Lyon Saint-Exupéry Layover Guide (LYS)

What are you looking for in LYS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Lyon Airport (LYS) is an international airport located in Colombier-Saugnieu, France. It’s situated about 25 km (15.5 miles) from downtown Lyon. The airport officially opened in 1975. Lyon is the third-largest city in France and is known for its rich history, thriving culinary scene, and vibrant cultural life. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a wide variety of leisure activities throughout the year.

Can you leave Lyon Airport (LYS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Non-EU nationals can exit Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport during a layover if they hold a valid Schengen visa or qualify for visa-free entry. Ensure your passport stamps allow re-entry, factor in time for security and transport, check current entry requirements. Transport options include tram, bus and taxi. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Vieux Lyon Wander through Lyon’s Renaissance quarter, admire colorful façades, hidden traboules and charming cafes. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Rhônexpress train to Lyon Part-Dieu + metro D to Vieux Lyon, ~50 min.)
• Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière Visit this hilltop basilica for panoramic city views, stunning mosaics and neo-Byzantine architecture. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Rhônexpress to Part-Dieu + metro B to Vieux Lyon + funicular, ~1 h.)
• Parc de la Tête d’Or Relax in one of France’s largest urban parks, featuring a lake, rose garden and free zoo. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Rhônexpress to Vaise + bus C12, ~1 h.)
• Place Bellecour & Presqu’île Stroll through Lyon’s central square and shopping district, enjoy street performers and iconic city landmarks. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Rhônexpress to Part-Dieu + metro B to Bellecour, ~50 min.)
• Musée des Confluences Discover natural history and anthropology exhibits in a striking contemporary building at the river confluence. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Rhônexpress to Perrache + tram T1, ~1 h.)
• Croix-Rousse Hill Explore bohemian streets, historic silk workshops and panoramic viewpoints above the city. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Rhônexpress to Part-Dieu + metro D to Croix-Rousse, ~55 min.)
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon Browse one of France’s premier fine art museums, housed in a former Benedictine convent. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Rhônexpress to Part-Dieu + bus C3, ~55 min.)
• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Sample Lyon’s gourmet specialities—charcuterie, cheeses, pastries—from top vendors under one roof. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Rhônexpress to Part-Dieu + tram T1 to Guillotière, ~1 h.)

Things to Do in Lyon Airport (LYS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Passengers can unwind in Lyon Airport’s two main lounges. The Confluence Lounge in Terminal 1B features hot and cold buffets, beverages, newspapers and Wi-Fi from 4:30 AM to 1 PM. Priority Pass holders can access the Alpage lounge (T1) with panoramic views of the Alps, snacks and complimentary drinks. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several on-site and adjacent hotels serve Lyon Airport. NH Lyon Airport sits just 30 steps from Terminals 1 and 2, offering modern rooms, fitness facilities and a restaurant. Moxy Lyon Airport features a bar, restaurant and 24-hour gym. Terminal 2 exit hosts Hampton by Hilton with free breakfast and nearby shuttle. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Terminal 1 offers armrest-free seats and recliners near bars and restaurants, abundant power outlets and free Wi-Fi. Terminal 2 remains mostly empty after midnight, offering spacious seating. Quiet corners in the inter-terminal hall suit overnight rest—bring earplugs. Vending machines, ATMs and baby-care areas operate 24/7, though VIP lounges close nightly.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Lyon Airport offers free, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout terminals. Connect to the “Aéroports de Lyon” network, accept terms on the captive portal, and enjoy browsing, emailing and streaming. Signal is strong near gates, lounges and public areas. No password required and no time limit ensures uninterrupted connectivity for work or leisure.

SIM/eSIM Card: Mobile SIM cards from Orange, SFR and Bouygues are sold at Relay stores and telecom kiosks in Terminal 1 landside. Data packages start from 1 GB. eSIM profiles for France can be pre-purchased online via providers like Airalo or Holafly and activated instantly upon arrival, avoiding physical SIM handling and ensuring immediate connectivity. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Licensed taxis queue 24/7 outside Arrivals B, offering flat-rate rides to Lyon centre for around €50–€100, with surcharges for luggage and nights. Payment by card, cash or contactless. Popular ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt and Free Now pick up passengers curbside with dynamic pricing depending on demand. Typical wait is under 10 minutes.

Train: The Rhônexpress tram links Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport directly to Lyon Part-Dieu station in 30 minutes with departures every 15 minutes. Tickets cost €16.70 one-way (discounts for youth and online purchase). The adjacent TGV station offers high-speed connections across France. Service runs from 5 AM to midnight daily with late-night extensions on weekends. (more info)

Bus: TCL bus lines 47 (Meyzieu–Airport) and 48 (Genas–Airport) operate seven days 5:30 AM–11:45 PM every 30 minutes, connecting to Tram 3 and Line 1E for city centre links. Regional coaches serve Grenoble, Saint-Étienne and ski resorts hourly. Tickets cost €1.90 each way, purchased onboard or via the TCL app or ticket machines. (more info)

Shuttle: A free 24/7 shuttle links car park P5 to all airport terminals every 7–10 minutes. Stops correspond to P5 zones (Agadir, Berlin, Calvi, Dakar) and terminals. Journey takes around 10 minutes. No fixed timetable; shuttles run on demand. Accessible with online shuttle-park bookings. Shuttle service is wheelchair-friendly and free for all parking customers.

Car rentals: Major car hire agencies (Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Enterprise) have desks in Arrivals B, open 06:00–23:00. Rental cars are parked in dedicated lots; transfers to desks by foot or shuttle. Drivers need EU or international licence, credit card deposit and proof of insurance. One-way rentals to Paris available. Fuel, toll and young-driver fees may apply. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Four car parks (P2–P5) offer 16 000 spaces. P2 and P3 are underground short-stay; P4 and P5 are long-stay with pre-booking. Rates start at €21/day. EV charging is available in P3 and P4. Dedicated disabled bays and motorcycle parking provided. Online reservations guarantee space, lower tariffs, 24/7 access and free shuttle to Terminals.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No official left-luggage or locker facilities are available at Lyon Airport. Travelers must keep carry-on bags with them. Short-term storage is available via third-party providers in Lyon city centre. Baggage carts and porters can assist; clothes-press rooms are not offered in terminals. For luggage storage, head to Lyon-Perrache station’s baggage lockers or use city’s bag-keeping services. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Lyon Airport (LYS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks