Quick answer. Pay for everything at Lyon-Saint Exupéry by card; cash is optional. The money question is the ride: the airport is about 25 kilometres east of Lyon, and the Rhônexpress tram-train to Part-Dieu costs around €17-18 one way, far more than a city tram ticket, with discounts for booking online, for young people and for groups. A taxi runs to about €60-70 or more. The airport also has its own TGV station with direct trains to Paris, Marseille and the Alps. If you want euros, use a bank machine: BNP Paribas is Bank of America's Global ATM Alliance partner in France, which removes BoA's flat non-network fee, though BoA's 3 percent international transaction fee still applies.
Where to get euro at LYS
At LYS the withdrawal is cheap if you pick the right machine; the transfer is the expensive part. Here is what each cash route costs to get €100 in your hand, at roughly €1 = $1.10.
| Option | Where | Markup | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNP Paribas ATM with a no-FX-fee card | Terminals and across Lyon | Network rate, no machine fee | ~$110-112 |
| Other French bank ATM | Terminals and across Lyon | Network rate, usually no machine fee | ~$110-113 |
| BoA debit card at a BNP Paribas ATM | Terminals and across Lyon | BoA 3%; flat non-network fee waived | ~$114 |
| Airport exchange counter | Terminals | Wide spread plus commission | ~$120-128 |
Bank machines at Lyon (LYS), and what it costs to reach the city
Lyon-Saint Exupéry lies in open country east of the city, with Terminals 1 and 2 linked to each other and to Santiago Calatrava's winged TGV station, which is a sight in its own right. Cash machines from French banks, including BNP Paribas, stand in the terminals, and like most French bank ATMs they charge nothing at the machine. BNP Paribas is Bank of America's Global ATM Alliance partner in France, so a BoA debit card avoids BoA's flat non-network withdrawal fee at a BNP machine. BoA's 3 percent international transaction fee still applies and is never waived. Card payment is universal in the terminal, the Rhônexpress, the TGV and Lyon's restaurants, so most visitors need little cash, as our Lyon money guide explains.
Terminal 1
Air France, most European and long-haul carriers
French bank cash machines are in the public areas of the terminal. Use one showing a bank's logo, and decline any offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency.
Terminal 2
Low-cost carriers including easyJet and others
Connected to Terminal 1 on foot. Cash machines are in the public area. Exchange counters here offer a much worse rate than any bank machine.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry TGV station
SNCF high-speed trains, and the Rhônexpress platform
Reached by a moving walkway from the terminals. TGV tickets are sold by card at machines and online; buy in advance for lower fares. Winter ski coaches to the Alps also leave from the airport.
Do you actually need cash at Lyon (LYS)?
No. Every option into Lyon takes cards:
Rhônexpress tram-train to Part-Dieu (around €17-18 one way): About 30 minutes; discounts online, for under-26s and for groups, and a return is cheaper than two singles.
Taxi to central Lyon (roughly €60-70, more at night): Around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic; confirm card payment before setting off.
Ride-hail (Uber and others) (similar to a taxi, varies with demand): Billed to your card through the app; pick-up points are signed.
TGV from the airport station (varies; book ahead): Direct high-speed trains to Paris, Marseille, Avignon and the Alps without going into Lyon.
⚠ DCC trap. When the ATM or terminal asks if you want to be charged in your home currency instead of the local currency, always decline and choose the local currency. Accepting locks in a 3-13 percent markup that your no-FX-fee card cannot undo. Full DCC explainer →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash to get from Lyon (LYS) to Lyon?
No. The Rhônexpress, taxis, ride-hail apps and the TGV all take cards, including contactless at the Rhônexpress machines. Lyon itself is card-friendly; keep a few euros for market stalls, bakeries and tips.
Can I order euro before flying?
Rarely needed for Lyon. CEI Currency Exchange ships euros to a US address in 2-5 days if you want notes in hand, but French bank machines charge nothing at the machine and cards work almost everywhere.
How much is the Rhônexpress from Lyon Airport?
Around 17 to 18 euros one way for an adult buying at the station, with a cheaper return, and discounts for booking online, for young people and for groups. It takes about 30 minutes to Lyon Part-Dieu and runs roughly every 15 minutes during the day. Tickets are sold by card at machines and online.
Is there a train station at Lyon Airport?
Yes. Lyon-Saint Exupéry TGV station, a striking Calatrava building connected to the terminals by a walkway, has direct high-speed trains to Paris, Marseille, Avignon, the Alps and other cities. The Rhônexpress to central Lyon leaves from the same station.
Does Bank of America have a partner ATM at Lyon Airport?
Yes. BNP Paribas is Bank of America's Global ATM Alliance partner in France, and has machines at the airport and across Lyon. Using one avoids BoA's flat non-network withdrawal fee. BoA's 3 percent international transaction fee still applies and is never waived.