How Much Does Lyon Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Lyon is often considered a more affordable alternative to Paris, offering a similar high-quality urban experience at a fraction of the cost. While it remains a major European hub, a solo traveler can explore the city for as little as $77 / €65 per day, though a mid-range experience typically requires around $365 / €310 per day. As the gastronomic capital of France, food is a primary expense, yet strict local laws ensure basics like bread and tap water are provided free in restaurants. Luxury seekers should expect to pay upwards of $1,118 / €950 per day to fully enjoy the city's high-end hotels and Michelin-starred dining. The unique geography of the city, split between two rivers and two hills, means transport costs can vary depending on how often the funicular is utilized, but the public transport system remains reasonably priced.
Is Lyon expensive to visit?
Lyon is a moderately priced destination—expect a daily budget between $77–$365 / €65–€310 per person depending on your dining choices and accommodation style.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Lyon
$77
per person /day
$365
per person /day
$1,118
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $230 | $1,095 | $3,354 |
| 5-Day Trip | $383 | $1,824 | $5,591 |
| 7-Day Trip | $536 | $2,554 | $7,827 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
A 10–20% daily buffer is recommended to account for the local tourist tax, which ranges from $0.98 / €0.83 to $5.41 / €4.6 per night, and public toilet fees of up to $1.18 / €1 at major train stations. Additionally, remember that taxi rates increase by roughly 50% on Sundays and late at night.
How Does It Compare?
See how Lyon stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Lyon
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bouchon Lyonnais Set Menu Typical 3-course menu (starter, main, dessert) at a certified traditional bouchon. Drinks are extra. | $38 €32 |
| Mid-Range 3-Course Dinner for Two Standard price for two people at a bistro or non-certified restaurant in the Presqu'île area. | $71 €60 |
| Pint of Domestic Draft Beer Prices are often ~$1.77–$2.35 / €1.5–€2 cheaper during 'Happy Hour' (usually 17:00–20:00). | $8.24 €7 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| TCL Public Transport Single Ticket Valid for 1 hour across metro, bus, tram, and funicular. A book of 10 tickets (Carnet) costs ~$22 / €19. | $2.47 €2.1 |
| TCL 24-Hour Day Pass Unlimited travel for 24 hours from first validation. Also available as 48h (~$16 / €14) and 72h (~$22 / €19). | $8.12 €6.9 |
| Rhônexpress Airport Shuttle (One-Way) Standard adult single (25+) is ~$20 / €17 online or ~$20 / €17 at the station. Round trip is ~$34 / €29. | $20 €17 |
| Taxi Initial Charge Maximum regulated initial fee for all taxis in France for 2026. Standard per km rate is ~$1.53 / €1.3. | $5.27 €4.48 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| The People - Lyon - Dorm Bed Standard adult dorm rate in a central location. Expect prices to rise to ~$41 / €35 during festival periods. | $24 €21 |
| Globe et Cecil - Mid-Range Hotel A classic 4-star hotel in the Presqu'île area. Breakfast usually adds ~$21–$26 / €18–€22 per person. | $218 €185 |
| Villa Maïa - Luxury Hotel Top-tier luxury on Fourvière Hill with views of the city. Includes access to the Roman-inspired spa. | $647 €550 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Musée des Confluences Admission Highest standard adult price. Includes permanent and temporary exhibitions. Free for under 18s. | $14 €12 |
| Musée des Beaux-Arts Admission Standard adult rate. Permanent collection alone is ~$9.42 / €8, but the full-access ticket is standard for visitors. | $14 €12 |
| Fourvière Basilica 'Rooftops' Tour Guided tour of the hidden parts of the basilica and the rooftops. Booking in advance is recommended. | $14 €12 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airalo France eSIM (1GB) The cheapest entry-level data plan for tourists. 10GB for 30 days costs ~$16 / €14. | $4.12 €3.5 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Lyon's dining landscape centers on the traditional "bouchon," where a certified three-course set menu typically costs $38 / €32. For those on a mid-range budget, a three-course dinner for two at a standard bistro in the Presqu'île area averages $71 / €60, while a domestic draft beer usually costs $8.24 / €7 outside of happy hour.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Boulangerie du Palais
$5.3–$14 / €4.5–€12Vieux Lyon · Bakery
Try the Praline Brioche for ~$5.3 / €4.5; it's a Lyon institution.
L'Epicerie
$11–$18 / €9–€15Presqu'île · Local chain
Specializes in 'tartines' (open-faced sandwiches) which are filling and budget-friendly.
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
$12–$29 / €10–€25Part-Dieu · Street market
Go for a plate of 6 oysters or local Saint-Marcellin cheese for a high-quality lunch under ~$18 / €15.
Yaafa
$9.42–$15 / €8–€13Presqu'île · Local chain
The best quick vegetarian meal in the city center.
Chez Fyfy
$7.06–$14 / €6–€12La Guillotière · Street food area
Excellent Vietnamese street food in Lyon's vibrant multicultural district.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The TCL public transport network is efficient, with single tickets at $2.47 / €2.1 and 24-hour day passes for $8.12 / €6.9 that cover the metro, bus, tram, and funicular. While the Rhônexpress airport shuttle is a significant expense at $20 / €17 one-way, the central districts are highly walkable, and the initial taxi charge is regulated at $5.27 / €4.48.
Accommodation Overview
Budget travelers can find central dorm beds at The People - Lyon for $24 / €21, while a 4-star experience in the Presqu'île area like Globe et Cecil costs roughly $218 / €185. Luxury stays such as Villa Maïa on Fourvière Hill reach $647 / €550 per night, offering premium views and Roman-inspired spa access.
Accommodation Budget in Lyon
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Purchase a book of 10 TCL tickets (Carnet) for $22 / €19 to save on the cost of individual $2.47 / €2.1 tickets.
- 2 Use the 24-hour TCL pass for $8.12 / €6.9 if planning more than three trips a day, as it includes the funicular ride to the Fourvière hilltop.
- 3 Prioritize a large 'formule' (set lunch menu) instead of dinner, as most restaurants offer significant discounts for the midday meal.
- 4 Pick up a famous pink praline brioche at Boulangerie du Palais in Vieux Lyon for an affordable and filling local snack.
- 5 Drink in the Guillotière district, which serves as the university hub, to find lower prices on wine and beer compared to touristy Vieux Lyon.
- 6 Book the Rhônexpress airport shuttle online in advance to pay $20 / €17 rather than the $20 / €17 charged at the station machines.
- 7 Always ask for 'une carafe d'eau' at restaurants to receive free tap water, avoiding the cost of bottled water.
- 8 Visit the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse for high-quality food samples and reasonably priced deli items for a DIY picnic.
- 9 Utilize the Velo'v bike-sharing system for transit between districts; it is often cheaper than the metro for short trips.
- 10 Check for 'Happy Hour' deals between 17:00–20:00, which can reduce the price of a $8.24 / €7 pint of beer by up to $2.35 / €2.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec
+25-40%
Jan, Feb, Nov
-20-30%
Apr, May, Sep, Oct
The Festival of Lights in early December sees the city's highest prices; book 6 months ahead. Spring (April–May) offers the best balance of weather (18–22°C / 64–72°F) and moderate pricing.
Events to Watch
- ● Fête des Lumières (early Dec): +200% hotels
- ● Sirha Food Trade Fair (late Jan/alternate years): +50% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Parc de la Tête d'Or (France's largest urban park)
- 2 The Zoo de Lyon (located inside Parc de la Tête d'Or)
- 3 The Jardin Botanique (botanical gardens within the park)
- 4 Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière (free entry to the sanctuary)
- 5 Ancient Theatre of Fourvière (explore the Roman ruins for free)
- 6 The Traboules of Vieux Lyon (historic hidden passageways)
- 7 Mur des Canuts (massive trompe-l'œil mural in Croix-Rousse)
- 8 Fresque des Lyonnais (iconic mural featuring famous historical figures)
- 9 Jardin des Curiosités (offering one of the best free panoramic views of the city)
- 10 Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste (home to a famous 14th-century astronomical clock)
- 11 Strolling the Berges du Rhône (renovated riverfront paths)
- 12 Jardin Rosa Mir (a unique shell-and-stone garden in Croix-Rousse)
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Dinner at Paul Bocuse (L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges)
The ultimate pilgrimage for food lovers at the temple of French gastronomy.
Private Silk Weaving Workshop
Learn the 500-year history of Lyon's silk industry with a hands-on session on 19th-century looms.
Dinner Cruise on the Saône
See the illuminated UNESCO architecture while dining on a 3-course chef-prepared meal.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Lyon
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Lyon and what they cost
Annecy (The Venice of the Alps)
$66 / €56 by train
Free
$118 / €100
Pérouges (Medieval Village)
$24 / €20 by train
Free
$53 / €45
Vienne (Roman Ruins)
$21 / €18 by train
$11 / €9
$59 / €50
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
No
Everywhere including markets and small bakeries for amounts over ~$1.18 / €1.
Service is included (service compris), but rounding up by ~$2.35–$5.89 / €2–€5 or adding 5% for great service in restaurants is common.
Use bank-affiliated ATMs (BNP Paribas, SG) for better rates. Avoid 'Euronet' machines which charge up to ~$5.89 / €5 per withdrawal.
Connectivity
eSIM: $4.12–$16 for 1GB–10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $12–$24 / €10–€20 for 10-20GB at Relay shops in Part-Dieu station.
WiFi: Excellent in cafés, hotels, and major public squares like Place Bellecour.
Airalo eSIM is best for short stays, while 'Orange Holiday' SIM cards (available at the airport) are better for heavy data users.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Lyon.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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