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Compare car hire prices from major providers in Lyon with Road Genius. From affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up in the city centre, at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) or Part-Dieu train station and hit the motorways for easy drives to the Alps, Provence and Beaujolais. Filter by automatic or manual, one-way rentals and cross-border travel to Switzerland or Italy and compare fuel and deposit policies before you book.
Lyon offers several options for car rental depending on your arrival method and itinerary needs:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Lyon City Centre | • Lower base rental rates • Convenient if staying in the city centre • Multiple pickup points including Part-Dieu train station |
• Challenging city traffic for driving out • Construction around Part-Dieu area • Shorter operating hours (many close for lunch and Sundays) • Navigating out of the city can be stressful |
| Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) | • Immediate motorway access • Extended operating hours (often 24/7) • Easier navigation to motorways • All major rental companies present |
• Slightly higher rates due to airport fees • Need to take shuttle to rental centre (approx. 15 min) • Distance from city centre if starting your trip in Lyon |
If arriving by train at Part-Dieu station, you can either rent directly at the station or take the Rhônexpress tram to the airport for more rental options and easier motorway access.
On average, car rentals in Lyon cost around €57 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €36 per day.
Compare pickup spots: City centre locations in Lyon, including Part-Dieu, often have lower base rates than LYS airport. Just match your pickup/return to their shorter hours to avoid out-of-hours fees.
Book by season: For July–August and winter holidays, book early. In spring/fall or Jan/Nov, use free cancellation to rebook if prices drop.
Pick a manual and smaller class: Manual cars are usually much cheaper than automatics, and compact cars save on rental price and parking in Lyon’s garages.
Limit add-ons: Extra drivers typically cost €5–10 per day. Keep drivers to a minimum and bring your own child seats if practical.
Fuel smart: Fill up at supermarket stations around Lyon (e.g., near Carrefour or Leclerc) before returning. Avoid motorway stations and return the car full.
Cut urban costs: Use Park & Ride lots (~€5/day with transit) when visiting the Presqu’île instead of €2–4/hour street parking or €20–35/day garages. If heading to Geneva or Italy, compare round-trip vs one-way pricing and check any cross-border fees.
Lyon has a well-organised but potentially expensive parking system:
| Parking Type | Cost Range (Approximate) | Local Details |
|---|---|---|
| On-street (Central Lyon) | Varies by area and time | Limited to 2 hours in most central areas; payment via metres or mobile apps |
| Underground Parking Garages | Varies by garage and duration | More secure; look for "P" signs; Bellecour and Cordeliers are central |
| Park & Ride (Parc Relais) | Varies; often linked to transit usage | Located near metro/tram stations; economical option for day trips |
Parking Tips:
Some hotels offer parking; reserve in advance
Lyon has a Low Emission Zone (ZFE) restricting certain high-pollution vehicles; rental cars should comply, but confirm your vehicle has the required Crit'Air sticker
Speed limits: 30 km/h in many central areas, 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80-90 km/h on rural roads
Rent a car so you can get to:
French Alps (Chamonix) - ski resorts
Provence (Avignon)
Beaujolais wine country - villages
Burgundy (Beaune)
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Lyon? If your licence isn't in French, you legally need an International Driving Permit or an official translation. If your licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, you must have an IDP.
Where can I find the cheapest fuel prices around Lyon? Large supermarket chains like Carrefour and Leclerc usually offer the lowest fuel prices, about 10-15 cents per litre less than motorway service stations.
Is it difficult to drive in Lyon's city centre? Driving in Lyon's city centre can be a challenge because of its one-way systems and narrow streets. If you're a new driver, you might find it stressful, but the motorways around the city are well-marked and easier to drive on.
How much is parking typically in Lyon? You can expect to pay about €2-4 per hour for on-street parking in central areas. In parking garages, daily rates are about €20-35, depending on the location.
Can I take a rental car from Lyon to Switzerland or Italy? Yes, most rental companies let you drive to nearby countries, but you need to tell them first. They might charge you extra fees and have special insurance rules for driving across borders.
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