Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport - Flight Information and Guide (LYS)

How to get to Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport

The city centre of Lyon is about 25 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 30 minutes by Rhônexpress tram, slightly longer by taxi depending on traffic.

By Car

Drivers reach the center of Lyon in approximately 30-40 minutes.

By Train

Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV station, located inside the airport itself, offers direct connections to Paris and other French cities without passing through Lyon city centre.

By Bus

Rhônexpress tram connects the airport directly to Part-Dieu station in approximately 30 minutes; ticket approximately 16 euros.

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Tips The Rhônexpress tram is generally the fastest way to reach the city center; if your itinerary continues to another French city, check if the direct TGV from the airport station is better, avoiding the city center.

Average travel time to LYS

TrainNot available (TGV station at airport, does not serve downtown)

Shuttle bus30 minutes (Rhônexpress tram)

Taxi / Private hire50-60 minutes

Parking near Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport

The official parking is located next to the terminal.

The lot is video-monitored; approximately 3-5 euros/hour, with more economical daily rates.

How to get to Lyon from LYS

By Train

Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV station, located at the airport, offers direct connections to Paris (approximately 2 hours) and other cities without going through central Lyon.

By Bus

The Rhônexpress tram connects the airport to Part-Dieu station in approximately 30 minutes; approximately 16 euros.

By Taxi

Official taxis await in the arrivals area; approximately 50-60 euros for central Lyon.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Lyon: 1-Way Private Transfer from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport

★ 5.0 · 32 reviews

from €90 per group

Book

Car rental at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport

All major car rental brands have a counter in the arrivals area.

A driving license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name are the documents needed for the deposit.

Hotels near Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport

Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport is 25 km from the city, connected by the Rhônexpress tram, which reaches Lyon Part-Dieu station in 30 minutes. Those with a night layover or a dawn flight can sleep a step from the terminal, with the hotel directly connected. Those landing with time to spare and wanting to stay productive choose Part-Dieu, the business and TGV district. Those coming for tourism prefer the Presqu'île, between Bellecour and the great museums, or Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its traboules and traditional restaurants. Confluence, further south between the Rhône and the Saône, is the choice for those seeking contemporary architecture and a less touristy atmosphere.

At the airport

Saint-Exupéry Airport

Hotel connected to Terminal 1 with a covered walkway; the Rhônexpress tram stop is right opposite, direct to Lyon Part-Dieu in 30 minutes.

Best for: for those with a night layover, a dawn flight, or who want to cut transfer time to zero

Pros

Direct access to the terminal, useful with very early or very late flights
The Rhônexpress stop a short walk away, for those who still want to reach the city

Cons

An isolated area, no city life around
Prices tend to be higher than a city hotel of the same standard

Recommended hotels

NH Lyon Airport Directly connected to Terminal 1 and 2 by a covered walkway, designed by the architect of the adjacent TGV station. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Near the airport link

Part-Dieu

Rhônexpress tram from the airport to Lyon Part-Dieu in 30 minutes, with a stop right in front of the station.

Best for: for those landing with time to spare and wanting to stay close to the TGV and the business district

Pros

Rhônexpress terminus and TGV station a few minutes on foot
A practical district, with shops and restaurants open even in the evening

Cons

Less characterful than the Presqu'île or Vieux Lyon
Modern architecture, little connected to Lyon's historic image

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

City centre

Presqu'île and Bellecour

Rhônexpress tram to Part-Dieu in 30 minutes, then metro line A to Bellecour in a few minutes.

Best for: for those who prefer Place Bellecour, the museums and theatres of the centre within reach

Pros

Place Bellecour, the Opéra and the Musée des Beaux-Arts within walking distance
A pedestrian area with shops and restaurants open until late

Cons

Parking scarce and expensive
Central streets crowded on weekends and during events

Recommended hotels

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Neighbourhood

Vieux Lyon

Rhônexpress tram to Part-Dieu in 30 minutes, then metro line D to Vieux Lyon in about 15 minutes.

Best for: for those choosing the traboules and the Renaissance façades of the UNESCO historic centre

Pros

Traboules, Saint-Jean cathedral and traditional restaurants on foot
A Renaissance atmosphere, among the most photographed in Lyon

Cons

Narrow lanes, partly uphill towards Fourvière
A very touristy area, crowded on weekends

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Confluence

Rhônexpress tram to Part-Dieu in 30 minutes, then tram to Confluence in about 20-25 minutes.

Best for: for those seeking the contemporary architecture of the new district between the Rhône and the Saône, away from the crowds

Pros

Musée des Confluences and riverside walks on foot
A quieter, less touristy district than the historic centre

Cons

Further from Vieux Lyon and the historic Presqu'île
The tram is needed for almost every trip around the city

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport is a major hub for southeastern France, with an integrated high-speed train station enabling direct rail connections without passing through the city center.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features a selection of Lyonnaise specialties, including cold meats and wines from the Rhône region.

Lounges & relaxation

Lounge entry is granted with airline alliance status, a business-class ticket, or by purchasing a day pass.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area. Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom have local SIM card counters in the airport.

Families & Children

The terminal provides play spaces for children and basic family assistance.

Terminal guide

The single yet spacious terminal is well organized with an integrated TGV station. From check-in to gate, the walk is typically 15 minutes.

The recommended advance time for international flights is 2–3 hours.

Map of Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can you take the TGV directly from Lyon airport?

Yes, the Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV station is located inside the airport itself, with direct connections to Paris and other cities without going through central Lyon.

Q. How do you get to central Lyon from the airport?

With the Rhônexpress tram, which connects the airport directly to Part-Dieu station in about 30 minutes.

Q. Why is Lyon called France's gastronomic capital?

Because of its long culinary tradition, with the famous 'bouchons lyonnais' and one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the country.