Lyon’s C18 Bus Line gets a Boost-and a Return to Trolley Power
Table of Contents
A key north-south route in Lyon is expanding, promising faster connections and a greener future for public transit.
- Line C18, a vital artery in Lyon’s public transport network, is extending its route to Cordeliers.
- The expansion, completed June 23, 2025, improves connections to Metro Line A and strengthens service to the Presqu’île district.
- After a temporary switch to diesel buses, the line is slated to return to trolleybus operation in 2026 with new, high-capacity vehicles.
- originally a tram line dating back to 1900, C18 has undergone several transformations, reflecting Lyon’s evolving transport needs.
Lyon’s C18 bus line is getting a important upgrade. As of June 23, 2025, the route now extends to Cordeliers, offering passengers improved access to the city center and connections to Metro Line A. This expansion is part of a larger project, the “Presqu’île à Vivre,” aimed at pedestrianizing areas and enhancing public transport in Lyon’s Presqu’île district.
A History of Transformation
The story of Line C18 stretches back over a century.It began as tram line 3bis on May 10, 1900, running between Saint-Paul and la Mouche. Over the years, the route evolved, becoming line C18 in 1972. It transitioned from a tram to a trolleybus in 1966, then to diesel buses in 2016, and is now poised for a return to trolleybus operation in 2026. This cycle reflects Lyon’s commitment to enduring transportation and adapting to the city’s changing needs.
The Extended Route and Connections
The extended Line C18 now traverses the 1st and 4th arrondissements. The approximately 4-kilometer route serves 18 stations and offers connections to Metro lines A and C, as well as the Navigone navi 1 line. It also intersects with other C lines,like C13,providing access to Vieux Lyon and the slopes of Croix-rousse.
The route travels from Cordeliers north via Terrasses Presqu’Île, la Feuillée, Terreaux Tobie Robatel, and Mairie du 1er, then along Rue Rouville, Duroc, La Poudrière, and through the Croix-Rousse district to its northern terminus. Dedicated bus lanes on Rue Grenette and the quays of Bondy (shared with lines C3 and C14) and bus corridors on rue de la Croix-Rousse and montée de la Grande Côte help streamline traffic.
service Details
Line C18 is operated by Keolis Lyon and runs daily, from approximately 5:30 a.m.(6:25 a.m. on weekends and holidays) to 12:15 a.m. Travel time between Cordeliers and Croix-Rousse Nord is around 19 minutes. During peak hours, buses run every 9-20 minutes on weekdays, 15-24 minutes on Saturdays, and 30-46 minutes on Sundays and holidays. The line currently handles around 2 million passengers annually, with expectations of increased ridership with the new articulated vehicles.
All stations are equipped with Visulys details terminals and are accessible to passengers with reduced mobility.
The financing for Line C18’s operation is provided by Keolis Lyon, with any shortfall covered by Related