Lyon to London flights

The 457 miles from Lyon to London take typically 1 hour and 50 minutes on a non-stop flight.

Non-stop is quickest, though connections via Barcelona or Munich can fit a different departure time, and cheap flights from Lyon to London currently start from £21, based on purchases made on Opodo in recent days.

You land at Heathrow, Gatwick or London City.

Flights from Lyon depart from Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), about 25km (15 miles) from the city centre. You can reach the terminals on the Rhônexpress tram, which runs every 15 minutes and takes about half an hour from Lyon-Part-Dieu station.

easyJet is a major carrier for flights from Lyon to London and flies from Terminal 1. Once at the airport, you can use free Wi-Fi, business lounges and a range of places to eat before your flight.

When your flight from Lyon lands, you will likely arrive at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW), or London City Airport (LCY). From Heathrow, the Heathrow Express reaches Paddington Station in 15 minutes, while the Elizabeth Line offers a slower but direct link to the West End and the City. From Gatwick, the Gatwick Express runs to Victoria Station in 30 minutes. Travellers landing at London City can use the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), reaching the financial district or connections to the Underground in about 20 minutes.

For those preferring road transport, private hire vehicles have designated pick-up zones at each terminal. National Express and Megabus coaches also operate from the central bus stations at Heathrow and Gatwick, serving various London terminals including Victoria Coach Station. Journey times by road vary significantly depending on traffic, often taking between 60 and 90 minutes to reach central areas.

Entry requirements for London

French and other EU citizens travelling from Lyon can generally enter the UK for tourism or short-term business for up to 6 months without a visa. You must present a valid passport for the duration of your stay; national ID cards are no longer accepted for entry. It is advisable to check the latest border formalities, as requirements for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) may apply.

London offers an endless array of historic and cultural sites easily accessible from its major transport hubs. You can visit the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square or head to South Kensington to explore the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The area around Westminster is home to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, while a boat trip on the River Thames provides a unique perspective of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

For a more contemporary experience, the Tate Modern on the South Bank and the vibrant markets of Shoreditch are popular destinations. Whether you are visiting the royal residences of Buckingham Palace or exploring the boutiques of the West End, the city's extensive Underground network makes navigating between these iconic landmarks straightforward.