Lyon Travel Guide

France

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5.0M
Population
LYS
Nearest airport
$138
Daily Budget
80
Walkability
HIGH
Safety

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Plan your arrival in Lyon

Arriving

  • Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) · 20 km awayServes Colombier-Saugnieu, Rhône
  • Main stationsLyon Part-Dieu and Lyon Perrache

Getting online on arrival

  1. Install your France eSIM at home over Wi-Fi: iPhone or Android steps.
  2. When you land at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS), turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
  3. Networks listed on our France plans: Orange (5G).
  4. France plans currently start at $2.75, for 100MB over 7 days. Compare all 15 plans.

New to eSIMs? How an eSIM works · How much data you need

Landing late or with kids? Pre-book an airport transfer

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · excellent
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day · work it out
  • Weak signalCertain areas in the outskirts
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Useful apps

  • TransportUber
  • Food deliveryDeliveroo and UberEats

Lyon at a glance

Time zone
UTC+01:00
Currency
euro (EUR), CFP Franc (XPF)
Plug types
C and E
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18
Drives on the
right
Official language
French
Calling code
+33

Sources: Wikidata and OurAirports open data, checked 29 October 2026.

Staying Connected

How long is your trip?

Prices in USD

On every plan here

  • Uses Orange, with 5G where available
  • Starts when you first connect, so you can install it before you fly

Our pick for each trip length from today’s plans: the lowest price that lasts the whole trip with enough data a day. A starting point, not a guarantee of what you’ll use. Data only, for unlocked eSIM phones. Check your phone · How much data do I need?

Compare all 15 France eSIM plans Travelling as a family? One order for 2 to 6 eSIMs, each labelled by name. Save up to 25%.

Top Attractions

1
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
A stunning basilica offering panoramic views of the city.
1.5h $5
2
Parc de la Tête d'Or
A large urban park with a lake, zoo, and beautiful gardens.
2h Free

Best Areas to Stay

Vieux Lyon
Historic area with cobbled streets and vibrant atmosphere.
TouristsFamilies
La Croix-Rousse
Known for its bohemian vibe and artistic heritage.
Art loversFamilies

Typical Costs (USD)

$120
Hotel/Night
$18
Meal
$2.3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $61 Tourist: $138 Family: $408

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Lyon is known for its culinary traditions; it's common to share meals.
Common Mistakes
  • Overlooking local cuisine
  • Underestimating travel times

Food & Drink

Must Try:Bouchon Lyonnais, Quenelle, Saucisson
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Drinkable
Les Halles de LyonCafe des Fédérations

Getting Around

Public Transport:Excellent
Rideshare:Uber
Walkability:80/100
MetroBusTram

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: April, September, October

Warmest monthJul28°C average high
Coolest monthJan1°C average low
Wettest monthOct100 mm of rain
Driest monthFeb42 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain (mm)
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan7.11.1508
Feb9.01.4428
Mar13.84.2498
Apr17.47.2699
May21.511.28110
Jun25.615.0749
Jul28.217.0678
Aug28.016.6667
Sep23.112.8837
Oct17.79.610010
Nov11.44.9879
Dec7.72.0549

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Lyon Bron, 10 km from Lyon).

Lyon travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Lyon?

April, September and October are usually the best months to visit Lyon. Average daytime highs range from about 7°C in January to 28°C in July.

How much does a day in Lyon cost?

Plan from about US$61 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$138 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport (estimates).

How do I get around Lyon?

Public transport includes metro, bus and tram and is rated excellent. Ride-hailing is available through Uber. Walkability scores 80/100.

Which airport serves Lyon?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS), about 20 km from Lyon.

Is Lyon safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated high. Watch for overpriced taxis and street vendors. Areas generally considered safe include Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Lyon?

Install a France eSIM before you travel and turn it on when you land at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS). Our France plans list Orange (5G).

Is tap water safe to drink in Lyon?

Tap water is generally considered drinkable.

Explore more of France

France travel guideFrance eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from Lyon.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.