Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport
Colombier-Saugnieu, Rhône, FR · 20 km (12 mi) southeast of Lyon city centre
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Altibus Ski resort coach · Mainly a few departures on winter weekends; very limited or no service outside ski season | Roughly ≈3‑4 h depending on resort and traffic, e.g., LYS to Tignes/Val d’Isère | User examples mention ≈€50‑70 per person one‑way to major ski resorts from Lyon in high season |
| Blablacar Bus Intercity coach · Fewer daily departures than FlixBus; often 1‑3 buses/day on secondary routes | Journey times broadly similar to FlixBus on the same corridors (e.g., ≈1h30‑2h LYS–Grenoble) | Typical fares on competitive routes mentioned are ≈€5‑15 one‑way |
| Bolt Rideshare · Driver availability at LYS reported as spottier than Uber, especially late at night | Travel time similar to other car services (≈30‑40 min) when a driver is available | Reddit users report slightly lower prices than Uber on some trips, often in the ≈€25‑40 range LYS–central Lyon |
| Car Rentals Shuttle Shuttle to car rental center · Rental shuttles run throughout the day in line with flight schedules | Shuttle ride to rental centre reported as a few minutes, but users recommend adding ≈30‑45 min total buffer for shuttle + paperwork at pickup or drop‑off | Highly variable; Reddit examples mention ≈€30‑60/day for small cars outside peak ski season |
Insider notes
Walking between the TGV station and Terminal 1 can be deceivingly long, especially with luggage. Plan more time than expected.
Consider airport hotels like NH or Moxy for early flights to avoid issues with morning transport.
For better dining, eat in Terminal 1 before moving to Terminal 2, which has limited options.
Welcome
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) stands out with its architecturally iconic TGV station designed by Santiago Calatrava, creating a remarkable experience for travelers transitioning between air and rail. This mid-sized airport benefits from its terminal layout that integrates the railway, making transfers to Paris and the Alps particularly seamless compared to other non-hub airports. Terminal 1, largely rebuilt, presents a modern, compact feel with decent dining options and lounges that travelers find practical.
At a glance
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport sees a streamlined annual traffic of 12.5 million passengers through its dual runway system. Situated 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Lyon city center, the airport offers a notable convenience in connecting travelers not only to major European cities but also to popular alpine destinations. Air France, EasyJet, and Transavia France operate out of Terminal 1, while British Airways, Lufthansa, and KLM use Terminal 2, reflecting a diverse range of carrier options despite the airport's mid-size classification.
Terminals & layout
LYS is simple to navigate with two primary terminals: Terminal 1, hosting airlines like Air France and EasyJet, and Terminal 2, serving carriers such as British Airways and Lufthansa. Terminal 1 feels like a mini-hub with a greater variety of dining and a compact walking experience, enhanced by pay-per-use lounges like the Mont Blanc Lounge (€28) for non-Schengen travelers. Travellers often find Terminal 2 more dated, with fewer amenities, emphasizing the newer terminal’s appeal.
Getting to and from the city
The airport integrates smoothly with the region’s transport network. The Rhônexpress tram connects LYS to Lyon Part-Dieu in approximately 29-30 minutes, though at a steep price of around €16-17 one-way. Alternatively, the TCL Bus 47 offers a budget-friendly option with tickets averaging €2-3 per trip, although it involves a transfer to the tram. TGV services enable fast transfers to Paris, approximately two hours to Paris CDG, with fares starting at €25-30 if booked in advance. Travelers also have options like FlixBus and Blablacar for intercity routes at competitive prices.
Traveller essentials
The airport provides practical amenities for travelers. Car rental services are accessible, yet feedback suggests allowing extra time due to shuttle logistics and signage issues. There’s an assortment of parking facilities, including the P0 Parking Minute for short stays and the P3 Eco lots for budget-conscious parking. High-speed TGV and regional TER trains connect passengers to major destinations, emphasizing LYS's role as a transport hub.
Dining & shopping highlights
Lyon Saint-Exupéry offers a variety of dining choices primarily concentrated in Terminal 1. Burger King and Starbucks provide quick bites, while OL Brasserie and Hippopotamus offer sit-down options. Retail therapy at LYS includes Aelia Duty Free and L'Occitane, ensuring passengers can shop for last-minute gifts. Shops such as Société Lyonnaise de Chocolat provide a taste of local flavors before departure.
Lounges
The airport features several lounges across its terminals. In Terminal 1, the Mont Blanc Lounge serves non-Schengen guests, praised for its tranquil atmosphere, while the Confluence Lounge caters to Schengen travelers with reliable Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Terminal 2's Salon Air France and VIP Lounge provide additional spaces for relaxation and business needs, though with fewer frills compared to Terminal 1.
Insider tips
- Time: Walking between the TGV station and Terminal 1 can be deceivingly long, especially with luggage. Plan more time than expected.
- Insider: Consider airport hotels like NH or Moxy for early flights to avoid issues with morning transport.
- Avoid: For better dining, eat in Terminal 1 before moving to Terminal 2, which has limited options.
- Insider: Buy Rhônexpress tickets online with promo codes to sidestep high onboard fares.
- Money: Budget-conscious? Use the TCL Bus 47 for a cheaper yet longer route to the city center.
- Avoid: Be early at passport control, especially for flights to/from UK and Africa, to avoid long lines.
- Local: For photography, head to the elevated walkway near the Calatrava station for great airfield views.