✈ Getting from Lyon Airport to City

If you’re planning a trip to Lyon and arriving there by plane, it’s worth checking available transportation options from the airport to the city. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is approximately 30 km east of the city center, and you have three main transportation options from Lyon Airport to the city center: taxi, Lyon Airport transfer, and tram.

A Lyon Airport taxi or a pre-booked transfer are the most convenient choices for 24/7 service and door-to-door transportation. They’re pricier than public transport, but they’re the best way to ensure a stress-free arrival.

If you’re traveling on a tight budget, you can use the Rhônexpress tram. It’s a good value-for-money option that connects you to several parts of Lyon city center.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Lyon at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€60	40min	24/7
Rhônexpress tram shuttle	€33.40	30min	05:00–00:00
Welcome Airport Transfer	€65	40min	24/7

How to get from Lyon Airport to city center by taxi

A Lyon Airport taxi to the city center is one of the most convenient options to leave the airport and reach your hotel or apartment directly. Official taxis provide reliable on-demand service around the clock and a trip to the city takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

How much does a taxi from Lyon Airport to city center cost?

Taxis from Lyon Airport calculate fares with a taximeter, and four different tariffs apply depending on the time of day, whether it’s a one-way or round trip, and the distance to your destination.

That being said, the average taxi from Lyon Airport to the city center price is around €60 for a standard sedan vehicle.

Keep in mind that extra charges can apply for things like heavy luggage or traveling with animals.

Photos (1)

Official Lyon taxis

Cost

€60

Trip Duration

40 Min.

During peak hours, waiting times for an available taxi can be longer than usual.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS).

Where do I get a taxi from?

You will find official taxi ranks outside Arrivals on Level 0 in front of both Terminals 1 and 2 at Lyon Airport. There is clear signage guiding you there and you will spot the lined-up taxis right by that curbside.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Lyon Airport to the city center is a great way to keep things flexible if you wish to decide at the last minute how you want to leave the airport. Taxi service is available 24/7 so you don’t need to worry about a late-night arrival. However, during peak hours, there can be a long queue at the taxi rank so you may need to wait a bit for an available taxi.

Editor’s Note

Waiting times at the rank can be long during peak hours so consider pre-booking a private transfer if you're in a hurry.

Useful Tips

Don't accept rides from individual drivers approaching tourists but rather head straight to the official taxi rank.

Most taxis in Lyon accept card payments but it's best to confirm upfront if you don't wish to visit an ATM or a currency exchange office.

Many taxi drivers in Lyon don't speak fluent English; you can write down anything important in French just in case.

Tipping your driver isn't required but it's customary to add a 5% or round up the total fare.

Taxis don't come equipped with a baby/child seat but you can usually fit your own.

Most taxis should fit a foldable wheelchair in the trunk but finding a fully accessible taxi at the rank is highly unlikely.

How to get from Lyon Airport to city center by train

The Rhônexpress tram from Lyon Airport to the city center is the cheapest and most popular transportation option. It has a direct connection to several stations in the heart of Lyon; the city’s main train station, ‘Part-Dieu’, where you can change to metro line B, Vaulx-En-Velin La Soie station, and Meyzieu ZI station. Wherever you disembark, you can continue on foot or by additional transportation to reach your hotel or apartment.

How much is the train from Lyon Airport to the city center?

A single adult ticket for the train from Lyon Airport to the city center is €16.10 if purchased at the train station. If you purchase your ticket online, you can get it slightly cheaper at €15.20. A return ticket costs €29.10 at the train station and €26.70 online.

Children from 12 years old and adults up to 25 years old are entitled to a discount, while kids under 12 years old travel for free.

You can purchase your ticket from the automatic machines at the train station or via the official Rhônexpress website. If you’re in a hurry, you can purchase a ticket on the tram but note that it comes with a €4 additional fee.

Photos (1)

Rhônexpress tram in Lyon

Cost

€16.70

Trip Duration

30 Min.

The average waiting time between trams is 15 to 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The train from Lyon Airport runs daily from 05:00 to 00:00.

Where do I get the train from?

The Rhonexpress departs from Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV station, about 2 minutes from Terminals 1 and 2. Follow the signs inside the terminal for P4/Gare TGV and Lyon Express.

Convenience

The Rhônexpress is a great option if you’re traveling on a budget. It provides a direct connection to the city and isn’t affected by traffic conditions. However, the tram doesn’t operate 24/7 and requires additional transportation to reach your final destination. It’s also not the best choice if you’re carrying multiple pieces of luggage.

Timetables

Rhônexpress timetable

From Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport

Rhônexpress tickets and fares

Ticket types and discounts

Lyon Airport Map

Lyon Airport T1 & T2

Editor’s Note

Although the tram is great value for money for solo travelers and small groups, it's not worth it for large groups as the total fare will be even higher than that of an airport taxi.

Useful Tips

All Rhônexpress stations are accessible on the same level or by lift.

Make sure to store your luggage in one of the two vertical racks placed at the entrances of the train.

Always check the strike notices before you take the tram as they are common in the city.

If you plan to use public transport during your trip, you can purchase a Lyon City Card online; it includes all public transport and a free tram ticket back to the airport.

How to get from Lyon Airport to city center by private transfer

A Lyon Airport transfer is the most convenient transport option from Lyon Airport to the city center. With a top-rated operator like Welcome Pickups, you will not only save time by skipping any queue at the taxi rank but also enjoy personalized service with perks like:

Meet and greets
Trained English-speaking drivers
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares
24/7 customer support
Flexible cancellation

All you have to do for a seamless travel experience is pre-book your ride and leave nothing to chance on the day of your arrival in Lyon. Your driver will instantly make you feel at home and even share recommendations on places to eat or visit to help you make the most out of your trip.

What's the cost of a private transfer from Lyon Airport to the city?

Pre-booking a private transfer with Welcome Pickups secures a fixed fare that you will know and pay in advance. This helps you budget your trip beforehand and takes the stress of a last-minute quote off.

That being said, Lyon Airport transfers to the city center start at €65 during the daytime and €78 during the nighttime. If you’re traveling in a larger group, you can book a minivan for €91/€111 or a minibus for €192/€234.

These rates are fixed and all fees are included. You can very easily complete your booking online, select the appropriate vehicle for you and your travel party, and pay securely online by credit or debit card. After that, you have nothing left to worry about on the day of your arrival in Lyon; you can relax and enjoy the ride to your hotel or apartment.

Cost

€65

Trip Duration

40 Min.

*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS).

Where do I get a transfer from?

Your driver will have your flight information and know if you’re arriving at Terminal 1 or 2. Once you clear passport control and baggage claim, head towards the Arrivals Hall and look for your driver, who will hold a sign with your name on it; you can’t miss them! After a warm meet and greet, your driver can help with your luggage and they will lead you to your pre-selected vehicle in the parking lot.

Convenience

Although local taxis are a good option, Lyon Airport transfers to the city center ensure a much smoother arrival. With Welcome Pickups, you will have a driver waiting for you as soon as you land and enjoy reliable door-to-door services while eliminating any hassle on the day. Whether you’re in Lyon for vacation or you’re on a business trip, a stress-free start is guaranteed.

Editor’s Note

Your driver will monitor your flight and adjust the pickup time in case there is a delay so you don't need to worry about missing your transfer.

Useful Tips

Sedans can accommodate up to 3 passengers, minivans up to 7, and minibuses up to 12.

Before your transfer, you will receive an email including your driver's name, contact information, photo, and vehicle information so that you know who to expect on the day.

You can download the Welcome Pickups app to keep useful information about your transfer handy or contact your driver.

You will have 60 minutes of complimentary waiting time after your scheduled pickup to go through passport control and baggage claim.

You can request a baby/child seat during the booking process and your driver will provide one for you.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Lyon. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€64

NIGHTTIME

€78

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Lyon Center from the airport?

Getting from Lyon Airport to the city center is possible by taxi, private transfer, or tram. A taxi costs an average of €60 and takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. For a smoother experience, you can pre-book a private transfer which costs €65 and ensures reliable door-to-door service. Finally, the Rhônexpress tram is the cheapest option that connects Lyon Airport to the city center in around 50 minutes for €10 per passenger.

How far from Lyon Airport to city center?

The distance from Lyon Airport to the city center is approximately 30 km to the west. Driving from Lyon Airport to the city takes 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

How much is a taxi from Lyon Airport to city center?

Taxis in Lyon are metered and four different tariffs apply depending on the day of the week, time of day, and whether it’s a single or return trip. The average taxi cost from Lyon Airport to the city center ranges from €50 to €70.

Does Lyon Airport have a train station?

Yes, Lyon Airport has Lyon Saint-Exupéry TGV station, about 2 minutes from Terminals 1 and 2. Tran services from the airport include the Rhônexpress express tram to the city center and several high-seed to cities around Lyon.

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How to get from Lyon Airport to city center by taxi

How much does a taxi from Lyon Airport to city center cost?

Photos (1)

Cost

€60

Trip Duration

40 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS).

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Lyon Airport to city center by train

How much is the train from Lyon Airport to the city center?

Photos (1)

Cost

€16.70

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The train from Lyon Airport runs daily from 05:00 to 00:00.

Where do I get the train from?

Convenience

Timetables

Rhônexpress timetable

From Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport

Rhônexpress tickets and fares

Ticket types and discounts

Lyon Airport Map

Lyon Airport T1 & T2

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Lyon Airport to city center by private transfer

What's the cost of a private transfer from Lyon Airport to the city?

Cost

€65

Trip Duration

40 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS).

Where do I get a transfer from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Lyon Center from the airport?

How far from Lyon Airport to city center?

How much is a taxi from Lyon Airport to city center?

Does Lyon Airport have a train station?

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The best way to arrive in Lyon

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