Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) is the primary international airport serving Lyon, France's third-largest city.
The airport is located near Colombier-Saugnieu, about 20 kilometers east of Lyon's city center. It plays a crucial role in connecting the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to various domestic and international destinations.
In 2024, the airport handled over 10 million passengers making it the fourth busiest in France and in the top 60 European airports.
Major Airlines - Air France, easyJet, Transavia, Volotea
Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport serves as a focus city for several airlines, including Air France, the national carrier. It offers many domestic flights and a few international ones.
Other airlines with a significant number of flights and using LYS as a focus include:
easyJet: The Irish low-cost giant operates direct flights to many destinations in Europe and northern Africa. It also increases the number of flights during the summer to meet the demand of French holidaymakers going to Greece, Spain, Italy, and Croatia.
Transavia France: This French low-cost airline flies to many destinations in the Middle East and charter flights to holiday destinations in the summer.
Twin Jet: This regional airline flies to a few cities in France and Italy.
The low-cost segment is complemented by the Spanish Volotea which flies all over Europe, and Wizz Air which focuses mostly on destinations in Eastern Europe.
Full-service airlines that serve Lyon Airport include Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordanian, LOT Polish Airlines, and Emirates.
There are over 45 airlines at Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport flying to over 120 non-stop destinations.
Terminal Layout and Gates
Lyon Airport consists of two passenger terminals. They are connected landside by a central building which is in turn connected to the railway station.
Terminal 1: Serves mostly domestic flights. This terminal has 27 gates and is divided into departure zones B, C, and D. The first two are utilized by airlines such as Air France, KLM, and Lufthansa. Zone D is located in a small satellite building (linked by a tunnel), which used to be its own terminal. Today, it’s used by low-cost carriers like easyJet and Transavia (for international flights too).
Terminal 2: Serves mostly international flights. Terminal 2 has 31 gates and is used by airlines including all full-service airlines, easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.
See all destinations you can reach with a direct flight from LYS airport.
Connecting Flights and Transit
Lyon Airport is not a transit airport and has no facilities for airside transit.
This means that for any connecting flights, you will need to clear Immigration, re-check your luggage, and enter the airside zone again.
The two terminals are only connected landside.
Wi-Fi at Lyon International Airport
Lyon Airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminals.
To connect, select “Aéroports de Lyon” from the list of available Wi-Fi networks, then follow the instructions. The connection is unlimited in duration.
Dining Options at LYS
Lyon Airport offers a fair variety of dining establishments like restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and fast food kiosks.
There are dining options at both terminals and before Security as well as in the airside zone.
At Terminal 1, you can choose from:
Starbucks: The international coffeehouse chain provides a range of coffee options, desserts, and light snacks.
Brioche Dorée: Sandwiches, pastries, salads, and hot dishes, all prepared on-site with fresh ingredients.
Les 100 Ciels: A classy restaurant with a promise of a refined dining experience.
Monsieur Albert: A bistro where France meets the USA.
EXKi: Gourmet dining and healthy food.
Alpage: A lounge bar with a panoramic terrace
At Terminal 2, the dining options include:
PAUL: A takeaway cafe outlet offering coffee, pastries, salads and sandwiches.
Bar 221: Provides both hot and cold food options.
MOXY Dining Bar: A youthful restaurant for international cuisine and local specialties.
Lounges at Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport
Lyon Airport offers two lounges, both open to all passengers for a fee. Both are located in Terminal 1, one for each Schengen and non-Schengen flights.
Mont Blanc Lounge: Located near Boarding Gate C, first floor, after Security. This lounge is only for passengers on non-Schengen flights. It offers complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, and a quiet environment for relaxation or work. It is open from 5-6 AM until 8-9 PM depending on the day of the week.
Confluence lounge: Located at Place des Lumières in Terminal 1. This lounge is only for passengers flying within the Schengen Area. It also offers free food, comfortable couches and armchairs, and Wi-Fi. It’s open from 4:30 AM until 8 PM (weekdays) or 9 PM (weekends).
The lounges are available to all passengers at Terminal 1, irrespective of airline or VIP status (except for the Schengen/non-Schengen requirement).
The entrance fee for either lounge is set at 33.90 EUR for adults or 14.90 EUR for children 12 or under.
Transportation to and from Lyon Airport
Several transportation options are available for travelers:
Rhônexpress Tramway: This tram service connects the airport to Lyon's city center, specifically the Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu station, in less than 30 minutes. The tram station is located 2 minutes on foot from T1 and T2. The tram runs from 4:15 AM (city) / 5:00 AM (airport) until midnight with a single ticket costing 16 EUR.
Buses and Coaches: Bus line 47 serves the airport and goes towards Saint-Laurent-de-Mure Maréchal Juin. Bus line 48 connects Genas with the airport.
Regular coach services link the airport with nearby cities such as Grenoble, Saint-Étienne, and Chambéry. All bus operators make a stop just in front of Terminal 1.Ski shuttles: Bus shuttle companies like Ben’s Bus, Altibus, and AlpyTransfers offer connections to ski resorts in the region. These include famous destinations like Courchevel, La Plagne, Saint-Martin de Belleville, and many others.
Taxis are available in front of Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the TGV Station. You can take a taxi to anywhere in Lyon, other cities in the region, or ski resorts. Check the airport’s website for approximate fares to common destinations. For example, a trip to the city center of Lyon will set you back around 50-60 EUR.
If you want to drive yourself, opt for a car rental. Multiple agencies operate within the airport, offering a range of vehicles for hire. They are located near car park P5. A free shuttle bus can get you there in 10 minutes.
Lastly, check your options for private transfers from Lyon Airport.
Parking at Lyon Airport
Lyon Airport has no shortage of parking spaces in front of both terminals. They come with different height limits and parking fares, covered or uncovered. In total, there are 11 official parking lots.
Here are the main parking lots at Lyon Airport:
P0: A premium covered parking area located closest to the terminals, suitable for short stays. Vehicle height is limited to 1.90 meters. It’s located under T1 and T2.
P1 and P3: Covered parking facilities ideal for stays between 0 and 3 days. P1 is located at the entrance to T1 whereas P3 is opposite the terminal.
P2 and P4: Open-air car parks are recommended for 0-3 days of stay. P2 is opposite T2, whereas P4 is opposite the train station.
P5 is a robotized open-air car park connected to the terminals via a shuttle service.
P7: The most economical car park for staying longer than 3 days. Also connected by shuttle.
At the entrances to the airport are waiting areas, perfect for picking up or dropping off passengers. Parking in these is free for the first hour. Alternatively, the first 10 minutes inside the short-term car parks near T1 and T2 are also not chargeable.
Hotels near Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport
Do you need a place to crash after a late arrival or before an early departure? Or perhaps you just want to stay near the terminals? Lyon Airport has got you covered.
There are two hotels directly opposite Terminal 1:
NH Lyon Airport: A modern hotel with elegant rooms and a classy restaurant.
Moxy Lyon Airport: A 3-star hotel with quirky, cinema-themed decor and an awesome view of the runways.
There are more hotels outside the airport grounds. A good budget option is the 2-star Ibis Budget Hotel which is just 5 minutes from the terminals using its free shuttle bus.
Lyon, France
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