Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport is approximately 11 kilometres from Lyon city, the third-largest city in France. It welcomes approximately 10 million passengers a year through 3 terminals and is used for both passenger and cargo services.

Having undergone a huge transformation over the past 5 years, Lyon airport offers a capacity for up to 15 million passengers. With this new development it has become a large, bustling international airport catering for flights to 120 destinations worldwide. 

The biggest change at Lyon airport can be seen in the opening of a brand new terminal for low cost airlines.

Terminal 1, hall B, offers a completely different experience and whole new level of service for passengers, which is a huge upgrade from the previous terminal 3 that felt 'tacked on'.

Approximately 50 different passenger airlines use Lyon Airport including Air France, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Easyjet, Flybe, and Jet2 - all of which fly to and from UK airports.

The majority of UK flights arrive and depart from terminal 1, Hall A or B. Having written that - do check your flight terminals as both terminal 1 and 2 are used by all airlines.

The airport sits outside of Lyon making it extremely easy to access, from the motorway, for our Whiterides fleet.

Access to Lyon airport within France is also very easy. The beautiful architectural arc of the Gare de Lyon Saint-Exupéry train station is at the airport, and provides a direct train to Lyon Part-Dieu where multiple TGV (French high-speed electric passenger train) links are possible.

Lyon airport arrivals

When you arrive, at either of the halls at Lyon airport, terminal 1 or terminal 2 , you will be directed through security and passport control into Lyon airport arrivals and baggage collection. All of which are on the ground levels of the terminal buildings, where you can make a quick exit from the airport. 

To avoid hauling your baggage around, the Whiterides' drivers wait outside the airport and drive directly to you once you have contacted them.

We ask you, gratefully, to clear security, collect baggage and be 100% ready to leave before contacting your Whiterides driver. We can then organise the best pick up spot.

Lyon airport departures

Departures, including check-in, baggage drop and gates, are found on the first floor of each terminal. Whiterides will bring you straight to the door of the required terminal.

Lyon airport has changed hugely, now offering restaurants and shops in "Le Square". There are specific food, finance and shopping services within each terminal.

Note: Due to the constant changes throughout Lyon airport the above information is subject to change, but as up-to-date as possible.

Shopping

You will find a range of duty free, electronic, convenience and press, beauty and clothing shops throughout the airport. Some are pre-security but the majority are after. 

Terminal 1, hall B, has a completely new shopping experience offering luxury clothing, baggage, accessories and all of the above to its passengers.

Lounges

• Europe Lounge
• Les Ecrins 

For press and other digital media services there are two lounges available in the new hall B of terminal 1:

• Confluence Lounge
• Mont Blanc Lounge

Children & babies

In terminal 2, Lyon airport departures, you will find a small childrens area for the little ones to play and relax. Childrens areas are also soon to be included in terminal 1. 

You will find free pushchairs in terminal 2 and Hall B of terminal 1 for use in departures and access to the gates.

Note: Due to changes at the airport certain children's areas may be closed but Lyon Airport do cater for all ages and here at Whiterides we advise asking at one of the information points if you need help.

Health & well-being

Lyon airport have provided a religious centre available for all in "Le Square" therefore before security of either terminal.

Also before entering either terminal in "Le Square" you can find showers.

A medical practice is available in the Arc Building, located on the ground floor near to "Le Square". Once you are through security in Terminal 1, Hall B, you will find a pharmacy.

Assistance

Lyon Airport suggest that you contact your travel agent or airline with your request for assistance, when booking or after booking, so they are notified accordingly.

Furthermore it is your responsibility to follow this up prior to travel. Assistance is free of charge and should be arranged prior to your flight. Once arriving at the airport use a calling station or information point, in either terminal. Or ask at your check-in desk for further assistance.

Finance

You will find a collection of banks, ATM's and money exchanges in all terminals and "Le Square".

There are 4 primary airports that our clients have been flying too over the past 10 years. After taking the time to talk with them about their trip and also traveling from all of the airports ourselves we have put together  detailed pages about each airport.

The aim is to provide you with useful information about the services and amenities as well as detailing how the airport actually works when you are there. Find out more about the remaining 3 airports we regulalry drop-off and pick up from:

• Geneva Airport - Switzerland
• Grenoble Airport - France
• Chambery Airport - France

We are always happy to consider and discuss other airport pick ups so don't be afraid to ask a member of our team when you speak.

Check the airport transfers frequently asked questions page for all airport transfer related questions across the French Alps.