Arriving at Zurich Airport (ZRH)? Hiring a car directly at the airport is the fastest and most flexible way to explore Zurich, the Swiss Alps, and neighbouring European countries. With Rhino Car Hire, you can compare cheap Zurich Airport car hire, collect your vehicle on arrival, and drive away with clear pricing and no hidden fees.
Zurich Airport is Switzerland’s busiest airport and the ideal starting point for alpine road trips, business travel, and cross-border journeys.
Why Hire a Car at Zurich Airport?
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Immediate access to Swiss motorways
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Ideal for onward travel into the Alps
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Faster than city pick-up if leaving Zurich straight away
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Easy one-way rentals across Switzerland and Europe
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Excellent vehicle choice including automatics and AWD
Airport car hire is perfect if you’re landing and heading straight to your destination.
Zurich Airport Car Hire Pick-Up
Car hire desks are located at Zurich Airport with clear signage from arrivals.
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No shuttle buses required
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Fast collection and drop-off
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Direct motorway access within minutes
You’ll be on the road quickly whether you’re heading into Zurich city or towards the mountains.
Vehicles Available at Zurich Airport
Swiss roads and alpine routes demand the right vehicle — Zurich Airport offers the widest choice.
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Economy & compact cars – ideal for city and motorway driving
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Automatic cars – strongly recommended
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Estate cars – popular for luggage and longer stays
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SUVs & AWD vehicles – best for winter and mountain routes
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Luxury & executive cars – business and premium travel
Extras include GPS, child seats, winter tyres and additional drivers.
One-Way Car Hire from Zurich Airport
Zurich Airport is one of Europe’s best locations for one-way car hire.
Popular one-way routes include:
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Zurich Airport → Zurich city
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Zurich → Geneva, Bern, Basel or Lucerne
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Zurich → Interlaken, Zermatt or St. Moritz
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Zurich → Milan, Como or Lake Garda
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Zurich → Munich or Innsbruck
One-way rentals save time and avoid backtracking. Any one-way fee is shown upfront during booking.
Winter Driving from Zurich Airport ❄️
Winter driving is common in Switzerland and well supported — but preparation matters.
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Winter tyres are strongly recommended from November to March
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AWD or SUVs are ideal for alpine regions
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Mountain passes may require snow chains
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Roads are well cleared but conditions change quickly
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Reduced speed limits may apply in winter conditions
Rhino Car Hire offers vehicles suited to winter driving — just select the right category during booking.
Swiss Motorway Vignette – What You Need to Know
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Switzerland uses a motorway vignette instead of toll booths
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Most Zurich Airport rentals include the vignette
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Required for all motorways and major highways
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Valid nationwide — no per-journey tolls
Always confirm vignette inclusion in your booking details.
Driving Distances from Zurich Airport
Zurich Airport offers one of the quickest exits onto Switzerland’s motorway network.
Driving Rules in Switzerland
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Drive on the right-hand side
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Speed limits:
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50 km/h urban
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80 km/h rural
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120 km/h motorways
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Headlights recommended at all times
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Strict enforcement — fines are high
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Trams and pedestrians always have priority
Zurich Airport 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 available at Zurich Airport?
Yes — automatics are common and recommended.
Can I drive into other countries?
Yes. Cross-border travel to Germany, Austria, France and Italy is usually allowed — confirm during booking.
Is winter equipment included?
Winter tyres are often included in colder months, but always check your rental terms.
Is Zurich Airport car hire cheaper than city hire?
Airport locations usually offer better availability and vehicle choice.
Zurich Airport vs Zurich City Car Hire
Zurich Airport car hire is best if you’re landing and leaving immediately. City hire suits travellers already staying in Zurich.
👉 View Car Hire in Zurich City →
How to Book Car Hire at Zurich Airport
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Search Zurich Airport (ZRH) car hire
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Compare vehicles, prices and suppliers
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Book securely with instant confirmation
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Collect your car at the airport
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Drive Switzerland and Europe your way
Book Your Zurich Airport Car Hire Today
From alpine road trips to cross-border journeys, Zurich Airport is the perfect place to start. Rhino Car Hire makes finding the right car at ZRH simple, flexible and affordable.
Book online today and hit the road with confidence.