£22+ Cheap flights to Lyon

City overview

The birthplace of gastronomy as we know it, Lyon has long been a welcoming playground for foodies — but there’s much more to enjoy in France’s third largest city. History and culture add layers of depth to this metropolis, whether it’s through the eye-catching architecture found throughout the city or the various museums exhibiting everything from world-class art to the history of cinema.

But back to the gastronomy: there’s no doubt that palate-pleasing dishes are one of the main draws in Lyon. Visitors taking a flight to Lyon will have international cuisine and fine dining options abound, but the true star of Lyon’s culinary scene is thebouchon, a traditional, casual French restaurant where diners can enjoy authentic local dishes without breaking the bank. Although the latest concepts by the wealth of creative chefs who set up kitchens in Lyon will attempt to distract visitors from these inexpensive restaurants, a hearty plate at a bouchon is a must when visiting the city.

Beyond the dining scene, Lyon is a modern metropolis with plenty for travellers to enjoy. Historic basilicas and churches add a touch of charm to the city’s skyline, while the wealth of museums, theatres and art galleries ensure the local cultural scene pleases even the worldliest of travellers. Quaint neighbourhoods seem to teem with history and are well worth a stroll to see what welcoming cafes, shops and architecture lie around the corner. And when it comes time to return to the modern world, the economic centre known as the Presqu’ile awaits with assortment of high-end shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Getting around Lyon

Plenty of public transportation options make it relatively simple to get around Lyon. Buses, trams and metros serve the entire city, and Lyon’s public transportation is considered both safe and comfortable. Walking is another option to get around the city, as are bicycle rentals, which can be found at more than 300 self-service rental stations throughout Lyon. Taxis can be arranged by telephone, but it is the costliest option for getting around.

Getting downtown from the airport

Flights to Lyon will take you to Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS) which is the closest airport to the city. The international airport is about 12 miles (19 km) east of the city. The easiest way to travel from the airport to Lyon is by the public tramway, which runs an express tram every 15 minutes. The tram ride between Lyon’s city centre and the airport is about 30 minutes, taxis and car rentals are also available at the airport.

Lyon airport overview

Lyon-Saint Exupery International Airport is located 24km (15 miles) from the city centre of Lyon. Easily accessible via the direct high-speed train lines from Marseille and Paris, its location gives travellers a wonderful opportunity to explore three of France’s most vibrant cities without having to do too much travelling.

Lyon-Saint Exupery International Airport also caters for younger travellers, providing them with “Space Games” areas to play in – a welcome distraction for parents who need to entertain energetic kids.

Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport, formerly Lyon Satolas Airport, is named after French pilot and writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery. It’s an important transport hub for the Rhone-Alpes region which includes Burgundy (Bourgogne) and the westernmost parts of the Alps.

The fourth-busiest airport in France, flights to Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport come from all over the globe. Passengers consistently rate the airport highly as it is modern, efficient and easy to navigate.