Port information & tips for Lyon
Lyon is the glamorous gastronomic capital of France and impresses with its first-class location at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône. The UNESCO World Heritage city delights visitors with its elegant flair, magnificent Renaissance buildings, and a vibrant cultural scene. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the majestic Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the historic Vieux Lyon district with its hidden traboules, and the expansive Place Bellecour. River cruise ships usually dock centrally at Quai Claude Bernard or the modern Quai Rambaud. From these moorings, guests can easily reach the pulsating heart of the city on foot or by tram thanks to excellent connections, while enjoying an unforgettable stay in this history-steeped metropolis.
Lyon is a first-class starting point for river cruises on the Rhône and Saône, with ships usually docking at the central berths of Quai Claude Bernard or Quai Rambaud in the modern Confluence district. Thanks to its excellent location in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the port is well connected to the DACH region by both rail and the well-developed road network.
Rail
Lyon-Part-Dieu main station is a major hub in the European high-speed network and offers regular TGV connections from Frankfurt, Basel, and Geneva. From there, as well as from the nearby Lyon-Perrache station, you can easily reach the riverbank moorings in ten to fifteen minutes by taxi or the T1 tram line.
Car
Lyon is easily accessible and well-signposted via the A6 motorways from the direction of Paris, the A42 from Switzerland, and the A7 from the south. For cruise guests, supervised long-term parking such as the Parc Berthelot car park is available near the terminals; additionally, many cruise lines offer convenient parking packages including luggage service through partner agencies.
Airplane
Lyon-Saint Exupéry International Airport (LYS) is served by direct flights from major cities such as Munich, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich and is located around 25 kilometers from the city center. With the Rhônexpress express tram, you can reach Part-Dieu station in just 30 minutes, while taxis and private transfers take you directly to the ship check-in in about 40 minutes.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Lyon is a first-class starting point for river cruises on the Rhône and Saône, with ships usually docking at the central berths of Quai Claude Bernard or Quai Rambaud in the modern Confluence district. Thanks to its excellent location in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the port is well connected to the DACH region by both rail and the well-developed road network.
Rail
Lyon-Part-Dieu main station is a major hub in the European high-speed network and offers regular TGV connections from Frankfurt, Basel, and Geneva. From there, as well as from the nearby Lyon-Perrache station, you can easily reach the riverbank moorings in ten to fifteen minutes by taxi or the T1 tram line.
Car
Lyon is easily accessible and well-signposted via the A6 motorways from the direction of Paris, the A42 from Switzerland, and the A7 from the south. For cruise guests, supervised long-term parking such as the Parc Berthelot car park is available near the terminals; additionally, many cruise lines offer convenient parking packages including luggage service through partner agencies.
Airplane
Lyon-Saint Exupéry International Airport (LYS) is served by direct flights from major cities such as Munich, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich and is located around 25 kilometers from the city center. With the Rhônexpress express tram, you can reach Part-Dieu station in just 30 minutes, while taxis and private transfers take you directly to the ship check-in in about 40 minutes.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The docking points in Lyon are very centrally located on the banks of the Rhône and Saône, so you can reach the heart of the city immediately after leaving the ship. Thanks to the excellent location, your explorations start without long journeys directly in the urban center of the gastronomic metropolis.
On Foot
From Quai Claude Bernard or Quai Rambaud, you can stroll directly to the central Presqu'île peninsula in about 10 to 20 minutes. The paths lead along the beautifully designed riverside promenades and offer a relaxed way to reach sights such as Place Bellecour directly.
Vaporetto (Water Taxi)
The Vaporetto water taxi runs regularly on the Saône and conveniently connects the modern Confluence district with the Old Town of Vieux Lyon and the city center. This trip simultaneously offers a wonderful perspective on the historic architecture and the city's numerous bridges.
Public Transport and Taxis
The dense TCL network with trams and the metro is quickly accessible via nearby stations and also offers connections to the famous funiculars to Fourvière Hill. Taxis are available at central squares such as Place Bellecour as well as at the main train stations and can also be easily ordered directly to the quay via an app.
To make the most of your stay in the French capital of gastronomy, we recommend a walk through the historic districts and along the picturesque riverbanks.
Vieux Lyon & Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
This UNESCO World Heritage district delights with its winding Renaissance alleys and secret traboule passages, while the prominent basilica on the hill offers spectacular panoramic views over the entire city.
Presqu'île
This vibrant heart between the Rhône and Saône rivers impresses with magnificent squares such as Place Bellecour and, thanks to its elegant shopping streets and historic architecture, is the perfect place for a stylish stroll through the city.
La Confluence
The modern district at the southern end of the peninsula stands out with its avant-garde architecture, and with the futuristic Musée des Confluences and extensive waterfront promenades, it offers an innovative experience right by the water.
Vieux Lyon and the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
The historic Vieux Lyon district at the foot of Fourvière Hill is reachable from the central river cruise docks in about fifteen to twenty minutes on foot or comfortably by taxi, offering a fascinating journey into the Renaissance. The picturesque old town impresses with its mysterious "traboules" passages and magnificent courtyards, and is perfectly connected to the striking basilica via the funicular, which provides a breathtaking panoramic view over the entire city. In the charming alleys, traditional "bouchon" bistros and small cafes also invite you to enjoy the famous Lyonnais gastronomy in an authentic atmosphere. Ideally, use the funicular in the morning to explore the basilica before the larger crowds of visitors arrive, and plan a relaxed walk back through the old town so that you reach your ship safely in the early afternoon.
Returning to your mooring on the banks of the Rhône or Saône is extremely straightforward thanks to the central location of the berths and Lyon's excellent infrastructure. In the early evening, plan for some buffer time for the high traffic volume and enjoy the city's relaxed atmosphere until departure.
Taxi and Rideshare
Taxi stands can be found at central hubs such as Place Bellecour or directly in front of the Opera at Place de la Comédie. In addition, renowned hotels like the InterContinental at the Hôtel-Dieu offer a reliable call service to ensure you reach Quai Claude Bernard or Quai Rambaud comfortably and safely.
Public Transport
The T1 tram line runs parallel to the rivers and takes you from the central districts directly to the stops at Quai Claude Bernard or the Gare de Perrache. Furthermore, the Vaporetto water bus connects the old town of Vieux Lyon with the modern Confluence district, allowing for a charming return journey on the Saône directly to Quai Rambaud.
On Foot
From the central Presqu'île peninsula, short paths lead across illuminated bridges and along the developed riverside promenades directly back to your berth. Signage in the city area is very detailed, and the wide footpaths on the riverbank allow for a safe and pleasant walk with a direct view of your ship.
