Rent a Car at Lyon St Exupery Airport (LYS)

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.