✨ AI-Enhanced Insights
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) opened in 1975 as Lyon Satolas Airport and was renamed in 2000 after the French aviator and writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Located about 20 km east of Lyon in Colombier-Saugnieu, it serves as a focus city for easyJet and a key gateway to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The airport features a striking concrete terminal designed by Guillaume Gillet and an integrated TGV high-speed rail station.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know that the TGV station is directly connected to the terminal, so if you're continuing by train, you can go straight from arrivals to the platform without exiting the building—allow at least 20 minutes between flight arrival and train departure.
🚖 Getting There
The Rhônexpress tram-train connects the airport to Lyon Part-Dieu in 30 minutes, with departures every 15–30 minutes; tickets cost around €16 one-way. TGV high-speed trains depart from the integrated station to Paris, Marseille, and other cities. Taxis and ride-shares are available but can be expensive and slow during peak traffic; buses also serve nearby towns and ski resorts.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport from central Lyon?
A: The airport is approximately 20 km (12 miles) east of central Lyon, and the journey typically takes 30–45 minutes by car or tram-train.
Q: What is the best way to get from the airport to Lyon?
A: The Rhônexpress tram-train is the fastest and most reliable option, running every 15–30 minutes to Lyon Part-Dieu station in about 30 minutes. Taxis and buses are also available.
Q: Does the airport have a train station?
A: Yes, the airport has an integrated TGV station (Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV) with direct high-speed trains to Paris, Marseille, and other major French cities.
Q: Which airlines operate at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport?
A: The airport is served by many airlines, including Air France, easyJet, Transavia, and Lufthansa, with easyJet operating a base there. It offers flights to destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash