Car Hire Lyon Airport — Gateway to the Alps and Rhône Valley

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is the primary gateway to eastern France, serving the Alps, Rhône Valley, and Beaujolais wine region. Located 25 km east of Lyon, it’s perfectly positioned for ski trips (the Alps are 1.5 hours away), wine country (Beaujolais is 45 minutes), and Provence (2 hours south). The airport is named after Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the aviator and author of The Little Prince, who was born in Lyon. For travellers heading to ski resorts, Lyon Airport is often more convenient than Geneva.

The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (international and domestic flights) and Terminal 2 (low-cost carriers). A free shuttle connects them. The TGV station is integrated into the airport, making rail connections easy. But for regional exploration, a rental car is essential — public transport to ski resorts and wine regions is limited or time-consuming.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at Lyon Airport

Car rental counters are in Terminal 1’s arrival hall, with some providers in Terminal 2. Major companies include Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, and French chains like Ada and Rent A Car. Most counters are open 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with several offering 24-hour service. Follow “Voitures de Location” signs from baggage claim.

The pickup garage (P0, P1, P2) is adjacent to the terminals. Vehicle return is clearly signposted — follow “Restitution Voitures de Location.” Fuel stations are located at the airport entrance and nearby Aéroport Lyon-Saint Exupéry. Fill up before returning to avoid surcharges.

Documentation: valid driving licence (EU/EEA or International Driving Permit), passport or ID card, and credit card for deposit (€500-1,500). Lyon Airport handles international travellers daily. Photograph your vehicle before leaving.

Where to Go from Lyon Airport

Lyon City Centre (30 minutes) — West on the A43 and A7. Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) when the Périphérique can slow. Parking in central Lyon is expensive — use underground garages.

Beaujolais Wine Region (35 minutes) — North on the A6. Vineyards and wine tastings in charming villages. Perfect for a day trip.

Annecy (50 minutes) — East on the A43 and A41. Alpine lake, medieval town, and mountain views. Boat trips and hiking available.

French Alps Ski Resorts (1.5-2 hours) — East on the A43 and A41 or A40. Chamonix, Megève, Courchevel, and Les Trois Vallées. Book transfers or drive directly.

Geneva, Switzerland (1.5 hours) — Northeast on the A40. The UN, Jet d’Eau, and Lake Geneva. Check rental agreement for cross-border permissions.

Tips for Driving in France

Lyon Airport connects to the A43 (Lyon city centre) and A6 (north-south). The A7 connects south to Marseille. Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways (110 km/h in rain). The A43 and A7 can be busy during rush hours and ski season weekends — plan accordingly.

French motorways are toll roads. The A6 and A7 have significant tolls. Fuel is cheaper at supermarkets than at the airport or autoroute. Winter driving to ski resorts requires snow tyres (November-March) — rental cars are equipped during these months.

Lyon has a low-emission zone (ZFE) requiring a Crit’Air sticker for central areas. Rental cars should have this; confirm before driving into Lyon.

Compare Lyon Airport car hire prices using the search above. With immediate access to the Alps, Beaujolais, and Provence, it’s the perfect starting point for eastern France adventures.