Located to the east of Lyon and 25 kilometres from the city centre, Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport, the main regional hub, is easily accessible. It can be reached via exits 3, 4 and 5 of the A42 motorway from Lyon or from Annecy after following the A41 and A43 motorways over the 120 km that separate the two cities. The airport has two runways as well as three terminals: T2, T1 Hall A and T1 Hall B. Finally, it has its own train station and you can also choose to go there by train.
Reaching Lyon by train from Annecy
Rapid trains from Lyon to Annecy take about 1 hour and 51 minutes, covering a distance of about 120 kilometres. The railway line between Lyon and Annecy is frequently served.
There are generally about 15 direct trains on the Lyon-Annecy line every day of the week. There are usually fewer departures at weekends.
The train journey from Lyon to Annecy normally takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, regardless of the time of day you travel. During the week, the first direct train to Lyon usually leaves Annecy at around 6.08am and the last at around 9.08pm. At the weekend, the first train of the day leaves Annecy at around 7.08am and the last at around 10.35pm.
Getting to Lyon Saint Exupéry airport from the city centre of Lyon
The Rhônexpress is the classic means of transport to get to Lyon St Exupéry airport. It was the only one for a long time before buses and collective shuttles reappeared in 2019. Every fifteen minutes, the tramway runs between Lyon Saint Exupéry airport and Lyon Part-Dieu station. As for the journey time, it does not exceed thirty minutes and stops are made at Meyzieu Z. I. and Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie.
By taking metro A, you will reach the centre of Lyon at Place Bellecour. You can easily find the tram stop at the airport. To do so, simply refer to the Rhônexpress symbols in the terminals. Also note that you will be able to buy tickets from the automatic ticket machines at each station, just like on board the Rhônexpress. Or if you prefer, you can always opt to buy your tickets online, especially as it will be much cheaper. At the same time, the trip is free for children under 12 years of age.
So remember to book preferably online in order to save money, especially for a round trip. The first tramway leaves Lyon Part-Dieu at 04:25 and the last one leaves at 00:00.
How much does a taxi from the airport to downtown Lyon cost?
During the day, you need to plan at least 55 euros for a taxi ride from Lyon Saint Exupéry airport to the centre of Lyon. However, you will have to pay much more for a night trip, at least 70 euros. Needless to say, prices tend to be higher on Sundays and public holidays. Taxi ranks are located outside terminals 1 and 2 and outside the station.
You can always opt for a private driver
Several companies have been offering Lyon Saint Exupéry airport transport for a number of years. While some offer a private chauffeur service, others provide collective minibuses.
Since 2O12, ELIT Transports is undoubtedly one of the most reputable companies operating on this route. The company offers you a private driver and the car that suits you best. You can thus opt for a sedan or even an 8-seater minibus. Moreover, ELIT Transport guarantees to take you to the place you want, whether it is at home, at the hotel, in the region or on the ski slopes. You can even hire the company’s services to get you to Geneva in case you have a connection.
To book an ELIT transfer, you will have to go online on the company’s website. The advantage of this type of transport is that it is much cheaper than a taxi. Already with 45 euros, you can thus book for a departure from the city centre. Also, ELIT transfers are available every day and at any time of the day.