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About Lyon

Lyon lies in eastern France at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers, between Paris, the Alps and the Mediterranean corridor. It is France's third-largest city, known for its elegant historic districts, strong economy, student life and a balanced mix of urban energy and relaxed daily rhythm.

The city is well connected by high-speed trains, with Paris around two hours away by TGV and easy links to Geneva, Marseille and other European routes. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport handles domestic and international flights and is linked to the center by express tram, road and regional connections.

Founded as Roman Lugdunum, Lyon became an important center of trade, silk production, printing and banking, leaving a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Visitors can move naturally from the Roman theaters of Fourvière to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, then down through Vieux Lyon's Renaissance lanes and traboules toward Place Bellecour, the Presqu'île, the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the modern Confluence district.

Life in Lyon is shaped by its rivers, parks and surrounding hills, with the Parc de la Tête d'Or offering lakeside walks, gardens and open green space. The climate is generally temperate, with warm summers, cool winters and lively outdoor terraces through much of the year.

The city has an active social scene, from riverside bars and markets to festivals, museums, concerts and football matches. Its culinary reputation is central to its identity, especially in traditional bouchons serving dishes such as quenelles, saucisson brioché and praline-based desserts.

Getting around Lyon is straightforward thanks to metro, tram, bus, funicular, bike-share and walkable central districts, with riverbanks and bridges making many journeys pleasant on foot.

Airport to Lyon City Center Transport

Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport is about 25 km from Lyon city center. Travelers can reach central Lyon by TCL public buses, the Rhônexpress airport shuttle, tram and metro connections, taxi, rental car, or pre-booked private transfer.

Bus

Municipal TCL buses are the most affordable way to travel from Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport to Lyon city center, although they usually require at least one connection. Average journey time to central Lyon is about 60 to 70 minutes, depending on traffic, waiting time, and your final stop.

• TCL line C200: airport services to Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie, with connections to metro line A.
• TCL line 248: airport bus toward Meyzieu Z.I., with connections to tram T3 for Lyon Part-Dieu.
• Typical route to Part-Dieu: airport bus to Meyzieu Z.I., then tram T3 to Gare Part-Dieu Villette.

Airport Shuttle

The main airport shuttle between Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport and Lyon city center is Rhônexpress, sometimes searched for as the former Havas or Havabus airport shuttle. It runs regularly between the airport railway station and central Lyon, with an average journey time of about 30 minutes to Lyon Part-Dieu.

• Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport station.
• Meyzieu Z.I.
• Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie.
• Lyon Part-Dieu.

Metro / Tram

There is no direct metro line from Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport terminals, but tram connections are available. Rhônexpress is the fastest tram-style airport link to Lyon Part-Dieu, while TCL bus connections can link passengers to tram T3 and the Lyon metro network. Average travel time is about 30 minutes by Rhônexpress, or about 60 minutes by TCL bus plus tram.

• Rhônexpress: direct airport link to Lyon Part-Dieu.
• Tram T3: connection from Meyzieu Z.I. to Gare Part-Dieu Villette.
• Metro A: connection available at Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie.
• Metro B: connection available near Lyon Part-Dieu.

Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 at Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport and are a convenient door-to-door option for hotels, apartments, and business addresses in Lyon city center. The average journey time is about 35 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact destination.

• Taxi ranks are located outside the airport terminals.
• Useful for late arrivals, heavy luggage, or direct travel to a hotel.
• Travel time may be longer during peak traffic periods.

Car Rental

Car rental is available at Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport for travelers who want flexibility to visit Lyon, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, or nearby Alpine destinations. Rental offices are located at the airport, with vehicle pickup arranged near the terminal exits or the dedicated rental car area.

• Suitable for trips beyond Lyon city center.
• Airport rental desks are available from major international and local agencies.
• Check parking conditions in central Lyon before choosing this option.

Transfer

A private airport transfer from Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport to Lyon city center is a comfortable pre-booked option with meet-and-greet service, fixed pickup time, and direct drop-off. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for early flights, late arrivals, families, groups, or travelers with extra luggage.

• Private car or minivan service from the arrivals area.
• Direct transfer to hotels, apartments, Lyon Part-Dieu, or Lyon Perrache.
• Average journey time is about 35 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic.

Lyon City Center to Airport Transport

There are several transport alternatives from Lyon city center to Lyon Saint Exupery Airport, including public buses, express tram service, taxis, car rental, and private transfers.

Bus

Municipal TCL buses are a budget-friendly option, usually combined with metro or tram travel from central Lyon. Average journey time is around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the connection and traffic.

• TCL C200 from Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie toward Lyon Saint Exupery Airport on selected services
• TCL line 248 from Meyzieu Z.I. with onward airport connections where available

Airport Shuttle

Lyon does not use Havas or Havabus; the main direct airport shuttle is Rhonexpress, an express tram-style service from central transport points to Lyon Saint Exupery Airport. Average journey time is about 30 minutes from Lyon Part-Dieu.

• Lyon Part-Dieu
• Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie
• Meyzieu Z.I.

Metro / Tram

There is no regular city metro directly to the airport, but travelers can take Lyon Metro Line A to Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie and connect with Rhonexpress. Average journey time from central Lyon is around 35 to 50 minutes.

• Metro Line A to Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie
• Rhonexpress from Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie to Lyon Saint Exupery Airport

Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 from Lyon city center to Lyon Saint Exupery Airport. Average journey time is around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Hotel taxi pick-up in Presqu'ile, Bellecour, or Part-Dieu
• Taxi ranks at major train stations and central squares

Car Rental

Car rental is suitable for travelers who want flexibility before flying. Many rental companies have city-center offices, and airport drop-off is often available when booked in advance.

• Pick-up from Lyon Part-Dieu or city-center rental offices
• Drop-off at Lyon Saint Exupery Airport rental car area

Transfer

A private airport transfer is the most convenient door-to-door option, especially for families, groups, or early and late flights. Advance booking is recommended to secure the vehicle and pick-up time.

• Private car transfer from hotel or apartment
• Minivan transfer for groups and extra luggage