Car rental in Lyon

Lyon serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Moving freely around the city and its surroundings, you'll discover unique places inaccessible by public transport. Among the advantages of renting a car in Lyon are time savings and the ability to plan your trip independently.

Localrent works directly with local rental companies. The service brings together the best offers to make your journey affordable.

Why Choose Localrent

Car rental through Localrent offers convenience and value. Five main advantages of the service:

1. Transparent final pricing. The rental cost shown is final, including all mandatory fees, taxes, and insurance.
2. Low advance payment when booking. To confirm your order, you pay only 15–20% of the total amount by card. The remaining balance is paid to the rental company manager when collecting the vehicle, either by card or cash (depending on the provider's terms).
3. Minimal deposits. Security deposit amounts for car rental in Lyon are small, and some vehicles are available without one.
4. Convenient website search. Filters allow you to select a car based on key parameters: transmission type, deposit amount, vehicle make, and additional options.
5. Wide vehicle selection. Cars of various classes are available — from economical hatchbacks to spacious minivans.

Requirements for Renting a Car

Ensure you have the necessary documents. This guarantees vehicle collection without delays.

Basic requirements:

• Valid driver's license — must be current for the entire rental period
• Passport or identity document — required for contract signing when collecting the vehicle
• Bank card — needed for advance payment when booking on the website

At the Lyon location, you'll need to present your voucher, which confirms your booking (sent to your email). You can print it or display it on your phone screen.

Minimum driver age and required driving experience depend on the specific vehicle. These conditions are always indicated in each car's listing on the website.

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Lyon follows France's unified traffic regulations. Key points to consider:

• Headlight usage: Switch on dipped headlights during daytime outside cities and on motorways; always use them in the evening.
• Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers, regardless of age and seating position in the vehicle.
• Roundabout priority: When entering a roundabout, priority goes to those already on the circle. Entering vehicles must yield.
• Mobile phone restrictions: Using a phone without a Handsfree system (or speakerphone) is prohibited.
• Child safety requirements: Children under 10 years old and shorter than 135 cm must be secured in special child seats or restraint devices.

Speed limits in effect:

• Built-up areas: 50 km/h
• General-use roads outside built-up areas: 80 km/h
• Motorways: 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain)
• Always watch for traffic signs.

French police are attentive to rule compliance. Tourists are checked frequently, especially for speeding violations or parking infractions. However, the approach is friendly — the main thing is to follow the law and remain courteous.

Fuel Stations

Many petrol stations in Lyon operate on a self-service basis. You'll need to fuel the car, then proceed to the terminal or cashier. Fuel is paid for by bank card, less commonly by cash.

At automated stations, card payments involve a hold on funds. The actual fuel cost is charged after refueling. The difference is returned to the card later.

City stations typically close overnight. 24-hour stations are found on city outskirts and along main roads. On Lyon's major motorways, fuel complexes are often combined with cafés, restrooms, and shops.

Parking

Central Lyon districts feature predominantly paid parking with time-limited stays. Free parking can be found in peripheral areas.

Cars are frequently left in underground car parks. These are marked with standard blue signs featuring a white "P". Parking is charged at hourly or daily rates.

Surface parking zones have colour-coded markings:

• Blue lines — paid zones with time-limited stays
• White — parking without time restrictions. Usually free spaces, but paid options exist
• Yellow markings — complete prohibition of stopping and parking

Paid spaces are settled through parking meters accepting coins and bank cards. In residential zones, avoid leaving your car — parking there is permitted only for local residents.

How to Order a Car in Lyon

Pre-booking car rental in Lyon through Localrent takes just a few minutes. Here's a straightforward five-step guide:

1. Specify dates and location. Select the city and trip dates on the main page. Additionally, you can indicate vehicle collection and return locations, such as Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport.
2. Use filters. Narrow down the offers by selecting preferred transmission type, rental payment method, fuel type, and vehicle make.
3. Choose a vehicle. Review rental providers' offers. Each car's listing shows complete rental cost, additional option prices, deposit amount, insurance terms, and vehicle specifications.
4. Add extra options, such as a child seat or additional driver.
5. Review the final rental cost. Fill in the required details and make an advance payment by bank card (15–20% of the total). Booking confirmation (voucher) will be sent to your email.

Collect the car in Lyon at the specified time. You must have your passport, driver's license, card or cash for remaining payment (depending on chosen vehicle), and voucher confirming your order.

Where to Drive from Lyon

Lyon's routes feature well-maintained roads, making extended journeys comfortable and safe. Consider these destinations:

1. Beaujolais. This region's vineyards are located 50 km north of Lyon. The area is known for picturesque villages and tasting rooms.
2. Choranche Cave. This karst cave with underground lakes and stalactites is situated 100 km from Lyon. The route passes through Alpine foothills. A vehicle with a powerful engine is recommended, as the journey includes uphill sections.
3. Pérouges. A medieval fortified town approximately 30 km northeast of Lyon. It has preserved cobblestone streets and 15th-century architecture. The approach to the historic centre is paved, so a small city car is sufficient.
4. Grenoble. A major city at the foot of the Alps, 100 km southeast of Lyon. Popular sites include Bastille Fortress, Grenoble Museum, and Paul Mistral urban park. Any vehicle type is suitable for this trip.
5. Isère Gorge. A scenic canyon 80 km east of Lyon. Three nature parks are located here — Chartreuse, Vercors, and Écrins — plus beautiful lakes Laffrey and Paladru.

Car Rental Collection Points

You select the vehicle collection location when booking. Companies have pickup points situated in different parts of Lyon.

To choose a specific location, use the "Specify location" filter. Some rental providers deliver vehicles to hotels or any address in the city, such as Lyon-Part-Dieu railway station. Others offer collection only at their office or airport. Carefully check pickup conditions in the vehicle listing.

Important Considerations When Renting

Before travelling to Lyon, several rental-related nuances are worth noting. These tips will help avoid unexpected situations.

Understand Parking Regulations

Central Lyon predominantly features paid blue zones with time limits. Parking is free on Sundays, public holidays, and daily from 7:00 pm to 9:00 am. For extended parking, use underground car parks.

Photograph Existing Damage Immediately

Local rental companies pay attention to vehicle appearance and interior cleanliness. Document the car's condition when collecting it to avoid disputes upon return. Ensure damage is recorded in the handover document.

Account for Toll Road Sections

Passage is paid by bank card at toll collection points. Cash (notes, coins) is not accepted everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions