How to Get to Lyon. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Lyon

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport LYS

LYS serves as the main international airport for Lyon and its region. It is a modern, well-equipped airport.

Airlines & Routes

Major Carriers: Air France, Lufthansa, Ba, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines connect Lyon to major hubs worldwide.
Non-stop Flight Choices: From many European capitals. Direct transatlantic flights are limited, often via Paris (CDG).
Seasonal Flight Availability: Prices peak during summer (June-August) and around Fête des Lumières (the First part of december). Book flights well in advance.

Airport Services & Transfers

LYS offers a wide range of facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental agencies, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, hotels within the premises, and complimentary Internet-Fi.

City Transfers

Rhônexpress Tram: Fastest. Connects LYS directly to Lyon Part-Dieu train station (~30 minutes). Operates every 15-30 minutes. Tickets at AirHelp.
Taxis: Available outside terminals. Ride into the city's core typically €50-€60.
VTCs (Ride-sharing): Uber and Bolt operate. Fares comparable to or a bit lower than taxis.

Arrival Tips

Purchase your Rhônexpress ticket online in advance to save a few euros.

Baggage Claim

Follow signs for baggage claim upon arrival at LYS.

Low-Cost Flights

EasyJet, Volotea, Transavia, Vueling, Ryanair, Wizz Air offer numerous routes to European cities.

Car Rentals & Ground Transport

Rental Car Basics

Requirements: Minimum age (21 or 25), valid driver's license (held for at least one year), International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU citizens.
Payment: A major credit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
Major Companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, Enterprise have offices at LYS and city locations. Evaluate alternatives at DiscoverCars.com.
Booking: Booking in advance helps secure your preferred automobile and potentially better rates.

Driving in France

Road Infrastructure: Lyon is well-connected by French motorways (autoroutes A6, A7, A42, A43).
Tolls (Péage): Most motorways have tolls. Pay by cash or credit card at booths.
Driving Laws: Drive on the right. Speed limits are enforced. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Mobile phone use is prohibited while driving.
Traffic & Parking: You might encounter heavy traffic around Lyon during rush hour. Parking in the city center can be expensive plus tough. Underground places to park cars are available.

Land Transport: Trains & Buses

Train Connections

Lyon is a key center for France's high-speed TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) network. This network offers rapid connections to many parts of France and further.

Main Stations

Lyon has two main train stations. Lyon Part-Dieu is the main station, serving most TGV and inter-town trains. Lyon Perrache is closer to the Presqu'île city center, serving some TGV and countryside trains.

Long-Distance Buses

Major coach operators like FlixBus and BlaBlaBus have wide-ranging national and international routes from Lyon. Bus terminals are typically located near Lyon Perrache or Lyon Part-Dieu. Buses are often a cheaper, though slower, alternative to trains for intercity travel.

Train Travel in France

TGV Routes from Lyon

France's high-speed TGV network connects Lyon rapidly across the country.

Destinations

Paris: Approximately 2 hours by TGV. This creates a mixed Paris-Lyon trip practical.
Marseille: About 1.5 hours by TGV.
Geneva, Switzerland: Approximately 2 hours by TGV Lyria.

Regional & Booking

TER (Trains Express Régionaux) connect Lyon to towns and cities throughout the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

TER Destinations

Regional Towns: Vienne, Annecy, and various locations within the Beaujolais wine region.
Day Trips: TER trains suit day trips.
Booking: Book tickets via the THE App/website for those who know french national railways app or website, or at station kiosks.

Border Crossing Information

As France is part of the Schengen Area, you will not encounter routine checks of your passport at land borders with neighboring Countries in the schengen area.

Important Notes

Identification: Carrying identification, like your passport, is always necessary.
Checks: Verifications are random, not routine, at Schengen borders.
Travel within Schengen: Travel between member states is seamless.

Road Conditions & Safety

French roads are generally well-maintained and in good condition. Be aware of speed cameras, which are common.

Safety on Roads

Road Quality: Generally good condition.
Speed Cameras: Common throughout the country.
Strikes: Occasional strikes might affect public transport or road access; check local news if traveling during unrest.

Long-Distance Bus Travel

Companies: FlixBus and BlaBlaBus (formerly Ouibus) provide comprehensive national and international routes from Lyon.
Cost: Often a cheaper alternative to trains for intercity travel.
Stations: Bus terminals are typically located near Lyon Perrache or Lyon Part-Dieu.

Travel Time: Buses are generally a slower alternative to trains.
Luggage: Allowance varies by company; check policies before booking.
Comfort: Many up-to-date long-intercity coaches offer amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Departure taxes are typically included in the price of your airline or train ticket. You will not pay them separately at the airport or station.

Timing Recommendations

Air Travel: Arrive at Lyon-Saint Exupéry At the airport A minimum of 2 hours before departure for Schengen flights. For non-Schengen international flights, plan to arrive at least 3 hours before.
Train Travel: For TGV trains, arrive 20-30 minutes before departure. Boarding generally closes a few minutes before the scheduled departure time. For regional trains (TER), 10-15 minutes usually suffices.
Online Check-in: Check-in online if possible to save time at the airport.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

LYS offers a range of shops, restaurants, plus duty-free options. In addition has lounges and currency exchange services. Train stations like Part-Dieu and Perrache have shops, cafes, and waiting areas, all catering to travelers ahead of their departure.

Traveler Amenities

Shopping: Duty-free shops and various retail outlets.
Dining: Numerous restaurants and cafes.
Lounges: Comfortable spaces for waiting.

Travel Efficiency

Purchase your Rhônexpress ticket online for airport savings. Consider hotels with parking if behind the wheel. Check local news updates for strike information if traveling during times of unrest.

How to Get to Lyon