over 1000 km, which connects Lyon to all major cities in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and to major European cities.
“As part of its fight against pollution, Greater Lyon has introduced a ‘Zone à Faibles Emissions’ (ZFE – Low Emissions Zone) covering Lyon, Villeurbanne and Caluire, as well as Bron Privately owned vehicles with a Crit’Air 5 or ‘Non classé’ (non-classified) disc, as well as vehicles without a disc, will no longer be allowed to drive and park on roads within the area concerned.”
To find out about traffic conditions and choose your route and travelling times accordingly: www.coraly.com or www.onlymoov.com
By bus
The Lyon Perrache Bus Station, strategically located in the heart of the city, serves as a central hub for numerous national and international bus routes. Well-connected to major European cities, the bus station offers a straightforward and cost-effective way to reach Lyon.
You can find more information at Flixbus: https://www.flixbus.fr/
More information
Tourist information and maps to download
You can find more information about Lyon and all the documents offered by Lyon Tourism and Conventions bureau to help you plan your stay here: https://en.visiterlyon.com/practical-lyon/tour-information-and-maps-to-download
Getting around Lyon
Despite being one of France’s largest and most significant cities, Lyon remains easily navigable. The majority of tourist attractions are situated in or around the city center, and Lyon’s public transportation system is both efficient and straightforward.
Metro
TCL is the second largest public transport system in France with:
- 4 metro lines: A B C D
- 7 tramway lines: T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T7 lines
- 2 funicular lines
- 140 bus lines, including electric trolleybuses
Contactless travel: Your payment card becomes your transport ticket.
The Lyon Metro, with four connecting lines, is the optimal choice for visitors traveling between the city center and nearby suburbs. The Metro operates daily between 5 a.m. and 12 a.m.
TCL E-Ticket
- Buy and validate your ticket with your android smartphone
- TCL E-Ticket offer the opportunity to buy your ticket on your mobile application and to validate as if it were a Técély card.
- Only the android mobile equipped with NFC are compatibles with TCL E-Ticket application.
Ticket
- A ticket is valid for one trip, on the entire TCL network, within one hour of its first validation. It is possible to end a journey after one hour if the last validation (and therefore connection) occurs before the one-hour limit.
- The contactless ticket can be purchased and recharged in vending machines, at TCL Service offices.
- For the first purchase, the contactless Ticket costs €0.20 and is rechargeable 10 times.
- You can load any occasional kind of tickets (single, 2h, 24h, 48h….)
Website: https://www.tcl.fr/en
Tram
Lyon features a comprehensive tram network comprising seven lines (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7), along with the Rhône Express connecting Lyon Part-Dieu station to Saint-Exupéry Airport. They run daily, starting at 5 a.m. (with some beginning as early as 4:30 a.m.), and typically conclude around 12:30 a.m.
Bus
Over 100 bus and trolleybus lines serve the city, suburbs, and neighboring towns, with additional night bus services for extended hours. You can check all the routes and timetables here. https://www.tcl.fr/en/journey-planner/timetables
Bike
VELO’V
An ideal way to get around Lyon. Velo’v provides solid, comfortable bikes, available for anyone to use, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once you have completed your journey, simply return the bike to any vélo’v station.
Lyon Metropole has 5,000 bikes available in its public hire scheme spread around the city’s 428 stations and 22 municipalities
Vélo’v SINGLE RIDE- 1.80€
This pass is valid for ONE RIDE ONLY .The first 30 minutes of this ride are free. After the first half hour, price / minute: 1st payable half-hour: 0.05€/mn, 2nd payable half-hour: 0.10€/mn, then: 0.15€/mn. Maximum billing : 35€/rental
Vélo’v DAY PASS- 4€
With this pass, you can take as many rides as you want throughout 24 hours. You can buy it online or directly at a Vélo’v station kiosk equipped with a terminal of payment by bank card. The first 30 minutes of each ride are included in your plan. Beyond that, pay only what you consume with our per-minute billing. 1st payable half-hour: 0.05€/mn, 2nd payable half-hour: 0.10€/mn, then: 0.15€/mn . Maximum billing: 35€/rental
Where to buy tickets
Tickets for Lyon’s metro, bus, tram, and funicular lines can be bought at metro, tram, and train stations, including Lyon-Part Dieu and Perrache. They are also available at tourist information offices, TCL agencies throughout the city, and tabacs (tobacco dispensers/convenience stores). For details on various tickets for visitors and current fares, please visit: https://www.tcl.fr/en/fares
Visa Information
France, a founding member of the European Union, is a welcoming destination for travelers. As a member of the Schengen Area, Lyon, situated in the heart of France, offers a seamless travel experience comparable to other Schengen states.
- You will not need a visa to enter France if you are a citizen of the European Union or European Economic Area.
- For US citizens planning a visit to Lyon, entry is visa-free for up to 90 days, whether for tourism or business purposes. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay. You might also be asked to show a return airline ticket and prove that you have enough funds for your holiday.
- Starting in 2025, Australians citizens need an approved ETIAS to travel to France visa-free. ETIAS is not a visa, it is an electronic visa waiver that allows multiple entries to France and other Schengen countries during its 3-year validity. Additionally, you do need a visa for France from Australia if you intend to stay for more than 90 consecutive days. The application for the ETIAS for France will be quick and simple. Australians will need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from France, a working email address for them to receive the ETIAS at, and a credit or debit card to pay for their visa waiver..
If you’re from a country that has not previously been mentioned, you’ll need a Schengen (short-stay) visa to enter France or any other country in the Schengen Area. We recommend checking out the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France for more information on the list of countries that require a visa and how to file for the application. Find more information here: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/
Letter of Invitation and Visa
To receive an Invitation Letter for your Visa application or other purposes, the meeting registration must be completed and the conference fee must be fully paid. Online registrants will be prompted to create a Letter of Invitation (only available to fully paid registrants). Registrants using paper form can request a Letter of Invitation from secretary@efic.org.
It is very important that registrants needing visas apply early enough to complete the visa application process. We recommend that travelers apply as soon as they possibly can after affirming their ability to attend the conference. It is the responsibility of the participant to obtain a visa if required.
The Letter of Invitation does not financially obligate the Congress organiser or any of their related partners in any way. All expenses incurred in relation to the Congress are the sole responsibility of the attendee.