Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station is a modern transportation hub integrated with Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, located about 24 kilometers southeast of Lyon’s city center. This strategically positioned station offers high-speed TGV connections to major French and European cities, making it a crucial link for both air and rail travelers. With its distinctive architecture and efficient services, the station serves as a gateway to Lyon and the broader Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Where is Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station Located?
The Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station is situated within the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport complex in Colombier-Saugnieu, France. Its precise location is:
- GPS Coordinates: 45.7253° N, 5.0773° E
- Distance from Lyon City Center: Approximately 24 kilometers southeast
The station’s integration with the airport makes it easily accessible for travelers transitioning between air and rail transport. A central building and footbridge connect the train station directly to the airport terminals, ensuring seamless transfers for passengers.
What Are the Key Features of Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station?
Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station boasts several notable features:
- Architectural Design: The station is renowned for its striking architecture, designed by Santiago Calatrava.
- Integration with Airport: Seamlessly connected to airport terminals via a central building and footbridge.
- High-Speed Rail Services: Offers TGV connections to major French and European cities.
- Multimodal Transport Hub: Combines air, rail, and local transport options in one location.
- Modern Facilities: Equipped with passenger amenities and services for comfortable travel experiences.
How Frequent Are the Trains from Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station?
Train frequency at Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station varies depending on the destination and time of day:
| Destination | Frequency | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | Hourly | ~1h 55min |
| Marseille | Several daily | ~1h 35min |
| Montpellier | Several daily | ~1h 45min |
Peak hours typically see more frequent departures, with approximately 23 round trips per day between Lyon and Paris. Other major cities like Lille, Strasbourg, Brussels, and Geneva also have regular services, though frequencies may vary.
What Direct Routes Are Available from Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station?
Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station offers direct TGV routes to several key cities:
- Paris (hourly service)
- Marseille
- Montpellier
- Lille
- Strasbourg
- Brussels
- Geneva
For destinations like London, transfers may be required at major hubs such as Paris. Regional destinations within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region are accessible via TER trains, often with transfers at Lyon Part-Dieu or Lyon Perrache stations.
What Transfer Services Are Available at Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station?
Several transfer options connect Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station to Lyon city center and surrounding areas:
- Rhônexpress Tramway:
- Connects to Lyon Part-Dieu station
- Journey time: About 30 minutes
-
Frequency: Every 15 minutes during peak hours
-
Navette Lyon Shuttle:
- Serves various points in Lyon, including Part-Dieu and Perrache
- Departs every 45 minutes
-
Stops at key locations and suburban areas
-
Taxi Services:
- Available at the airport
- Journey time to city center: 30-40 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Pre-booking optional but recommended
How Long Does It Take to Travel from Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station to Lyon City Center?
Travel times from Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station to Lyon city center vary depending on the mode of transport:
- Rhônexpress Tramway: Approximately 30 minutes to Lyon Part-Dieu
- Navette Lyon Shuttle: Up to 45 minutes, depending on the route and traffic conditions
- Taxi: About 30-40 minutes, subject to traffic
What Are the Booking Requirements for Transfer Services?
Booking requirements differ for each transfer service:
- Rhônexpress Tramway:
- No pre-booking required
-
Tickets available at the tramway station or online
-
Navette Lyon Shuttle:
- Pre-booking recommended but not mandatory
-
Costs vary based on route and additional services (e.g., home pickup)
-
Taxis:
- Pre-booking optional but recommended for guaranteed availability
- Fares vary based on traffic and distance
How Does Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station Compare to Other Major European Airport Train Stations?
Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station stands out among European airport train stations for several reasons:
- Architectural Significance: Its distinctive design by Santiago Calatrava makes it a landmark in its own right.
- Integration with Airport: The seamless connection between air and rail transport is exemplary.
- High-Speed Connections: Direct TGV services to major cities enhance its importance as a transport hub.
- Efficiency: The station’s layout and services are designed for smooth passenger flow and quick transfers.
While it may not handle the same volume of passengers as stations serving larger airports like London Heathrow or Paris Charles de Gaulle, Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station is well-regarded for its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
What Future Developments Are Planned for Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station?
As of now, there are no publicly announced major developments specifically for Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station. However, ongoing improvements to the French rail network and potential expansions of TGV services could indirectly benefit the station in the future. Any significant changes or upgrades would likely be part of broader strategies to enhance regional connectivity and support the growth of Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport.
Lyon Saint Exupery Airport Train Station continues to play a vital role in connecting air and rail travelers to Lyon and beyond. Its strategic location, efficient services, and iconic design make it a key component of France’s transportation infrastructure, facilitating smooth journeys for millions of passengers each year.