Lyon Toll Roads Complete Guide: TEO/BPNL, Autoroutes & Payment 2025
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Lyon Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Urban toll (TEO/BPNL) + National autoroutes (péage)
Coverage: Périphérique Nord + A6, A7, A42, A43, A46, A47 connections
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Technology: Traditional toll gates + Electronic tags (Liber-t)
Operators: Métropole de Lyon (TEO), APRR, ASF, AREA
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Lyon? 2025 Update
Yes, Lyon features both an urban toll road (TEO/BPNL) and extensive autoroute connections - making it one of France's most complex toll environments. The périphérique nord charges €2.20 for 6.5km, while surrounding autoroutes average €0.10/km.
Key Reality: Lyon's TEO (Trans Est-Ouest) périphérique is France's most controversial urban toll, with 19 million vehicles paying €38+ million annually. Meanwhile, all major autoroute connections (A6 Paris, A7 Marseille, A42 Geneva, A43 Chambéry) require additional péage payments.
2025 Update: TEO toll rates remain frozen at €2.20 through December 2025. France's autoroute tolls increased 0.9% on February 1, 2025 - the lowest rise since 2021. Environmental zone (ZFE) restrictions now apply in Lyon center requiring Crit'Air vignettes.
Lyon Toll Costs: Current Rates
Lyon operates a unique dual toll system: the urban TEO périphérique plus multiple autoroute connections charging distance-based rates.
Current Toll Rates by Route (2025)
| Route | Cars (Class 1) | Heavy Vehicles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEO/BPNL Périphérique Nord | €2.20 flat | €5.40 | Rates frozen through 2025 |
| Lyon to Paris (A6) | €43.90 | €87.80+ | 460km via Mâcon |
| Lyon to Marseille (A7) | €31.94 | €63.88+ | 314km via Valence |
| Lyon to Geneva (A42) | €15.60 | €31.20+ | 150km to Swiss border |
| Lyon to Chambéry (A43) | €11.30 | €22.60+ | 110km Alpine route |
| Lyon to Grenoble (A48) | €10.80 | €21.60+ | 104km via Bourgoin |
Vehicle Classifications
Class 1: Cars, vans <2m height, motorcycles
Class 2: Vehicles 2-3m height, caravans
Class 3: Vehicles >3m height, 2 axles
Class 4: Vehicles >3m height, 3+ axles
How to Pay Lyon Tolls
Lyon toll payment methods vary between the urban périphérique and autoroute networks:
1. TEO/BPNL Périphérique:
- Cash payment at toll booths
- Credit/debit cards (CB logo)
- Liber-t electronic tags
- Monthly passes: €62 unlimited (2025 rate)
2. Autoroute Networks:
- Ticket collection on entry, payment on exit
- Cash, cards, or Liber-t/Télépéage tags
- Free-flow sections require payment within 72 hours
To calculate toll costs for all vehicle types across Lyon's road network, use TollGuru France toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
TEO/BPNL Updates:
- Toll rates frozen at €2.20 through December 31, 2025
- Legal review ongoing - tolls may end when construction costs recovered
- 52,000+ daily vehicles despite controversial pricing
Autoroute Changes:
- February 1, 2025: Average 0.9% toll increase (below inflation)
- A79 now fully free-flow requiring electronic payment
- Major A6 roadworks June-August 2025 between Chalon and Lyon
Environmental Zone:
- Lyon ZFE requires Crit'Air vignettes for city center
- Fourvière tunnel included in environmental restrictions
Lyon Area Infrastructure
Urban Toll Infrastructure:
- TEO Périphérique Nord - 10km urban toll ring from Valvert to Croix-Luizet
- Fourvière Tunnel - Toll-free but ZFE restrictions apply
- Croix-Rousse Tunnel - Alternative toll-free route
Major Autoroute Connections:
- A6 Autoroute - Paris connection via Mâcon
- A7 Autoroute - Marseille/Mediterranean route
- A42 Autoroute - Geneva/Switzerland access
- A43 Autoroute - Chambéry/Alps/Italy route
- A46 Autoroute - Eastern bypass (partial toll)
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- TEO périphérique: €2.20 per crossing (saves 15-30 minutes)
- Cross-city travel: €5-15 depending on autoroute usage
- Airport connections: A43 to Saint-Exupéry ~€8
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- Surface streets through Lyon center (30+ minutes extra)
- N-roads parallel to autoroutes (significantly slower)
- M6/M7 metropolitan roads (partial alternatives)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TEO toll mandatory or can I avoid it?
You can avoid TEO by using Croix-Rousse or Fourvière tunnels, but expect 20-40 minutes additional travel time during peak hours. The €2.20 toll often justifies the time saved.
What happens if I lose my autoroute ticket?
You'll be charged the maximum possible fare from the furthest entry point on that motorway section - potentially €50+ on long routes. Keep tickets safe!
Do I need a Crit'Air vignette for Lyon?
Yes, Lyon's ZFE environmental zone requires Crit'Air vignettes for all vehicles entering the city center, including through Fourvière tunnel. Fine: €68-135.
Are motorcycles cheaper on Lyon tolls?
Yes, motorcycles pay reduced rates on autoroutes (typically 60% of car rates) but pay the full €2.20 on TEO périphérique.
Lyon vs. Other French Cities
| City | Urban Tolls | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon | TEO périphérique | €2.20 flat | Only French urban toll |
| Paris | None | Free périphérique | A86 Duplex tunnel toll |
| Marseille | Tunnel tolls only | €2.80-3.30 | Prado tunnels |
| Toulouse | None | Free ring road | Autoroute access only |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- France Toll Roads - National toll system overview
- Rhône-Alpes Tolls - Regional toll information
- Liber-t Electronic Payment - Tag system guide
- Crit'Air Environmental Vignette - ZFE requirements
- APRR Network - A6/A42/A43 operator information
- ASF Network - A7 operator details
Official Resources:
- TEO/BPNL Périphérique: peripheriquenord.com
- APRR (A6/A42/A43): voyage.aprr.fr
- ASF (A7): vinci-autoroutes.com
- Lyon Mobility: mobilites.grandlyon.com
