How to get from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to Lyon River Port (Saône)

This is the most popular and efficient public transport route for most travelers, balancing speed and cost. It involves a dedicated airport tram followed by Lyon's excellent metro system.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Find the Rhônexpress Station: Follow signs in Terminals 1 or 2 at LYS to the dedicated Rhônexpress platform.
2. Take the Rhônexpress Tram: Runs every 15 minutes from 4:25 AM to 12:05 AM. The 30-minute non-stop journey ends at Lyon Part-Dieu, the city's main train station. Check current timetables here.
3. Transfer to Metro Line B: Inside Part-Dieu station, follow signs for Metro B (direction 'Charpennes-Château de Grisy').
4. Ride to Gare d'Oullins: Take Metro B for 5 stops (about 10 minutes) and alight at Gare d'Oullins.
5. Walk to the River Port: From Gare d'Oullins exit, it's a 5-7 minute walk northwest to the Port de Plaisance de Lyon on the Saône riverbank.

Leg of Journey	Service	Duration	Cost (One-Way)	Key Notes
LYS → Part-Dieu	Rhônexpress Tram	30 min	€16.30 (Adult)	Buy online for €14.90. Luggage racks available.
Part-Dieu → Gare d'Oullins	Metro Line B (TCL)	10 min	€1.90 (TCL Ticket)	Ticket valid 1 hour on all TCL networks.
Total (Approx.)	Combined	50-60 min	€18.20	Fastest public transport option.

If your priority is saving money and you have more time, the local TCL Bus 100 is your best bet. Operated by Lyon's public transport authority, it connects the airport to the eastern metro network.

Detailed Route & Instructions:

• Pick-up: Bus stops are located outside Terminal 1 (Hall A) and Terminal 2 (Level 0). Look for the green 'TCL' signs.
• Route: The bus travels to the 'Lyon-La Soie' metro and tram interchange station. The journey takes 40-50 minutes depending on traffic.
• Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes from approximately 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Check TCL schedules.
• Transfer to River Port: At 'Lyon-La Soie', take Metro Line A towards 'Perrache' or 'Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie'. You will need to transfer again, typically to Tram T1 at 'Perrache' or 'Debourg' to get close to the Saône. Total travel time from airport to port can be 80-90 minutes.

Cost: A single TCL ticket is €1.90 and is valid for 1 hour on buses, trams, and metros, including the initial Bus 100 ride and all necessary transfers within that hour. If your journey exceeds an hour, you may need a second ticket (€1.90).

Best For: Solo travelers on a tight budget, those without heavy luggage, and travelers arriving during daylight hours.

For door-to-door convenience, especially with luggage, at night, or in a group, a taxi or ride-share is ideal. However, it is significantly more expensive than public transport.

Official Taxis:

• Pick-up: Ranked taxi stands are available outside both terminals.
• Fare: The fare to the Lyon River Port area is fixed by zone. Expect to pay between €55 and €75. The meter is not used for these airport trips; the price is predetermined. Always confirm the approximate price before getting in.
• Journey Time: 25-40 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic, especially during rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).

Ride-Sharing (Uber, Bolt, Heetch):

These services are legal and active at LYS. They often offer lower prices than taxis.

• Pick-up: The designated pick-up area is at Parking P0 (Level 0). Follow signs for "VTC" or "Rendez-vous Point" in the terminals. Use the app to confirm the exact meeting point.
• Fare: Variable pricing. A trip to the river port typically costs €40 to €60. Prices surge during peak hours, bad weather, and late at night.

Pre-Booked Private Transfers:

For maximum reliability, especially for families or large groups, consider booking a private car in advance via services like Viator or Welcome Pickups. A driver will meet you in arrivals with a name sign. Prices are similar to or slightly higher than taxis (€60-€90), but you lock in the rate and vehicle size.

When to Choose This: Late-night/early-morning arrivals, groups of 3+, travelers with mobility issues or excessive luggage, and those prioritizing comfort and time over cost.

Luggage Strategy:

If you have large suitcases and plan to use the Rhônexpress, avoid weekday rush hours (7:30-9:00 AM, 5:00-7:00 PM) when commuters pack the trams and metros. The Rhônexpress has dedicated luggage racks. For an ultra-convenient option, consider sending your bags directly to your hotel via a luggage service like City Locker (partnered with LYS), allowing you to travel freely.

Navigating the Transfers:

Lyon Part-Dieu is a large, multi-level station. When transferring from Rhônexpress to Metro B, follow the clear blue signs for "Métro B". Allow an extra 5-10 minutes for the transfer if you're unfamiliar. Download the official "TCL" app or use Google Maps for real-time itineraries and walking directions for the final leg to the river port.

Ticket Purchasing & Savings:

• Rhônexpress Discount: Buy your Rhônexpress ticket online in advance to save €1.40 (€14.90 vs €16.30).
• TCL Tickets: If you'll make more than 2 trips in a day in Lyon, a "Day Pass" (Ticket Journée) for €6.20 is more economical than single tickets. Buy at any metro station machine.
• Validate Your Ticket: You must validate (composter) paper TCL tickets in the orange machines on buses/trams or at metro barriers. The Rhônexpress ticket is scanned at the airport gate.

Arriving at Odd Hours:

For flights arriving after public transport ends, your realistic options are taxi or ride-share. While night buses (PLEIN PHARE network) exist, routes are limited and connections to the river port area are impractical late at night. Plan and budget accordingly.