Car hire in Lyon, France

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Lyon

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Lyon car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Lyon pick-up location

There are 111 car hire locations in Lyon. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Lyon

Hiring a car in Lyon: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyRentscape
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 1,808
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Lyon

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Lyon car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Lyon

  • Whether you need a compact for zipping through the city streets or a bigger ride for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Lyon. Pick from options averaging R 1,808 a day and get on the road for less.

  • Accelerate your savings by reserving your wheels in December. With average daily rates of R 406, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in Lyon.

  • Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap rental car in Lyon. Book about three weeks before you travel to score the best prices.

  • Check out car hire deals in Lyon from leading providers like Rentscape, Alamo and OK Mobility.

  • The coverage Rentscape or another company includes with your Lyon car hire can vary, so remember to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Check 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in Lyon. Providers sometimes need to move vehicles between branches, which means you can score some awesome one-way prices.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Lyon with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.

  • Pack more into your journey by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you like with no extra cost.

  • If you have a flight to Lyon, you might prefer to skip the city pickup and grab one of the car rentals in Lyon Saint-Exupery International Airport instead. Throw your bags into the back of the car and drive straight to where you need to go.

Compare car hire types in Lyon

  • Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a quick trip, a cheap rental car in Lyon from this category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and great mileage.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for small families and couples.

  • Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this Lyon car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or gliding down stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Lyon that can handle the heavy stuff. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or groups of people.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Lyon car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Lyon by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.

Good to know

  • To rent a car in France, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may offer rentals to younger drivers for a higher rate, so always check the terms before finalizing your ride.

  • Travelling with kids? Car seat rules vary according to the location, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Find out if you need to add one to your Lyon car hire reservation.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Lyon

  • Line up an epic car hire deal in Lyon and then get ready to explore the city's most popular attractions, like Fête Des Lumières and Lyon Old Town. Whether you drive or get there another way, you'll want to check out these highlights before you head out of town.

  • Take your time getting to know Lyon by staying at Adonis Lyon Dock Ouest or Lagrange Aparthotel Lyon Lumière.

  • Shift gears and make tracks to Grenoble. Around 97 kilometres south-east of central Lyon, it's home to must-do sights like Alps Mountain Guide and Cathedral of Notre Dame.

  • Residhotel Grenette and Premiere Classe Grenoble Sud - Gières Université are popular accommodation options in Grenoble.

  • Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Lyon and then take off to Valence. Around 97 kilometres south of Lyon, botanic Valence and Musee de Valence, Art & Archeologie are major attractions that make the drive totally worth it.

  • Take it easy after a day spent exploring Valence at AppartsHotels'De Ville. Or hang the 'do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at Noemys Valence Nord - Hotel Restaurant.

  • Why slow down now? Set out for Dijon, around 177 kilometres north of Lyon. From Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne to Palace of the Dukes, it's the perfect finale to your trip.

  • Get some shut-eye in Dijon at Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon - MGallery. Premiere Classe Dijon Sud - Marsannay has your room key ready too.

Frequently asked questions

The cheapest car to rent in Lyon is a compact van or truck. The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Lyon are currently Getaround and Go Virtuo.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Lyon is currently December.
On average, around R 2,232. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Lyon is R 2,232.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Lyon for a whole month is R 18,799. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Lyon, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Lyon that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Lyon.
Most places – Lyon included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 568 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,808.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Rentscape, Getaround and OK Mobility offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Rentscape as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Lyon.