Take the RhônExpress from Lyon Part-Dieu to Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport in about 30 minutes. This direct rail connection lands you at the airport area near the terminals, ideal for early departures and avoiding city traffic. The line connects with the gare district at Part-Dieu and runs every 15 minutes during the day. For real-time times, check lyon-visiteinfo. The ride is rapide, even with luggage.
If you prefer door-to-door, consider a taxi or rideshare from the city center to LYS. A trip from Lyon Part-Dieu or Perrache typically takes 25-40 minutes and costs about €55-€70 on weekdays. If your avion leaves early, book ahead or pick a hotel near the airport. however, traffic can add 10-20 minutes during peak hours.
For a comfortable stay, choose a chambre near Colombier-Saugnieu; the nest of the airport complex keeps you close to LYS. Options soient rail, soient taxi, soient navette exist; faut vérifier les horaires et quil y aient des alternatives si un syndicat perturbe les services. For updates, check lyon-visiteinfo.
From Lyon’s central stations, the RhônExpress remains the fastest path to LYS; late-night links are limited, so have a taxi app ready after your avion arrival. The Colombier-Saugnieu area hosts several hotels with airport shuttles, providing quickly direct access to the terminal.
Plan ahead with live updates from lyon-visiteinfo and keep a backup plan with a taxi or shuttle in case of changes. You reach Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport quickly and comfortably, whether you travel for business or leisure.
RhônExpress from Lyon City Center to LYS: travel time, frequency, and boarding tips
Directly board the RhônExpress from Part-Dieu to saint-exupéry; the ride is about 30 minutes, making it the most direct option to reach lyon-saint-exupéry from the city center. The Colombier-Saugnieu stop sits en route, so you’re a short step from the airport terminals once you arrive at saint-exupéry.
Frequency is high during daytime, with trains roughly every 15 minutes. Early morning or late evening services may run on a slightly reduced schedule, so consultz lyon-visiteinfo or the transporteur site for exact timings. This option offers strong rentabilité in time saved when you have a flight to catch, especially if you travel light and want a straightforward route to the avion gates.
Boarding and timing tips

Consultez and plan ahead: buy tickets online, at Part-Dieu ticket machines, or at a staffed counter; on-train sales are not guaranteed. Prices vary by zone; expect a single journey to reflect standard tariffs, with discounts for some categories. If you have luggage, the direct service and the wider carriage space help you move quickly, and you can arrive with plenty of minutes to spare for check-in. Have your ticket or pass ready for inspection on entry to the platform or when boarding, and follow accès signage to the RhônExpress platform. Avion travelers should keep a close eye on the panneaux and board firmly to avoid missing a rotation, which would force you to wait for the next direct service.
To simplify the run to the terminal, consider garer your car in a nearby park-and-ride if you drive; this can save time instead of hunting for city-center parking. Also, quil schedules are posted at each station, so you can verify if a higher speed option is available for a certain day. For those who want a backup plan, a direct bus route or a taxi is a sensible alternative if you arrive late or if the trains are full, but most days you can rely on the high-frequency RhônExpress.
| Direction | Travel time | Stops | Boarding tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-Dieu → saint-exupéry (LYS) | ~30 min | Part-Dieu, Colombier-Saugnieu, saint-exupéry | Buy online or at machines; validate before boarding; follow signs for the RhônExpress platform; arrive 10–15 min early |
| saint-exupéry → Part-Dieu | ~30 min | Saint-Exupéry, Colombier-Saugnieu, Part-Dieu | Same ticket options; check lyon-visiteinfo for departures; keep your passport or ID handy if required by staff |
Which LYS terminal and where to exit for arrivals, transfers, and check-in
Recommendation: Go to Terminal 2 for international arrivals and most transfers; exit through the central doors to reach the tram platform and the ground transport hub. détenu pace helps you stay on track, and thats the fastest route when you need to connect quickly.
Arrivals: Terminal 2 handles international traffic, while Terminal 1 serves many domestic routes. After you collect your luggage, leave the arrivals area via the main doors and follow the signs to the sortie (Exit). If you need help, say bonjour to staff at the information points; noubliez to ask where the carte desks are and where you can access the dépots or fueling services (carburant) in case you drive away after landing. The signage uses clear chiffres and arrows to guide you.
Transfers: relie Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with the tram. Take the short ride to the other terminal, then follow the platform numbers on the screens to reach your next gate. Thats the most direct path when you have a tight connection, especially if you must move entre deux dépôts or catch a domestic link before an international leg. If you’re unsure, ask a staff member; some fournisseur desks can confirm the exact chiffres and pourquoi your transfer route differs.
Check-in: For international departures, use the check-in desks in Terminal 2; for many domestic flights, go to Terminal 1. Arrive early, have your carte and passport ready, and follow the signs to the appropriate check-in area. If you need a printed boarding carte, the fournisseur counters in each terminal can help. Intéressant tip: memorize chiffres for your gate and the platform to avoid backtracking; this high level of clarity makes the process même straightforward and direct.
Tickets and fares: where to buy, payment options, and validation steps

Buy your billet online before you travel to the airport to save minutes and guarantee your seat on the RhônExpress or other transporteur services.
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Official channels – Purchase billets on the RhônExpress site or through the official app. You can choose a single trip or a return ticket, and you’ll receive a QR code. If you have a problémme with a page, refresh and try again; you can also review commentaires for recent tips from voyageurs. The clause on concession fares explains eligibility at checkout.
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Stations and kiosks – Billets are available at Lyon Part-Dieu, at the airport, and at major stops. Payment accepts cards and contactless methods; some machines also take cash. The bluely lit screens display clear prompts, and you can modify choices quickly if you need to change dates or times.
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Concession and jeunes/étudiants – Look for the concession option to save on the transporteur fare. Bring proof of eligibility, such as student or senior credentials, because you may need to present it when asked for a ticket validation. In practice, the same price applies for both online and on-site purchases, therefor you can switch methods if you prefer.
The RhônExpress is the fastest link between central Lyon and the airport, and it competes with bus lines and car sharing. If you’re traveling with family or in a group, consider a return ticket to lock in a better rate; you’ll still arrive within minutes of your chosen departure.
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Prices and passes – A typical one-way billet to the airport ranges around 16–20 EUR; a return ticket is commonly around 28–32 EUR. Prices vary by concession and age group, and années of travel history can affect eligibility for special offers. Always check the current tariffs on the official page before you buy.
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Payment options – Use credit or debit cards, contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay), or, at some kiosks, cash. Online purchases support all major cards and wallets; there is a same rate whether you buy online or at the counter, so choose the method that saves you time.
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Special cases – If you need to modifier travel plans, you can usually change the date or time in your online account or by contacting the support line. For group travel, ask about concession rates for multiple passengers and any available discounts. If you cannot locate your billet, refer to the commentaires section for troubleshooting steps or contact support quickly.
Validation steps – After purchase, validate your billet at the station readers to proceed to the platform, or show the QR code on your phone. When boarding the RhônExpress or a bus, keep your ticket accessible; you may need to descendre at the airport or another stop and show it to staff if requested. If you hold a return billet, validate both directions; the system recognizes the same passenger for the entire journey.
- Open the billet on your phone or print the paper ticket with the QR code.
- At the entry gate or on the platform, scan the code or insert the ticket in the validator.
- Keep the ticket until you reach your final destination, especially if a staff check occurs en route.
- For return plans, validate the outbound and return segments where required by the clause of the ticket.
- If a problem arises, cancel and reissue through official channels to avoid missing your minutes on the timetable.
In short, buy ahead, choose the right concession if eligible, and validate smoothly to reach the airport quickly with confidence. This approach minimizes delays, keeps you on the same route across different transporteur options, and avoids unnecessary stress during années of travel.
Alternatives to RhônExpress: taxis, rideshares, and regional buses to LYS
Taxi is the fastest door-to-door option from lyon to aéroport. From lyon city center to Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS) the cost is typically 60–80 euros and the drive takes about 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. Ask the driver to drop you in the Arrivals area and specify the terminal (1 or 2). You can descendre with your bags directly to the baggage claim. This route minimizes risque of delays and parking hassles, which matters if you have a rendez‑vous or a flight. If you have an avion to catch, a taxi offers a straightforward, predictable voyage and avoids the stress of extra transports at the terminus. (источник: local taxi operators)
Rideshares provide flexibility and often lower price than a taxi. Apps like Uber, Bolt, and Free Now operate in lyon. A typical fare from the city center to LYS runs around 40–60 euros; during peak hours or surge, it can go higher. Use the app to set pickup and destination, then meet at a convenient curb for your rendez‑vous. For a return trip, rideshares can be handy and véhiculed comfortable. commentaires from voyageurs confirm reliability, and you can estimate the price before you confirm the order. like many users, you may find this option très convenient for quick trips, with no need to worry about parking or luggage handling. mais des suppléments peuvent s’appliquer during certain periods, so check the côût beforehand. Transports are often simpler with this method.
Regional buses offer the lowest coût for airport access. Regional TER lines connect lyon hubs such as Part‑Dieu and Perrache with the aéroport area, with tickets around 8–12 euros. Travel time ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on stops and connections (entre ces lignes). Some services end at the LYS terminus; others require a short walk or a final tram connection. Check sncf for the mise à jour des horaires and access from your location. This option suits voyageurs who have time to spare and want to save money; quil y a un arrêt près du terminus, et entre les lignes you might need to switch once or twice. If your rendez‑vous is at the airport and you return to lyon later, you can reuse the same line for a longer return, reducing côt compared with a taxi. Pourquoi ce choix peut être meilleur dépend des timings et de votre budget; il n’y a pas de tribunal delays ici, seulement des horaires réguliers. (источник)
Scheduling and real-time updates: night/weekend service, delays, and planning tools
Check the site for live updates and set alerts for Lyon Saint-Exupéry routes; this keeps you informed about night and weekend service. Departures at night run on a lighter cadence, so allow 20–40 minutes extra and review nouvelles before you head out. If a problème occurs, the timetable shows the revised ETA and recommended alternatives, helping you choose the same route or a faster option.
Use the planning tools in the official app to track delays, platform changes, and remaining places on each rame. The tool flags platform shifts at the stations and suggests the best transfer if your first connection is delayed. Some connections peuvent be delayed; the app shows alternatives. For return trips, compare tarifs and coût options, and select the caisse method if you prefer paying in person. In difficult cases, you can switch to an adjacent station to keep your plan moving.
From aéroportmeyzieu, take a short rame to the Saint-Exupéry platform and complete the ride with a taxi or a local bus if needed. The system shows places to garer your voitures and the available services at each stop. If delays occur, prenez an alternative, such as a route via milan for connections, while keeping reste flexible. Remember the risque of further delays in winter weather and plan a buffer so you can rendre adjustments to your schedule with minimal stress.
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