If you’ve got a layover in St-Etienne, don’t let it go to waste sitting at EBU. The city, in France, is within easy reach — roughly 80 minutes by STAS Bus. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Before You Step Outside EBU
Three things to verify before you walk out of EBU:
- Can you legally enter France? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 80-minute journey each way by STAS Bus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from Saint-Ãtienne-Bouthéon Airport to Downtown
From EBU, the STAS Bus gets you to St-Etienne in around 80 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 100 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the STAS Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How to Spend Your Time in St-Etienne
Two recommendations for your time in St-Etienne:
Start with Place Jean Jaurès & Cathédrale Saint-Charles-Borromée. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in St-Etienne. Then, if time allows, make your way to Musée d’Art et d’Industrie. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in St-Etienne.
If you’d rather stay inside EBU — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Aérogare Boutique Saint-Ãtienne
- Relax in the Main Waiting Area
Best Bites Near EBU
In St-Etienne
If you make it into town, La Tanière is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try L’Escargot d’Or.
Inside EBU
If you’re staying in the terminal, Le Kiosque Gourmand is your main option. Vending Machine Snacks & Drinks works too if you want something quick.
Money & Budget Tips
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for St-Etienne:
Transport to the city and back runs about $11 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $22 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $43 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in St-Etienne, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Storing Your Luggage at Saint-Ãtienne-Bouthéon Airport
Luggage storage options at EBU can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in St-Etienne for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at EBU, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in St-Etienne itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for France that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at EBU, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in St-Etienne exploring the streets or relaxing at EBU, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.