Switzerland car hire
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Cheap car hire in Switzerland
Top tips for hiring a car in Switzerland
- Alpine driving is at its best in Switzerland, so anyone who loves mountain vistas will want to rent a car here to make the most of the spectacular views. Renting a car in Switzerland allows drivers to visit iconic roads like the Great St. Bernard Pass and the St. Gotthard Pass, while those up for a more scenic route can opt for locations such as Lake Lucerne and the Lauterbrunnen Valley, which is best explored with the flexibility of a car.
- Drivers who wish to avoid the winding roads of mountain passes like the Furka Pass may opt in some cases to take the tunnel. This involves loading the car onto a special rail facility that will transport you and the vehicle through the mountains for a fee. An unusual way of travel, these tunnels can be accessed in locations like Furka, Albula, Simplon, and Lotschberg.
- In Switzerland, it is mandatory for children up to the age of seven to be seated in an age-appropriate child or booster seat. Rental agencies do have these on hand, but it is recommended to book well in advance to guarantee that one will be available, especially in the busy summer months. Expect to pay an additional fee of around 78 CHF (78 USD) per rental with an agency like Budget.
- Most agencies allow non-EU travelers who rent a car in Switzerland to drive the vehicle into other Western European countries for no additional charge. Some companies impose restrictions on countries like Hungary and Greece, where cross-border travel is allowed for a fee of approx. 42 CHF (42 USD) per day through an agency like Avis. In general, it is always best to inform the agency of your plans in advance, as extra paperwork or special EU-marked number plates may be required.
- Book your car hire in Switzerland at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport car hire locations in Switzerland are around 32% more expensive than airport locations on average
- Intermediate hire cars in Switzerland are around 22% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Switzerland
How much does it cost to hire a car in Switzerland?
On average a car hire in Switzerland costs R807 per day.
What is the most popular car hire in Switzerland?
Intermediate (Jeep Compass or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Switzerland.
What is the cheapest car hire company in Switzerland?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Budget (R559/day), Unirent (R577/day) and Europcar (R716/day).
What is the best car hire company in Switzerland?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Switzerland are Europcar (8,4, 56 reviews), Hertz (7,7, 91 reviews), and Sixt (7,5, 137 reviews).
How can I find car hires near me in Switzerland?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
What is driving like in Switzerland?
Driving in Switzerland is generally considered to be a comfortable experience, with well-maintained roads and an abundance of highways. Drivers unused to winter conditions should consider taking it slowly in stormy or icy weather, especially when driving over steep mountain passes. There are few toll roads in the country, but anyone wishing to use the highway network will need to buy a toll sticker for around 40 CHF (40 USD) for a year of access. These are usually provided by rental agencies, but if not, they can be purchased from post offices or other outlets.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Switzerland?
To rent a car in Switzerland, drivers need to be at least 18 and have held their license for a minimum of one year. Most domestic driver’s licenses are accepted if printed in English, but otherwise, an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) will be required. Some agencies, such as Enterprise, charge an additional daily fee of around 26 CHF (26 USD) for drivers under 25 years old.
How much does petrol cost in Switzerland?
Petrol stations are common throughout the country, especially in urban or highway areas, and there are an increasing number of self-service options that accept credit cards or even cash directly at the pump. Most stations are open from 8 am to 10 pm, but some highway locations may offer a 24h service. Petrol prices are comparable to the rest of Europe, while diesel is more expensive: a liter of petrol costs around 1,50 CHF (1.50 USD) and a liter of diesel around 1,70 CHF (1.70 USD). That equals 5.67 USD for a gallon of petrol and 6.43 USD for a gallon of diesel.
What are the speed limits in Switzerland?
Speed limits in Switzerland might vary depending on the safety and location of the road, so it is important to observe local signs to avoid high speeding fines. Urban areas usually have a limit of 30-50 km/h (18-31 mph), while national rural roads are capped at 80-100 km/h (50-62 mph). Highways have a top speed of 120 km/h (74 mph).
Car hire directory
keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Switzerland
128 Locations
Europcar car hire locations in Switzerland
111 Locations
Sunnycars car hire locations in Switzerland
78 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in Switzerland
53 Locations
Shouqi car hire locations in Switzerland
34 Locations
Edel & Stark car hire locations in Switzerland
29 Locations
Avis car hire locations in Switzerland
28 Locations
FLIZZR car hire locations in Switzerland
26 Locations
Dollar car hire locations in Switzerland
24 Locations
Sixt car hire locations in Switzerland
22 Locations
Thrifty car hire locations in Switzerland
21 Locations
Budget car hire locations in Switzerland
18 Locations
Good to know
Most popular car type | Intermediate |
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