Switzerland car rentals
Car rental directory
Sunnycars car rental locations in Switzerland
43 Locations
Europcar car rental locations in Switzerland
27 Locations
keddy by Europcar car rental locations in Switzerland
26 Locations
Hertz car rental locations in Switzerland
23 Locations
Dollar car rental locations in Switzerland
16 Locations
Thrifty car rental locations in Switzerland
16 Locations
Unirent car rental locations in Switzerland
14 Locations
Avis car rental locations in Switzerland
13 Locations
Edel & Stark car rental locations in Switzerland
13 Locations
Sixt car rental locations in Switzerland
12 Locations
Budget car rental locations in Switzerland
11 Locations
King Rent Exclusive Services car rental locations in Switzerland
6 Locations
Top tips for renting a car in Switzerland
- Alpine driving is at its best in Switzerland, so anyone who loves mountain vistas will want to rent a car here to make the most of the spectacular views. Renting a car in Switzerland allows drivers to visit iconic roads like the Great St. Bernard Pass and the St. Gotthard Pass, while those up for a more scenic route can opt for locations such as Lake Lucerne and the Lauterbrunnen Valley, which is best explored with the flexibility of a car.
- Drivers who wish to avoid the winding roads of mountain passes like the Furka Pass may opt in some cases to take the tunnel. This involves loading the car onto a special rail facility that will transport you and the vehicle through the mountains for a fee. An unusual way of travel, these tunnels can be accessed in locations like Furka, Albula, Simplon, and Lotschberg.
- In Switzerland, it is mandatory for children up to the age of seven to be seated in an age-appropriate child or booster seat. Rental agencies do have these on hand, but it is recommended to book well in advance to guarantee that one will be available, especially in the busy summer months. Expect to pay an additional fee of around 78 CHF (78 USD) per rental with an agency like Budget.
- Most agencies allow non-EU travelers who rent a car in Switzerland to drive the vehicle into other Western European countries for no additional charge. Some companies impose restrictions on countries like Hungary and Greece, where cross-border travel is allowed for a fee of approx. 42 CHF (42 USD) per day through an agency like Avis. In general, it is always best to inform the agency of your plans in advance, as extra paperwork or special EU-marked number plates may be required.
FAQs about renting a car in Switzerland
Compact (Ford Focus or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Switzerland.
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Switzerland are Budget (8.6, 147 reviews), Hertz (8.6, 200 reviews), and Europcar (8.5, 62 reviews).
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
Based on car searches on KAYAK. The most popular cities to rent a car in Switzerland are Zurich (45% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in Switzerland). Basel (23%) and Geneva (22%).
On average a rental car in Switzerland costs RM 1,896 per week (RM 271 per day).
On average a rental car in Switzerland costs RM 8,125 per month (RM 271 per day).
Driving in Switzerland is generally considered to be a comfortable experience, with well-maintained roads and an abundance of highways. Drivers unused to winter conditions should consider taking it slowly in stormy or icy weather, especially when driving over steep mountain passes. There are few toll roads in the country, but anyone wishing to use the highway network will need to buy a toll sticker for around 40 CHF (40 USD) for a year of access. These are usually provided by rental agencies, but if not, they can be purchased from post offices or other outlets.
To rent a car in Switzerland, drivers need to be at least 18 and have held their license for a minimum of one year. Most domestic driver’s licenses are accepted if printed in English, but otherwise, an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) will be required. Some agencies, such as Enterprise, charge an additional daily fee of around 26 CHF (26 USD) for drivers under 25 years old.
Petrol stations are common throughout the country, especially in urban or highway areas, and there are an increasing number of self-service options that accept credit cards or even cash directly at the pump. Most stations are open from 8 am to 10 pm, but some highway locations may offer a 24h service. Petrol prices are comparable to the rest of Europe, while diesel is more expensive: a liter of petrol costs around 1,50 CHF (1.50 USD) and a liter of diesel around 1,70 CHF (1.70 USD). That equals 5.67 USD for a gallon of petrol and 6.43 USD for a gallon of diesel.
Speed limits in Switzerland might vary depending on the safety and location of the road, so it is important to observe local signs to avoid high speeding fines. Urban areas usually have a limit of 30-50 km/h (18-31 mph), while national rural roads are capped at 80-100 km/h (50-62 mph). Highways have a top speed of 120 km/h (74 mph).
Car rental locations in Switzerland
Popular car rental locations
The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last hours. Hires are subject to change and may not be available on all hire cars listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the hire cars providers' sites.