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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Lyon
Lyon
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Lyon
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Lyon
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Lyon
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Hire a Car in Lyon?
Lyon is a city with a blend of history and modernity. While public transport is available, hiring a car offers more flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City. Hiring a car gives you the freedom to visit the Beaujolais vineyards, the French Alps, or the charming towns of the Rhône-Alpes region.
Convenience and Comfort. A hire car offers convenience for families, business travellers, or anyone with lots of luggage. It's more comfortable than navigating public transport.
Cost-Effective for Groups. Car hire can be more economical for groups than individual train or bus tickets, especially for day trips outside Lyon.
Freedom to Travel at Your Own Pace. With a hire car, you’re not tied to train or bus schedules. You can explore Lyon and its surroundings at your own pace.
Hire Terms and Conditions in Lyon
Before hiring a car in Lyon, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, possess a valid driving licence, and understand the insurance policies, deposit requirements, mileage restrictions, and fuel policies.
Area
47.87 square kilometres (18.48 square miles)
Population
Approximately 515,695 residents (city); 1.7 million (metropolitan area)
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (UTC+2 during summer)
Ideal for
Day trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car hire companies in Lyon require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges.
2. Driving Licence & DocumentationA valid driving licence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed for licences not in the Latin alphabet. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included. Additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is held on the renter's credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can be unlimited or restricted. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or add-ons like GPS or child seats.
Car Hire Prices in Lyon – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £25 / $32 / €30 per day
7 Seater:
from £28 / $35 / €34 per day
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
SUV:
from £8.5 / $11 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Lyon?
Compare prices, select the appropriate car, and review the hire terms thoroughly. Booking early is key for securing the best rates, particularly during peak seasons. Remember to bring your licence, credit card, and ID for vehicle pickup.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle needs.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your itinerary, from an economy car for city trips to an SUV for mountain adventures.
3. Check Hire Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements before booking.
4. Book in Advance - Book early, especially during peak seasons, for better prices and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driving licence, credit card, and identification to collect your hire car.
General Information About Lyon
Lyon offers a blend of history, culture, and modern life. It's ideal for sightseeing and day trips, and exploring it by car requires an understanding of local traffic rules, parking, and fuel access.
Lyon is a city known for its gastronomy, historical sites, and vibrant cultural scene. As the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon offers historical landmarks, modern attractions, and diverse experiences. While Lyon has a good public transport system, hiring a car is convenient if you plan to explore beyond the city. Driving in Lyon requires awareness of traffic laws, fuel station locations, and parking regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Vieux Lyon
A UNESCO World Heritage site with Renaissance architecture and cobblestone streets.
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
A stunning basilica offering panoramic views of the city.
Parc de la Tête d'Or
One of France's largest urban parks, featuring a zoo and botanical garden.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like INDIGO or LPA for secure parking options throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but can be costly and time-limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Use park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of Lyon and take public transport into the city centre.
Gas Stations in Lyon
Availability in the City
Fuel stations are available in and around Lyon.
Major Brands
Look for Total, Shell, and BP stations.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate nearby fuel stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Lyon
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payments are widely accepted.
Watch for Cyclists
Be aware of cyclists, especially in the city centre.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM).
ZFE Zone
Since January 1st, 2023, the Crit'Air sticker is mandatory to drive in the ZFE zone of Lyon. The restriction apply to vans, cars and two-wheeled vehicles.
Key Transportation Hubs in Lyon
Major Bus Stations
Lyon Perrache Bus Station
One of the main bus stations in Lyon, serving both national and international routes.
Railway Stations
Lyon Part-Dieu
The main railway station in Lyon, offering high-speed train connections to major cities in France and Europe.
Lyon Perrache
A historic railway station in the city centre.
Airports
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
The main international airport serving Lyon.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Lyon?
Hiring a car in France is a relatively straightforward process, but you'll need to meet a few key requirements before you can drive away. Here's what you'll typically need.
A valid driving licence is required. If your licence is not in a Latin-alphabet language, you'll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge additional fees for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other valid form of identification may also be required.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Lyon as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Spontaneous Lyon weekend! So glad I had a car. The Vieux Lyon was charming, though some of the tourist shops felt a bit generic.
Ava Davis
Reviewed: 15.09.2024
Loved our Lyon stop! Having a car made getting around so easy, and the city itself was beautiful. Perfect for a quick road trip detour.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 13.05.2025
Charming Lyon! Cruising around in my rental car was effortless. Even managed a relaxing coastal getaway.
Grace Wilson
Reviewed: 25.10.2024
Summer in Lyon was perfect! Getting around with a car was so easy; the city and region are stunning.
Isabelle Dupont
Reviewed: 26.01.2025
Back in Lyon after years, it's even better! Having a car made exploring so easy. Wonderful trip.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 11.08.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 20.09.2024
Lyon exceeded expectations! Having a car was perfect for exploring the beautiful countryside surrounding the city. I'll definitely return.
Olivia Brown
Reviewed: 13.09.2024
I'd heard great things about Lyon, and they were all true! Getting around with a car was surprisingly easy, and it allowed us to explore so much more. Beautiful city.
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 13.07.2025
Such a fun trip! Exploring Lyon and beyond with my rental was effortless.
Katherine Lee
Reviewed: 06.02.2025
Fantastic Lyon getaway! Catching up with friends was effortless, thanks to having a car. The city's a gem.
Benjamin Carter
Reviewed: 09.09.2024
Sunny Lyon was a dream! Exploring the region by car was so easy and delightful during the summer holidays.
Jessica Smith
Reviewed: 09.12.2024
Lyon was amazing! Exploring the city and surrounding areas by car was so convenient. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 12.06.2025