Lyon Saint-Exupéry International Airport

Lyon-Saint Exupéry International Airport (LYS) is not merely a transport hub, but a true architectural masterpiece welcoming guests to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The main highlight of the air harbour is the futuristic TGV railway station, designed by the legendary Santiago Calatrava and resembling a giant bird at the moment of takeoff. The airport serves as a convenient gateway to both the exquisite gastronomic pleasures of Lyon and the snow-capped peaks of famous ski resorts.

Unique Architecture and Aesthetics. The hallmark of the airport is the railway station located in the immediate vicinity of the terminals. Its bold design, mimicking the flight of a bird, makes arriving in Lyon a memorable event even before stepping out into the city.

Excellent Transport Accessibility. You can reach the centre of Lyon in just 30 minutes via the Rhônexpress express tram, which runs every 15 minutes. This is one of the fastest and most comfortable transfer methods among European airports.

Strategic Location. Saint Exupéry is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. From here, it is easy to reach popular Alpine ski resorts thanks to a developed network of bus routes and direct rail connections.

Comfort and Navigation. The airport consists of two main terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2), which are connected to each other and the TGV station. The compact structure allows passengers to quickly orient themselves and find the necessary gates, while numerous shops and cafes offer a chance to enjoy local cuisine before departure.

For your convenience, we have gathered the main contact information for Lyon-Saint Exupéry International Airport (LYS). We recommend checking the accuracy of the data on the official airport website before your trip.

• Official Website: Here you will find the most complete and up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations. The site is available at www.lyonaeroports.com.
• Information Service Phone: For information by phone, you can contact the call centre. Number for calls from abroad: +33 426 007 007.
• Airport Address: 69125 Colombier-Saugnieu, France.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. You can contact support via a special contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on official pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must contact your airline's Lost & Found service. Contacts and instructions are usually available in a dedicated section on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For most questions, including assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, you can contact the general phone line or use the feedback form on the website.

Getting from the centre of Lyon to Lyon-Saint Exupéry International Airport (LYS) is possible in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences. The airport is located approximately 25 kilometres east of the city, and it is worth planning your journey in advance, especially during peak hours.

The fastest and most popular public transport is the Rhônexpress express tram. It directly connects Lyon's central Part-Dieu station with the airport. The journey takes only about 30 minutes, making it the most predictable option, independent of traffic jams. Trams run every 15-30 minutes from early morning until late at night. It is worth noting that this is not the cheapest method: a one-way ticket costs significantly more than a regular city transport trip. Purchasing tickets online in advance often allows for some savings.

A more comfortable, but also more expensive option is a taxi or pre-booked transfer. A trip from the city centre to the airport will cost approximately 50-70 Euros during the day, and the tariff may be higher at night. Travel time depends heavily on traffic conditions and can range from 30 minutes on clear roads to an hour or more during rush hour. In France, popular ride-hailing apps also operate, which may offer competitive prices.

If you plan to travel around the region by car, then car rental is a convenient solution. All major international and local rental companies are represented at the airport. The route from the city centre follows the A43 and N346 motorways. The airport itself has numerous parking options: from short-term (P0, P1, P2), located close to the terminals, to more budget-friendly long-term car parks (such as P5), from where free shuttles run to the terminals. It is recommended to book a parking space online to get the best price.

To summarise, for most tourists, Rhônexpress is the optimal choice in terms of speed and convenience. Taxis are ideal for those travelling with large luggage or family who value comfort. For further trips to picturesque surroundings, for example, towards the Alps, it is worth considering renting a car. Incidentally, if your route lies in the Alpine region, a convenient alternative might be Chambéry Airport, and for travels through Switzerland or border French regions — the major Geneva Airport.

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) features a modern and passenger-friendly structure consisting of two main terminals — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. They are located within one large building, making movement between them very simple and quick — to transfer from one to the other, it is sufficient to walk along a covered corridor inside the building, following the signs. No separate transport is required for this.

Terminal 1 is the main and newest terminal of the airport. It handles the majority of international flights, including flights of many budget airlines (low-cost carriers). The terminal is divided into two main zones (Hall A and Hall B) and is distinguished by spacious waiting lounges and a large number of shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you are flying on an international flight or a popular European low-cost carrier, your departure will likely be from here.

Terminal 2 is historically older and more compact. It primarily serves Air France flights, as well as some of its SkyTeam alliance partners, mainly for destinations within France and the Schengen zone. The atmosphere here is calmer compared to the bustling Terminal 1, but all necessary services for passengers are also available.

Navigation in the airport is intuitive. Departure zones with check-in counters and security checkpoints are traditionally located on the upper floors, while arrival and baggage claim zones are on the lower floors. Information boards and signs in French and English will help you find your way. It is recommended to allow standard time for check-in and security control: about 1.5-2 hours for flights within the Schengen zone and 2-3 hours for international destinations. During peak seasons and morning hours, it is better to arrive with a little extra time.

A top tip for passengers: always check in advance from which terminal your flight departs. This information is indicated on the flight ticket and on the airport's online board. Thanks to the compact layout, even if you make a mistake, moving to the correct terminal will not take much time, but a preliminary check will save you stress and effort.

The history of Lyon-Saint Exupéry International Airport, one of the key transport hubs of France, began relatively recently. It was officially opened on 12 April 1975 under the name Lyon-Satolas Airport. Its construction was driven by the need to replace the old Lyon-Bron Airport, which could no longer cope with the growing passenger flow and had no room for expansion. The new airport was designed with the future in mind, to become the main air gateway for Lyon and the entire Rhône-Alpes region.

One of the most significant events in the airport's history was its renaming. In 2000, in honour of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the world-famous writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, born in Lyon, the airport was given his name. This was a tribute to the great compatriot and forever linked the air harbour with the world of literature and aviation. Another important milestone was the opening in 1994 of the railway station for high-speed TGV trains (Gare de Lyon-Saint-Exupéry). Its futuristic building, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, is a landmark in itself.

Over the decades, the airport has constantly evolved. Significant modernisation took place in the 2010s, when the new Terminal 1 was built and commissioned. This large-scale project allowed not only for an increase in capacity to over 15 million passengers per year but also significantly improved the level of comfort for travellers. The old terminals were integrated into a new, modern, and more functional structure.

Interesting fact: Saint Exupéry Airport became one of the first in Europe to be integrated with a high-speed railway network. This innovative "air-rail" concept created a unique transport hub that effectively serves not only air passengers but also those travelling by TGV trains across the country and beyond, making travel through France even more convenient.

Lyon-Saint Exupéry International Airport offers passengers a full range of services, making their stay here as comfortable as possible. The terminals house numerous restaurants and cafes where you can grab a quick sandwich or leisurely enjoy French cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, spacious Duty Free shops are open, as well as boutiques with clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and local delicacies, making it an important hub for travellers through France.

For a comfortable wait for their flight, passengers can use one of the VIP lounges. They offer a secluded atmosphere, complimentary snacks, beverages, and fresh press. If you have a long layover or an early departure from Lyon, hotels located directly on the airport grounds or in the immediate vicinity are at your service.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals, allowing you to always stay connected. Numerous sockets and USB ports are provided for charging electronic devices. Business travellers will appreciate the presence of a business centre and the possibility of renting modernly equipped conference rooms for meetings and negotiations.

The airport is well-adapted to the needs of all categories of travellers. Special play zones and mother-and-child rooms with changing tables are equipped for families with children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with free assistance and escort throughout the airport — from check-in counters to boarding the aircraft. It is recommended to book this service in advance through the airline.

Furthermore, it is easy to solve practical and financial matters at the airport. Bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points operate here. In case of feeling unwell, there is a medical centre on the airport premises, ready to provide qualified first aid.

Planning a flight through Lyon-Saint Exupéry International Airport (LYS), you can be sure you won't go hungry. As befits an airport in the gastronomic capital of France, there is a wide selection of establishments here for every taste and budget, from a quick snack to a full dinner.

For those in a rush, numerous cafes and bakeries located both in the public zone (landside) and in the sterile zone after security control (airside) in both terminals are ideal. Here you will find well-known chains such as `Paul` and `Brioche Dorée`, where you can buy fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, and excellent coffee. This is a perfect option to refresh yourself quickly before departure or immediately upon arrival. The opening hours of such establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, starting from early morning until late evening.

If you have time to leisurely have lunch or dinner, pay attention to the restaurants and brasseries located predominantly in the departure zones. In them, you can experience the atmosphere of the famous Lyon "bouchons". The menu often features regional cuisine dishes: from hearty salads to meat specialities. This is a great opportunity to enjoy quality French food without leaving the airport. We recommend trying some local specialities, for example, `pink praline tart` — the hallmark of Lyon confectioners.

Regarding special dietary requirements, vegetarian sandwiches and salads are available in most cafes. Finding vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes might be more challenging, but staff in full-service restaurants are generally ready to assist and advise on the ingredients of dishes. It is recommended to clarify the availability of such options directly at the chosen establishment.

Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city. A cup of coffee will cost approximately `4-6 Euros`, a sandwich — `7-12 Euros`, and a full hot meal in a restaurant will cost from `20-25 Euros` and upwards. Establishments in the public zone may be slightly cheaper than those located after passport control.

Planning a trip through Lyon-Saint Exupéry International Airport? A few useful tips will help make your journey more comfortable and predictable. This modern airport in Lyon serves many destinations, and knowing its specifics will save you time and stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in. To avoid rushing, arrive at the airport in advance. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights within France and Schengen zone countries — 1.5-2 hours. The fastest way to check in is online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, directly to security control.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. Security checkpoints at Lyon airport work efficiently, but queues are possible during peak hours. Prepare your belongings in advance: take your laptop and other large electronics out of your bag, and pack all liquids up to 100 ml in one transparent bag. Standard rules prohibit the carriage of sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances. Remember that the final rules for hand luggage are always set by your airline.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you want to enjoy views of the Alps during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. For greater comfort and the ability to leave the cabin quickly — an aisle seat. Passengers with transfers should pay attention to the arrival and departure terminals. If you are flying in transit within the Schengen zone, repeated passport control will not be required. When transferring from an international flight to a domestic one, you will need to pass passport control and possibly customs inspection.

Customs Control. When arriving from countries outside the EU, follow the "Green" and "Red" channel system. "Green" — if you have no goods to declare, "Red" — if you do. Within the European Union, customs control for personal items is generally absent.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, book parking and transfers (for example, the Rhônexpress express tram) online in advance. There are drinking water fountains in the airport building, so you can take an empty bottle with you and fill it after passing security. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative. Under EU laws, for long delays, passengers are entitled to drinks, meals, and sometimes hotel accommodation. Having travel insurance will also help compensate for possible inconveniences.