Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport is located 20 kilometers from the city center. Domestic flights, European flights, and international flights operate from Lyon Airport.
It would not be an exaggeration to call Lyon the gastronomic capital of France. This beautiful city is located between the Rhône and Saône rivers. The heart of the city, Vieux Lyon, is like an open-air museum with its narrow Renaissance streets, traboule passageways, and pastel-colored buildings. The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is one of the must-see landmarks, both for its architecture and the view of Lyon it offers. The city is also famous for its light festival. When I think of Lyon cuisine, traditional bouchon restaurants, quenelle, onion soup, and Beaujolais wines unique to the region come to mind. Lyon is a fascinating city that brings together history, scenery, and flavor at the same table.
Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport is located in the southeast of Lyon, in the commune of Colombier-Saugnieu. Don’t let the distance from the city scare you. Lyon is one of Europe’s most successful cities in terms of transportation networks. Approximately 10 million passengers use this airport annually.
From Lyon Airport, you can reach the Lyon Part-Dieu business district in just 30 minutes via the Rhônexpress tram. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected to each other by a high-speed train station. The Rhônexpress runs regularly every 15-30 minutes from 4:25 AM to midnight. There are also buses from the terminal to the city center. There are taxi stands in front of each terminal. Taxis operate 24 hours a day. The airport’s biggest advantage is its TGV connection. The Gare de Lyon Saint-Exupéry station is located in the same complex as the terminals. There are direct TGV connections to Paris, Marseille, and Turin.
There are two terminals at Lyon Airport. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by the TGV link. This means you can walk between the two terminals without needing a shuttle.
Interactive Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport Map
Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport Terminals
There are two terminals at Lyon Airport: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. You can walk between these two terminals.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 consists of two sections. Flights within Europe and some low-cost airline flights depart from this terminal. In the Rogers Stirk Harbour section, there is a check-in area on the ground floor and Gates B and C on the upper floors. In the satellite section, there are Gates D, which are connected to Terminal 1 by a tunnel. This section is used by low-cost airlines such as easyJet. Terminal 1 has a total of more than 20 shops and restaurants.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is used for international flights. The upper level of the terminal has Gates Q and P and check-in areas. The lower level of the terminal has the arrivals area.
There are moving walkways between the terminals. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from one end to the other with your luggage. The terminal has free Wi-Fi, waiting areas, shops, cafes, and restaurants. The terminal also has a VIP lounge, ATMs, currency exchange, baby care rooms, and wheelchair ramps.
Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport Car Rental
There are many fascinating places to discover in Lyon and its surroundings.
You can visit the Beaujolais wine region, the fairytale-like Lake Annecy, and the magnificent French Alps at your leisure with your rental car. You can reach the stunning Alps in an hour’s drive from the airport. The Beaujolais wine region is 45 minutes away, while Burgundy and the Rhône Valley are 1-2 hours away. You can reach the French Riviera in 3-4 hours. There is a gas station just outside the airport. Keep in mind that finding parking in Lyon city center can be difficult.
The Car Rental Center at Lyon Airport is located a short distance from the terminals. Car rental agencies at the airport are near the P5 parking lot. You can use the free shuttle bus to reach the car rental center. Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes from in front of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. You can take the shuttle directly to the car rental center. The car rental center houses offices of international companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt, as well as French rental companies.
I recommend making your reservation online in advance of your trip. This way, you won’t be left without a car at the airport during Lyon’s busy season. Also, online car prices are always more affordable. A driver’s license, passport, and credit card are sufficient when picking up the car. Once you pick up your car, you can connect directly to the A432 highway from the airport. Keep in mind that parking fees are high in Lyon city center.
Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport VIP Lounge
If you want to relax in a calm and comfortable environment before your flight, you can wait for your flight in the VIP Lounges at Lyon Airport. Waiting for your flight in a quiet environment, away from the crowds, sipping your coffee is pure luxury. There are two VIP Lounges at Lyon Airport.
The Mont Blanc lounge is located in Terminal 1, near Gates C. It opens and closes according to flight times. It opens 3 hours before the first flight. It is open to passengers on non-Schengen flights.
The Confluence lounge is located in Terminal 1. After security and passport control, it is on the first floor, near the departure gates. This VIP Lounge is designed for Schengen passengers. It is open from 04:45 to 20:00.
Both lounges offer free Wi-Fi, unlimited buffet, snacks, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, newspapers and magazines, television, printer, and work areas.
Hotels in Lyon Saint Exupéry International Airport
There are many hotels connected to the terminals and near Lyon Airport. Some hotels are within walking distance of the airport and offer a free shuttle service. If you have a very early morning flight, you can start your trip stress-free by staying at a hotel near the airport.
Hampton by Hilton Lyon Airport is right next to Terminal 2. This hotel is just a few steps away from the boarding gates and the TGV station.
NH Lyon Aéroport is just 30 steps away from Terminals 1 and 2. This hotel is right next to the airport. The hotel has 245 rooms. The hotel features a gym, sauna, Les 100 Ciels restaurant, Café-Saint Ex, and Vol de Nuit bar. The hotel also has meeting and event rooms.
Moxy Lyon Airport: It is right next to Terminal 2. The hotel is just a few steps away from the terminals and the TGV station. The hotel offers 24-hour room service.
ibis Budget is 800 meters from Lyon Airport. This hotel is a budget-friendly place to stay.
The hotel’s free shuttle service departs from Terminal 1.
Lyon Saint Exupéry International Airport Location
Lyon Saint Exupéry International Address: Aéroport Lyon Saint-Exupéry, 69125 Colombier-Saugnieu, France.
Lyon Saint Exupéry International IATA: LYS.
Lyon Saint Exupéry International ICAO: LFLL.
Satellite view of Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport. Click to enlarge
Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport destination map (February 2026). Click to enlarge