Lyon Airport Mini Guide
Why Should I Visit Lyon?
Lyon is a very special city, the third largest in France and home to some spectacular architecture. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for the night time illumination of its important buildings. The city has the second largest concentration of Renaissance architecture in Europe after Venice and centred in the Vieux Lyon quarter of the city. There, tiny cobbled streets, interlinked with passages called ‘traboules’ lead to the cathedral and other important churches of the old city. You could easily spend several days exploring the dozens of streets with their tiny boutiques and cafes dotted amongst some of the most original housing in Europe.
How do I get to Lyon?
Lyon is a stop on the Eurostar but most tourists there prefer to arrive by plane, landing at St-Exupery, 13 miles from the city centre. Many carriers have flights to Lyon from all over Europe but the largest carrier, operating from the
UK too, is easyJet who fly from
Gatwick,
Stansted,
Bristol and
Edinburgh. Transport into the city is easy enough with the Tramtrain being the quickest and most cost effective method unless you’re hiring a car.
What is the Airport Like?
It is very big and very modern with a huge amount of facilities. With Lyon reinventing itself as a cultural as well as commercial destination and being the international headquarters of some high profile organisations, the airport needed to keep pace with demand and it has done it in style.
What can I Expect When I Arrive at Lyon?
Once you’ve disembarked, you’ll have a little distance to walk through the large terminal to get to the passport control station and beyond to reclaim your bags. Once in the arrivals hall you may want to ask at the information desk for guidance around the airports facilities or for access to transport into Lyon. There are many facilities for the arriving passenger including a place of worship, a small first aid post, pharmacy and a drop off dry cleaning outlet.
If you’ve decided upon a hire car, you may now be looking for the company desks. They’re located in a separate building which is accessed by the free shuttle from the terminal. You’ll just need to complete the last minute formalities if you’ve booked a car before leaving home. There are many other ways to get to the city centre including taxi, bus, traintram or by link to Lyon station. All offer a quick and value for money service.
What About When I Return Home?
You’ll be amazed at how much there is to do in the airport for departing passengers. There’s a wealth of shopping experiences there including fashion, jewellery, sunglasses, football memorabilia, books and magazines plus regional and other gift ideas. If you have enough time left after shopping then you can dine at one of a range of restaurants from fine dining in the a la carte Espace Le Bec or eat mid-range at one of the chain diners or even, if in a hurry, grab a take away from one of the fast food outlets. Whilst free Wi-Fi isn’t available, you can use one of the airport’s internet terminals to access important emails.