Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) sits well outside the city, around 25 km to the east, but a dedicated tram line makes the transfer into central Lyon fast and predictable regardless of traffic. For most travellers, the Rhônexpress is the obvious choice — it's the only rail-based link, and it's built specifically for the airport run.
Rhônexpress: the direct tram link
The Rhônexpress is a dedicated express tram that runs non-stop between the airport and Part-Dieu, Lyon's main railway station and business district, in about 29 minutes. It departs roughly every 15–30 minutes depending on time of day, from early morning until around midnight, which covers the vast majority of flight arrivals and departures. Because it runs on its own dedicated track rather than sharing the road with traffic, journey time is reliable and doesn't vary with congestion — a real advantage over a taxi or bus during Lyon's peak hours.
Tickets are sold from machines at the airport and at Part-Dieu, as well as online in advance; fares are noticeably higher than a standard city tram fare, reflecting its status as a dedicated airport express rather than part of the regular TCL network, though this is still competitive with a taxi for a single traveller and clearly cheaper for the time saved compared with the bus in heavy traffic.
From Part-Dieu into the rest of Lyon
Part-Dieu is extremely well connected to the rest of the city: it's a major stop on Lyon's metro (Line B) and several tram and bus lines, so onward connections to Bellecour, Vieux Lyon, Croix-Rousse or the Confluence district typically take another 10–20 minutes. Part-Dieu is also Lyon's main TGV station, so if you're passing through rather than stopping in the city, you may be able to connect directly onto a high-speed train without leaving the station complex.
Bus alternative
A local public bus (line 100, part of the TCL network) also connects the airport area to Lyon, but it is considerably slower than the Rhônexpress — typically 45–60 minutes or more depending on traffic and the exact route — and involves more stops and potential changes. It is cheaper, using standard TCL fares, and can be a reasonable option for budget travellers with time to spare and lighter luggage, but most visitors find the time saved by the Rhônexpress worth the extra cost.
Taxi and rideshare
Taxis are available directly outside the terminal, with a journey into central Lyon taking around 30–45 minutes depending on traffic and your exact destination — sometimes longer during rush hour on the surrounding motorways. Fares are considerably higher than the Rhônexpress, but a taxi remains a sensible choice for late-night arrivals after the tram has stopped running, for groups splitting the cost, or for travellers heading somewhere not well served by Part-Dieu's onward connections.
Which option should you choose?
For almost all travellers, the Rhônexpress is the best balance of speed, reliability and cost — a fixed 29-minute journey regardless of traffic, direct to Lyon's best-connected station. The bus is worth considering only if you are on a tight budget and not short on time. A taxi makes sense mainly outside the Rhônexpress's operating hours or when travelling directly to a destination well away from Part-Dieu.
First-timer tips
- Follow signs for "Rhônexpress" from the arrivals hall — the platform is a short, clearly signed walk from the terminal, not inside the main building.
- Keep your ticket until you exit: Rhônexpress tickets are checked on board and sometimes at the platform gates at Part-Dieu; don't discard yours until you're clear of the station.
- Part-Dieu is enormous: It's one of France's busiest stations, combining TGV platforms, the Rhônexpress terminus, the metro and local trams. Allow a few extra minutes to find your onward connection, especially with luggage.
- Off-peak can mean a longer wait: Early morning and late evening Rhônexpress departures are less frequent than the daytime service — check the timetable if your flight lands very early or very late.
Travelling with luggage
The Rhônexpress is designed with airport travellers in mind — there's dedicated luggage space on board, and the platform at both ends is step-free, making it noticeably easier than negotiating stairs with heavy suitcases on the local bus alternative. This is one of the clearest advantages of paying the premium fare over the standard TCL bus, particularly for anyone travelling with more than a single carry-on.
Onward travel from Lyon
Lyon sits on one of France's busiest rail corridors — see our guides to Lyon to Paris and Lyon to Marseille for onward journeys by TGV, and our Lyon public transport guide for getting around the city once you've arrived. For onward travel further south, see our guide to Marseille airport to the city. If you're arriving from outside the Schengen area, check current Schengen 90/180-day rules before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Rhônexpress take from the airport to Lyon?
About 29 minutes non-stop to Part-Dieu station, with departures roughly every 15–30 minutes from early morning until around midnight.
Is there a cheaper way than the Rhônexpress into Lyon?
Yes — local TCL bus line 100 covers the route at standard city-bus fares, but takes considerably longer, typically 45–60 minutes or more depending on traffic, with more stops along the way.
Can I buy a Rhônexpress ticket on board?
No. Tickets must be bought in advance from a machine at the airport or Part-Dieu, or online before travelling. Inspections do happen, so buy your ticket before boarding.
Is Part-Dieu the best station to arrive at for central Lyon?
Yes, for most purposes — it's a major hub for Lyon's metro, tram and bus network, as well as being the city's main TGV station, so onward connections across Lyon or to other French cities are excellent from there.
Sources and further reading:
- Rhônexpress (rhonexpress.fr) — official timetable and fares.
- Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (lyonaeroports.com) — official transfer information.
- TCL (tcl.fr) — Lyon public transport network.