How to find a cheap car hire deal in Lyon
Whether you need a compact for zipping around town or a bigger ride for longer drives, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Lyon. Pick from options averaging $238 a day and travel your way for less.
The cheapest daily home price in Lyon is $52.
For longer trips, grab a weekly home from $72 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
If you want to time it right, book about three weeks ahead to score the best price on a Lyon car hire.
Line up your ride with Rentscape, Alamo or OK Mobility. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
Whether you book with Rentscape or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Lyon car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your home. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Lyon.
Avoid any surprise charges by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at $200 a day.
Next in line is this provider, offering daily rates of around $205.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $202 a day with this supplier.
After a car that works for most trips? The Compact home category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting Lyon.
Flying to Lyon? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Lyon, make tracks sooner by picking up a car hire at Lyon Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 26 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Lyon
Small: These cheap rental cars in Lyon may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, fuel efficient, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Lyon car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra legroom and comfort make them a top choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along wide-open highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Lyon that can handle a small crowd (and all their gear), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group trips, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Lyon car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Lyon by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in France is typically 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so always go over your home company's policy to make sure you meet the requirements.
Travelling with kids? Child car seat laws vary depending on where you are, and the right setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Lyon car hire reservation.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the home counter. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
If you haven't driven before in France, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in urban areas and 125kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in France is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 8am. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay by card when it's possible, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't possible.
Best hotels in Lyon for drivers
Pull in and settle straight into your stay at Grand Hotel des Brotteaux Lyon - Handwritten Collection. Offering parking as well as a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage, this hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Lyon.
Hotel Beaulieu Lyon Charbonnières makes life simpler with parking and features like a 24-hour front desk and a cash machine. It's roughly 8 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Lyon and pick the stay that suits your plans. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Lyon and your hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to head to first. Get things started with leading attractions such as Fête Des Lumières, Lyon Old Town and Cite Internationale de la Gastronomie de Lyon.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Lyon
Around 97 kilometres southeast of central Lyon, Grenoble easily earns a place on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Cathedral of Notre Dame and Basilique du Sacré-Coeur.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Grenoble include Novotel Grenoble Centre and Kyriad Grenoble Centre.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Lyon and drive about 97 kilometres south to Valence. Featuring Musee de Valence, Art & Archeologie and Cathédrale Saint-Apollinaire, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Valence has some great accommodation options including Noemys Valence Nord - Hotel Restaurant and Ibis Budget Valence Nord Plateau des Couleures. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.
Still got fuel in the tank? Take off to Montpellier, around 257 kilometres south of Lyon. From Arc de Triomphe to Cathedrale St-Pierre, it'll round out your trip nicely.
Catch up on sleep in Montpellier at either Radisson Blu Hotel, Montpellier or B&B Hotel Montpellier Centre Le Millénaire. They've got a bed waiting for you and space for your wheels too.
