Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport Guide: Immigration, Transportation, and Practical Information

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is the primary international airport serving the city of Lyon, located about 25 kilometers southeast of the city center. As the gateway to France’s third-largest city, it handles numerous domestic and international flights. Whether you are visiting Lyon for the first time or are a frequent traveler for business or leisure, this airport is your first stop on your French journey.

I. Overview of Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, with the international code LYS, is named after the famous French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who worked in the Lyon region and wrote “The Little Prince.” The airport is one of France’s major aviation hubs, featuring multiple terminals and offering a wide range of flight options.

The airport boasts modern facilities and excellent services that cater to a variety of traveler needs, from immigration procedures, transportation connections, shopping, dining, and relaxation to a variety of other services. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport ensures that travelers experience a convenient and comfortable journey.

II. Immigration Procedures and Visa Information

1. Immigration Procedures

Upon arrival at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, international travelers must go through immigration checks. Here is the detailed process:

• Passport Control
  Upon arrival, proceed to the passport control area, where you will present your valid passport and visa (if applicable). As France is a member of the Schengen Area, travelers from Schengen countries can enter directly, while travelers from non-Schengen countries must present a valid visa. Border control officers will check your passport, record your entry information, and may ask you some questions about your travel plans.
• Baggage Claim
  After passing through immigration, head to the baggage claim area. If you are on an international flight, look for your assigned baggage carousel based on the flight information. Once you retrieve your luggage, you can complete the immigration process.
• Customs Check
  According to French customs regulations, travelers must declare any items or money they are carrying. There are two customs channels: the “Green Channel” (for travelers with no goods to declare) and the “Red Channel” (for travelers with items to declare). If you have nothing to declare, you can proceed through the Green Channel. If you need to declare items, go through the Red Channel.
• Health Check
  Depending on global health and safety protocols, some travelers may be required to undergo a health check, such as providing vaccination certificates or health codes. Although most pandemic-related travel restrictions have been eased, travelers may still need to provide relevant health documentation based on the latest regulations at the time of their entry.

2. Visa Requirements
Travelers from non-EU countries must determine whether they need a visa to enter France. For short-term purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting family, a Schengen visa is the most common type. Check with the French consulate or an official visa agency in your country for specific visa requirements and application processes.

III. Transportation and Airport Connections

1. Transportation from the Airport to the City Center

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is well-connected to the city center, offering multiple transportation options. Whether you’re heading to downtown Lyon or surrounding areas, you can choose the most suitable mode of transport.

• Light Rail (Rhônexpress)
  Rhônexpress is the fastest way to get from the airport to Lyon city center. The light rail travels through several stops and ultimately reaches Part-Dieu station in the city center, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. Rhônexpress operates every 20 minutes and runs throughout the day, making it a convenient choice for travelers arriving on international flights.
  Ticket prices range from €16 to €20, and tickets can be purchased from the airport’s automatic vending machines or online. The train offers comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi, making it ideal for travelers looking to get to the city center quickly.
• Taxi
  Taxis are another convenient transportation option. The journey from the airport to the city center takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The starting fare for taxis is about €25, with a total fare of around €45 to €50 to reach the city center. The taxi rank is located outside the terminal and offers service 24/7.
• Bus
  For travelers looking for a more economical option, the airport offers several bus routes operated by CITÉA. These buses connect the airport to various parts of Lyon, including Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon Perrache. Bus fares typically range from €2 to €3, and the travel time is about 45 to 60 minutes, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious travelers.
• Car Rental
  Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport has a variety of car rental agencies, including Europcar, Hertz, Avis, and more. Renting a car offers flexibility and independence, especially if you’re planning to explore Lyon’s surroundings or visit nearby destinations like the wine regions or the Alps.

2. Transportation from the City Center to the Airport

If you’re leaving Lyon and heading to the airport, there are several transportation options available:

• Light Rail (Rhônexpress)
  As with traveling from the airport to the city center, Rhônexpress is also the fastest and most convenient option for returning to the airport. The ticket price and frequency are the same as when traveling from the airport to the city center, making it an ideal choice for avoiding traffic congestion.
• Taxi
  Taxis are also available for travel from the city center to the airport, with a journey time of around 30 to 40 minutes. The fare typically ranges from €45 to €50, depending on your departure point in the city.
• Bus
  Bus services provide a more affordable option for travelers. Buses depart from several locations within the city. If you have more time, buses are an easy and budget-friendly way to reach the airport.

IV. Airport Facilities and Services

1. Shopping and Dining

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport offers a wide range of shopping and dining options to cater to travelers’ needs.

• Shopping
  The airport features multiple duty-free shops selling perfumes, cosmetics, luxury items, and fashion accessories. There are also various specialty stores offering French local brands and souvenirs, making it an ideal place to buy travel mementos or luxury goods.
• Dining
  The airport is home to numerous restaurants, cafés, and snack bars that offer a variety of French and international cuisines. You can enjoy freshly baked French bread, pastries, coffee, salads, sandwiches, and even traditional Lyonnaise dishes like Quenelle (Lyon’s specialty fish dumplings) and Saucisson (sausage). Whether you’re in a hurry or looking to relax and dine, there are options for every preference.

2. Free Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
The airport provides free Wi-Fi, allowing travelers to easily access the internet, check emails, and browse information. Wi-Fi coverage extends throughout the airport, including waiting areas, dining zones, and shops. Additionally, multiple charging stations are available throughout the airport to charge your electronic devices.

3. Rest Areas and VIP Services
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport offers several comfortable rest areas for travelers who need to relax. VIP travelers can access exclusive lounges that provide a private and comfortable environment, complete with snacks, drinks, free Wi-Fi, and more, helping travelers unwind during their journey.

V. Other Useful Information

1. Currency Exchange and ATMs
   Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport offers a variety of currency exchange booths and ATMs, allowing travelers to easily exchange their currency for euros or withdraw cash. While these services are available 24/7, it’s important to note that the exchange rates at the airport may not be as favorable as those found in the city. Therefore, it’s recommended that travelers only exchange a small amount of money at the airport and seek out better rates in the city for larger transactions. For those in need of cash, the ATMs are convenient and can be used with international credit or debit cards, ensuring easy access to funds throughout the trip.
2. Medical and Emergency Services
   The airport is equipped with emergency medical services to handle any health-related concerns during your time at the airport. Should you feel unwell or require medical attention, there are designated medical stations that are staffed with professionals who can provide assistance. Airport staff are also trained to handle emergency situations and can quickly guide you to the appropriate facilities if needed. Additionally, the airport offers services for travelers with specific health requirements, including wheelchair access and other necessary accommodations.
3. Language and Communication
   The staff at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is multilingual and can assist travelers in several languages, including French, English, Spanish, and German. French is the official language of the airport, but most employees are fluent in English and can easily communicate with international visitors. This makes it much easier for non-French-speaking travelers to navigate the airport, ask for directions, or seek assistance. Whether you’re at the check-in counters, security, or looking for help with transportation, you can expect clear and efficient communication. Additionally, many signs around the airport are bilingual, providing more convenience for travelers who might not be familiar with French.

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, as the aerial gateway to Lyon, offers a wide range of transportation options, convenient facilities, and high-quality services. Whether you’re arriving or departing, you can expect an efficient and comfortable travel experience.