All-inclusive car rental in Lyon
An all-inclusive rental in Lyon includes full insurance with zero excess - ideal for the Beaujolais and Rhône wine country and as a launchpad to the Alps.
Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, sits between the vineyards of Beaujolais and the Rhône Valley and within striking distance of the Alps. A car turns it into a base for wine routes, Roman towns and mountain day trips.
A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation, with pick-up at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport.
Good to know before you drive in Lyon
| Pick-up point | Lyon Airport (LYS) |
|---|---|
| Wine country | Beaujolais & northern Rhône |
| Further afield | The Alps, Annecy, Vienne |
| City | Crit’Air zone - park and walk |
Wine country and the Alps
The Beaujolais hills begin just north of the city, with golden-stone villages and tasting cellars, while the steep northern Rhône vineyards (Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu) line the river to the south. To the east, Annecy and the Alps are around 90 minutes away.
Country and mountain roads are where zero-excess cover earns its keep, removing the worry of a minor knock.
Practical tips
Lyon has a Crit’Air low-emission zone and limited central parking - use a car park and explore the old town and Presqu’île on foot. Autoroutes to the Alps are tolled.
The all-inclusive price already includes full insurance, unlimited mileage and airport fees.
Picking up your car at Lyon Airport
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) is east of the city beside the A43, so you are quickly on the autoroute for the Alps or the wine country. Completing the online check-in beforehand helps you skip most of the desk.
Bring your driving licence, passport or ID and the lead driver’s card; an International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a non-EU licence, and there is no deposit to block at most pick-up points.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in Lyon can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.
| All-inclusive (Cardamar) | Basic rate + counter insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage & theft excess | €0 – fully covered | High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card |
| When you insure | Before you travel, at a fixed price | At the desk, under time pressure, price varies |
| Tyres, glass & undercarriage | Included | Usually excluded or charged extra |
| Deposit / card hold | None or low at most stations | Large hold blocked for the whole trip |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation | Often non-refundable |
| What you pay in total | Known the moment you book | Can climb sharply at the counter |
A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.
Lyon car rental - FAQ
What is the best day trip from Lyon?
The Beaujolais or northern Rhône wine routes for food and scenery, or Annecy and the Alps for mountains and lake - all easy drives.
Is a car useful in Lyon itself?
The centre is walkable and has a low-emission zone, so a car is best for the surrounding wine country and the Alps.
Are the autoroutes tolled?
Yes, the motorways towards the Alps and south are tolled, payable by card.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Lyon?
Your driving licence, a passport or national ID, and where required a card in the lead driver’s name. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside a non-EU licence; online check-in beforehand speeds up collection.
Do I need a Crit’Air sticker in Lyon?
Lyon has a low-emission zone (ZFE) requiring a Crit’Air vignette. Rental cars are usually fitted with one; confirm with the supplier if you plan to drive into the centre on a weekday.