Small
Fiat 500
RentScape- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Manual
- 4 seats
from €103/7 days
See offer →
Rent a Car at Lyon St Exupery Airport (LYS)
Check live prices from 18 providers at the terminal. Pick up your keys and hit the road - no queues, no stress.
LocationAirport
Providers18
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
Quick answer: At Lyon St Exupery Airport you can compare rental cars from 18 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.
Best priceBook 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.
Cheapest car rentals in Lyon St Exupery Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 16 Nov. Prices collected 17 Oct.
RentScapeMid-size
Volkswagen T-Roc
RentScape- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €126/7 days
See offer →SUV
Renault Captur
Alamo- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €158/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in Lyon St Exupery Airport: sorted by rating
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | (298) | By shuttle bus | €152 |
 SIXT | (75) | By shuttle bus | €322 |
 Sicily By Car | (51) | By shuttle bus | €192 |
 Budget | (124) | Inside the terminal | €206 |
 Flizzr | (1) | By shuttle bus | €293 |
 Enterprise | (109) | By shuttle bus | €204 |
 Rent A Car | (3) | By shuttle bus | €194 |
 Dollar | (27) | €201 | |
 Thrifty | (29) | €199 | |
 Europcar | (79) | €196 | |
 National | (63) | Inside the terminal | €203 |
 Hertz | (34) | €210 | |
 Keddy | (208) | €150 | |
 Avis | (40) | Inside the terminal | €215 |
 OK Mobility | (221) | Inside the terminal | €135 |
| RentScape | (217) | By shuttle bus | €103 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 17 Oct, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 from customer reviews. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at Lyon St Exupery Airport
Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) is the region's main airport with as many as 18 car rental companies - clearly the largest selection in the Lyon area. The airport is located 25 km east of the city center and serves as the hub for air travel to and from Rhône-Alpes. With so many rental companies on site, you can always find the right car at the right price.
Saint-Exupéry Airport handles over 12 million passengers annually and is France's third-largest airport. From here it's 25 km to Lyon center via A43, around 100 km to Grenoble, and 80 km to Annecy. The Rhône Valley and the gateways to the Alps are quickly reached via the well-developed motorway network to the east.
With 18 rental companies, competition is fierce - book online in advance for the best price and avoid long queues upon arrival. Choose a car with GPS or download offline maps for the Alps, where mobile coverage can be weak. Rent an SUV if you're planning winter trips to ski resorts like Val d'Isère (180 km) or Méribel (160 km).
Where are the car rental desks located at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport? All 18 rental companies are grouped together in a dedicated rental car center in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1, about a 5-minute walk from baggage claim. How long does it take to drive from the airport to Lyon city center?
Via A43, it normally takes 25-35 minutes to central Lyon, but allow up to 45-50 minutes during rush hour. Can I pick up a car at the airport and return it in another city in France? Yes, most major rental companies offer one-way rentals to other cities like Marseille, Paris, or Grenoble.
An extra fee typically applies.
We compare prices from all major providers at Lyon St Exupery Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
Your 2-Minute Guide to Renting at Lyon St Exupery Airport
🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms
- Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
- Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
- Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.
🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents
- Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of France. Check if an IDP is needed.
📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup
- Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
- Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
- Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.
Rental Companies at Lyon St Exupery Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at Lyon St Exupery Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At Lyon St Exupery Airport you can compare rentals from 18 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
- Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
- Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in France ▼
In France you drive on the right side.
- Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 80 km/h
- Motorway: 130 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0.5 per mille
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼
Parking is available but may be expensive in big cities.
Road tolls: Watch for payment signs and be prepared to stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at Lyon St Exupery Airport
Which rental companies are available at Lyon St Exupery Airport?▼
You can compare 18 rental companies at Lyon St Exupery Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in France?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Lyon St Exupery Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in France is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in France?▼
In France you drive on the right side. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads and 130 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Lyon St Exupery Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Lyon St Exupery Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Lyon St Exupery Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2-4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
15-Day Weather Forecast for Lyon St Exupery Airport
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Lyon St Exupery Airport
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