Lyon

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Air Travel

Sections

Main Airport in Lyon

Lyon is served by Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (Aéroport Lyon-Saint Exupéry), which is the primary airport for the city and the surrounding region. It is located approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) east of Lyon's city center.

Key Details:

  • IATA Code: LYS
  • Terminals: The airport has three terminals (T1, T2, and T3), which are interconnected and handle both domestic and international flights.
  • Airlines: Major airlines operating at Lyon-Saint Exupéry include Air France, easyJet, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Ryanair. The airport serves destinations across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and select long-haul routes.
  • Facilities: The airport offers a range of services, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, car rental services, free Wi-Fi, and family-friendly amenities like play areas.

Transportation Options to and from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is well-connected to the city and surrounding areas. Here are the main transportation options:

1. Rhônexpress Tram

  • Overview: The Rhônexpress is a dedicated tram service that connects the airport to Lyon's city center (Part-Dieu train station) in about 30 minutes.
  • Frequency: Every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak hours.
  • Operating Hours: 4:25 AM to midnight.
  • Cost:
    • Adults: €16.30 one-way (€28.30 round-trip) if purchased online.
    • Discounts are available for children, students, and groups.
  • Where to Board: The Rhônexpress station is located just outside the terminals.
  • Tickets: Can be purchased online, at ticket machines, or onboard (slightly more expensive).

2. Taxis

  • Overview: Taxis are readily available outside the terminals.
  • Cost:
    • A ride to the city center typically costs €50–€70, depending on traffic and time of day.
    • Night rates (7 PM–7 AM) and weekend rates are higher.
  • Travel Time: Approximately 30–40 minutes to the city center.
  • Tips: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated (rounding up to the nearest euro is common).

3. Ride-Sharing Services

  • Options: Uber and Bolt operate in Lyon and can be used for airport transfers.
  • Cost: Typically cheaper than taxis, with fares ranging from €30–€50 depending on demand and time of day.
  • Travel Time: Similar to taxis (30–40 minutes).

4. Car Rentals

  • Overview: Major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt have desks at the airport.
  • Cost: Rental prices vary but typically start at €30–€50 per day for a small car.
  • Tips: Book in advance for better rates, and ensure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) if required.

5. Public Buses

  • Overview: Local buses (TCL network) connect the airport to nearby towns and suburbs, but they are not the most convenient option for reaching Lyon's city center.
  • Cost: Around €2–€5 per trip.
  • Travel Time: Longer than other options (up to 1.5 hours).

Procedures for Arrivals and Departures

Arrivals

  1. Immigration and Customs:
    • If arriving from outside the Schengen Area, you will go through passport control. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can use the automated gates, while others must queue for manual checks.
    • Customs checks are generally quick. Declare any goods exceeding duty-free limits.
  2. Baggage Claim:
    • Follow signs to the baggage claim area. Baggage carts are available for free.
  3. Transportation:
    • After exiting customs, follow signs for taxis, Rhônexpress, or car rentals.

Departures

  1. Check-In:
    • Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic/Schengen flights and 3 hours before international flights.
    • Check-in counters are clearly marked by airline and terminal.
  2. Security Screening:
    • Be prepared to remove laptops, liquids (in 100ml containers), and large electronics from your bag.
  3. Boarding:
    • Boarding gates are well-signposted. Allow time to walk to your gate, as some can be a fair distance from security.
  4. Lounge Access:
    • Business-class passengers and frequent flyers may access lounges like the Mont-Blanc Lounge (Terminal 1).

Costs of Air Travel

  • Domestic Flights: Flights within France (e.g., to Paris, Marseille, or Nice) typically cost €50–€150 one-way.
  • European Flights: Flights to major European cities (e.g., London, Barcelona, or Rome) range from €50–€300, depending on the airline and booking time.
  • Long-Haul Flights: Flights to destinations like Dubai or New York start at €400–€800 round-trip.

Local Tips and Considerations

  1. Language: While English is spoken at the airport, knowing basic French phrases (e.g., "Bonjour" for hello, "Merci" for thank you) is helpful.
  2. Currency: The airport has ATMs and currency exchange services, but rates are better in the city.
  3. Food Options: Try local specialties like a Lyonnais sandwich or pastries at airport cafes.
  4. Peak Travel Times: Avoid traveling during French school holidays (especially July and August) when the airport is busiest.
  5. Accessibility: The airport is wheelchair-friendly, with elevators, ramps, and assistance services available upon request.
  6. Sustainability: Lyon-Saint Exupéry is committed to eco-friendly practices. Consider using the Rhônexpress tram to reduce your carbon footprint.

Cultural Advice for Air Travel in Lyon

  • Punctuality: French people value punctuality, so arrive on time for flights and transportation connections.
  • Politeness: Always greet staff with "Bonjour" and say "Merci" when leaving. It’s a small gesture but highly appreciated.
  • Packing: If traveling within Europe, remember that budget airlines often have strict baggage policies. Check weight and size limits in advance.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate air travel in Lyon with ease. Bon voyage!