Part-Dieu to Saint-Exupéry: how long, how much?
Part-Dieu station and Saint-Exupéry Airport are 28 km apart, and there are three ways to cover them: the Rhônexpress tram, your own car or a private driver. Here is what each one takes in time, money and planning, depending on when you fly.
Last updated: 6 November 2026
By road: 28 km, 35 minutes without traffic
From Part-Dieu station to the Saint-Exupéry terminals, the road route is 28 km via the eastern ring road and the A432. Without traffic, allow about 35 minutes.
On weekdays the eastern ring road is busy during the morning and evening rush. The times below are indicative: an accident or roadworks can make them longer.
| Time of travel | Indicative time |
|---|---|
| Early morning, before 6.30 am | 30 to 35 min |
| Daytime, outside rush hour | 35 to 40 min |
| Morning rush, roughly 7 am to 9.30 am | 45 min to 1 h |
| Evening rush, roughly 4.30 pm to 7 pm | 45 min to 1 h |
| After 8 pm, at night and at weekends | 30 to 40 min |
Rhônexpress: route and timetable
Rhônexpress is an express tram between Part-Dieu station and Saint-Exupéry TGV station, linked to the airport by a footbridge. It stops at Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie and Meyzieu ZI, where you can only board towards the airport. The ride takes 30 minutes and does not depend on traffic.
According to the operator's timetable, the first tram leaves Part-Dieu at 4.25 am and arrives at 4.54 am. After that, trams run every 30 minutes until 6 am, roughly every 15 minutes until 9 pm, then every 30 minutes until the last departure at midnight.
At Part-Dieu the stop is on the Villette side, 50 m from the station exit: coming from the Vivier-Merle side, you cross the whole concourse. At the airport, allow a 7-minute walk along the footbridge to Terminal 1, where every flight leaves while Terminal 2 is closed for works.
Rhônexpress: fares
The ticket covers the tram only: getting to Part-Dieu is not included.
Fares as listed on the official Rhônexpress website in November 2026, cheaper online than at the ticket machine:
- Adult single: €16.30 online, €17.40 at the machine
- Adult return: €28.50 online, €30.30 at the machine
- Ages 12 to 25: €10.70 single, €20.30 return
- Under 12: free
Driving and parking at the airport
You keep your own schedule and your bags stay in the boot. The airport has covered car parks next to the terminals (P0, P1, P3) and remote car parks (P5, P7) linked to the terminals by shuttle; at P5 the shuttle is free and runs every 7 to 10 minutes.
The price depends on the car park, the length of stay and when you book. The airport website offers reduced fares online, lower the earlier you book. On the way back, you need the shuttle and then the drive home, sometimes late in the evening after your flight.
With a private driver
Yanis picks you up at the address of your choice, at home, at your hotel or off your train at Part-Dieu, and drops you in front of Terminal 1, where every flight leaves while Terminal 2 is closed for works. No connection, no suitcases to carry through the station.
The departure time does not depend on any tram timetable: for a 6 am flight, Yanis can come before 5 am. He sets the pick-up time around your flight and the expected traffic.
The price is fixed in advance by quote, all-inclusive: a jam on the ring road does not change it. Payment is on board, by card or cash.
The three options side by side
Indicative times; Rhônexpress fares as listed in November 2026.
| In practice | Rhônexpress | Car and parking | Private driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 30 min platform to platform, plus waiting and a 7-min walk | 35 min without traffic, 45 min to 1 h at rush hour, plus parking | 35 min without traffic, 45 min to 1 h at rush hour |
| Door to door | No, you first get to Part-Dieu, La Soie or Meyzieu ZI | Yes, with a shuttle from the remote car parks | Yes, from your address to the terminal |
| Hours | Departures from Part-Dieu from 4.25 am to midnight | Any time | Any time, booked in advance |
| 6 am flight | First tram reaches the airport at 4.54 am | Possible, book parking | Pick-up before 5 am if needed |
| Luggage | Carried at every step | In your boot | Loaded at your door |
| Price | €16.30 adult single online | Parking by length of stay and booking date, plus fuel | Fixed in advance by quote, all-inclusive |
Which option for which trip
The choice mostly depends on your flight time, your luggage and how many of you are travelling.
- On your own, with little luggage, in the daytime and already at Part-Dieu: Rhônexpress is simple and its journey time does not vary.
- For a flight around 6 am: the first tram arrives at 4.54 am, which leaves little time for check-in; by car or with a driver, you choose your departure time.
- For a few days away, with a car: a car park booked online in advance avoids any connection, as long as you allow for the shuttle.
- Four adults: four Rhônexpress singles cost €65.20 online (fare as listed in November 2026), not counting the trip to Part-Dieu, to compare with a quote that covers the whole group door to door.
- With a pushchair, a car seat or large suitcases: a private driver saves you crossing the station and changing.
Booking a ride with Yanis
Rides are booked in advance, through the website form, by phone or by WhatsApp. For an urgent request, call Yanis directly: he tells you straight away whether he is available.
Yanis replies by email with a quote valid for 48 hours. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the departure of each leg. In your request, include:
- The pick-up address, or “Part-Dieu station” with your train number
- Your flight number and time, and the terminal if you know it
- The number of passengers, suitcases and special items
- For the return, your arrival flight number: Yanis tracks the landing and waits for you in the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name
Questions
Does Rhônexpress run at night?
No. According to the operator's timetable, the first tram leaves Part-Dieu at 4.25 am and the last at midnight; in the other direction, departures from the airport run from 5 am to midnight.
How long before my flight should I leave Part-Dieu?
Allow for the ride, 35 minutes to 1 hour depending on the time of day, plus the time your airline asks for before take-off. Yanis suggests a departure time with the quote.
Does the price change if there is traffic?
No. The price of a ride with Yanis is fixed in advance by quote, all-inclusive. A slowdown on the eastern ring road changes nothing.
Can you pick me up off my train at Part-Dieu?
Yes. Give your train number: Yanis tracks its actual arrival and tells you the meeting point, on the Villette or the Vivier-Merle side.
What about from the airport to Part-Dieu?
It is the same ride the other way. With your flight number, Yanis tracks the actual landing time and waits for you in the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name.
Related rides
| Rides | From Lyon | View |
|---|---|---|
| Lyon Saint-Exupéry AirportTerminal 1, TGV station | 35 min | View |
| Part-Dieu stationVillette or Vivier-Merle side | 15 min | View |