Lyon Saint-Exupery Airport has both taxis and pre-booked transfer services readily available. For trips to central Lyon, the choice is straightforward. For longer journeys to the Alps or other cities, the decision becomes more important.
Taxis at Lyon Airport
Regulated taxis line up outside the arrivals exit. Lyon has introduced flat rates from the airport to the city center — approximately 55–65 EUR during the day, with supplements for nights (after 7 PM), Sundays, and holidays. These flat rates make pricing predictable for central Lyon destinations.
For destinations outside the flat-rate zone — other towns, Alpine resorts, Grenoble — the meter runs. This can result in significantly higher fares for long-distance trips. Taxis accept credit cards (required by French law). The vehicles are typically sedans, adequate for 2–3 passengers with moderate luggage.
Pre-booked transfers
A transfer means a specific driver is assigned to your flight. They track your arrival, meet you with a name sign in the arrivals hall, and drive you to your exact destination. The price is fixed at the time of booking.
You can choose the vehicle type — sedan, minivan, or larger — based on your group size. Child seats are available on request. Payment is handled in advance or upon arrival, depending on the provider.
Comparing the two
| Factor | Taxi | Pre-booked transfer | |---|---|---| | Price to Lyon center | 55–65 EUR flat (day) | 55–90 EUR fixed | | Price to Alps/long-distance | Metered, expensive | Fixed, usually lower | | Night supplement | Yes (+15–20%) | Usually included | | Child seats | Rarely available | On request | | Vehicle choice | What is available | You choose | | Meeting point | Taxi rank outside | Arrivals hall | | Advance booking needed | No | Yes |
For trips to Lyon city center
The taxi flat rate and a pre-booked transfer are priced similarly. The taxi requires no advance planning — walk out, join the short queue, go. The transfer means someone is waiting for you specifically, which matters more if you are tired or arriving late.
For a solo traveler or couple heading to Part-Dieu or the Presqu'ile area, a taxi is perfectly adequate. For families or travelers with heavy luggage, a transfer with a chosen vehicle size may be more practical.
For trips beyond Lyon
This is where the comparison shifts decisively. A metered taxi to Grenoble (110 km) or an Alpine ski resort (200+ km) accumulates a substantial fare. A pre-booked transfer to these destinations is priced competitively and the cost is known in advance. For a 3-hour drive to a ski resort, the difference between a metered taxi and a fixed-price transfer can be significant.
If your destination is beyond Lyon, a pre-booked transfer is almost always the better financial choice.
A note on the Rhonexpress
Before comparing taxis and transfers, consider whether the Rhonexpress tram meets your needs. At 16 EUR to Part-Dieu station, it is far cheaper than either car option. If your hotel is near Part-Dieu or easily reached by Metro from there, the Rhonexpress may be all you need. Taxis and transfers become more valuable when the Rhonexpress does not get you close enough to your final destination or when you are traveling at times it does not run.