Lyon is an important city in France and it is located on the crossing routes between Paris and Marseille. Lyon hosts the headquarters of major institutions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Interpol.
City transport is provided by train, metro, bus or taxi. Transport cards are sold for use in public transport vehicles. You can't travel without these cards, which are available as one-way, day and two-day cards. Don't forget to check your travel card at the (metro) exit, otherwise you may lose the entire balance on your card.
Lyon has St. Exupery Airport, and there are flights to the major cities in Europe at the airport. In general, trains are used to travel to cities such as Paris and Marseille. Lyon has a developed urban transport system. It is possible to visit everywhere by metro and bus.
Took
The Rhonexpress train is the most convenient way to reach the city center from St. Exupery Airport. The train runs from 5 to midnight and departs every 15 minutes in the evening. In the evening, the train leaves every 30 minutes.
Taxa
You can get a taxi at the airport all day long. Remember to have foreign currency with you to pay the taxi without any problems.
rent a car
At Lyon St Exupery Airport, there are many car rental companies that offer car rental services. You can rent a car from the offices of companies including Budget, FirstGT, Europcar, Sixt and Alamo. Remember to take your driver's license.
Once your flight has landed at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, which is about 20 kilometers from the center of Lyon, there are many transport alternatives that you can use to get to the center of the city. Tramway is one of the fastest and most comfortable transport alternatives commonly preferred by passengers wishing to travel to the city center from the airport. Other alternatives that visitors can use to get to the city center are buses, taxis, car rentals, shuttles and bicycles. At the airport, you can also take advantage of the environmentally friendly electric cars to arrive in the city center.
Took
From Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport you can travel to 24 different places in France and Italy by train. Some of the places you can travel by train include Aix en Provence, Avignon, Grenoble, Marne-la-Vallée, Marseille, Milan, Miramas, Modane, Montpellier, Paris and Valence. From the airport, you can reach the train station in just 5 minutes and continue your journey by train. There is also a wireless internet connection if you need to use the internet at the train station.
Tramway
You can get to the city center from the airport within 30 minutes using the tram, which has regular services throughout the day. As the tram is extremely fast, there is no risk of getting caught in a traffic jam compared to alternatives such as taxis and car hire. You can buy your ticket from the ticket machines at the stations, or you can save time by buying your tickets online in advance.
Shuttle buses
Another transport vehicle that takes passengers to the city center and other regions from the airport in an economical way is the shuttle bus. By getting on a shuttle bus you can go to Bordeaux, Annecy, Grenoble, Clermont-Ferrand, Voiron, Domancy and Saint-Etienne. Shuttle buses connect the airport with 22 different cities. Bus fares vary depending on the city you are traveling to, but can generally be considered affordable. If you wish, you can rent a car after arriving in the city by bus.
Electric cars
At Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, there are electric cars for those who need an environmentally friendly and fast transport vehicle. You can go anywhere you want in the center of Lyon within 20-25 minutes with electric cars provided by Bluely. There are many stations in the city center for electric cars that you can take advantage of when you want to at the airport. In this way, you can easily leave your electric car, which you have rented from the airport, in the city centre. If you plan to stay longer in the city, you can join the system by choosing between different memberships, such as weekly or monthly, and you can travel more economically.
Ski bus service
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport also has a regular shuttle service to nearby ski resorts for those coming to the city to ski. Altibus services allow you to travel to ski resorts from December to the spring months. OUIBUS, another company offering service in this area, transports its passengers to places such as Saint-Gervais, Praz-sur-Arly and Les Contamines, Chamonix and Les Houches between Mondays and Saturdays. The ski resort's services, with its large and comfortable seats, have additional features designed for the disabled. You can make a reservation by contacting the ski center shuttle services by calling 0 825 825 536 or you can choose to make your reservation online.
Private vehicle
If you have a private vehicle that you can use in the city, you can easily travel with your own car from the airport to the city center. After a 30-minute drive from the airport, you can be in the city center. Your journey also takes 1 hour to Macon, 2 hours to Dijon, 30 minutes to Givors, 55 minutes to Saint Etienne, 1 hour 15 minutes to Annecy and Valence. From the airport you can reach Montélimar in 1 hour and 40 minutes, Avignon in 2 hours and 15 minutes, Villefranche in 40 minutes and Bourg en Bresse in 55 minutes. If you plan to travel by private car from the airport to nearby cities, make sure you have a map or navigation aid before you hit the road. This way you can travel easily by reducing the risk of getting lost.
Taxa
Taxis usually transport passengers at predetermined fixed prices to specific areas of the city from the airport. With taxis waiting in front of the terminal almost every hour of the day, you can travel to the center of Lyon by paying 50-55 Euro during the day and 60-65 Euro during the late hours. You can travel to Givors for 60-100 Euros, Annecy for 170-280 Euros, Macon for 115-180 Euros and Valence for 160-260 Euros. The night rate applies between 07.00 and 07.00. You can easily find a taxi at the exit of Terminal 1 and 2. You can pay by cash or credit card.
Bike
Thanks to the specially designed cycle paths, you can easily arrive at various centers from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. You can have an extremely pleasant journey thanks to the cycle paths surrounded by green areas where you can have a picnic. Near the airport terminal there are areas where you can park and lock your bike.
Car rental
You may also prefer to get to the center of Lyon or other districts by renting a car if you want a more comfortable journey. The offices of companies offering car hire at the airport are normally open from 07.00 to midnight. From the terminal you can get to the area where car rental companies are located with a free shuttle service. At the airport, there are a number of car rental companies such as AVIS, Budget, National, Alamo, Enterprise, Europcar, Thrifty, Hertz and Sixt. If you want to book in advance, you can get in touch with one of the car rental companies by phone or via the internet.
Private services
If you are not traveling alone, you can take advantage of the private services available at the airport. One of the main advantages of private services is that you can get off anywhere you want in the city center. You can board your vehicle without waiting at the airport by booking in advance to take advantage of the private services. If you wish to board the private service vehicles departing from the airport car park, please make sure to make a reservation before arriving at the airport.
FAQs
Which airports are cheap around Rome? ›
The cheapest airport near Rome is Rome Fiumicino – which is 14 miles away from the centre of Rome.
What city is best to fly into Rome? ›The best airport to fly into Rome is Fiumicino/ Leonardo da Vinci Airport for families and services. I fly in and out of Ciampino any time the airfare makes better sense and the advantage is that it is much closer to the South of the city if this is where you live.
How much is flight from Paris to Lyon? ›The average ticket from Paris to Lyon will cost around € 185 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only € 172.
What is the cheapest city to fly out of in Italy? ›While there are lots of cheap airports in Italy to fly into, the cheapest one is usually Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). With over 22 millions per year, it is the second busiest airport in Italy.
Why are flights to Rome so expensive? ›"International airfare remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic given low supply of seats, high demand and overall higher costs, including high jet fuel prices," Berg said. A report by Hopper forecast airfare to Europe over the next six months to be 24% higher than pre-pandemic, on average.
What time of year is cheapest to fly to Rome? ›Top tips for finding cheap flights to Rome. Book at least 4 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. High season is considered to be June, July and August. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is January.
What is the best airport to fly in and out of Italy? ›1. Roma Fiumicino. Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is the largest Italian airport both in terms of passenger traffic and in terms of the number of people who use it as an arrival or departure airport. It is a very well served airport both in terms of the carriers transit and the number of destinations it reaches.
How many days in Rome is enough? ›4-5 days is perfect to experience all Rome has to offer.
Whether it's dining, checking out museums, or exploring the outskirts, there's always more to see in and around Rome. If you're thinking of two to three days in Rome, you can still see the major attractions, but you'll miss a lot.
Lyon is the Gastronomic Capital of the World
If you consider yourself a foodie, Lyon is absolutely worth visiting as the culinary capital of France. It has also been called the Gastronomic Capital of the World. Definitely something to experience for yourself.
A family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,676.3$ (3,425.7€) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,038.8$ (968.0€) without rent.
Is Lyon costly? ›
Lyon is generally considered to be 20% cheaper than Paris, but that doesn't mean that it still isn't one of the most costly cities in France to live in. In fact, prices are high on just about everything.
Which part of Italy is cheapest? ›Located to the east of Rome, Abruzzo is arguably the cheapest and the best region to live in Italy. It has great mountains, fantastic scenery, good food, lovely Italian people and plenty of expats. This region is often compared to Tuscany. Like Tuscany, Abruzzo has medieval villages and towns dotted atop rolling hills.
What is the least expensive month to go to Italy? ›Top tips for finding cheap flights to Italy
High season is considered to be June and July. The cheapest month to fly to Italy is February.
Turin, Palermo, and Naples are the cheapest cities to live in in Italy. The cost of living in Milan is just slightly higher than the living costs in Rome. The cost of living in Florence is only slightly lower than the cost of living in Rome. The cost of living in Turin is 19% lower than in Florence.
How early should I book my flight to Italy? ›Start early. Booking 2-3 months in advance can help save money and give you plenty of time to find the deal that works best for your travel dates. Waiting till the last minute can result in much higher fares. Avoid booking your trip around major holidays and events, and avoid the peak season.
How far in advance should I book an international flight? ›The best time to book a flight is one to three months before your departure for domestic airline tickets and two to eight months prior for international flights, according to Scott's Cheap Flights. “We call these the 'Goldilocks windows,'” says Keyes. “Not too early, not too late—just right in the middle.”
Will flights get cheaper in 2023? ›“In 2023, we expect that [trend] to reverse and year-over-year fares to fall,” Keyes said, pointing to Federal Reserve data indicating recent, modest drops in airfare—a shift that comes as airlines have begun to add more flights, fueling competition.
What month is Rome least crowded? ›September to February is the best time for the lowest prices and fewer crowds: there are fewer tourists and better room rates because of this. The hotels and accommodations are lower-priced, and the general price of staying in Rome decreases.
How much money should I take to Rome for 7 days? ›The average price of a 7-day trip to Rome is $1,121 for a solo traveler, $2,013 for a couple, and $3,774 for a family of 4. Rome hotels range from $74 to $388 per night with an average of $111, while most vacation rentals will cost $210 to $490 per night for the entire home.
What are the cheapest days to fly? ›- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly domestically.
- Saturday and Monday flights can help you avoid the Sunday rush.
- Wednesdays and Thursdays are the cheapest day to fly internationally.
- Book one to three months in advance.
- Set a price alert.
What airline has direct flights to Italy? ›
ITA Airways, KLM, Delta, Air France, Iberia, United, British Airways and American Airlines all fly non-stop to Italy.
Is it better to fly or train in Italy? ›The best way to travel around Italy, if you mainly want to visit the cities like Rome, Florence and Venice, is by train. Italy has an extensive network of both fast speed inter-city trains and regional services that connect the smaller cities and towns.
What is the best month to visit Italy? ›Italy's best travel months are May, June, September, and October. They're also the busiest and most expensive time to visit (with the north remaining just as busy throughout midsummer). Crowds aside, these months combine the convenience of peak season with pleasant weather.
Is 7 days in Rome too much? ›There are two simple answers to this question: Four or seven days. To add context, if you're doing a multi-city Italian journey, you should allocate at least four days to Rome if you arrive early on day one and leave late on day four. Otherwise, consider five days if you can.
Can you walk around Rome in a day? ›Forget the old cliché of Rome not being built in a day. If you've only got a day to spare, you can absolutely see the best of Rome. Unlike other European capitals, Rome has a touristic area that's fairly compact and most of it can be covered on a stroll.
How much money do you need in Rome for a week? ›Past travelers have spent, on average, €47 ($52) on meals for one day and €21 ($24) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Rome for a couple is €178 ($196). So, a trip to Rome for two people for one week costs on average €2,377 ($2,624).
Which is nicer Lyon or Nice? ›If you a foodie, Lyon is a must. It is close to the Alps in a train ride and has some really interesting architecture outside of Paris that Nice doesn't really offer. If you want to explore the surroundings of France, I recommend Nice but as a city, Lyon offers more.
What's so special about Lyon? ›Despite its relatively small size, Lyon is home to many ancient structures, including several famous churches such as Saint-Nizier, Saint-Jean, and the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica. This old-world splendor is mixed with an exceptional post-modern style, which emphasizes the revitalization of the city.
What are the disadvantages of Lyon? ›One of the biggest cons of living in Lyon is its high cost of living. Yes, it's cheaper than Paris, but it's still one of the most expensive cities in France. Rent prices are high and the food isn't cheap. And you can expect to pay a premium for luxury items or name brands.
Do I need cash in Lyon? ›Commonly-used forms of payment include cash, CB (Carte Bleue), debit cards and major credit cards. Checks are accepted by most stores with proof of identity.
When should I go to Lyon? ›
Mid-spring to late autumn is the best time to visit Lyon for good weather. The days are warm and, even in the summer, the city rarely gets unbearably hot. What is the peak season to visit Lyon? Summer is the busiest time of year in Lyon, especially from June to August.
How much does a meal cost in Lyon? ›While meal prices in Lyon can vary, the average cost of food in Lyon is €41 per day.
What part of Lyon is expensive? ›The 6th arrondissement was created on July 17th, 1867, as a separation from the 3rd arrondissement previously created in 1852. It is widely regarded today as the most swanky and bourgeois neighborhood of Lyon.
Is Lyon cheaper than Paris? ›The cost of living in Lyon is 32% less expensive than in Paris. Cities ranked 2912th and 447th ($1461 vs $2133) in the list of the most expensive cities in the world and ranked 24th and 2nd in France. The average after-tax salary is enough to cover living expenses for 1.9 months in Lyon compared to 1.3 months in Paris.
What airports in Italy are closest to Rome? ›The Rome airport of Fiumicino is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) outside of Rome's historic center (literally in the town of Fiumicino, on the coast.) Ciampino airport is only about 12.5 km (7.5 miles) outside the Rome's city center.
What alternative airports are near Rome? ›The nearest airport to Rome is Rome Ciampino (CIA) Airport which is 13.6 km away. Other nearby airports include Rome (FCO) (23.9 km), Pescara (PSR) (150.8 km) and Naples (NAP) (187.2 km).
What are the small airports near Rome? ›Rome has two airports – the more well know Rome Fiumicino for commercial flights only, and the smaller Rome Ciampino Airport.
What airports are near Rome city? ›The most used airport in Rome is Fiumicino Airport, also known as 'Leonardo da Vinci Airport'. This is the largest airport in Italy and is located more than 34 kilometers from the city center. The other is Ciampino Airport, which is located 16 kilometers southeast of the center of Rome.
How early to get to Rome airport for international flight? ›In addition, we also advise you to arrive at the airport in plenty of time: two hours prior to departure for domestic and international flights. three hours prior to departure for intercontinental flights.
Is Uber available in Rome? ›Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Rome
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Rome. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.
What is the difference between the two airports in Rome? ›
Rome has two airports. Leonardo da Vinci Airport (at Fiumicino) is used by the major airlines, while Ciampino Airport is used by budget airlines Easyjet and Ryanair.
Is there a shuttle between airports in Rome? ›Enjoy a frequent and reliable roundtrip shuttle bus transfer between Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and central location in Rome. Ride in a regularly-maintained, air-conditioned bus with Wi-Fi on board. For your return transfer, simply refer to the timetable on your voucher.
Is there a direct train to Rome airport? ›Leonardo express is the non-stop service that connects the Roma Termini train station, the main interchange for all public transport services as well as the lines for Florence/Bologna/Milan/Venice and for Naples/Salerno, to the Rome Fiumicino Airport in just 32 minutes, with departures scheduled every 15 minutes.
How many airports are near Rome? ›There are two airports in Rome, but the main one is Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino (FCO). The capital's largest airport excels in particular for the quality of the services provided to passengers, technological innovation and the functionality of its infrastructures.
Which train station in Rome is closer to the airport? ›Taking the train to Fiumicino station — the train station located at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport — will spare you the time and stress of navigating Rome's busy streets in a taxi. It takes just 32 minutes by non-stop train to travel from Rome's central Termini station to Fiumicino.
What is the main airport out of Rome? ›Rome Fiumicino Airport - Leonardo da Vinci Airport.
Is Rome an expensive city? ›Rome is also one of the more expensive cities in Europe so Rome's prices are high in most categories. In this Rome travel price guide, we've outlined the estimated travel expenses for food, accommodation, attractions, alcohol, and other common travel expenses to help you budget your trip to Rome.
Is there a train from Rome airport into the city? ›The Leonardo Express Airport train is a dedicated airport train taking 30 minutes to reach the centre of Rome (Termini Station) with a frequency of every 15 minutes. The only reason not to use the service is cost, it is around double the cost of competing bus and local train options.
How far are the two airports in Rome from each other? ›Ciampino Airport is to the south east of Rome. Fiumicino and Ciampino Airports are 31km (19 miles) apart, on a good day with no traffic congestion a journey of 30 minutes by car. Unfortunately for those wanting to transfer between both airports there is no direct public transport between the two airports.