Car Rental in Switzerland

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500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Zurich Glattbrugg
Economy
Peugeot 208 or similar
Peugeot 208
  • 4
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Budget
$36.54 / per day
Geneva Airport
Mini
Volkswagen Up or similar
Volkswagen Up
  • 4
  • 2
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Geneva Rental Cars
$36.89 / per day
Zurich Airport
Intermediate
Toyota Yaris Cross or similar
Toyota Yaris Cross
  • 5
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
GreenMotion
$39.38 / per day
Basel Airport
Compact SUV
Opel Mokka or similar
Opel Mokka
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
$41.62 / per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Geneva Airport
Compact Elite
Mercedes Benz A Class or similar
Mercedes Benz A Class
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Enterprise
$46.93 / per day
Basel Airport
Economy Elite
Mini Cooper or similar
Mini Cooper
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
National
$54.83 / per day
Downtown
Standard Elite
Polestar 2 or similar
Polestar 2
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Hertz
$57.67 / per day
Bern Breitfeld
Premium
Polestar 2 or similar
Polestar 2
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Europcar
$62.96 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 12:23 on 2024-03-24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Languages
French, Italian
Currency
CHF
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+41
Average car rental price
$47 per day
Average car rental length
6 days
Speed limit within town
50 km/h or 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 120 km/h or 50 - 75 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Rating
9.4 / 10
Average gasoline price
$2.11 per liter or $8.00 / 1 gallon
Lowest gasoline price
$1.86 per liter or $7.04 / 1 gallon
Highest gasoline price
$2.43 per liter or $9.21 / 1 gallon

Why rent a car in Switzerland?

Switzerland is a great country to travel around by car. It’s one of the few places on earth where you can enjoy stunning mountains while driving truly world-class roads. Having your own ride will let you explore everything from majestic peaks and winter resorts to beautiful cities like the country’s largest, Zürich, or the capital of the French-speaking region, Geneva.

Switzerland

One-way Car Rentals in Switzerland

Here are the most popular one-way rental options for pickup in Switzerland and drop off in another country:

  • From Switzerland to Italy - 550 offers from $146.80 per day
  • From Switzerland to France - 191 offers from $85.03 per day
  • From Switzerland to Austria - 119 offers from $101.00 per day
  • From Switzerland to Germany - 130 offers from $85.03 per day
  • From Switzerland to Netherlands - 73 offers from $102.71 per day

Top ways to enter Switzerland

  • Zürich Airport: Switzerland’s main international airport.
  • Geneva Airport: Large international airport in the southwest of Switzerland
  • Basel-Mulhouse Airport: A unique international airport shared by Switzerland, France, and Germany
  • By land: It is possible to rent a car in a neighboring country and then drive to Switzerland. Some of the large international airports near Switzerland include Lyon Airport in France, Munich Airport in Germany, and Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy. 

Top cities and places to visit

  • Zurich. The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich is best-known for its economy and high standard of living, but there’s also plenty of history and culture to explore, too. Some of the most interesting attractions of Zurich include the Kunsthaus (the city’s main art museum), Le Corbusier Pavillion, and Bahnhofstraße, arguably the most famous street in Switzerland. 
  • Geneva. The main city of the French-speaking part of Switzerland, Geneva is a sophisticated destination with plenty of galleries, museums, and well-preserved architecture. Other attractions include the famous Jet d’Eau water fountain, the UN’s Palace of Nations, and the nearby CERN Nuclear Research Center, best recognizable by its futuristic globe.
  • Bern. The capital of Switzerland is not the country’s largest city, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy of a travel destination. Best known for its beautiful Altstadt, or old town, that’s surrounded from three sides by the Aare river, the city is home to a number of beautiful churches, palaces, and bridges.
  • Basel. A cultural hub with a rich history, Basel is known for its museums, including the famous Zoo, and its beautiful old town and historic cathedral.
  • Interlaken. A popular destination for adventure sports, Interlaken is situated in the Bernese Oberland region, surrounded by the stunning Swiss Alps.
  • Lausanne. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is a vibrant city known for its Olympic Museum and historic Old Town and cathedral.
  • Lucerne. Located in central Switzerland, Lucerne is known for its beautiful lake and picturesque old town with medieval architecture and the famous Chapel Bridge. The town is dominated by Pilatus Mountain, which can be reached by cable car.
  • Lugano. Situated in the Italian-speaking Ticino region of Switzerland, Lugano boasts a Mediterranean climate and a picturesque lakeside promenade.
    St. Moritz: A glamorous ski resort in the Swiss Alps, St. Moritz is famous for its luxury boutiques, fine dining, and winter sports.
  • Zermatt. A car-free village nestled in the Alps, Zermatt is home to the iconic Matterhorn mountain and is a paradise for hikers and skiers.
  • Switzerland is also home to many beautiful villages that attract many visitors, such as Appenzell, Grindelwald, Gruyères, Lauterbrunnen, and Stein am Rhein.

Most popular rental car

The most popular rental car in Switzerland is the VW Polo, closely followed by the VW Golf and the Opel Corsa.

Driver's license requirements

  • Switzerland accepts all driver licenses issued in the European Union (EU).
  • If your driver’s licence is issued by a non-EU country (except Switzerland), for it to be considered valid, you’ll need a Swiss visa. Another requirement is to have been in the EU for no more than six months at the time of the rental. If you have been in the EU longer, you’ll need a driver’s license issued by an EU country.
  • If your driver license is printed in a non-Latin alphabet (Cyrillic, Arabic, etc.), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation of your license into English or German.
  • You must carry your driver’s licence, not its copy, with you at all times. You must have held your driver’s licence by at least 1 or 2 years, depending on the car provider.
  • There may be additional requirements depending on the car provider and car category, so make sure to check the terms and conditions before booking.

Crossing Borders

Switzerland is bordered by France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Italy. Although Switzerland is not a member of the European Union (EU), it is a member of the Schengen Area and so are all of its neighboring countries. If you’re not an EU citizen, you’ll need a Schengen visa to visit Switzerland. With a Schengen visa you can also cross the border to any of Switzerland’s neighbors. Some car rental providers allow you to cross national borders and even drop off your car in a different country, while others don’t. If you’d like to cross a national border during your rental period, make sure to check the terms and conditions before booking a car. Learn more about cross-border rentals in Help Center.

It is worth noting that in 2016, European Union rules were changed regarding Swiss rental cars. Drivers holding a driver’s license issued in a country that is a member of the European Union are no longer allowed to drive a rental car with Swiss license plates in the EU. This means that if you are from the EU and intend to rent a car and travel to both Switzerland and EU countries like France, Germany, Italy, or Austria, you should rent a car in the EU, as it is allowed by most suppliers to also travel to Switzerland. This rule only applies to EU residents; Swiss and non-EU residents can continue to rent a car in Switzerland and travel to the surrounding countries freely. 

Most popular types of rental car

The most popular car type in Switzerland is Economy, but travelers also tend to choose Mini and Compact a lot.

Top driving routes

  • Ticino. Located in the far southeast of the country, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland is not just arguably the most distinct of the country’s regions, it is also one of its most beautiful. Known for its stunning mountain vistas and pure highland lakes, Ticino can seem far away — but its largest city, Lugano, is only a three-hour drive from Zurich, four hours from Basel, and five hours from Geneva.
  • Valais. Located to the west of Ticino, Valais is another southern region and another nature lover’s mecca. The small Alpine canton is home to some of the highest mountains and vastest glaciers in all of Europe. Naturally, the region is a hub for skiing, hiking, and climbing. If your rental car provider permits it, you can even pop over the border to Italy and France.
  • Swiss National Park. The only official national park in Switzerland and a UNESCO biosphere reserve, this large protected area is located in the far east of the country. The park is categorized as a strict nature reserve and there are a number of rules of what you can and cannot do in it, but the natural beauty of the area is absolutely worth it. Swiss National Park is a three-hour drive from Zurich and only two hours from Innsbruck in Austria and Bolzano in Italy, although in the case of the two latter trips, you should ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it.
  • The Swiss Jura. The Swiss Jura is a mountainous region between the Swiss Plateau and the border of France. It is characterized by its rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque valleys, which provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The Jura region is famous for its many hiking and cycling trails, which allow visitors to explore its natural wonders at their own pace. One of the most popular attractions in the Swiss Jura is the Creux du Van, a natural amphitheater formed by the erosion of limestone cliffs. This stunning geological formation offers panoramic views of the mountains and is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing. The nearby Lac de Neuchâtel is another must-see destination in the region, offering swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. The Swiss Jura is also home to many charming villages and towns with unique characters and attractions. For example, La Chaux-de-Fonds is known for its historic watchmaking industry. The medieval village of Saint-Ursanne is famous for its well-preserved architecture and charming cobblestone streets. In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, the Swiss Jura is also renowned for its delicious cuisine and wine. Visitors can sample local specialties like fondue, raclette, and absinthe and tour the many vineyards and wineries that dot the region.
  • The Bernese Alps are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Towering over the Bernese Oberland region, these mountains are home to some of the most iconic peaks in Switzerland, including the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch. The awe-inspiring landscape features rugged mountain ranges, pristine glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes that offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Hiking and mountain climbing are popular in the Bernese Alps, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging alpine routes. Visitors can explore the famous Eiger Trail or take a cable car to the Schilthorn for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Skiing and snowboarding are also popular winter activities in the area, with various resorts and slopes. In addition to its natural wonders, the Bernese Alps are also home to charming villages and towns that offer a glimpse into traditional Swiss culture. Interlaken, situated between two lakes, is a popular base for exploring the region and provides a range of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Grindelwald, with its wooden chalets and stunning views of the Eiger, is another charming Alpine village that is well worth a visit. The region is also known for its delicious cuisine and world-class cheeses. Visitors can sample local specialties like raclette and fondue and explore the area's many dairy farms and cheese factories. The Bernese Oberland is also home to several historic mountain hotels, where guests can enjoy traditional Swiss hospitality and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • The Rhine Falls. This is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Switzerland, located in the northeastern part of the country near Schaffhausen. The Rhine Falls is a breathtaking sight, with its powerful rush of water cascading down a rocky cliff, creating a thunderous roar that can be heard from miles away. At 150 meters wide and 23 meters high, the Rhine Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Europe, making it a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. In addition to the falls, the Rhine Falls area is home to various other attractions and activities. Visitors can take a scenic train ride through the countryside, visit the medieval town of Schaffhausen, or hike along the many trails that wind through the surrounding forests and hills.
  • Lake Geneva, known locally as Lac Léman, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland, situated in the western part of the country. Its shoreline is dotted with charming towns and villages that glimpse Swiss culture and history: Geneva, Lausanne, Nyon, Rolle, Vevey and Montreux. The lake has various activities, including boating, swimming, and fishing. One of the most popular activities on Lake Geneva is taking a boat tour of the lake, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the many castles and palaces that line the shoreline. Visitors can also explore the lake by renting a boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.

Car Rental Prices

  • Station wagons - from $43 per day
  • Large cars - from $39 per day
  • Medium cars - from $39 per day
  • Vans - from $68 per day
  • Premium cars - from $63 per day
  • Small cars - from $37 per day
  • SUVs - from $42 per day

How can I save money on my rental car?

You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in Switzerland:

  • Compare rates
  • Book your rental car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by
Pierre Guernier
This article was reviewed and updated by Pierre Guernier, the writer and content creator behind French Moments, a family business based on the south coast of England whose primary goal is to inspire visitors to travel and explore France. You can find French Moments online at frenchmoments.eu (English) and mon-grand-est.fr (French), on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Switzerland?

The cost of renting a car in Switzerland varies by season. This graph compares prices from month to month in order to help you find the best time of year.
Average rental costs per day in Switzerland
$70.35
January
$88.36
February
$77.83
March
$93.35
April
$81.43
May
$104.06
June
$155.85
July
$125.76
August
$95.25
September
$82.03
October
$60.32
November
$104.99
December
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car in Switzerland is November — when rental costs average $60.32 per day. This is 36% cheaper than the yearly average and 61% cheaper than renting a car in July (when prices average $155.85 per day).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the average rental length in Switzerland?

How long renters typically keep their vehicle sometimes varies depending on the time of year. Travelers tend to keep their rental cars longer in July — an average of 8 days. They tend to keep them for a shorter time in February — an average of 5 days.
Average number of rental days in Switzerland
6
January
5
February
5
March
5
April
6
May
7
June
8
July
7
August
6
September
6
October
5
November
6
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Switzerland?

Based on how many customers search for a car in Switzerland, the most popular month is June, while the least popular is April.
Monthly searches in Switzerland by pick-up date relative to the average
102%
January
99%
February
89%
March
69%
April
82%
May
127%
June
115%
July
110%
August
110%
September
93%
October
79%
November
124%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 60
Airport locations 6
Popular suppliers Alamo, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise, SIXT
Popular car categories SUVs, Small cars, Medium cars, Vans
Lowest price $37 per day
Cheapest supplier Budget

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Alamo Volkswagen Polo 4 2 Small cars
Europcar Volkswagen Touran 5 2 Vans
Alamo Opel Mokka 5 2 SUVs
Alamo Ford Puma 4 2 SUVs
Enterprise Opel Mokka 5 2 SUVs
Geneva Rental Cars Volkswagen Up 3 2 Small cars
Hertz Citroen C3 5 2 Small cars
Europcar Volkswagen T-Roc 5 3 SUVs
Alamo Renault Captur 5 2 SUVs
Hertz Volkswagen Polo 4 2 Small cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

Romania
Opel Mokka
December 4, 2023
city break
Malaysia
BMW X3
October 18, 2023
Car up grade was very good!
Israel
Skoda Karoq
September 23, 2023
Switzerland is nice and very beautiful to travel but there are many narrow roads in the mountains slopes and the constructions there are being made in quite old way using traffic light that enables one direction at a time, this made the trip less pleasant. Also there is no clear way to know where the toll roads starts and where they end and what is the prices there.
Malaysia
Volkswagen Polo
September 14, 2023
all amazing and nice country.
France
Volkswagen Up
August 13, 2023
Good restaurants Good activities on hils by bicycles
Israel
Renault Kadjar
July 21, 2023
Vication with our granddaugters
New Zealand
Nissan Qashqai
July 8, 2023
Drove from Zurich to Interlaken, lots of things to see and do along the way.
Mexico
Ford Puma
June 13, 2023
Nice trip with SWISS landscapes
Australia
Ford Focus
May 30, 2023
Did a round trip of Switzerland & briefly into the French Alps - amazing scenery.
Finland
Ford Puma
May 9, 2023
Heidiland, mountain roads and villages
Serbia
Volkswagen Polo
February 1, 2023
With a small car you can go anywhere and see so many things. Be aware iof the camera and a speed limits they are so strict in Zurich. Do not miss Lindt museum, Zurich Ooera house, Botanical garden Zoo or Theatre 11 usualy they have great shows. Lake is wonderfull as well
United States of America (USA)
VW Polo
January 25, 2023
Sking was ok, weather stopped us some days but enjoyed our visit
United States of America (USA)
Volkswagen Polo
January 13, 2023
Drove from Zurich to Tasch where we parked the car to enter car-free Zermatt. It was the most beautiful and scenic drive we've been on with the mountains and green pastures as the backdrop.
Germany
Fiat 500
November 16, 2022
I had driven this car to Germany for a meeting. Was just great
United States of America (USA)
Volkswagen Tiguan
November 9, 2022
Great food
Malaysia
Opel Mokka
September 22, 2022
The car company will be happy if we rent direct with them rather than thro 3rd party as they seemed not too happy and helpful during picking up & returning the car.
Bahrain
Mini Cooper
August 17, 2022
All perfect
United Kingdom
Opel Karl
August 17, 2020
Lauterbrunnen valley.... superb, fabulous
United Kingdom
VW Polo
February 18, 2020
Good place to rent if you arrive early in the day.
United Kingdom
Volkswagen Up
January 29, 2020
No real opinion
Ireland
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
August 24, 2019
Bus to car rental puts me off.
United States of America (USA)
VW Golf
August 8, 2018
Included GPS very useful

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
City Auto Rent
9.7 / 10
)
Lowest rated company
Firefly
7.6 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
41
Total rental companies
14
Average daily price
$47.11
Lowest daily price
$36.54
Total cars available
2193

Top 14 Suppliers in Switzerland in 2024

City Auto Rent
City Auto Rent
Exceptional 9.7 / 44 reviews
1 location
$147 - $176
GreenMotion
GreenMotion
Exceptional 9.2 / 20 reviews
1 location
$39 - $55
Europcar
Europcar
Very good 8.8 / 256 reviews
37 locations
$45 - $409
Alamo
Alamo
Very good 8.6 / 653 reviews
4 locations
$41 - $187
SIXT
SIXT
Very good 8.5 / 208 reviews
17 locations
$60 - $371
Dollar
Dollar
Very good 8.5 / 136 reviews
25 locations
Enterprise
Enterprise
Very good 8.4 / 173 reviews
4 locations
$44 - $202
Thrifty
Thrifty
Very good 8.4 / 46 reviews
9 locations
$97 - $430
National
National
Very good 8.4 / 19 reviews
4 locations
$47 - $212
Hertz
Hertz
Very good 8.3 / 113 reviews
24 locations
$40 - $466
Avis
Avis
Very good 8.1 / 15 reviews
18 locations
$47 - $417
Budget
Budget
Good 7.9 / 29 reviews
13 locations
$37 - $425
Geneva Rental Cars
Geneva Rental Cars
Good 7.8 / 398 reviews
1 location
$37 - $170
Firefly
Firefly
Good 7.6
3 locations
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