Transportation
Saint-Étienne is most notable for its tramway. During the 20th century, almost all other French cities got rid of their tramways, only Saint-Étienne and Lille kept their systems. This went full circle as gradually many French cities began to realize the benefits and reinstall their networks, whilst Saint-Étienne simply bought new trams and helped other cities with its experience.
By plane
- Saint-Étienne - Bouthéon Airport (IATA: EBU)
- It is located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, 12 km north-northwest of Saint-Étienne, that is, about 15-20 minutes from the city center.
- Bus shuttle runs to / from place Carnot and journey time is about 30 minutes. A one-way ticket is 2.80€.
- Lyon – Saint-Éxupery Airport (IATA: LYS)
By train
- Saint-Étienne – Châteaucreux is the main railway station of the town of Saint-Étienne. The station is situated in Châteaucreux, to the side of the town centre a little way away of the busy area. It is linked to the town centre by the town’s second tramway line.
- Other railway stations in the city are: Carnot, La Terrasse and Bellevue.
- Saint-Étienne is linked by TGV (fast trains) to Paris (2 hours).
By car
- A72: to the north: Clermont-Ferrand, Bordeaux, Paris
- A47: to the east: Lyon, Paris,Marseille, Italy
- RN88: to the west: Toulouse
Getting around
- Bus and tram transport is regulated and provided by the STAS (Société de Transports de l’Agglomération Stéphanoise) to fifteen communes of the Saint-Étienne agglomeration.
- Trams run from 4.30 a.m. until midnight, every 4-5 minutes during rush hour and every 20 to 45 minutes in the evening.
- Ticket prices are 1.20€ for one hour, 3.70€ for a day and 7.40€ for 10 one-hour rides.
- Velostas is a service that allows you to rent classic and electric bikes; prices vary with the type of STAS pass owned.