Sleeping in Airports

Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport Guide

sleeping in lyon airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / February 2019)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Lyon Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

There were at one point 12 different people taking up couch space, and the staff took absolutely no notice, left us perfectly alone. – a traveller

LYS Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport.

What to Expect

  • Lyon Airport (code: LYS) consists of three separate terminals for domestic, international and low-cost carrier flights. A wide variety of shops, restaurants and services are available, mainly in Terminals 1 and 2.
  • WiFi is available to help pass the time.
  • Economy class passengers can pay to enter one of the airport’s first-class lounges.
Lyon Airport Guide
(Photo courtesy of a Guest Traveller / 21Feb2019)

Sleeping in Lyon Airport

Don’t bother trying to sleep in the stingy and uncomfortable Terminal 3! Terminal 1 is the popular terminal for sleeping, with its ample supply of comfortable seating and couches (mostly near bars and restaurants closed for the night), peaceful atmosphere, power outlets a-plenty, and free WiFi. Have earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones handy to block out any annoying overhead announcements! For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Lyon Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

Head to the free lounge area and information bar in Le Square (Level 1). This area offers seating and a small relaxation space. The Welcome Space also provides tablet access for passengers.

Take normal precautions when resting in public areas. Keep valuables secure and within reach, and consider using your bag as a pillow or securing it to your body.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Lyon Airport:

  • Moxy Lyon Airport – Located in Terminal 2.  No airport shuttle.  » Check Rates
  • NH Lyon Aéroport – (30 steps from Terminals 1 and 2) Day rooms are offered according to availability.  No airport shuttle.  » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Lyon Airport that can be sorted by price, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.
  • Le Salon Mont Blanc – Location: Airside, Terminal 1, Level 1, near Gates B27–B36. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (€39 per adult) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit Card Rewards programs • Business/First Class passengers of contracted airlines including Lufthansa, Emirates, and TAP Air Portugal.
  • Salon Confluence – Location: Airside, Terminal 1, Level 1, near Gates B10–B19. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (€39 per adult, subject to availability) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Eligible premium passengers of contracted airlines.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounge listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

  • Air France Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Schengen departures area. Hours: Aligned with Air France’s daily flight schedules. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Restricted to Air France Business Class passengers and Flying Blue Gold/Platinum and SkyTeam Elite Plus members travelling on Air France or other SkyTeam flights.  (generally opening 2 hours before the first AF departure and closing after the last).
  • Salon Confluence 2E – Location: Airside, Terminal 2, near Gates E10–E12. Hours: Based on flight schedules (typically 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM, charter and seasonal operations only). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Restricted to Business Class/charter passengers of contracted airlines.

Drinking Water

Information is unavailable. Does Lyon Airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? click here to update this guide.

Food & Drinks

About 20 restaurants and cafés operate throughout the terminals. Opening hours vary, with some venues opening around 4:30–5:00 AM.

At the time of this update, there are no 24-hour dining options.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Several tables in the restaurant area of Terminal 1 provide charging points. Power outlets are also available in many seating areas throughout the terminal.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available throughout the terminals.

The Welcome Space in Le Square (Landside, Level 2) also provides tablets for passenger use.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Note: Locations, hours, and rates may change. Information is provided for general reference only.

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available. Fees may apply depending on your bank. Locations: Terminal 1, landside, Check-in area (Level 1) • Terminal 2, landside, Check-in area (Level 0).

Baby Care Facilities – Diaper-changing rooms are available 24 hours in Terminals 1 and 2. Strollers may be borrowed free of charge from the Information Desk.

Children’s Play Area – Locations: Terminal 1, landside, Level 0 near the tour operators • Terminal 2, airside, Departures lounge.

Currency Exchange – Travelex provides currency exchange services. Locations: Terminal 1, airside (Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:15 PM) • Terminal 1, landside (Hours: 5:15 AM – 8:00 PM).

ECapsule – Enclosed work booths for privacy. Location: Terminal 1, airside, boarding area. Hours: 24 hours. Rate: From €2.90.(Level 0).

Information Desk – Locations: Terminal 1, Level 0 (Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM) • Terminal 2, Level 0 (Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM) • Welcome Area – Le Square, Level 1 (Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM) • Transportation Counter – Terminal 1, landside, Level 0.

Luggage Trolleys – Available throughout the terminals. Rate: €1 refundable deposit (coin). Tokens may be available in car parks and Arrivals areas.

Luggage Wrapping – Plastic bag wrapping service available. Rate: From €12 per bag. Locations: Terminal 1, Departures (Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM) • Terminal 1, landside (Hours: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM).

Medical Services – Emergency and urgent medical care is available. Locations: Infirmary (Bâtiment Arc, Level 0; Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM) • Medical Practice (Arc Building, Level 0; open 24 hours).

Pharmacy – Location: Le Square, airside, Level 1. Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Mon–Fri) • 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Sat) • 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sun).

Prayer Area – Interfaith Religious Centre located in Le Square, Level 1. Hours: Open 24 hours.

Shopping – Three duty-free shops and several retail outlets are available, including Relay (newspapers, magazines, snacks).

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this guide.

Spa & Salon Services – Manicures and pedicures are available at Mademoiselle Vernis Nail Bars. Location: Terminal 1, airside, Departure Lounge, Level 1. Hours vary, generally between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

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Bus

The airport is well-connected to the bus system. Whether you are travelling to the city, a nearby town or heading to the slopes, there should be a bus that can get you there. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Lyon Airport website.

Car Rentals

A free shuttle service links the airport with the car rental area. The following agencies are located on-site: Avis/Budget • Enterprise/National/Alamo • Europcar • Hertz/Thrifty • Sixt • Total. Self-service car rentals are also available (24-hour pick-up) with ada and VIRTUO.

Hotel Shuttles

At the time of this update, we found only one hotel offering airport shuttle service: Ibis Budget Aeroport Lyon Saint Exupery.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Taxi

Metered taxis are readily available at the taxi rank just outside LYS airport. Accepted methods of payment include cash, credit cards and bank checks. The following average daytime rates (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM) were current at the time of this update: Lyon Centre € 50 – 55; Eurexpo € 45 – 50; Cité Internationale € 45 – 50; Grenoble € 150 – 160; Moutiers € 230 – 240.

Train

Lyon Airport is connected by train to over 29 towns in France and Italy, with service provided by TGV high-speed trains or low-cost OUIGO trains. For more information on train services, visit the Lyon Airport website.

Rhônexpress takes you directly to the city center in less than 30 minutes. The train leaves every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes from 4:25 AM – 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM.

Last updated: 2026-03-12

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.