Compare and save on rental cars in Lyon
Planning a trip to Lyon? Your city break or a journey through the Rhone-Alpes region, can be sorted by booking a rental car on our platform. We help you compare rental options and secure a better deal according to your budget.
Lyon is one of France’s most popular gateways, with travelers frequently choosing rental cars for the flexibility to explore destinations such as Annecy, Grenoble, the Beaujolais wine region and the French Alps at their own pace.
By comparing prices, vehicle types and rental conditions from our reputable partner suppliers, you can often find significant savings while avoiding unexpected costs. So whether you are looking for a budget-friendly city car, a spacious family SUV or a luxury vehicle for a special occasion, with us you get competitive rates and convenient pick-up locations so you can book with confidence and focus on enjoying your trip.
Car rental companies in Lyon
We allow our customers to compare deals from multiple rental providers like Avis, Budget, National Car Rental, Sixt, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Dollar Car Rental, Hertz, Keddy by Europcar and Thrifty Car Rental in one place.
Our wide selection of international and well-known car rental partners in Lyon gives you plenty of choice whether you need a compact city car, a family vehicle or a premium rental. By booking with us, you save time and identify competitive rates, flexible rental terms and convenient pick-up locations.
Car rental categories in Lyon
Car Hire Hub provides a variety of self-drive car categories to choose from. You can select any vehicle that best suits your destination in Lyon or anywhere in the EU.
Economy cars
Economy cars
Booking an economy rental car in Lyon is ideal for driving within the city centre. You can easily navigate narrow streets in districts such as Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse. They are also well suited to day trips to nearby destinations including Perouges, Vienne and the Beaujolais wine region using regional roads and motorways.
SUVs
SUVs
SUVs provide extra comfort for longer journeys from Lyon to the French Alps, Lake Annecy and mountain resorts during all seasons. Their higher driving position is useful on winding alpine roads, while the luggage space is great for our plans to ski areas, national parks and outdoor recreation destinations throughout southeastern France.
Vans/minivans
Vans and minivans
8 to 12-seater passenger vans in Lyon are well suited for group travel to routes between Lyon and major destinations such as Geneva, Chamonix, Grenoble and Avignon. The additional passenger and luggage capacity makes them an economical choice for longer road trips across France and neighbouring regions.
Luxury cars
Luxury cars
People often book a luxury rental car in Lyon to travel between Lyon and commercial hubs such as Paris, Geneva, Grenoble and for meetings in Lyon's La Part-Dieu business district. Exotic cars are also suited to journeys through the Rhone Valley, the Beaujolais vineyards and along the French Riviera, providing a refined driving experience.
Top car rental locations in Lyon
We provide access to a variety of convenient car rental pick-up and drop-off locations throughout Lyon, making it easy to start and end your journey where it suits you best.
Whether you are arriving at Lyon Airport, traveling by train or staying in the city centre (with selected hotel delivery options), you can compare rental options across multiple locations to find the most convenient choice for your travel dates.
Best airport, railway station & downtown locations:
- Lyon–Saint Exupery Airport (LYS)
- Lyon Part-Dieu Railway Station
- Lyon Perrache Railway Station
- Lyon Downtown/City Center
- Lyon Venissieux
- Lyon Stalingrad/Lamothe
Car rental deal types in Lyon
Short-term rentals
Short-term car rental deals are ideal if you are visiting Lyon for 24 hours, a few days or a weekend getaway. They are commonly chosen to explore the city, for attending business meetings in La Part-Dieu and Confluence and for taking short road trips to destinations such as Annecy, Grenoble, the Beaujolais wine region or nearby Alpine towns.
Long-term rentals
Popular among remote workers and visitors undertaking lengthy tours across France. Booking a long-term rental car in Lyon provides flexibility for exploring multiple EU regions while avoiding the commitments associated with vehicle ownership. With us, you can easily hire a vehicle on a monthly basis, for 2 to 6 months or more.
Last-minute rentals
Last-minute car rental deals are beneficial for those who need a vehicle on short notice in Lyon. They are often used by people who book their vehicle just 1 or 2 days before their trip as well as those making spontaneous travel plans. Comparing available offers can help secure a suitable vehicle even during busy travel periods.
Holiday car rentals
Holiday car rental deals in Lyon are especially popular during summer vacations (July-August), winter ski seasons, public holidays and festive periods. International visitors prefer car hire services for journeys from Lyon to the French Alps, Provence, the French Riviera and other leisure destinations. Booking early often provides access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Cross-country car rentals in Lyon
Lyon's location in eastern France makes it a convenient starting point for cross-border road trips into Switzerland and Italy. Many of our listed car rental suppliers allow international travel, although additional fees, insurance requirements and vehicle restrictions may apply.
Always check the rental terms and request cross-border travel permission from your selected provider before making a reservation.
Popular cross-border routes from Lyon| Route | Approx. distance | Approx. time (without any stop) |
|---|---|---|
| Lyon to Geneva, Switzerland | 150 km | 2 hours |
| Lyon to Lausanne, Switzerland | 210 km | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Lyon to Turin, Italy | 315 km | 3 hours 45 minutes |
| Lyon to Milan, Italy | 450 km | 5 hours |
One-way car rentals in Lyon
We provide you with the flexibility of collecting a car at one location in Lyon and returning it to another according to your plans. Whether you are arriving at the airport, a railway station or a city-centre location, one-way car rentals make it easier to continue your journey without the need to return to your original pick-up point. This option is particularly convenient for multi-city trips and road trips across France and neighbouring countries.
Drop-off locations within Lyon
| Drop-off location | Distance from Lyon City Centre | Approx. driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS) | 30 km | 30 minutes |
| Lyon Part-Dieu Station | 3 km | 10 minutes |
| Lyon Perrache Station | 2 km | 10 minutes |
| Confluence District | 4 km | 15 minutes |
Drop-off locations outside Lyon
| Drop-off location | Distance from Lyon | Approx. driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Grenoble | 110 km | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Annecy | 145 km | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Clermont-Ferrand | 165 km | 2 hours |
| Marseille | 315 km | 3 hours 15 minutes |
Top things to do in Lyon
Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
Wander through one of Europe's largest Renaissance districts, known for its cobbled streets, colourful buildings, hidden traboules (passageways) and historic landmarks. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Lyon's most popular attractions.
Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere
Perched on Fourviere Hill, this iconic basilica offers panoramic views over Lyon and the surrounding region. Visitors can admire its ornate architecture, detailed mosaics and one of the city's most photographed viewpoints.
Discover Lyon's Culinary Scene
Often regarded as France's gastronomic capital, Lyon is famous for its traditional bouchons, local markets and regional specialities. Exploring the city's food culture is a highlight for many visitors throughout the year.
Stroll Through Parc de la Tete d'Or
One of France's largest urban parks, Parc de la Tete d'Or features botanical gardens, a large lake, walking trails and a free zoo. It is a popular destination for families, joggers, cyclists and visitors seeking a break from the city centre.
Tips for renting a car in Lyon
Consider parking before choosing your vehicle
Parking in central Lyon can be limited and some streets are narrow, particularly in historic areas such as Vieux Lyon. If you plan to spend most of your time within the city, choosing a smaller vehicle can make parking and navigating urban streets much easier.
Watch for toll roads
Many motorways connecting Lyon with destinations such as Paris, Geneva, Marseille and the French Alps are toll roads. Ask your supplier about toll payment methods and factor toll costs into your travel budget before setting off.
Choose an automatic car early
Book your automatic car rental in Lyon early as EVs are generally less common than manual transmission cars. If you prefer driving an automatic, book at least 3 to 6 weeks in advance (especially between late June and early September).
Plan for Alpine driving conditions
If you are heading to the French Alps during winter, check whether your rental vehicle is equipped with the legally required winter tyres or snow equipment for mountain roads.
Check Low-Emission Zone (LEZ) requirements
Lyon operates a Low-Emission Zone that may restrict access for certain higher-emission vehicles in parts of the metropolitan area. Before travelling, check whether your rental vehicle complies with local regulations, especially if you plan to drive frequently within the city.
People also ask
Winter tyres may be included on some rental vehicles during the winter season, particularly for the French Alps and mountain regions. Availability varies by supplier and vehicle category, so it is advisable to confirm winter tyre or snow equipment requirements when booking, especially if you plan to drive in alpine areas.
To find a cheap rental car in Lyon, compare prices from multiple global & local suppliers, book 2 to 4 weeks in advance or at least 1-2 months in advance during peak season and remain flexible with your pick-up location and vehicle type.
Basic insurance is typically included with most car rentals in Lyon, but the level of coverage can vary between suppliers. Before booking, review the included protection and consider whether additional coverage is appropriate for your travel plans and comfort level.
Yes, some car rental suppliers in Lyon offer vehicles with lower security deposit requirements. To find these options more easily, use our security deposit filter in the booking page to set your preferred deposit range and compare available deals that match your budget.
Some car rental companies in Lyon may accept debit cards, while others require a credit card for the security deposit. Accepted payment methods vary by supplier, so it is important to check the rental terms and payment requirements before booking your vehicle.