Rhône-Alpes' gateway, connecting Lyon to the world.
Opened
1975
Location
Colombier-Saugnieu, France
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport is the main international airport serving Lyon, France's third-largest city, and the broader Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Located in Colombier-Saugnieu, approximately 25 kilometres east of Lyon city centre, it is one of France's busiest airports outside Paris.
The airport is named after Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the celebrated French writer and aviator best known for 'The Little Prince,' who was born in Lyon. It handles a wide mix of short-haul European routes and a selection of long-haul services, serving both leisure and business travellers.
A significant distinguishing feature is its direct integration with the French high-speed rail network via the TGV station located beneath the terminal, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. This multimodal hub connects Lyon to Paris and other major French and European cities by rail.
Terminals
The airport operates with a single main terminal complex divided into two halls, serving both Schengen and non-Schengen destinations.
Getting to & from
The airport is connected to Lyon city centre by the Rhônexpress tramway, which runs directly to Lyon Part-Dieu station in approximately 30 minutes, and also has a dedicated TGV high-speed rail station beneath the terminal.
Airlines here
Major airlines operating at Lyon Saint-Exupéry include Air France, easyJet, Transavia, Vueling, Ryanair, and several long-haul carriers including Air Canada and Royal Air Maroc.
Notable facts
- ›The airport's TGV station was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and opened in 1994.
- ›Named after Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the Lyon-born author of 'The Little Prince' and pioneering aviator.
- ›It is the second-busiest airport in France after Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly.
- ›The airport handled over 12 million passengers annually before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- ›Rhônexpress, a dedicated tram-train link, connects the airport to central Lyon in around 30 minutes.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
