Because the Rhône Express is perhaps the biggest scam in Lyon’s history, the question of a “classic” public transport route to the airport has always been at the heart of the debate. While there are already two bus routes that take you to the airport for the price of a TCL ticket, these unfortunately leave from Meyzieu ZI or Genas Bornicat (we’ll explain the route below). To offer Lyonnais a new alternative, TCL has just unveiled the arrival of a new bus line that will take you to the airport for the sum of 2 euros. We tell you all about it!
The Rhône Express is the most expensive airport shuttle in France
In case you weren’t aware, the people of Lyon are the most expensive French people when it comes to taking the shuttle to the airport. Costing €16.70 one way and €29.10 round trip (which saves you around €4 if you buy both trips together), the Rhône Express often leaves us with a slightly bitter taste (that of seum, it seems). By way of comparison, in Marseille or Nantes, the fare is no more than €10. Yes, the word you’re looking for is “douille”.
A new line at the price of a TCL ticket
To solve this problem, a new bus line serving the airport has just been announced for 2025. Departing from Vaulx-en-Velin la Soie (metro line A), the line will serve 18 stations and get you to the airport in 40 minutes. Of course, this won’t rival the Rhône Express, which takes you there from Lyon Part-Dieu station in 30 minutes. But it’s already good news for all residents of eastern Lyon!
How do I get to Lyon airport with a TCL ticket?
If you’re on the lookout for good deals, you’ll know that there are already two TCL bus lines serving Lyon airport! Line 47, from Meyzieu ZI station (take the T3 from Part-Dieu), and bus 48 from Genas Bornicat. Both buses drop you off at the airport bus station, just a 2-minute walk from Terminal 1 and the TGV station.
The difference on the line that’s about to see the light of day therefore mainly concerns the time saved on the journey to Vaulx-en-Velin, which is a shorter distance from downtown Lyon. But until 2025, we’re happy to have these options!