Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is located in Colombier-Saugnieu, a commune 25 kilometres east of central Lyon. It is the third busiest airport in France, processing around ten million passengers each year. The airport serves as the primary air hub for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, offering flights to major European cities and some long-haul destinations. Its single passenger terminal is divided into two halls, designed to handle both domestic and international traffic efficiently. Named after Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the famous writer and aviator born in Lyon, the airport incorporates regional identity into its design. The terminal’s modern glass facade and open interior contrasts with the rural landscape of the surrounding plain. Passengers moving through the airport will find a straightforward layout with clear signage, making navigation relatively stress-free. The airport plays a key role in connecting this economically vibrant region to the rest of the world, from business travellers to tourists heading for the Alps. Despite its size, it lacks the overwhelming congestion of larger hubs, offering a more relaxed experience.

Getting There

Getting to the airport from Lyon is straightforward. The Rhônexpress tram-train service departs from Lyon Part-Dieu station every 15 to 30 minutes, reaching the airport in exactly 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at stations or online. For those driving, the A43 motorway connects the city to the airport with clear signage. The airport offers a paid parking lot and a paid multi-storey car park. The multi-storey is directly linked to the terminal via a covered walkway. Parking rates vary by duration; short-term parking is more expensive than long-term. Taxis are available from the city centre; expect a fare of around 50 to 60 euros depending on traffic. Ride-sharing apps also operate at the airport with designated pick-up points. For passengers with mobility needs, the entire route from car park to terminal is wheelchair-accessible, including the car park itself which has designated accessible spaces. Bus services also connect the airport to other regional towns, though less frequent. If you are coming from outside Lyon, the airport is well-served by the motorway network and has ample parking.

Inside the Terminal

Inside the terminal, passengers will find a clean, modern environment. The airport is divided into two connected halls: Hall 1 (used mainly by Air France and international airlines) and Hall 2 (for low-cost carriers and domestic flights). Check-in counters are spread across both halls, with self-service kiosks available. Security checkpoints are efficient, though queues can form during peak times, especially weekday evenings around 5-6 PM. Once through security, the departure lounge offers seating areas, some with wheelchair-accessible seating. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal; connection is straightforward and stable. Toilet facilities are plentiful, including accessible toilets and changing tables. The airport provides on-site services such as information desks, car rental agencies, and lost and found. The terminal is designed to be easy to navigate, with clear signs in French and English. For arriving passengers, baggage claim is on the ground floor, with customs for non-Schengen flights. The entire terminal is wheelchair-accessible, from entrance to gate, with ramps and lifts where needed. The atmosphere is calm and businesslike, though during peak times it can become busy. Overall, the airport has a practical focus.

Lyon Airport and Colombier-Saugnieu

The commune of Colombier-Saugnieu may be small, but its location places it at the crossroads of the Rhône-Alpes region. The village itself has a population of around 2,500 and retains a rural character, with farms and fields surrounding the airport. While few travellers venture into the commune itself, the region offers a wealth of attractions. Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is only a 30-minute train ride away. The city’s Old Town (Vieux Lyon) features Renaissance architecture and traboules, hidden passageways that once connected silk-weaving workshops. Lyon is also the gastronomic capital of France, with numerous bouchons (traditional restaurants) serving local dishes like quenelles and coq au vin. For wine lovers, the Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône vineyards are within easy reach. In winter, the Alps are about two hours east, making the airport a convenient gateway for ski resorts. Closer to the airport, the medieval town of Crémieu offers a well-preserved fortress and weekly market. The airport itself pays homage to Saint-Exupéry with a small exhibition about his life and works, including a model of his plane. The surrounding countryside is flat and agricultural, offering cycling routes and nature walks. For those with a layover, a visit to the nearby city of Lyon is highly recommended. The airport’s location also makes it a practical base for exploring the region’s diverse landscapes, from the Jura mountains to the Ardèche gorges. Colombier-Saugnieu may not be a tourist destination itself, but its role as the host of this major airport makes it a key entry point for one of France’s most vibrant regions.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily, though some facilities may have reduced hours outside flight operations. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official website at https://www.lyonaeroports.com/ or call +33 826 80 08 26. The busiest times tend to be weekday evenings around 5-6 PM (Monday through Thursday), so consider scheduling flights outside these windows to avoid long queues. Parking is paid but offers various options: the multi-storey car park is convenient for short stays, while the long-term lot is more economical for trips of several days. Both have designated accessible spaces. Wi-Fi is free and unlimited, no voucher needed. For passengers requiring wheelchair assistance, the airport provides services from curb to gate; request through your airline at booking or on arrival. Changing tables are available in accessible toilets on both levels. One concrete piece of advice: if you have a layover of three hours or more, take the 30-minute Rhônexpress ride to Lyon Part-Dieu station and enjoy a quick stroll around the city’s Part-Dieu district – it’s just enough time to get a coffee and see the modern skyline before heading back. This is a more rewarding use of time than sitting in the terminal.