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A Guide to Switzerland Car Rental 

As a winter and summer holiday destination, car hire in Switzerland is popular all year round, however the peak times are between December and March for the winter sports season and from June to August for the summer season. Prices for car hire in Switzerland generally remain constant without not set high and low season. For this reason, you should ideally aim to book your hire car anywhere between 4 and 12 weeks before travel.

Booking car hire more than 3 months in advance will provide you with more choice and availability of car from all rental agents, whereas with less than 4 weeks notice you might run into low availability and price hikes.
 

When renting a car in Switzerland, the best type of vehicle to hire depends on your travel needs and preferences. Here are some considerations:

  1. Compact or Economy Cars: These are suitable for solo travelers or couples looking for an affordable and fuel-efficient option for city and highway driving. They are also easier to park in urban areas.

  2. Midsize and Full-Size Cars: These provide more space for passengers and luggage, making them ideal for small families or groups. They offer a comfortable ride for longer journeys and are suitable for driving in various road conditions.

  3. SUVs and Crossovers: If you plan to explore the Swiss Alps or venture into rural areas, an SUV or crossover with four-wheel drive can handle mountainous terrain and potentially snowy conditions during the winter months.

  4. Luxury or Premium Cars: Switzerland is known for its scenic drives, and if you want to travel in style, you can consider renting a luxury or premium car for added comfort and features.

As for traffic and roads in Switzerland:

  • Traffic: Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern can experience moderate traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. However, compared to some other European countries, traffic is generally well-managed and not overly chaotic.

  • Roads: Swiss roads are known for their excellent quality. The country maintains an extensive network of well-maintained highways (autoroutes) and scenic mountain roads. Signage is clear and consistent, making navigation relatively straightforward. Roads in mountainous areas can be winding and steep, so consider your comfort level and the vehicle's capabilities if you plan to explore the Alps.

  • Distance from Airports: The distance from major airports to main resorts and cities in Switzerland can vary. For instance:

    • Zurich Airport (ZRH) is approximately 10-15 kilometers from Zurich city center.
    • Geneva Airport (GVA) is around 5 kilometers from Geneva's downtown area.
    • Bern Airport (BRN) is about 12 kilometers from the center of Bern.

When planning your itinerary, check the specific distances to your desired destinations and consider whether you'll need a car for your entire trip or just for certain portions. Switzerland's efficient public transportation system, including trains and buses, offers an excellent alternative for getting around the country, particularly for city-to-city travel and mountain excursions.

 


Cheapest car hire in Switzerland

Fiat 500

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 35.08 EUR/day
Fiat 500

7 Days rental at 245.59 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat 500

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 39.55 EUR/day
Fiat 500

7 Days rental at 276.86 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Toyota Aygo

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 39.90 EUR/day
Toyota Aygo

7 Days rental at 279.32 EUR from 22/04/2024

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Seat Leon

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 40.75 EUR/day
Seat Leon

7 Days rental at 285.26 EUR from 22/04/2024

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Seat Leon

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 41.83 EUR/day
Seat Leon

7 Days rental at 292.83 EUR from 22/04/2024

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Seat Leon

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 42.02 EUR/day
Seat Leon

7 Days rental at 294.16 EUR from 22/04/2024

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Peugeot 208

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 39.93 EUR/day
Peugeot 208

7 Days rental at 279.56 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Skoda Fabia

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 40.13 EUR/day
Skoda Fabia

7 Days rental at 280.91 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Peugeot 208

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 40.42 EUR/day
Peugeot 208

7 Days rental at 282.97 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Mercedes C Class

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 70.00 EUR/day
Mercedes C Class

7 Days rental at 490.02 EUR from 22/04/2024

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Mercedes C Class

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 71.08 EUR/day
Mercedes C Class

7 Days rental at 497.60 EUR from 22/04/2024

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series Estate

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 77.23 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series Estate

7 Days rental at 540.67 EUR from 22/04/2024

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Skoda Octavia

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 42.92 EUR/day
Skoda Octavia

7 Days rental at 300.47 EUR from 22/04/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat 500X

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 48.05 EUR/day
Fiat 500X

7 Days rental at 336.41 EUR from 22/04/2024

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Skoda Octavia Combi

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 50.96 EUR/day
Skoda Octavia Combi

7 Days rental at 356.73 EUR from 22/04/2024

  5 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Honda Jazz Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 44.55 EUR/day
Honda Jazz Hybrid

7 Days rental at 311.85 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Honda Jazz Hybrid

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 51.94 EUR/day
Honda Jazz Hybrid

7 Days rental at 363.62 EUR from 22/04/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Honda CR-V

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 65.99 EUR/day
Honda CR-V

7 Days rental at 461.98 EUR from 22/04/2024

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in Switzerland

  • Understand Swiss Driving Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local driving laws such as speed limits, rules on alcohol consumption, and mandatory equipment like the reflective safety vest and warning triangle. Remember that Switzerland uses kilometers per hour, and driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

  • Check for Winter Equipment: If you're hiring a car in winter or traveling to mountainous areas, ensure the car is equipped with winter tires and consider whether you need chains or a four-wheel drive. This is essential for safety and often a legal requirement in snowy conditions.

  • Insurance Coverage: Ensure you understand the insurance coverage provided with your rental. Check whether it includes third-party liability, collision damage waiver, and theft protection. Consider additional coverage if necessary, but avoid double insuring if your credit card or travel insurance already covers rental cars.

  • Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly: Before leaving the rental agency, inspect the car for any existing damage and ensure it's all noted in the rental agreement. Take photos of the car's condition at the time of hire for your records.

  • Know Toll and Vignette Requirements: Switzerland requires a vignette (a sticker placed on the windshield) for using the motorways. Check if your rental car includes one. If not, you must purchase it separately to avoid fines. Also, familiarize yourself with tolls and parking rules in the areas you plan to visit.

Laws and rules of the road when driving in Switzerland

  •  

    R

    Road Driving Side

  •  

    30kph

    Urban speed Limit

  •  

    50kph

    Rural Speed Limit

  •  

    100-120kph

    Motorway Speed Limit

  •  

    CHF  2.19/Ltr

    Current Petrol Price

  •  

    50mg

    Drink Drive Limit

  •  

    CHF

    Currency

  •  

    YES

    Tolls

  •  

    21

    Min Rental Age

    18

    Min Driving Age

  •  

    Front and Rear

    Seatbelts

  •  

    Fixed and Mobile

    Speed Cameras

  •  

    Hands Free Only

    Mobile Phones

Compare car rental agents in Switzerland

Rental Agent
Locations
Rating (/10)
Customer Reviews
Mini (€/day)
Compact (€/day)
Intermediate (€/day)
Standard (€/day)
 Unirent
8
9.0/10
1,048
€ 41.83
€ 48.05
€ 54.28
 Europcar
72
9.0/10
15,097
€ 51.12
€ 46.26
€ 60.09
€ 142.50
 Avis
19
8.9/10
663
€ 43.47
€ 59.79
€ 64.58
 Green motion
2
8.8/10
12
€ 53.12
€ 65.99
€ 61.70
 Sixt
17
8.8/10
2,362
€ 42.17
€ 52.68
€ 61.97
€ 86.95
 Budget
14
8.7/10
1,566
€ 40.75
€ 42.92
€ 58.48
 National
4
8.7/10
64
€ 50.54
€ 64.48
€ 69.81
 Flizzr
3
8.6/10
104
€ 35.08
€ 43.59
€ 50.96
€ 57.59
 Enterprise
4
8.6/10
306
€ 46.14
€ 58.87
€ 63.74
 Thrifty
7
8.5/10
656
€ 40.34
€ 43.25
€ 52.67
 Hertz
22
8.5/10
2,063
€ 52.51
€ 65.83
€ 78.60
 Alamo
4
8.4/10
615
€ 43.50
€ 55.51
€ 60.10
 Dollar
5
8.2/10
358
€ 39.90
€ 42.80
€ 52.67

Car rental agent statistics in Switzerland

  • Highest Rated Agent Icon
    9.4/10
    Highest rated agent:
    NATIONAL
  • Lowest Rated Agent Icon
    7.8/10
    Lowest rated agent:
    DOLLAR
  • Total Number of Reviews Icon
    24,914
    Total number of reviews in
    Switzerland
  • Most Locations Icon
    57
    Most Locations in Switzerland:
    EUROPCAR
  • Average Wait Time Icon
    20
    Average wait time
    (Min.)
  • Total Rental Companies Icon
    16
    Total rental companies
     

Average prices per day for car hire in Switzerland

ItemPercent
January€ 87
February€ 94
March€ 75
April€ 67
May€ 70
June€ 63
July€ 95
August€ 85
September€ 65
October€ 66
November€ 66
December€ 90
ItemPercent
January€ 77
February€ 81
March€ 61
April€ 54
May€ 52
June€ 49
July€ 75
August€ 71
September€ 53
October€ 53
November€ 55
December€ 81
ItemPercent
January€ 141
February€ 162
March€ 121
April€ 109
May€ 121
June€ 95
July€ 140
August€ 131
September€ 110
October€ 109
November€ 107
December€ 143
ItemPercent
January€ 100
February€ 112
March€ 95
April€ 81
May€ 86
June€ 75
July€ 108
August€ 97
September€ 81
October€ 80
November€ 81
December€ 104
ItemPercent
January€ 173
February€ 186
March€ 162
April€ 158
May€ 271
June€ 227
July€ 266
August€ 266
September€ 243
October€ 242
November€ 244
December€ 272
ItemPercent
January€ 65
February€ 74
March€ 61
April€ 55
May€ 54
June€ 51
July€ 69
August€ 66
September€ 54
October€ 56
November€ 57
December€ 69
ItemPercent
January€ 145
February€ 159
March€ 140
April€ 117
May€ 120
June€ 102
July€ 131
August€ 136
September€ 113
October€ 119
November€ 118
December€ 142
ItemPercent
January€ 94
February€ 86
March€ 80
April€ 72
May€ 93
June€ 65
July€ 115
August€ 107
September€ 73
October€ 71
November€ 71
December€ 96

Select category to see average car hire prices in Switzerland

*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices.

Fuel prices in Switzerland

DieselUnleaded
Mar , 2023

€ 2.03

€ 1.84

Apr , 2023

€ 1.97

€ 1.82

May , 2023

€ 1.95

€ 1.85

Jun , 2023

€ 1.94

€ 1.85

Jul , 2023

€ 1.78

€ 1.72

Aug , 2023

€ 2.06

€ 1.96

Sep , 2023

€ 2.15

€ 2.00

Oct , 2023

€ 2.13

€ 1.98

Nov , 2023

€ 2.04

€ 1.87

Dec , 2023

€ 2.05

€ 1.88

Jan , 2024

€ 2.08

€ 1.89

Feb , 2024

€ 2.09

€ 1.91

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Feb , 2024 2.09 1.91
Jan , 2024 2.08 1.89
Dec , 2023 2.05 1.88
Nov , 2023 2.04 1.87
Oct , 2023 2.13 1.98
Sep , 2023 2.15 2.00
Aug , 2023 2.06 1.96
Jul , 2023 1.78 1.72
Jun , 2023 1.94 1.85
May , 2023 1.95 1.85
Apr , 2023 1.97 1.82
Mar , 2023 2.03 1.84

Car rental price statistics in Switzerland

  • Average Price Icon
    € 245.56
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • Highest Daily Price Icon
    € 237.29
    Highest daily price:
    Mercedes V Class
  • Total Vehicles Icon
    2,062
    Total cars available
     
  • Most Popular Car Model Icon
    195
    Most popular model:
    Volkswagen Golf
  • Locations with Most Cars Icon
    183
    Location with most cars:
    Zurich - Airport
  • Cheapest Daily Price Icon
    € 35.1 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    FLIZZR - Geneva - Airport Switzerland
FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.

Other Car Hire Locations in Switzerland

We specialise in car rentals throughout Switzerland to find you the best price and that's a promise...

Basel
€23.9
 
 
Mini 5 4 1 from €26.0 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €26.2 per day
Economy 3 5 2 from €23.9 per day
Bern
€23.9
 
 
Mini 5 4 1 from €26.0 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €26.2 per day
Economy 3 5 2 from €23.9 per day
Geneva Airport
€25.9
 
 
Mini 3 4 1 from €25.9 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €33.9 per day
Economy 5 5 2 from €29.7 per day
Zurich
€23.2
 
 
Economy 3 5 2 from €23.2 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €25.5 per day
Mini 3 4 1 from €25.3 per day