Lyon Airport is often the first point of contact for many travelers heading to this fascinating French city for business or pleasure.
Famous for its rich history, culinary culture and fame, Lyon is a destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. Major events (Lyon is one of the sites for the 2024 Olympiad), business conferences and the proximity of the ski areas add to the city’s appeal.
Knowing how to get from Lyon airport to the city center will help you organize your trip in the best possible way, thanks to the various transport options available. However, not all solutions offer the same level of comfort, speed and reliability. In this article, we will show you the different ways to get from the airport to the center of Lyon, and give you practical advice and useful information to make your journey as easy as possible.
How far is Lyon airport from the city center?
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is the main airport in the city of Lyon. Strategically located to reach the city center, the airport is exactly 25 kilometers east of the city core.
This location makes it easily accessible for both arriving and departing travelers, and represents an important hub not only for Lyon, but for the entire Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
The airport is named after Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a French aviation hero and author of the famous book “The Little Prince”. As well as being well equipped, the airport is well connected to the city by motorway and rail.
Connections to and from Lyon Airport
There are several ways to get from Lyon airport to the city center:
- If you want to get to Lyon by train, you can take a train from the SNCF station, which is just a few minutes’ walk from Terminals 1 and 2;
- If you want to get to Lyon by tram, you can take the Rhônexpress, a shuttle service between the airport and the city;
- Outside the terminals, there is a taxi rank where you can take a taxi to any part of the airport;
- For personalized service and a truly comfortable airport transfer, you can opt for premium options offered by companies such as LimoLane.
Let’s take a look at how to get from Lyon airport to the city using all the options we’ve mentioned.
Getting to Lyon by train
If you are thinking of getting to Lyon by train, there are several options from the airport. The SNCF station is just a few minutes’ walk from the terminals. It links the airport to the city center and other destinations.
Lyon’s main train stations, Part-Dieu and Perrache, are well connected to the rest of the city and the airport by public transport, including trams and buses. These stations also serve high-speed trains such as the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), which connects Lyon to cities such as Paris, Marseille and Strasbourg in just a few hours.
How to get to Lyon with the Rhônexpress
The Rhônexpress is one of the most popular solutions for those who want to get to Part-Dieu station cheaply. It is an express tramway that links Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport with the heart of the city.
The Rhônexpress connects the airport with Lyon Part-Dieu station in about 30 minutes, with departures every 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day. The price is around €26 for a return ticket, but we always advise you to check with the official purchasing channels as the cost may change over time.
Getting to Lyon by taxi
Another option for getting from the airport to the center of Lyon is to take a taxi. In fact, there is a dedicated taxi rank at the airport where you can take or wait for a taxi to go in the city of Lyon.
Remember, however, that there may be less vehicles available during the high season and waiting times may be very long.
How to get to Lyon with a chauffeur-driven car
A faster and more comfortable way to get from Lyon airport to the city center is to hire a car with a driver.
Chauffeur-driven car allows you to rent a vehicle (a car or a van) and a personal driver who will manage every aspect of your transfer.
By choosing Chauffeur-driven hire, you can book your service in advance and be sure that a driver will be waiting for you at the terminal at all times, even if your flight is delayed.
Why choose LimoLane Chauffeur Hire to travel to Lyon?
Choosing an efficient and reliable chauffeur service is the best way to have an airport transfer without the stress and delays of public transport. When you choose LimoLane you get a top of the range car or van and a chauffeur who will assist you throughout your journey and plan the best route for you.
Chauffeur driven hire is the best choice for getting around Lyon because:
- It’s flexible. With LimoLane, you have the freedom to plan your journeys according to your schedule and needs. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
- You can travel in a premium car. LimoLane’s premium cars guarantee you the most comfortable ride. You can choose the best car or van for you, depending on the travel needs of other passengers;
- You have maximum security and privacy. With a personal chauffeur, you can enjoy a level of privacy and security that public transport cannot offer. This is very important if you are looking for a chauffeur driven company car hire and are traveling for business;
- Zero stress and worry. LimoLane’s driver handles all aspects of your itinerary and traffic, allowing you to relax or focus on other activities without the worry of driving in an unfamiliar city;
- Costs are always clear. Unlike taxis with variable fares, LimoLane has a transparent and predictable pricing structure. You know in advance how much your trip will cost, with no surprises.
If you would like to book your car rental with driver in Lyon and travel from Lyon Airport to anywhere in and around the city, choose LimoLane. Fill in the form to find out more.