Hiring a car in Zurich city gives you the freedom to explore Switzerland beyond the train lines — from alpine lakes and mountain passes to charming towns and cross-border road trips. Whether you’re staying centrally, travelling for business, or planning scenic drives through the Swiss countryside, Rhino Car Hire helps you find cheap car hire in Zurich city with clear pricing and flexible options.
Zurich is compact, efficient and perfectly placed for road trips across northern Switzerland and into neighbouring countries.
Why Hire a Car in Zurich City?
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Ideal for travellers staying in central Zurich
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Easy access to Lake Zurich, Lucerne and the Alps
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Perfect for business travel and regional meetings
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Freedom to explore rural Switzerland at your own pace
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Excellent base for cross-border trips to Germany, Austria and Italy
If you’re not flying in, city-centre car hire is often more convenient than collecting at the airport.
Zurich City Car Hire Pick-Up Locations
Rhino Car Hire offers convenient city pick-up points, including areas near:
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Zurich city centre
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Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main train station)
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Business districts and hotels
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Major arterial roads leaving the city
City collection is ideal if you’re arriving by train or already staying in Zurich.
Vehicles Available in Zurich City
Choose a vehicle suited to Swiss roads and alpine conditions.
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Compact & economy cars – easy city driving and parking
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Automatic cars – highly recommended for hills and motorways
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Estate cars – popular for luggage and longer trips
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SUVs & AWD vehicles – ideal for mountain routes and winter driving
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Luxury & executive cars – perfect for business travel
Optional extras include GPS, child seats, winter tyres and additional drivers.
Where to Drive from Zurich City
A hire car opens up some of Switzerland’s most scenic regions.
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Lake Zurich – lakeside towns and viewpoints (15–30 mins)
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Lucerne – historic old town and lake views (45 mins)
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Interlaken & Bernese Oberland – alpine scenery (2 hrs)
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St. Gallen – UNESCO Abbey and countryside (1 hr)
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Liechtenstein – easy international day trip (1.5 hrs)
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Black Forest, Germany – popular cross-border route (1.5 hrs)
Switzerland’s road network is exceptionally well maintained, making driving a pleasure.
Driving in Zurich – What You Need to Know
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Drive on the right-hand side
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Motorway vignette required (usually included with rentals)
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Speed limits:
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50 km/h in towns
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80 km/h on rural roads
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120 km/h on motorways
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Trams have priority — take care in city streets
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Winter tyres recommended between November and March
Zurich city traffic is well organised, but peak hours can be busy.
Zurich City Car Hire FAQs
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
EU and UK licences are accepted. Some non-EU licences may require an IDP.
Is automatic car hire common in Zurich?
Yes — automatics are widely available and strongly recommended.
Can I drive to other countries from Zurich?
Yes. Cross-border travel to Germany, Austria, France and Italy is usually permitted — confirm during booking.
Is parking easy in Zurich city?
Public car parks are widely available. Street parking is limited and regulated.
Is winter driving difficult in Switzerland?
Roads are well cleared, but mountain routes require winter tyres and caution.
Zurich City vs Zurich Airport Car Hire
City car hire is best if you’re already in Zurich or arriving by train. Airport car hire suits travellers landing and immediately leaving the city.
👉 View Car Hire at Zurich Airport →
How to Book Zurich City Car Hire
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Search Zurich city car hire online
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Compare vehicles and prices
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Book securely with instant confirmation
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Collect your car at your chosen city location
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Drive Switzerland on your own schedule
Book Your Zurich City Car Hire Today
From lakeside drives to alpine adventures, Switzerland is best explored by car. Rhino Car Hire makes renting a car in Zurich city simple, transparent and flexible.
Book online today and discover Zurich and beyond with confidence.