Lyon Saint-Exupery Airport is 25 km east of Lyon and also serves as a major gateway to the French Alps. Costs vary significantly depending on whether you are heading into the city or up into the mountains.
Cost to Lyon city center
By Rhonexpress tram (to Part-Dieu)
- Standard fare: ~16 EUR
- Online advance booking: ~14 EUR
- Children under 12: ~14 EUR
- Under 6: free
By taxi
- Flat rate to city center (day): 55–65 EUR
- Flat rate to city center (night/Sunday): 65–80 EUR
By pre-booked transfer
- Sedan to central Lyon: 55–75 EUR
- Minivan to central Lyon: 70–90 EUR
Cost to Alpine destinations
| Destination | Distance | Transfer price | Drive time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grenoble | 110 km | 130–180 EUR | 75–90 min |
| Chambery | 100 km | 120–170 EUR | 70–85 min |
| Annecy | 140 km | 160–220 EUR | 100–120 min |
| Courchevel | 190 km | 200–280 EUR | 150–180 min |
| Meribel | 185 km | 200–270 EUR | 150–170 min |
| Val d'Isere | 220 km | 240–330 EUR | 180–210 min |
| Les Arcs | 200 km | 220–300 EUR | 160–190 min |
| Chamonix | 215 km | 230–310 EUR | 150–180 min |
These are approximate ranges. Prices increase during peak ski season (Christmas, February half-term, Easter) due to demand. Night arrivals and early morning departures may carry supplements with some providers.
What drives the cost
Distance is the primary factor. Lyon to Grenoble is a motorway drive, while Alpine resorts involve mountain roads that are slower and require more experienced drivers.
Season matters for Alpine destinations. Ski season transfers cost more due to winter conditions (chains, winter tires) and high demand. Summer transfers to the same resorts are generally cheaper.
Time of day affects taxi fares (night supplement) but not most pre-booked transfers, where the quoted price is the final price.
Group size does not change the per-vehicle price but changes the per-person math. Four people sharing a transfer to Courchevel at 250 EUR pay 62.50 EUR each — comparable to bus or shared shuttle services but with door-to-door convenience.
Budget alternatives
The Rhonexpress at 16 EUR is the cheapest way to reach Lyon city. For Alpine destinations, shared transfer services (shuttle buses) run during ski season from the airport to major resorts. Prices are lower (40–80 EUR per person) but the service is shared with other travelers, involves waiting for a full bus, and may include multiple stops.
BlaBlacar (ride-sharing) is popular in France and sometimes offers rides from the airport area to Alpine towns. Pricing is very low but reliability depends entirely on the individual driver.
The value calculation
For Lyon city: the Rhonexpress is excellent value for solo travelers and couples. For families of 3+, the total cost of Rhonexpress tickets plus onward transport from Part-Dieu often approaches the cost of a single transfer.
For Alpine destinations: a private transfer is the standard choice. The distances are long, conditions can be challenging, and having a professional driver in a suitable vehicle is worth the cost — especially after a flight.