Car Hire in Paris Center

Rent a car directly at Gare de Lyon, one of Paris' largest railway hubs in the 12th arrondissement, with 12 rental agencies to choose from. The station is served by TGV trains to southern France and Switzerland, making it a perfect starting point for a drive south. From here, you can reach Périphérique in under 10 minutes and the A6 motorway toward Lyon in about 15 minutes.

Gare de Lyon is located on the Seine waterfront, 3 km southeast of Notre-Dame and 2 km from Place de la Bastille. The Bercy district with its wine village and Accor Arena is just 1.5 km to the east, and Bois de Vincennes can be reached in 10 minutes' drive. Parking is available in the adjacent Bercy garage if you need to leave your car temporarily.

Book your rental car in advance during summer when TGV travelers quickly exhaust availability. Avoid driving into the city center during rush hours 7–9 am and 5–7 pm. Choose a smaller car if you plan to park in Paris' inner city – the streets around Bastille are narrow.

Where are the rental car desks at Gare de Lyon? Most rental agencies have desks in or just outside the station's main building on Boulevard Diderot. Some operators have offices in nearby parking garages – check your booking confirmation for the exact address.

Can I pick up a car late in the evening at Gare de Lyon? Several of the 12 rental agencies are open until 10–11 pm on weekdays. Check the opening hours for your chosen provider when booking, especially if you're arriving on a late TGV train.

How long does it take to drive from Gare de Lyon to Versailles? Via A6 and N118, it normally takes 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. Avoid traveling during rush hour if you want to keep the drive time down.

We compare prices from all major providers at Paris Rail Gare De Lyon 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.