Car Hire St. Gallen

St. Gallen is an attractive city high up in the Appenzell Alps. Nestled in a valley, it has good links to beautiful Lake Constance which makes for a wonderful day out if you have hired a car in St. Gallen. On the lake it is possible to take a cruise, hire boats, swim, or just take in the gorgeous scenery.

St. Gallen does have a local airport, St. Gallen-Altenrhein which is nearby, it deals mostly with domestic flights. The city is about an hour away by train from Zurich International Airport and is also only an hour away from Munich on the high speed train. You can prebook your car hire for collection in St. Gallen or from any of our numerous locations throughout Switzerland.
 

Benefits of Hiring a Car in St. Gallen, Switzerland:

1. Freedom of Exploration: With a car, you can easily explore the countryside of the eastern part of Switzerland, particularly the Appenzell region, known for its rolling hills and traditional Swiss culture.
2. Convenience: While the Swiss public transport system is reliable and punctual, having a car gives you the flexibility to travel without timetables, ideal for spontaneous detours and stops.
3. Scenic Drives: The surrounding areas of St. Gallen offer stunning scenic drives, especially towards Lake Constance or the Alpine regions.
4. Cost-Efficient for Groups: If you're traveling with family or friends, hiring a car can be more economical than multiple public transport tickets for longer distances.

Nearest Airport to St. Gallen: St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport is the closest, but it's smaller and has limited connections. Zurich Airport, being a major international hub, might be more convenient for many travelers.

Distance and Route from Zurich Airport to St. Gallen: The distance is roughly 85 km.

• Start on the A51 from the airport.
• Transition to A1 towards St. Gallen.
• Follow A1 and take exit 82-St. Gallen-Winkeln toward St. Gallen-Centrum.

The drive typically takes around an hour, dependent on traffic.

Tolls: Switzerland has a motorway vignette system. For using motorways, you need a vignette sticker placed on your car. It's usually valid for a calendar year. Rental cars should come with this already, but double-check when collecting your vehicle.

Recommended Car Type: A standard or compact car is suitable for St. Gallen and its surroundings. If you plan to head into mountainous areas, especially in winter, consider an all-wheel drive and ensure it's equipped with the necessary winter gear.

Recommended Places to Visit in St. Gallen:

On Foot:

1. Abbey of Saint Gall: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this Baroque cathedral boasts a stunning library, one of the oldest in the world.
2. Old Town: Wander through the city's charming streets with its oriel windows, unique to the region.
3. Textile Museum: St. Gallen is famous for its textile history, and this museum offers a deep dive into its legacy.

By Car:

1. Appenzell: Just a 30-minute drive, this town epitomizes Swiss tradition, from cheese to yodeling.
2. Lake Constance: Roughly 20 minutes away, you can enjoy the lake views, with possibilities to visit other lakeside towns or even venture into Germany or Austria.
3. Rhine Falls: About an hour's drive, experience Europe's largest waterfall, especially stunning in spring and summer.

Given St. Gallen's rich history and its proximity to various attractions in eastern Switzerland, hiring a car can genuinely enhance your visit, allowing you to witness the beauty and culture of the region at your own pace.