Lyon city center (Part-Dieu station) is about 25 km west of the airport. The Rhonexpress tram is the fastest option.

About Lyon City Center

Lyon, France's third-largest city and its undisputed gastronomic capital, sits at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. The city center encompasses the vast Presqu'île (peninsula) between the rivers, where the grand Place Bellecour — one of Europe's largest open squares — anchors a district of elegant 19th-century boulevards, luxury shopping on Rue de la République, and the riverside dining terraces of Quai Saint-Antoine.

Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the west bank of the Saône, is one of Europe's best-preserved Renaissance quarters. Its cobbled streets shelter traboules (secret passageways through buildings used historically by silk merchants and later by the Resistance), the Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Jean, and dozens of bouchons — the traditional Lyonnaise bistros serving pike quenelles, tablier de sapeur, and other iconic local dishes.

The Part-Dieu district, where the Rhônexpress arrives, is Lyon's modern business hub with the landmark Tour Part-Dieu (the 'Pencil' skyscraper), the city's main railway station, and the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse — an indoor gourmet market named after the legendary chef, offering the finest cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, and wines from the surrounding regions.

Nearby Landmarks

Halles Paul Bocuse Part-Dieu Tower Place Bellecour Vieux Lyon

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $55-75
Time 25-40 min

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

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $45-60
Time 25-40 min

Designated pickup zone outside arrivals

Train (Rhonexpress)

Cost $17 (online) / $18 (onsite)
Time 30 min
Frequency Every 15 minutes (peak) / 30 minutes (off-peak)

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow signs to the Rhonexpress platform between Terminals 1 and 2. Take the tram to Lyon Part-Dieu station (30 min). From Part-Dieu, use Lyon metro or tram.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $55-75 25-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $45-60 25-40 min Budget-conscious, app users
Train $17 (online) / $18 (onsite) 30 min Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Rhônexpress runs from approximately 6:00 AM until midnight, with departures every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening. After midnight, taxis from the airport cost approximately €60-80 to Lyon city center. The airport has a small number of late-night taxi options. Lyon's metro and bus systems run until about midnight. Some late-night bus services (Pleine Lune) operate on weekends.

Luggage Tips

The Rhônexpress has spacious luggage areas near the doors designed for suitcases. Part-Dieu station has luggage lockers in the SNCF station area. Vieux Lyon's cobblestone streets are difficult with rolling bags — take a taxi from Part-Dieu if heading directly there. The Presqu'île area is flat and easier with wheeled luggage. Most Lyon hotels offer luggage storage on arrival day.

Accessibility

The Rhônexpress tram is fully wheelchair accessible with low-floor boarding and designated spaces. Lyon Part-Dieu station has elevator access to all platforms and the metro. Lyon's metro and tram system is one of France's most accessible, with elevators at most stations. Vieux Lyon's cobblestoned streets present some challenges, but the main routes are manageable. The Presqu'île and Part-Dieu areas are flat and accessible.