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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS). Compare rates and book in one place. Simple. Pick up from the dedicated car hire centre via the free shuttle, with major brands like Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt running extended hours. Hit the A43 and other routes quickly for Lyon city, the Alps, Annecy, Grenoble or Provence.
Lyon Airport's dedicated rental centre is accessible via a free shuttle bus from the terminal:
Arrival Procedure: 1. Exit the baggage claim area 2. Follow signs for "Location de Voitures" or "Car Rental" 3. Take the shuttle bus to the rental centre 4. Complete paperwork at your rental company's counter 5. Inspect the vehicle before departure 6. Exit directly onto motorway access roads
On average, car rentals at Lyon Airport cost around €57 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €34 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Prices at LYS are often 15-20% higher and include an airport surcharge of about €30. Check Lyon city branches too and factor in opening hours.
Time your booking to the season: For July–August and winter holidays, book 1-3 months ahead. Spring/fall usually 2-4 weeks is fine. In Jan or Nov, last-minute can be cheapest.
Rent only for the days you need: If you’re staying in Lyon first, use public transport in the city and pick up the car when you actually hit the road. Fewer rental days, less parking hassle.
Pick a smaller, manual car: Compacts with manual transmission are cheaper to rent and fuel. Only size up if you truly need space or winter capability for the Alps.
Refuel off-airport: Fill up at the A43 service area 5 minutes from LYS or in Saint-Laurent-de-Mure 10 minutes away. Airport pumps can cost 15-20% more.
Skip extras and compare totals: Decline paid GPS, book online, and compare total costs across dates and locations. Check one-way fees too, which within France are often €50-100 or sometimes waived.
As you'll be starting outside the city, here are key rules for the greater Lyon area:
| Parking Option | Rates (Approximate) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| P0-P1 (Express) | Rates apply per 15 minutes | Very short stops only |
| P2 (Covered) | Daily rates apply for covered parking | Short trips, covered parking |
| P5 (Economy) | Longer-term rates are available for economy parking | Longer trips, budget option |
If your journey includes visiting Lyon city centre:
The Low Emission Zone (ZFE) restricts older, more polluting vehicles in central Lyon. Rental cars should comply but confirm this first
Most city centre spots are underground in garages (follow "P" signs)
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Most rental companies track flight arrivals and will hold your car. However, if you know you'll be very late, you should call the company to make sure they'll still be open or have a plan for late pickups.
Can I return my rental to a different location?
Yes, most companies let you drop your car off in a different major city in France. The one-way fee depends on the company and the route you take. Sometimes they don't charge a fee, but it often costs around EUR 50-150. You must organise this ahead of time.
Do I need to purchase additional insurance at Lyon Airport?
By law, the rental company must include basic third-party insurance. You usually have an excess (also called a deductible) for collision damage and theft cover (CDW/TP), which is often around EUR 800-1500. The rental company might offer you extra cover at the counter, sometimes called Super CDW or Zero Excess, to reduce this amount. Some credit cards offer rental car cover, so check your policy to see what it includes.
What fuel type will my rental car use?
In France, many rental cars run on diesel (gazole). You should check the fuel cap or ask the staff when you pick up the car. If you use the wrong fuel, you can cause serious engine damage that your insurance won't cover.
Is it easy to navigate from Lyon Airport?
Yes, the airport has great signs and gets you straight onto the motorway. As you leave the rental area, you'll see clear signs for all major routes to places like Paris, the Alps and the Mediterranean.
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