Public Transport in Lille: Everything You Need to Know

When you arrive in Lille, knowing the public transport network can save you time and make it easier to get around – whether you’re commuting to work, exploring the city or heading to a TGV station. Thanks to Ilévia, Lille’s transport network includes metro, tramway, buses and bicycles, offering a real alternative to driving. In this article, we explain the different lines, fares, schedules, and share practical tips to move smartly around Lille.

1. The Ilévia network

Metro: two automatic lines

The Lille Metro is a fully automated system.

• Line 1 (M1): it connects CHU-Eurasanté (Villeneuve d’Ascq / southeast) to 4 Cantons (Villeneuve d’Ascq / Stade Pierre Mauroy / southwest), passing through the city center, including the Lille-Flandres train station.
• Line 2 (M2): it runs from Saint-Philibert (in Lomme, to the west) to CH Dron in Tourcoing, passing through downtown Lille and Lille-Flandres station, then heading east and northeast toward the outskirts.

Overall, it covers around 45 km and serves around sixty stations. It is a key component of the metropolitan public transport network.

Tramway: the “Mongy” lines to Roubaix and Tourcoing

The Lille tramway — often referred to as the “Mongy” — complements the metro. It includes two interurban lines that connect the center of Lille to nearby cities such as Roubaix and Tourcoing.

The tram network includes 36 stations throughout the area.
This is a convenient option for inter-city journeys without necessarily taking the metro.

Buses: extensive coverage across the metropolis

The Ilévia bus network operates over more than 550 kilometers and serves many towns across the metropolitan area. Buses complement the network, especially for routes that metro and tram do not reach, or for travel to more suburban destinations. The bus network is a major part of public transport in Lille, accounting for about one-third of all journeys.

V’lille and other soft mobility options

Ilévia also provides V’Lille shared bikes. They are ideal for the last few kilometers or simply getting around outdoors within the city.

3. Fares, tickets & travel passes

Getting around with Ilévia is easy thanks to a unified ticketing system for metro, tram, buses and V’Lille.

• You can buy single tickets, booklets or travel Passes depending on how often you use the network.
• The Pass Pass card is especially useful: it allows you to use the entire network — metro, tramway, bus, V’Lille and sometimes even local TER trains — all with a single card.
• It’s convenient for frequent travelers: one card for all modes of transport.

This makes using public transport seamless — without having to buy a new ticket at every transfer or change of mode.

4. Schedules, frequency & flexibility

The Ilévia network offers wide operating hours, making it suitable for everyday travel as well as occasional trips.

• The metro runs from early in the morning (first trains between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m.) and the last services usually leave around 12:30 a.m. from Lille-Flandres.
• Frequency is high: during peak hours, metros run every ~1 to 4 minutes, ensuring fast and smooth journeys. 
• Tram lines offer regular service — making the network reliable even at night or off-peak hours. 

To check precise schedules or real-time traffic — especially in case of disruption — it’s best to use the Ilévia mobile app or the official website.

5. Tips & best practices for hassle-free travel

• Plan your routes: use the Ilévia app or the website to compare travel options based on your starting point and destination. It can help you find the quickest or most affordable route.
• Combine modes of transport: for example, metro + V’Lille for last-mile travel, or tram + bus when heading to the suburbs.
• Avoid rush hours when possible: while frequency remains good, peak times can be crowded — leaving a little earlier can help.
• Sustainable & eco-friendly travel: choosing the tram, metro or a bike instead of a car helps reduce traffic and pollution.

The network of public transport of Lille — metro, tramway, buses and bicycles — operated by Ilévia, is a real alternative to driving. It is dense, well-organized and serves both the city center and many surrounding towns. Whether you live in Lille, in the suburbs, or you’re coming here to study, work or visit, this network gives you great freedom of movement.

By choosing public transport, you’re opting for a practical, affordable and environmentally-friendly mobility solution. To make the most of your arrival in Lille, consider looking for accommodation located near a metro station, tram stop or bus line.

Safe travels — and welcome to Lille!

And why not stay a little longer ?

Looking for an apartment in Lille ? Lodgis offers a selection of furnished rentals available right now.

Where’s the best place to live in Lille? Take a look at our guide to the most popular neighborhoods among locals.

Are you a property owner with a rental in Lille ? Learn more about our landlord services on our dedicated page.