December 25 is all about the tree and presents, but it’s also, and above all, the day for family reunions and digestive strolls along the quays to wash down that extra turkey. If you’ve managed to get your shopping done before the supermarkets close, now’s the time to make sure you don’t stand under the bus shelter catching a cold. The city is slowing down, and so is the TCL network. Should you take the car or rely on public transport to get you through Lyon on December 25? We tell you what you need to know.
The golden rule: “Sunday and Holidays” rhythm
As December 25 is a public holiday, the entire TCL (Transports en Commun Lyonnais) network switches to “Sundays and public holidays” mode . How does this work? Subways and streetcars run, but at half the frequency. If you’re used to seeing a metro every 3 minutes on weekdays, you can now expect to wait between 7 and 10 minutes.
Here are the confirmed traffic conditions for December 25
- Subways and funiculars: All lines will operate, but with reduced frequencies.
- Metros A, B, C and D: Open at normal times (around 4.50/5.00am) until the end of normal service (around 00.00am – 00.20am depending on the line).
- Funiculars (F1 and F2): They will operate as usual according to the holiday timetable.
- Streetcars: As with the metro, streetcars T1 to T7 will run all day.
- Frequency: Expect a streetcar every 15 to 20 minutes, depending on line and time of day.
- Rhônexpress: For those taking off or returning from a trip, the shuttle to Saint-Exupéry airport will run every 30 minutes from 04:40 to 00:00.
- Navigône: Good news, the service is running! The river shuttle linking Vaise to Confluence will run as scheduled on Sundays and public holidays, from 09:00 to 21:00, with a run every 60 minutes.
- Bus: things are changing this December 25
- Major lines (C1 to C26): They all run, but with a reduced frequency (Sunday timetable).
- Please note: Some specific lines (“Junior Direct” lines, industrial zone lines or specific shuttles) don’t usually run on public holidays. Remember to check your itinerary on the TCL app before going out.
What will be closed on December 25
Buses may be running, but administrative staff will be taking a complete break.
- TCL agencies: All sales agencies (Part-Dieu, Bellecour, Grange Blanche, etc.) will be closed all day.
- Allô TCL: The switchboard will not be accessible.
- Lost & Found: This service will also be closed.
And for New Year’s Eve
If December 25 is quiet, the evening of December 31 will be a different kettle of fish! The TCL network is generally planning a special “New Year’s Eve” service, with subways running all night or very late, to enable revelers to get home safely. We’ll have a full update on these special schedules as soon as they’re confirmed for the move to 2026. Until then, bon voyage and Merry Christmas to all!