Grenoble, gateway to the French Alps, is about 100 km southeast of Lyon Airport.

About Grenoble / French Alps

Grenoble is the capital of the French Alps, a vibrant university city of 160,000 nestled in a valley at the confluence of the Drac and Isère rivers, surrounded by three mountain ranges: the Chartreuse, Vercors, and Belledonne. The city gained international recognition hosting the 1968 Winter Olympics, which transformed it into a modern hub for winter sports and scientific research.

The Bastille, a 19th-century fortress perched on a cliff 476 meters above the city, is reached by the iconic Grenoble cable car (les Bulles — 'the Bubbles'), offering panoramic views of the city, the surrounding Alps, and on clear days, Mont Blanc. The old town below features the Place Grenette, the Musée de Grenoble (one of France's finest art museums), and medieval streets around Place Saint-André.

Grenoble serves as the gateway to some of France's premier ski resorts, including Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d'Huez (1 hour), Chamrousse (30 minutes), and the Trois Vallées mega-resort (2 hours). In summer, the surrounding mountains offer world-class hiking, mountain biking, and Via Ferrata climbing routes. The city's university and research institutions give it a youthful, innovative energy with vibrant nightlife and café culture.

Nearby Landmarks

Bastille Fort Grenoble Cable Car Musée de Grenoble Place Grenette

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $150-200
Time 70-90 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (TGV / TER)

Cost $25-40
Time 60 min
Frequency 4-6 trains daily

Step-by-Step Directions

Walk to the TGV station connected to the airport. Take a direct train to Grenoble.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $150-200 70-90 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train $25-40 60 min Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Direct buses from Lyon Airport to Grenoble typically run from early morning until late evening, with the last departure around 11:00-11:30 PM. Outside bus hours, a taxi from the airport to Grenoble costs €150-200. Some transfer companies offer shared shuttles to ski resorts at night during winter season. Within Grenoble, the tram runs until about midnight, and taxis are available at Place de la Gare.

Luggage Tips

Airport buses have large luggage holds suitable for ski equipment bags and large suitcases. If heading directly to a ski resort from the airport, book a specialized ski transfer service that can handle multiple bags, ski bags, and equipment. Grenoble train station has luggage lockers. The old town streets are mostly pedestrianized and manageable with rolling bags, though some sections have cobblestones.

Accessibility

The airport bus to Grenoble is wheelchair accessible with advance notice to the bus company. Grenoble's tram system is fully accessible with low-floor boarding. The Bastille cable car accommodates wheelchairs in the larger cabins. The old town is mostly flat, though some streets have cobblestones. Ski resorts vary significantly in accessibility; Chamrousse and some Deux Alpes facilities have adaptive skiing programs.