Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport

Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport is one of France’s major regional airports and a key gateway to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Located about 25 kilometres east of central Lyon, it serves both domestic and international flights, connecting travellers to destinations across Europe, North Africa and beyond. The airport is named after Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the famous French writer and aviator best known for The Little Prince, who was born in Lyon.

The airport has two main passenger terminals and a modern, spacious design that makes navigation relatively easy. A distinctive feature is the striking TGV high-speed rail station next door, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. This allows passengers to transfer directly between plane and train, making it simple to reach cities such as Paris, Marseille and Geneva. The Rhône Express tram also links the airport to Lyon’s city centre in around 30 minutes.

Inside, travellers will find a range of shops, cafés and restaurants, along with car-rental services and business facilities. The airport is especially busy during winter, when many visitors pass through on their way to the French Alps ski resorts. Efficient transport links and a manageable size make Lyon Saint-Exupéry a convenient and practical airport for both leisure and business travellers.

Getting to and from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport

Travelling to Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport by plane is easy thanks to its wide range of domestic and international connections. The airport serves major European cities such as London, Paris, Barcelona and Rome, as well as long-haul routes to destinations in the Middle East, North America and North Africa. Both full-service and low-cost airlines operate regular flights, making it accessible for business and leisure travellers. Located about 25 km from Lyon’s centre, the airport is a key gateway to the French Alps and southeast France. Once you land, clear signage, efficient baggage handling and good onward transport links make arrivals straightforward and convenient for visitors.

Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) Car Parking

Car parking at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport is well organised, with several options for short and long-stay travellers. The closest car parks are P0 and P1, which are covered and located directly beside the terminals for quick access on foot. P2 sits in front of Terminal 2 and is often recommended for stays of around 24 hours, while P3 and P4 are slightly farther but still within walking distance.

For longer trips, P5 and P7 offer cheaper long-stay parking. These are farther from the terminals but connected by free shuttle buses running 24/7 every 7–20 minutes. Short-stay “minute” car parks near each terminal allow brief drop-offs, with the first 10 minutes usually free, and there are also free waiting areas for pickups.

Prices vary depending on location and duration, but booking online in advance can reduce costs, sometimes from about €40 per week for long-stay parking. Generally, the car parks located nearest the terminal e.g. P0 and P1 are the highest cost. There is also valet parking available with drop offs at the terminal entrance.

Ski Destinations from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport

The nearest ski resorts to Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport are in the French Alps, making the airport a popular gateway for winter sports. Chamrousse and Les Sept Laux are among the closest, about 1.5 to 2 hours by car. Alpe d’Huez and Les Deux Alpes, both well-known for extensive terrain and reliable snow, are roughly 2 to 2.5 hours away. The vast Trois Vallées area, including Courchevel and Méribel, can be reached in around 2.5 to 3 hours. With frequent transfers and good road links, Lyon Airport offers convenient access to many major Alpine ski destinations for weekend trips or longer holidays.

Car Rental Options at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport

Car hire at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport is straightforward and popular, especially for travellers heading to the Alps or exploring the Rhône-Alpes region. Several major rental companies operate on site, including Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, Thrifty and Enterprise. Their offices are located in a dedicated car-rental area outside the terminals, and a free shuttle bus runs every 10–20 minutes between the terminals and the rental depots.

Prices vary by season and vehicle type, but small cars often start from about €30–40 per day if booked in advance, with higher rates during holidays or winter ski season. A wide range of vehicles is available, from compact city cars and family estates to SUVs, vans and automatic models. One-way rentals to other French cities are usually possible, though extra fees may apply.

Booking ahead online is recommended to secure the best price and ensure availability. Most agencies are open long hours daily, and after-hours returns are typically available. Overall, hiring a car at Lyon Airport offers flexibility and is often the easiest way to reach nearby ski resorts, countryside destinations and regional cities.

Airlines flying from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport

easyJet	Website
KLM	Website
Air France	Website
Jet2	Website
Emirates	Website
British Airways	Website
Eurowings	Website
Lufthansa	Website
Austrian Airlines	Website