Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, located 20 kilometres east of Lyon’s city centre in Colombier-Saugnieu, offers a modern and efficient experience for travellers. Serving over 11 million passengers annually, it ranks as France’s third-busiest airport, connecting to 120 destinations across Europe, Africa, and North America with airlines like Air France, easyJet, and Emirates. Its accessible transport links and well-designed facilities make it a practical hub for those exploring Lyon or beyond.
Accessing the airport is straightforward, with multiple transport options connecting to Lyon and nearby areas. The Rhônexpress tram provides a 29-minute ride to Lyon Part-Dieu railway station, running every 15 minutes from 4:25 am to midnight for €15.90 one way. Bus services, such as FlixBus, link the airport to Lyon-Perrache and other regional cities like Grenoble, with fares starting at €5.
Taxis or rideshare services like Uber cost around €40 to €50 to central Lyon, taking 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. Drivers can reach the airport via the A43 motorway, with 10,000 parking spaces across short-term (P0, P1) and long-term (P5, P6) lots, starting at €5 for two hours. A free 10-minute drop-off zone is available near Terminals 1 and 2, with a free shuttle connecting distant lots. Car rental agencies, including Avis and Hertz, are located in the arrivals area of Terminal 1.
The airport’s two main terminals, 1 and 2, are designed for ease of navigation. Terminal 1, split into Halls A and B, serves low-cost carriers like easyJet and international flights, while Terminal 2 handles Air France and other legacy airlines. A central concourse connects both terminals, with check-in desks, security, and baggage claim clearly signposted. The layout is compact, with 48 gates across both terminals and walking distances under 10 minutes.
Security typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, thanks to advanced scanners, but peak periods, such as early mornings or summer holidays, can see queues up to 30 minutes due to high passenger volumes or staffing shortages, as noted on X. Fast Track security, available for €12, helps bypass delays. Travellers are advised to arrive two hours early for European flights and three hours for international ones.
Dining and retail options cater to a range of preferences. Airside, passengers can enjoy French cuisine at L’Escale Lyonnaise, quick bites at Starbucks or Brioche Dorée, or pub fare at Beer & Chips in Terminal 1. Terminal 2 offers Paul for pastries and Café 101 for sandwiches. Family-friendly menus and grab-and-go options are available, though prices are higher than in Lyon’s city centre. Retail includes duty-free shops from Aelia in both terminals, stocking cosmetics, alcohol, and local Rhône wines, alongside Relay for travel essentials and Fnac for electronics. A Casino shop in the public area sells snacks and souvenirs. Budget travellers may prefer to shop in the city to save costs.
Facilities are comprehensive, with unlimited free Wi-Fi via the “LYON-AEROPORT” network and over 200 charging points across seating areas. Family amenities include baby-changing rooms and a children’s play area in Terminal 1. Accessibility is prioritised, with ramps, lifts, and a dedicated assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility, bookable 48 hours in advance. The NH Hotel within the airport offers day rooms, while lounges like the Confluence in Terminal 1, accessible for €35, provide snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi, though some passengers note limited food variety. A multi-faith prayer room, ATMs, and currency exchanges are available, but seating can be scarce during peak times, as reported on Flightradar24. A pet relief area and smoking zones outside the terminals add convenience.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with the airport handling around 150 daily flights. Delays, when they occur, are often due to weather, particularly fog in the Rhône Valley, or air traffic control issues across Europe, as mentioned in Flightradar24 data. Airline-specific problems, such as technical faults or tight schedules for low-cost carriers, can also cause disruptions. Passengers are encouraged to check flight statuses via in-terminal screens, the airport’s website, or apps like Flightradar24.
Connections are efficient, with minimum connection times of 45 minutes for intra-terminal transfers and 60 minutes for inter-terminal ones, facilitated by the central concourse. Air France’s hub status ensures smooth transfers for SkyTeam passengers, but international arrivals may require immigration and customs, taking up to 40 minutes during busy periods. Budget airline passengers should plan longer layovers, as carriers like easyJet may not assist with missed connections.
Potential delays are typically linked to weather, staffing shortages, or baggage handling issues during peak seasons. Congestion at security or check-in can occur, especially in Terminal 1’s Hall B during morning rushes. Travellers should monitor gate assignments, as some gates require a 10-minute walk, and pre-book transport like the Rhônexpress to avoid missing connections.
