Getting There & Away: Lyon

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, British Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines connect Lyon to major hubs worldwide.
Direct Flight Options: 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 (early 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 complex, and free Wi-Fi.

City Transfers

Rhônexpress Tram: Fastest. Connects LYS directly to Lyon Part-Dieu train station (~30 mins). Operates every 15-30 minutes. Tickets at AirHelp.
Taxis: Available outside terminals. Ride to city center typically €50-€60.
VTCs (Ride-sharing): Uber and Bolt operate. Fares comparable to or slightly 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. Compare options at DiscoverCars.com.
Booking: Booking in advance helps secure your preferred vehicle and potentially better rates.

Driving in France

Road Network: 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: Traffic can be heavy around Lyon during rush hour. Parking in the city center can be expensive and challenging. Underground car parks are available.

Land Transport: Trains & Buses

Train Connections

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

Main Stations

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

Long-Distance Buses

Major bus companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaBus offer extensive national and international routes from Lyon. Bus stations 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 makes a combined 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 SNCF Connect app or website, or at station kiosks.

Border Crossing Information

As France is part of the Schengen Area, you will not encounter routine passport checks at land borders with neighboring Schengen countries.

Important Notes

Identification: Carrying identification, like your passport, is always necessary.
Checks: Checks 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) offer extensive national and international routes from Lyon.
Cost: Often a cheaper alternative to trains for intercity travel.
Stations: Bus stations 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 modern long-distance buses 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 Airport at least 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 typically closes a few minutes before the scheduled departure time. For regional trains (TER), 10-15 minutes usually suffices.
Online Check-in: Check-in online when possible to save time at the airport.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

LYS offers a range of shops, restaurants, and duty-free options. It also has lounges and currency exchange services. Train stations like Part-Dieu and Perrache have shops, cafes, and waiting areas, all catering to travelers before 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 driving. Check local news for strike information if traveling during periods of unrest.

Getting There & Away