Lyon City Card: Museums, Metro & Attractions Pass

Summary

Wander Lyon’s museums, ride trams and discover art with one city card

You’ll glide through Lyon on trams and metros with unlimited rides, walk straight into world-class museums like Fine Arts or Lumière Institute with your city card in hand, and catch small moments—a riverside lunch or quiet chapel view—that stay with you long after. It’s freedom to explore at your own pace.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the soft clatter of the tram—so much quieter than Paris. We’d just picked up our Lyon City Card near Bellecour (the woman at the counter smiled when I tried my rusty French), and suddenly the whole city felt open. I still remember that faint bakery smell drifting in from a side street while we waited for the metro. It’s funny how a simple card can make you feel like you belong somewhere, even if it’s just for a weekend.

We started at the Museum of Fine Arts—priority access meant no waiting in line behind school groups, which honestly saved us a chunk of time. The galleries were bright but not too cold, and there was this hush that made every painting feel personal. Later, at the Lumière Institute, our guide explained how cinema was born here; his hands moved like he was winding old film reels. I tried to picture those first flickering images on screen—harder than it sounds with all the modern noise outside.

Lunch ended up being a quick sandwich by the Rhône (not fancy, but good bread), then we hopped on a funicular up to Fourvière Basilica. The view over Lyon—rooftops stacked like puzzle pieces—hit me harder than expected. We squeezed in the Resistance and Deportation History Centre too; that place is quiet in a different way. Heavy, but important. With unlimited public transport on this day trip around Lyon’s museums, we never worried about tickets or getting lost. Just scanned the pass and kept moving.

I didn’t make it to every spot—the puppet museum will have to wait—but having that city card felt like holding keys to Lyon itself. There’s something about seeing so many sides of a city in one go that leaves you both tired and weirdly grateful. I’ll probably try saying “merci” better next time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lyon museums and attractions

• Use Lyon City Card for access
• Visit Fine Art Museum of Lyon
• Visit Confluences Museum with priority
• Explore Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie
• Tour Gadagne Museum
• Visit Contemporary Art Museum
• Visit Institute of Contemporary Art
• Explore Gallo Roman Museum
• Visit Miniature and Cinema Museum
• Tour Lumiere Museum
• Visit Fourviere Museum of Religious Art
• Explore Resistance and Deportation Museum
• Visit Guignol Museum
• Tour Automat Museum
• Visit Tony Garnier Urban Museum
• Explore Automobile Museum
• Visit Gallo Roman Museum of St Romain en Gal
• Tour Electricity Museum
• Visit Ol Museum (football Museum)
• Explore Dr Merieux Museum
• Attend Biennial Art Festival
• Visit ECCLY Cultural Center
• Take guided foot tour from Tourist Office
• Take boat trip on the river (April-October)
• Visit Maison des Canuts Silk Workshop
• Attend silk demonstration
• Visit Mini World Park
• Use unlimited public transport

Top questions

Is public transportation included with the Lyon City Card?

Yes, unlimited use of buses, metro, tramway, and funicular is included during your card’s validity.

How many museums can I visit with the Lyon City Card?

The card includes entry to over 40 museums and attractions across Lyon.

Does the Lyon City Card include guided tours?

Yes, free guided walking tours from the Tourism Office are included (reservation required).

Are boat cruises part of the Lyon City Card?

Yes, between April and October you can choose one river cruise or a city bus pass as part of your benefits.

Is priority access available at any museums?

Priority access is available at certain sites like Musée des Confluences and Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon.

Can I use the card for discounts on shows or shopping?

Yes, there are discounts on theaters, shows, shops like Galeries Lafayette Part Dieu and more.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

All areas and transport options covered by the card are wheelchair accessible.

How long is my Lyon City Card valid?

Your card is valid for one year until activated; once activated it lasts for your chosen duration (1-4 days).

What’s included

Your day includes unlimited public transport throughout Lyon by metro, tramway, bus or funicular; free admission to over 40 museums including Fine Arts Museum and Lumière Institute; priority access at select sites; options for guided tours or river cruises; plus exclusive discounts on shows and shopping—all bundled into one easy-to-use city card with map-guide included.