Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport
Aéroport de Lyon-Saint Exupéry
Lyon, France · Since 1975
Last updated:
About LYS
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport is the main international airport serving Lyon, France's third-largest city and gastronomic capital. Named after aviator and author Antoine de Saint-Exupery (The Little Prince), the airport is located 25 km east of Lyon city center. It features a striking TGV railway station designed by Santiago Calatrava that connects to France's high-speed rail network. With three terminals handling over 11 million passengers annually, it serves as a gateway to the French Alps, Beaujolais wine country, and the Rhone Valley.
Terminals
Terminal 1
The original terminal handling mainly domestic flights and some European routes. Connected to Terminal 2 via a covered walkway.
Terminal 2
Main international terminal handling most European and long-haul flights. Modern facilities with good shopping and dining.
Terminal 3
Low-cost terminal primarily serving budget carriers. Basic facilities. Short shuttle ride from Terminals 1 and 2.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at LYS
Air France
Terminal 1
easyJet
Terminal 2
Transavia
Terminal 1
Aegean Airlines
Aer Lingus
Air Algerie
Air Arabia
Air Canada
Showing 8 of 44 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Rhonexpress tram connects to Lyon Part-Dieu station in 30 minutes. The integrated TGV station provides high-speed rail access to Paris (2h), Marseille (1h30), and other French cities.
Taxi
$55-75
25-40 min to city center
Public Transport
$16.50
30 min to city center
Parking at LYS
P0 Express
P2 Proximite
P5 Low Cost
Airport Lounges
Air France Lounge
Terminal 1
Air France's lounge in Terminal 1 with French cuisine, regional Lyon specialties, Beaujolais wines, and comfortable seating.
Espace Salon Lounge
Terminal 2
Independent lounge in Terminal 2 open to all passengers. French wines, cheese selections, hot food, and a business area.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
NH Lyon Airport
Connected to Terminal 2 via covered walkway
Modern hotel directly connected to Terminal 2. Features soundproofed rooms, restaurant, bar, and fitness center. Day rooms available.
Nearby Hotels
ibis Lyon Est Bron
15 minutes by shuttle from airport
Budget-friendly hotel on the road to Lyon. Basic but comfortable rooms with free parking.
Food & Dining
Brasserie des Lacs
French Brasserie
Terminal 1 (Landside)
Traditional French brasserie offering croque-monsieurs, salads, daily specials, and excellent Rhone Valley wines.
06:00-21:30
Relay Cafe
Cafe/Quick Service
Terminal 2 (Airside)
Quick service cafe with French pastries, croissants, sandwiches, and quality coffee.
05:00-22:00
Paul Bocuse Restaurant Bar
French Gastronomy
Terminal 2 (Airside)
Named after Lyon's legendary chef, serving refined French cuisine. Enjoy Lyon specialties like quenelles and Beaujolais wines.
06:30-21:00
Car Rental
Europcar
Car rental center, ground floor between terminals
Located in the car rental center between Terminals 1 and 2. French motorways have tolls.
Sixt
Car rental center, ground floor
Good selection. Winter tires mandatory in mountain areas November-March.
Hertz
Car rental center, ground floor
Reliable option for exploring the Rhone Valley wine regions. Ask about the Liber-T toll badge.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
TGV Station Architecture Tour
The TGV station designed by Santiago Calatrava is an architectural masterpiece. Walk through the stunning wing-shaped structure. Free and accessible without leaving the airport.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Explore Vieux Lyon
Take the Rhonexpress to Part-Dieu, then metro to Vieux Lyon. Explore the UNESCO-listed Renaissance district with famous traboules (hidden passageways) and Saint-Jean Cathedral. Allow 4+ hours.
Lyon Food Tour
Lyon is France's gastronomic capital. Take the Rhonexpress to the city and visit a traditional bouchon. Try quenelles de brochet, salade lyonnaise, and praline tart. Allow 4+ hours.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●○
- Power Outlets: Type E (French)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: $8-14/day
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Tipping: Service is included in French prices (service compris). Tipping is optional - round up or leave a few euros for exceptional service.
Smoking Areas
Outdoor designated areas between terminals
Insider Tips
The Rhonexpress tram is the fastest way to central Lyon. Buy tickets online for a discount. The TGV station designed by Calatrava is architecturally stunning. Lyon is France's food capital.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shopping, restaurants and cafes, VIP lounges, car rental desks, pharmacy, left luggage, children's play area, baby care room, prayer room, Rhonexpress tram, TGV station
Official Website
Traveler Reviews
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Compare with Nearby Airports
See how LYS compares to other major airports in the region.
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport
Lyon, France
Geneva Airport
Geneva, Switzerland
Marseille Provence Airport
Marseille, France
Milan Malpensa Airport
Milan, Italy
Nice Cote d Azur Airport
Nice, France
Zurich Airport
Zurich, Switzerland