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Another transport question: Annecy to Lyon Airport issues on given date

We are trying to plan travel from Annecy to Lyon (LYS) Airport on W. May 6 for a VERY early flight on May 7. Our plan was to stay at an airport hotel the night of May 6.

However, this does not appear easy, and will likely take all day. I was surprised, given the popularity of Annecy. Our travel dates seem to be fraught with issues. The only options I found are below. Any advice on choices below, or am I missing something?

  1. Flixbus shows NO service from Annecy on Wed. May 6 except to Gerland station. We then need to get from Gerland to LYS. I thought perhaps they were sold out, but also discovered there is no service the previous Wed. either, and only one bus the following Wed. All other days are wide-open. Is there something happening in Annecy on May 6? Or is Wednesday an extreme travel day from Annecy?

  2. I was advised that BlahBlahBus is not always reliable. Plus, they only have one early option on May 6 that works, requiring we spend all day May 6 at the airport area. If they do not come, or sell out early, we are in trouble.

  3. SNCF indicates (2) potential TER trains to Lyon Part-Dieu in the morning or early afternoon. Then we still need to travel from Part-Dieu to LYS. I read there is reliable bus via Rhone Express. I am not familiar with that service. Can we purchase RhoneExpress on arrival to Part-Dieu, or do we need to make advance purchase to secure a seat?

  4. SNCF website also indicates several Voyagers bus service options Annecy to Part Dieu. Do these need to be pre-purchased as well? I am not familiar with “Voyagers” . Again, we would need to find a way from Part-Dieu to LYS.

Apologies this is so long. We also need to travel Lyon (city center) to Annecy on Sunday, May 3, and need to be flexible with time. This direction seems to have many more options, and easier. TER train or Flixbus preferred?

Posted by
1070 posts

I'm on the SNCF website right now and for 6 May I'm seeing 6 trains from Annecy (town) to Lyon Saint Exupery TGV. 3 hours 6 minutes w transfers in Grenoble. 743, 1043, 1243, 1443, 1543 and 1643 departures. 44E each roughly.

Posted by
1735 posts

Tickets for May just went on sale this morning. Take another look.

Regarding your May 3 travel between Lyon and Annecy, I would always choose train over bus unless the bus stops are more convenient to my hotel.

Regarding being flexible with time? I would commit to reserved seats for Sunday travel, especially on a holiday weekend.

Posted by
118 posts

Lyon Part Dieu to airport is an easy trip on the Rhone Express, which is more like a tram than a train. Not a bus. You can buy tickets at the stop, no need to book ahead although I have sometimes bought a ticket on the app just to save time. At Part-Dieu, the Rhone Express is outside the station, on the side labeled "Villette", next to where the T3 tram stops, opposite side from the T1. Part-Dieu is a big and busy train station so look at the signage to make sure you get to the correct side. I would recommend train to Part Dieu rather than bus.

Posted by
57 posts

Thank you to all! Transportation definitely seems to be our weakest link planning this trip, as it involves planes, trains (TER, TGV, etc), busses, trams, car rentals, etc. So many options (a good thing) also becomes confusing - especially around the holidays. Very much appreciate all the helpful hints found on this forum!