Exploring Lyon Airport: Activities And Attractions

what to do at lyon airport

Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) is one of the five busiest airports in France, with over eight million passengers annually. The airport is located roughly 13 miles southeast of the centre of Lyon, in the town of Colombier-Saugnieu. It takes between 25 and 30 minutes to get to and from the airport and the city centre. The airport offers easy and rapid access to the centre of Lyon on the Rhônexpress light-rail link in just 29 minutes, with services every 15 minutes. Passengers can also take advantage of the numerous shops and restaurants within the airport, as well as free high-speed Wi-Fi.

Characteristics Values
Airport Code LYS
Former Name Satolas
Location Colombier-Saugnieu, roughly 13 miles southeast of Lyon city centre
Transport to/from the city centre Taxi, car rental, shuttle service, bus, train, metro, bike, car-sharing app
Transport to other cities High-speed rail network (TGV) with direct connections to Paris, Provence, Annecy, Valence, Turin, and other parts of southern France
Number of Terminals 3
Recommended Check-in Time 1 hour before departure
Hotels NH Hotel, Comfort Hotel, Campanile
Dining Options Starbucks, Paul, La Brioche Dorée, Atelier des 2 Rives, Brasserie Ol, Bar 221, Confluences Cafe, Brasserie Ol
Shopping Duty-free boutiques, clothing, beauty shops, souvenirs, gifts, local products, electronics, international newsstands, Lego store, L'Occitane en Provence, Calvin Klein, Longchamp, Tommy Hilfiger, Chanel, Lacoste
WiFi Free high-speed WiFi available

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Getting to and from the airport

Getting to and from Lyon Airport

Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) is located roughly 13 miles southeast of the centre of Lyon, in the town of Colombier-Saugnieu. It takes between 25 and 30 minutes to get to and from the airport and the city centre, depending on your chosen mode of transport.

By Car

If you are driving to the airport, you can book your parking online in advance to guarantee a space when you arrive. The airport is located close to the A432 motorway, connected to Lyon city centre by the A43 (E711) motorway.

By Taxi

Lyon's taxis operate between the city centre and the airport. Official taxi ranks can be found outside both terminals at Lyon Airport, as well as the SNCF/TGV train station. Taxi fares start at €2, with the price per kilometre depending on the time of day. The minimum price for any journey is €7, with additional costs for travelling to the airport/train stations (€1.62) or with animals/large baggage (€1.05).

By Public Transport

There are several public transport options for getting to and from the airport, including the Rhônexpress tram shuttle service, which runs between Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport and Lyon's Part-Dieu train station (Lyon's main railway station) every 15 minutes and takes around 30 minutes. Tickets cost €16.70/€29.10, with cheaper rates if you buy online or are under 25. Children under 12 travel free. Alternatively, you can take bus line 47 towards Meyzieu Zi and get off at the terminus, then connect with the T3 tramway line to get to the Part-Dieu Villette station and the B metro line. This option may be affected by traffic conditions, so please anticipate potential delays during peak times.

By Car Rental or Car Sharing

If you prefer to have a car at your disposal, you can book a car rental online in advance and have a vehicle available as soon as you get off the plane. All the major car rental companies are present at the airport, offering a wide range of models. Alternatively, you can use a car-sharing service like Leo&go or Drivalia, which can be booked through their respective applications.

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Where to eat and drink

Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport offers a range of options for eating and drinking, catering to different tastes and budgets. For a quick bite or a budget-friendly meal, passengers can visit Starbucks (Terminal 1), Paul, or La Brioche Dorée (Terminal 2), which offer soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, pasta, and other light meals. There are also casual snack and sandwich bars available throughout the airport.

If you're looking for a more formal dining experience, Atelier des 2 Rives, Brasserie OL, or Bar 221 (all in Terminal 2) are great options. These sit-down restaurants and brasseries offer a more relaxed and refined atmosphere for enjoying a meal and drinks. The Confluences Cafe is another excellent choice for savouring a delicious meal.

In addition to these, Lyon Airport also has various cafes where you can get your caffeine fix or indulge in a final French pastry before your flight. The airport aims to cater to a variety of tastes, so you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.

For those arriving by car, there are several car parks available near the terminals, with free shuttle buses providing easy connections to the airport. Taxis are also readily available, with official taxi ranks located outside both terminals and the SNCF/TGV train station. Alternatively, ride-sharing apps like Uber and BlaBlaCar offer convenient and affordable options for travelling to and from the airport.

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Shopping

Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport offers a variety of shopping facilities, mainly located in the centre at the main connecting hall and in Terminals 1 and 2. The airport has several boutiques and shops, ranging from duty-free boutiques to clothing and beauty shops, souvenir and gift shops, and electronics stores.

For high-end fashion, passengers can visit boutiques from global brands such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Chanel, and Lacoste. There is also a dedicated L'Occitane en Provence store for beauty and skincare products. Local products and international newsstands are also available for purchase.

In addition to the shops within the terminals, Lyon Airport also has several car rental firms and car-sharing services located on-site. These services offer a range of vehicles, including electric and hybrid options, providing flexibility and competitive rates for passengers travelling to and from the airport.

The airport is located roughly 13 miles southeast of Lyon's city centre, in the town of Colombier-Saugnieu. It is easily accessible by car, taxi, bus, or train, with parking options available near the terminals.

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Transport options

Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is located roughly 13 miles southeast of the centre of Lyon, in the town of Colombier-Saugnieu. The airport is easily accessible by several transport options.

By Car

If you're travelling by car, the airport is located close to the A432 motorway, connected to Lyon city centre by the A43 (E711) motorway. There are several car parks near the airport terminals, which can be booked online in advance. Car-sharing services are also available.

By Bus

Several bus lines serve Lyon Airport, enabling you to reach the city centre or travel throughout the agglomeration. For example, you can take bus line 47 towards Meyzieu Zi and connect with the T3 tramway line to get to the Part-Dieu Villette station and the B metro line.

By Train

Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport has its own high-speed rail line, offering direct TGV connections with Paris, Provence, Annecy, Valence, other parts of southern France, and even Turin. The airport is also served by the Rhônexpress light-rail link, which provides easy and rapid access to and from the centre of Lyon in just 29-30 minutes, with services every 15 minutes.

By Taxi

Taxis are available outside both terminals at Lyon Airport, as well as the SNCF/TGV train station. Taxi fares start at €2, with the price per kilometre depending on the time of day. The minimum price for any journey is €7, and additional costs are applied for travelling to the airport/train stations and with large baggage.

By Bike

A sheltered bike park is available at Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport, located just outside the TGV station.

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Hotels

There are two hotels located directly within Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport: the four-star NH Hotel and the three-star Comfort Hotel. The next closest hotel is the Campanile, which is 4 km from the terminal buildings, but there is no free shuttle service to and from the airport.

If you don't mind staying a little further away, there are several other hotels within a 10-minute drive of the airport. These include the Kyriad Prestige and Spa Lyon Est - Saint Priest Eurexpo, the Mercure Lyon Genas Eurexpo, and the Courtyard by Marriott Lyon Eurexpo Stadium.

There are also a number of hotels in the nearby town of Genas, which is a 20-minute drive from the centre of Lyon and a 5-minute drive from the Eurexpo Exhibition Centre. These include the KYRIAD LYON EST - Genas Eurexpo and the Mercure Lyon Genas Eurexpo.

If you're looking for a place to stay with easy access to the airport as well as the city centre, consider the B&B Hotel Lyon Grand Stade Meyzieu, which offers free WiFi and free private parking. The Hôtel des Lumières Lyon Meyzieu Arena Stadium is another option in the same area, featuring a terrace and a bar.

Frequently asked questions

The easiest way to get to the centre of Lyon from the airport is by taking a private transfer. However, there are several other options:

- The Rhônexpress light-rail link takes 29 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. Tickets cost €16.70/€29.10, with cheaper rates if you buy online or are under 25.

- Lyon's taxis operate between the city centre and Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS).

- There are several bus lines that serve Lyon Airport, including bus line 47.

- Lyon Saint Exupéry airport has its own high-speed rail line, offering direct TGV connections with Paris, Provence, Annecy, Valence, other parts of southern France, and even Turin.

- Car-sharing applications regularly offer rides from Lyon city centre to the airport.

Lyon Airport has several options for snacks, meals, and drinks. For a quick bite, try Starbucks (Terminal 1), Paul, or La Brioche Dorée (Terminal 2). For something more formal, try Atelier des 2 Rives, Brasserie Ol, or Bar 221 (all in Terminal 2).

At Lyon Airport, you'll find a wide selection of duty-free shops and boutiques, including shops offering souvenirs, gifts, local products, and electronics. You can also find products from global brands including L'Occitane en Provence, Calvin Klein, Longchamp, Tommy Hilfiger, Chanel, and Lacoste.

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