Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport Guide

Lyon Airport (Aéroport Lyon or Lyon Saint-Exupéry in French) is an important hub in Eastern France, offering flights through both national carrier Air France and several other major airlines. Situated between Paris to the north and the French Riviera to the south, it serves most regions around France, as well as dozens of European and international destinations.

Lyon Airport Code, Location & Contact Information

• Airport Code: LYS
• Location: The airport is located roughly 13 miles southeast of the center of Lyon, in the town of Colombier-Saugnieu. Depending on your chosen mode of transport, it takes between 25 and 30 minutes on average to get to and from the airport and the city center.
• Phone Number: For the main LYS customer service line and information on flights, call +33-0 826 800 826. Other useful customer service numbers, including those of individual airlines, are available on the official website.
• Departure & Arrivals Info: https://www.lyonaeroports.com/en/flight-and-destinations/real-time-flight
• Airport map: See maps of Lyon airport terminals and access points here
• Information for travelers with disabilities: If you or someone in your group has a disability, ensure that you inform your travel agency or airline at least 24 hours in advance of your departure or arrival at the airport. See more information on the free, 24-hour services available at Lyon Airport for travelers with disabilities and reduced mobility on the airport website.

Know Before You Go

In addition to being a "focus city" for Air France, several major European and global airlines fly into and out of Lyon Airport. These include Austrian Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, and KLM.

Meanwhile, low-cost airlines such as Easyjet, Vueling, and Eurowings also offer regular flights to and from LYS, primarily serving other destinations around Europe. Flying with these carriers can reduce costs when traveling within France and between Lyon and other European cities.

Terminals at Lyon Airport

Lyon Airport is relatively small and manageable, making it easy to get around whether you arrive or fly out from one of its terminals. Thanks to expansion and renovation efforts that saw the inauguration of a new terminal in 2017, LYS has become more accessible and comfortable in recent years.

Lyon Airport has two terminals, numbered T1 and T2. The terminals are adjacent to one another and connected through indoor corridors, making it easy to connect on foot. Departure gates are located upstairs, with the arrivals areas on the ground floor. The SNCF and TGV (high-speed) rail station is located behind the terminals, and is also easily accessible via a dedicated footbridge.

• Depending on your airline, you will check-in at either Terminal 1 or 2 (verify before getting to the airport).
• Terminal 1 is served by numerous airlines (both national carriers and low-cost flights). The D gates are located in a satellite building that is primarily used by Easyjet and Transavia.
• Terminal 2 is primarily used for Air France flights.
• If traveling within Europe, the airport recommends that you check in at least two hours prior to departure. For international destinations, arrive three hours in advance. See more about check-in and security procedures at LYS here.

Airport Parking Facilities

Lyon Airport has a wide variety of parking lots for visitors to use with short- and long-term options. There are also recharging stations available for electric cars, reserved spaces for people with disabilities, and all lots can be booked online at the airport website. If you book a reservation in advance, it can be changed up to 4 hours before the reservation.

• P0: This covered lot is located beneath Terminals 1 and 2. Luggage trolleys are available to use. The recommended stay length is 0-3 days.
• P1: Run by the Lyon Park Auto company, P1 is a covered lot under Terminal 1 ideal for travelers leaving from that terminal. The recommended stay length is 0-3 days.
• P2: This is a short-term outdoor parking lot located just outside Terminal 2. P2 Bis is a smaller lot next to P2 that is booked separately. The recommended stay length for both lots is 24 hours or less.
• P4: This outdoor lot is located in front of the TGV railway station. It has direct access to the station and is a short walk to the terminals. P4 Electric is where you will find all the recharging stations for electric cars. You'll need to bring along an adapter to use the stations. The recommended stay length for both lots is 0-3 days.
• P5: This is an outdoor, long-term parking lot by the airport access ramp. To get to the terminal you will need to ride in a shuttle that arrives every 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the time of day P5 is split into four sections: Dakar / Dublin, Calvi, Berlin, Agadir. Each section has a corresponding shuttle stop. The recommended stay length is three days or longer.
• P5+: Located within P5 this is a fully automated lot that uses robots to park your car in an enclosed box. The nearest shuttle stop is Berlin and the minimum stay length is three days.
• Eco: Eco parking is a guarded, outdoor lot meant for long-term stays at an inexpensive price. It's the cheapest lot at the airport and is a 10-minute walk to the train station and a 15-minute walk to Terminal 2. Eco parking is also one of few lots that only accepts online reservations so your spot is guaranteed.

Public Transportation

Using public transportation to get between Lyon Airport and the city center is relatively straightforward and budget-friendly, whether by train, tram, or bus.

• The Rhone Express tram line connects Lyon Airport to the city center in just under 30 minutes. Trams depart every 20 minutes from the airport and from the Lyon Part-Dieu train station, from 5 a.m. to midnight. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
• From the center of Lyon, you can also take city bus line 47 to the airport. This option is less expensive but also takes slightly longer than the tram line.
• If you're planning to hit the nearby ski slopes in the Alps directly from the airport, you can take the Linkbus (departing from the SNCF train station; tickets can be booked online).

Taxis

You can find official taxi ranks outside both terminals at Lyon Airport, as well as the SNCF/TGV train station. To ensure a safe and fair experience, make sure you only accept rides from taxis operating within the official areas, and check whether the taxi has a meter before boarding.

Where to Eat and Drink

Lyon Airport has several options for enjoying a snack, meal, or casual drink before or after your flight. Whatever your budget and tastes, you should be able to find something that suits your needs, from casual snack and sandwich bars to more formal, sit-down brasseries and restaurants. To see a complete list of options for dining and drinking by terminal, visit the Lyon Airport website. Consider some of these options:

• For a quick and budget-friendly snack or lunch (soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps, pasta, and other light meals), try Starbucks (Terminal 1), Paul, or La Brioche Dorée (Terminal 2).
• To sample typical French specialties (and bring them on board if desired), try Confluences Café (Terminal 1) or Fly Me to the Food (Terminal 2).
• For more formal sit-down dining and drinks, try Atelier des 2 Rives, Brasserie Ol, or Bar 221 (all in Terminal 2).

Where to Shop

Lyon airport passengers can browse numerous shops located within the terminals, ranging from duty-free boutiques to clothing and beauty shops, boutiques offering souvenirs, gifts, local products and electronics, and international newsstands.

At the airport, you'll find shops offering products and dedicated corners from global brands including L'Occitane en Provence, Calvin Klein, Longchamp, Tommy Hilfiger, Chanel, and Lacoste.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available for passengers and visitors throughout the airport, using the "Lyon Airport" network. You'll also find charging stations for mobile phones and laptops in dedicated areas in both terminals. Some shops and restaurants are equipped with high tables that allow you to get some work done, if desired.

It's always a good idea to bring a portable, battery-powered charger for your phone and other devices if you're traveling during peak season or other busy times. Power outlets and charging stations are in high demand during such times, and occasionally it can be challenging to find one that's not already in use.

Lyon Airport Tips & Facts

• Late March through early October is peak tourist season and tends to be the busiest period at the airport, while conditions are often less crowded from mid-October through mid-March.
• Although Lyon Airport is a smaller, easily manageable one when compared to hubs like Paris-Charles de Gaulle, security procedures in Europe are rigorous. It's always a good idea to arrive at least two, and preferably three, hours in advance of your flight to account for time in security lines. This will also allow you to take advantage of facilities at the airport, including enjoying a meal. Be aware that low-cost flights in Europe rarely offer in-flight meal services, and many national carriers have ceased offering food and drink for short-haul flights.
• Even for passengers who are flying in economy class or taking a low-cost airline, it's possible to book a day pass at one of the airport's "Premium Experience" lounges.
• LYS also offers a Fast-Track service designed to save time on waiting in departure security lines. You can buy the ticket in advance and use the dedicated lines at departure gates.