Lyon Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Lyon

Renting a car in Lyon provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the metropolis and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as Bellecour Square, which is perfect for immersing yourself in the city's culture, or Tête d'Or Park, ideal for family and outdoor experiences. The convenience of having a car also allows for easy luggage management, making it a suitable option for those travelling with families or on business trips.

Additionally, a rental car simplifies exploring neighbourhoods like Lyon City Centre, where you can see Hôtel de Ville de Lyon and Place des Terreaux, or venture to nearby cities like Saint-Priest and Villeurbanne. These areas offer more attractions like the Musée des Confluences and additional park spaces, enhancing your experience in and around Lyon. By having your own vehicle, you can create flexible travel plans, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this vibrant city and its vicinity.

Most popular car rentals in Lyon

• Compact: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, and families, the Compact car accommodates up to 5 travellers along with 3 medium suitcases. Its size makes it perfect for navigating the streets of Lyon and accessing tighter parking spaces, allowing for a stress-free experience as you explore the city's attractions at your own pace.
• Midsize SUV: Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV comfortably seats 5 travellers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases. This option is well-suited for those looking for a more spacious ride, providing additional comfort and luggage capacity for your travels around Lyon and its vicinity.
• Economy: The Economy car is a practical choice for solo travellers, couples, and families, accommodating 5 travellers with the capacity for 2 medium suitcases. This option is great for those seeking an economical and efficient vehicle, making it easy to zip around Lyon while managing your luggage with ease.

Top rated car suppliers in Lyon

• Budget: Budget operates 3 rental locations in the Lyon area, providing convenient access for travellers. Known for its competitive pricing and a wide selection of vehicles, the most popular choices among customers include Midsize SUVs and Compacts. This supplier is ideal for those looking for flexibility and value during their trip in and around Lyon.
• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in the vicinity of Lyon, Enterprise is highly regarded for its exceptional customer service and flexible rental options. Travellers often choose Midsize Vans and Economy cars from Enterprise, making it an excellent choice for both families and solo adventurers. The staff is known for being helpful, ensuring a smooth rental experience.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car also has 2 locations in the Lyon area, and it is favoured for its quick and efficient service. Customers particularly enjoy renting Midsize SUVs and Compacts, which are well-suited for exploring the region. Alamo is recognised for maintaining a fleet of clean and reliable vehicles, making it a trusted option for tourists.

Where to stay in Lyon

• Lyon City Centre: This vibrant neighbourhood is the heart of Lyon, attracting travellers for its city and culture themes. It's conveniently located near key attractions such as Bellecour Square and Place des Terreaux, both ideal for exploring the local culture. The area also features shopping centres, entertainment venues, and numerous options for food and drinks, including wineries and cafes. Staying in Lyon City Centre puts you in close proximity to event and conference venues, making it a great choice for various experiences.
• Saint-Priest: Located just outside Lyon, Saint-Priest is an excellent option for those seeking a blend of business and family-oriented experiences. The neighbourhood offers access to shopping malls and arena entertainment facilities. Key points of interest include the Tête d'Or Park, perfect for outdoor activities, and the Musée des Confluences, which showcases culture and history. Visitors can also explore local wineries and distilleries, providing a taste of the region’s flavours.
• Villeurbanne: Villeurbanne is a family-friendly city that provides a mix of business and city-themed experiences. With access to shopping centres and theatres, it's a lively area to explore. Notable attractions include the urban Tête d'Or Park, suitable for outdoor family fun, and the iconic Bellecour Square nearby. The city's vibrant atmosphere is complemented by various bars and dining options, making it a convenient base for visitors looking to enjoy both the local culture and family activities.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Lyon

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer driving, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise filters on Expedia to pinpoint the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary according to demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to lock in lower rates and benefit from greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced option, combining cost-effectiveness, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental vehicle from airports, though the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies accept payment exclusively via credit card.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should any unforeseen issues arise during your travels. It’s straightforward to add car rental insurance while booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Lyon

The best value period for renting a car in and around Lyon is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. March can also be a good choice, as it experiences the lowest demand, though prices are at an average level. However, April tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and low demand. Following April, May sees a similar trend, maintaining slightly high prices alongside average demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	37.2°F (2.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
April	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly High
May	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	70.7°F (21.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
October	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
December	39.7°F (4.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average