Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport
Airport Airport
Lyon Saint‑Exupéry (LYS) serves the Lyon metropolitan area and handled roughly 10-11 million passengers in recent pre-pandemic years. The airport is a regional hub for several European carriers and offers domestic, European and intercontinental connections.
The airport comprises multiple passenger terminals and a rail/express tram link; the site also includes a dedicated TGV rail station underneath the airport, making it an intermodal hub for air and rail travel.
Terminal Guide for Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport #
The airport has separate terminal buildings for departures and arrivals with associated satellite piers; the passenger areas are connected by internal shuttles and walkways. The TGV rail station sits at the airport complex and is directly accessible from the terminal area, facilitating combined air‑rail transfers.
Inter-terminal connections include shuttle services and a short internal transfer walk depending on your arrival/departure area.
Getting to and From Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport #
Lyon airport is about 25 km east of the city centre; the Rhônexpress tram provides a direct connection to Lyon Part‑Dieu station in about 30 minutes and is the fastest public option.
- Rail/Metro: The Rhônexpress tram links the airport to Lyon Part‑Dieu in ~30 minutes; fares are typically in the mid‑teens of euros one way. A TGV rail station at the airport connects to the national high‑speed network.
- Buses: Regional and local buses serve nearby towns and provide cheaper alternatives to the express tram.
- Taxis: Taxis to central Lyon take roughly 25-40 minutes depending on traffic; fares vary by time and destination.
- Ride‑share: App‑based ride services operate in the Lyon area and pick up at designated curbside locations.
- Driving: The A432 and A43 motorway links provide straightforward access to Lyon; allow extra time in peak hours.
Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport #
The airport combines airside shopping and dining with rail interchanges and passenger services in a compact complex.
- Lounges: Several airline and pay‑per‑use lounges are located airside; access policies vary.
- Food & drink: A range of cafes, restaurants and quick‑service outlets are available landside and airside.
- Wi‑Fi: Free Wi‑Fi is generally available throughout the terminal.
- Charging stations: Power outlets and USB charging points are provided in gate areas and seating zones.
- Luggage & showers: Some lounges and nearby hotels provide shower facilities; public left‑luggage services vary-check with airport info.
- Accessibility: The terminals provide accessible facilities and assistance on request.
Hotels and Layovers at Lyon Saint‑Exupéry Airport #
There are several hotels close to Lyon Saint‑Exupéry, including international chains and airport hotels with shuttle connections. For reservations see chain sites such as accor.com, marriott.com.
Day rooms and transit‑hotel options are available at or near the airport for long layovers-book in advance during busy periods.
Tips for Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport #
- The Rhônexpress tram is often faster than road transport to Lyon Part‑Dieu - buy tickets in advance or at the station to save queuing time.
- If your train is from the airport’s TGV station, double‑check which terminal the shuttle to the TGV platforms serves (short walk or shuttle connects several terminal areas).
- For cheaper options to the city centre consider local buses instead of Rhônexpress outside peak hours.
Weather & Climate near Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport #
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (909 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
