Quick Answer
The best way to get from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) to the University of Lyon for most travelers is the Rhônexpress tram to Lyon Part-Dieu station (30 minutes, â¬16.30), followed by a connection on the local TCL tram or bus network to your specific campus. This balances speed, cost, and reliability. The total journey time is typically 60-80 minutes, with a total cost of â¬17-â¬25. For a direct, door-to-door service, a taxi or pre-booked transfer takes 30-50 minutes but costs â¬55-â¬70.
Option 1: Rhônexpress Tram + TCL Network (Best All-Rounder)
This two-step method is the most efficient public transport route, combining the high-speed airport link with Lyon's excellent local network to reach various campuses.
Step 1: Rhônexpress from Airport to City Center
- Route: Direct from LYS Terminal 1 & 2 to Lyon Part-Dieu (main train station & hub).
- Travel Time: Exactly 30 minutes.
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes from 4:25 AM to 12:00 AM.
- One-Way Fare (2024): â¬16.30 for adults. Check official fares. Round-trip and group discounts available.
- Where to Buy: Ticket machines at airport terminals, station platform, online, or mobile app.
Step 2: TCL Tram/Bus to Your University Campus
From Part-Dieu, use the TCL network. Key connections include:
| Campus Example | TCL Line from Part-Dieu | Approx. Additional Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Université Claude Bernard (Lyon 1) - La Doua | Tram T1 direction "Debourg" or T4 | 20-25 mins | Alight at "Université Lyon 1" stop. |
| Université Lumière (Lyon 2) - Bron | Tram T2 direction "Saint-Priest" | 15-20 mins | Alight at "Universités Lyon 2" or "Bron Hôtel de Ville". |
| Facultés Rockefeller, Quai Claude Bernard | Metro B / Bus C5, C14, C23 | 10-20 mins | Use TCL journey planner for precise route. |
TCL Ticket: A single ticket (â¬2) is valid for 1 hour across all modes. If you'll make multiple trips, a 24-hour pass (â¬6.50) or weekly pass is more economical.
Option 2: Shuttle & Local Bus (Budget & Niche Options)
While less direct, these can be cheaper for solo travelers or serve specific campuses.
Local Bus + Tram (Cheapest, Most Complicated)
- Route: Take local bus â47 from the airport to "Granges" or "Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie" stations, then transfer to Tram T3.
- Cost: Only a standard TCL ticket (â¬2).
- Time: 60-80+ minutes total, depending on connections.
- Best For: Extremely budget-conscious travelers with light luggage and time to spare.
Private Shuttle Services & BlaBlaCar Bus
Some private companies and BlaBlaCar Bus offer services from LYS to Lyon city center (Perrache or Part-Dieu). You must then connect via TCL. Compare prices, as they can be cheaper than Rhônexpress but drop you at a less convenient hub.
Option 3: Taxi & Private Transfers (Door-to-Door Convenience)
The most comfortable but costly option, ideal for groups, late arrivals, or those with heavy luggage.
Official Airport Taxis
- Fare: Fixed fare from airport to left bank ("Rive Gauche") is approx. â¬55-â¬70 (2024). Confirm fare with driver before departure.
- Travel Time: 30 to 50 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic (A42/A46 motorway).
- Pick-up: Follow signs to the official taxi ranks outside Terminals 1 and 2.
- Key Advantage: Direct to your campus building address.
Pre-Booked Private Transfers
Services like Ryanair Transfers or local companies offer fixed-price, pre-paid rides. Benefit: Driver meets you at arrivals, no cash needed, price guaranteed. Often similar cost to a taxi but with greater reliability for late nights.
Note: Ride-sharing apps like Uber operate legally in Lyon. Prices are dynamic but often 10-20% cheaper than official taxis. Pick-up is at the designated area (follow signs).
Cost & Time Comparison: Lyon Airport to University of Lyon
Use this table to quickly compare all options based on key metrics.
| Transport Method | Approx. Total Time* | Approx. Total Cost (One-Way) | Convenience / Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhônexpress + TCL | 60 - 80 mins | â¬17 - â¬25 | High. Fast airport link, then seamless city network. | Most travelers, good budget-speed balance. |
| Local Bus (TCL Only) | 80 - 100+ mins | â¬2 | Low. Multiple changes, not luggage-friendly. | Solo backpackers on a strict budget. |
| Taxi / Uber | 30 - 50 mins | â¬55 - â¬70 | Very High. Direct, door-to-door. | Groups of 3+, late nights, heavy luggage. |
| Pre-Booked Transfer | 30 - 50 mins | â¬50 - â¬65 | Very High. Fixed price, meet & greet. | Peace of mind, first-time visitors, families. |
*Total Time includes walking, waiting, and transfers from airport exit to a typical campus building.
Essential Traveler Tips & Campus-Specific Access
Before You Travel
- Know Your Campus Address: "University of Lyon" is a federation. Confirm your exact campus location (e.g., "Université Lyon 1, Campus La Doua, 43 Bd du 11 Novembre 1918, 69100 Villeurbanne"). Use this in Google Maps or the TCL route planner.
- Download Apps: TCL (real-time schedules), Rhônexpress (tickets), and Google Maps/ Citymapper for navigation.
- Purchase TCL Passes Early: If staying a week, buy your weekly TCL pass at Part-Dieu or online. It activates on first use, not purchase date.
At the Airport & Onward Travel
- Luggage: Rhônexpress trams have dedicated luggage racks. TCL trams/buses can be crowded during peak hoursâtravel light if possible.
- Arriving Late: If your flight lands near midnight, your only reliable options are taxi/pre-booked transfer. Plan and budget accordingly.
- Student Discounts: While Rhônexpress has no standard student discount, always check your university's international welcome desk for potential transport partnerships or advice.
FAQs: Getting from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to University of Lyon
What is the cheapest way to get from Lyon Airport to the University of Lyon?
The absolute cheapest is the local TCL bus â47 combined with tram transfers for just â¬2. However, it is slow and involves changes. The best value is the Rhônexpress + TCL combo (â¬17-â¬25).
What is the fastest way to get from Lyon Airport to the University of Lyon?
A taxi or private transfer is the fastest door-to-door, taking 30-50 minutes. The fastest public option is the Rhônexpress (30 mins to Part-Dieu) plus a short taxi/Uber from there (10-15 mins), totaling around 50-70 minutes.
Is there a direct bus from Lyon Airport to the University of Lyon?
No. You must take the Rhônexpress tram or a bus to a major hub (like Part-Dieu or La Soie) and then transfer to a TCL tram or bus line that serves your specific campus.
Where do I buy tickets for the Rhônexpress tram at Lyon Airport?
At clearly marked red vending machines in Terminal 1 (Arrivals Hall) and Terminal 2 (near exits), directly on the station platform, or online via their official website or app.
How much is a taxi from Lyon Airport to the University of Lyon?
The fixed fare to the left bank (where many campuses are located) is approximately â¬55-â¬70. Always confirm this fixed rate with the driver before starting your journey.
Can I use the Lyon City Card (TCL network) from the airport?
No. The TCL pass is not valid on the Rhônexpress. You need a separate Rhônexpress ticket. The TCL pass becomes valid only once you start your journey from Part-Dieu or another city hub.
What should I do if my flight arrives late at night?
Pre-book a private transfer for the best guarantee. Official taxis are available, but demand may be high. The last Rhônexpress departs at midnight; if you miss it, ground transport options are very limited.
Which Lyon University campus is closest to the airport?
Campuses in the eastern suburbs like Université Lyon 2 in Bron are relatively closer by road. However, all require a transfer. Proximity to a TCL tram line (like T2 for Lyon 2) is more important for ease than direct road distance from the airport.