LYS Airport Insights & Guide
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know LYS Airport
Discover Lyon Exupery Airport (LYS), a key French hub 20km from Lyon, known for its unique architecture inspired by a bird in flight. This guide simplifies your travel through LYS, covering everything from flight updates to dining options. Ready to explore more airports? Dive into iFly's Comprehensive Airport Guide for expert navigation tips.
iFly Tip: From boarding to in-flight care, our guide covers everything you need to know about flying with kids.
Navigating LYS's Terminals
LYS has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has 27 gates and is used by airlines such as Air France, KLM, and Lufthansa. Terminal 2 has 31 gates and is used by airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair, and Turkish Airlines. Both terminals offer a range of services and amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops.
When navigating the airport, it's important to know which terminal your airline is using. You can check this information on your airline ticket or by contacting your airline directly. If you need to transfer between terminals, there is a free shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates. The map is easy to use and can help you plan your journey through the airport.
Connecting Between Terminals
At LYS Airport, there are two terminals - Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus that operates every 10 minutes between 4:30 am and midnight. The shuttle bus stops are located outside the terminals, and the journey between the terminals takes approximately 5 minutes.
If you prefer to walk, there is a pedestrian walkway that connects the terminals. The walkway is located on the second floor of both terminals and takes approximately 10-15 minutes to walk between the terminals.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from LYS-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport has three terminals: T1, T2, and T3. T1 is the largest and handles most international flights. T2 is primarily for domestic flights, and T3 is used for low-cost carriers. If you need to transfer between terminals, it's best to use the free shuttle service, which runs every 10 minutes." — Pierre M., Bron, France, August 2023
"For quick access to your gate, download the airport’s mobile app. It provides real-time updates on gate changes and a detailed terminal map. This can save you a lot of time, especially during peak hours." — Amélie R., Villeurbanne, France, September 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The Rhônexpress tram is the fastest way to get to Lyon's city center from the airport. It takes about 30 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. You can buy tickets online or at the station, but purchasing online often gets you a small discount." — Jean-Luc P., Meyzieu, France, July 2023
"If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, consider booking a private transfer in advance. It’s more convenient than the tram, especially if you’re traveling with children or have a tight schedule." — Sophie T., Saint-Priest, France, October 2023
Parking
"For long-term parking, P5 is your best bet. It’s a bit farther from the terminals, but there’s a free shuttle that runs every 10 minutes. It’s also cheaper than the closer options." — Marc L., Décines-Charpieu, France, November 2023
"If you’re just picking someone up, use the short-term parking area near T2. It’s free for the first 15 minutes, which is usually enough time if the flight is on time." — Claire B., Genas, France, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"The food court in T1 has a great selection of local dishes. Don’t miss out on trying some Lyonnaise specialties like quenelles or a tartiflette before your flight." — Antoine D., Caluire-et-Cuire, France, January 2024
"For some last-minute shopping, head to the duty-free shops in T1. They have a good selection of French wines and gourmet products that make perfect gifts." — Isabelle F., Rillieux-la-Pape, France, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Security lines can get long during peak hours. Arrive at least two hours before your flight, especially if you’re traveling internationally. The Fast Track service is worth it if you’re in a hurry." — Laurent K., Saint-Fons, France, March 2024
"Check the airport’s website for real-time updates on wait times at security checkpoints. This can help you plan your arrival time more accurately and reduce stress." — Elodie G., Vaulx-en-Velin, France, April 2024
iFly Tip: Stay updated on the latest wait times by checking our airport wait times tips.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At LYS Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated areas outside of the terminals. Curbside parking is strictly prohibited, so drivers must use the short-term parking lots or the cell-phone waiting areas.
The cell-phone waiting areas are located near the terminals and provide a convenient place for drivers to wait for their passengers to arrive. Drivers can park their vehicles for free for up to 30 minutes while they wait for their passengers to call and let them know they are ready to be picked up.
It is important to note that the airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Drivers should make sure they know which terminal their passengers will be arriving at or departing from to avoid any confusion or delays.
Parking Facilities & Options
Lyon Exupery Airport offers a variety of parking options to suit every traveler's needs. There are several parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminals. Parking garages P0 and P1 are located directly in front of the terminals, while P2 and P5 are located a short walk away.
For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available. These areas are free of charge and allow drivers to wait for their passengers to call before heading to the terminal for pick up.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots and garages. These spaces are located close to the terminal entrances for easy access.
For those looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available. These parking lots are located just a short shuttle ride away from the airport and offer lower rates than on-site parking.
Get details about Lyon Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
When arriving at LYS, there are several transportation options available to get you to your destination.
If you prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. These companies offer a range of vehicles to suit your needs, from economy cars to luxury vehicles.
For those who prefer to take a taxi, there are designated taxi drop-off areas located outside of the terminal building. Fares are typically metered and vary depending on your destination. It is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before beginning your journey.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at LYS Airport. Pickup areas for these services are located outside of the terminal building, and there may be some restrictions on where they can drop off passengers.
If you prefer to take an airport shuttle, there are several options available, including Rhône Express and Satobus. These shuttles provide service to various destinations throughout the Lyon area, and fares vary depending on your destination. Pickup areas for these shuttles are located outside of the terminal building.
Finally, for those who prefer to use public transportation, there is a tramway station located outside of the terminal building that provides service to Lyon and the surrounding areas. Tickets can be purchased at the station, and fares vary depending on your destination.
iFly Tip: Learn about the strict safety measures in place during cockpit operations in our cockpit safety guide.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a convenient place to stay near the airport? Our comprehensive guide provides you with a range of hotel options that cater to different needs and budgets. From budget-friendly options to more luxurious establishments, we have you covered. These hotels are not only close to the airport but also offer easy access to key attractions and transportation hubs. Whether you're catching an early flight, arriving late, or simply want to explore the city, these hotels offer the convenience you need. They are equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including Wi-Fi access, air-conditioned rooms, and in some cases, wellness facilities. Ready to book now? View all LYS Hotels here.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
the airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options to make your travel experience more enjoyable. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, there are several cafes and fast food options available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. For a more leisurely meal, head to Le Square, located in Terminal 1, which offers a menu of French cuisine and a selection of wines. Another great option is Boco, located in Terminal 2, which serves gourmet meals made with locally sourced ingredients.
When it comes to shopping, Lyon Exupery Airport has a great selection of stores to choose from. For luxury fashion and accessories, head to Hermès or Longchamp, both located in Terminal 1. If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, check out the Lyon Shop, which offers a selection of locally made products. For all your travel essentials, including books, magazines, and snacks, head to Relay, located in both terminals.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Lyon Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, view the comprehensive list here.
Passenger Services
The airport is equipped with a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.
For those needing to stay connected, free WiFi is available throughout the airport terminals, allowing passengers to stay connected with their loved ones or catch up on work while waiting for their flight.
If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in Terminal 1, where you can report and retrieve lost items.
For families traveling with children, Lyon Exupery Airport has dedicated children's play areas in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These areas are designed to keep children entertained and engaged, making travel more enjoyable for both parents and kids.
Passengers with special needs can take advantage of the airport's range of services, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces. The airport staff is trained to assist passengers with disabilities and ensure a smooth travel experience.
For those needing banking services, there are several ATMs and currency exchange offices located throughout the airport terminals. Medical services are also available at the airport, with a medical center located in Terminal 1 for any medical emergencies or health concerns.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date on the status of your flight. Fortunately, Lyon Airport offers several ways for passengers to check their flight status.
One of the most convenient ways to get flight status information is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can easily locate their flight on the display and check its status.
In addition to the FIDS, many airlines offer mobile phone apps that can alert passengers about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. These apps can send notifications via text, email, or push notifications, keeping passengers informed about any changes to their flight status. Make sure to download your airline's app before your trip to take advantage of this feature.
Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at LYS by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. This website is a great resource for travelers looking for the most up-to-date information about their flight.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is located in the southeast of France, serving the city of Lyon and the surrounding region.
- Terminals: The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, connected by a shuttle bus. Terminal 1 mainly serves low-cost airlines, while Terminal 2 serves a wider range of carriers.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines serving the airport include Air France, EasyJet, and Lufthansa. For a complete list of airlines, visit the LYS Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: The airport handles approximately 30,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport sees around 200 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from LYS are Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, London, and Casablanca.
- Hub Status: The airport is a hub for Air France, EasyJet, and Transavia France.
Airport History
Lyon Exupery Airport, also known as Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport, is located in the southeast of France and serves the city of Lyon. The airport was opened in 1975 and has since undergone several expansions and renovations to become one of the busiest airports in France.
Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1975: Lyon Airport opens for commercial flights.
- 1994: The airport's runway is extended to accommodate larger aircraft.
- 2000: A new terminal, Terminal 2, is opened to handle the increasing number of passengers.
- 2001: The airport is renamed Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport in honor of Antoine de Saint-Exupery, a famous French writer and aviator.
- 2010: A new railway station is opened, connecting the airport to Lyon's city center in just 30 minutes.
- 2017: The airport undergoes a major renovation, including the expansion of Terminal 1 and the addition of new shops and restaurants.
Today, LYS serves over 11 million passengers annually and offers flights to destinations all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: LYS
- Airport Website
- Phone: +33 426 007 007
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, BP 113, 69125 Lyon-Saint Exupéry Aéroport, France
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Lyon Exupery Airport Q&A
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