Best value car hire from top brands
Switzerland car hire tips
Where to pick up your car
There are over 50 car hire locations in Switzerland, and the most popular city is Geneva.
Top car rental brands
The most popular car rental brands in Switzerland are Budget, Unirent, Europcar, Dollar and Alamo.
Best time to hire a car
The cheapest months to pick up your car hire in Switzerland are November and June.
Local currency
Swiss Franc (CHF)
Side of road
Right
Hire a car in Switzerland
For those in pursuit of outdoor expeditions and slick cities, Switzerland is your all-in-one retreat.
With four official languages, the landlocked country proudly integrates the cultures of surrounding nations into its own. Its cosmopolitan cities mix modern innovation with traditional class while its landscape provides a stunning backdrop that cannot be overlooked.
If you’re eager for a first class road trip with thrilling drives, Switzerland has you covered. Head to the Alps to zig-zag your way through exhilarating mountain passes or make your way around the country’s fanciful villages.
Car rental facts
Switzerland
| Frequently asked question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Most popular place to hire a car in Switzerland | Geneva Zurich Basel |
| Most popular rental length | Three to four days |
| Most popular month to rent a car | July, where a hire car costs on average £41.60 per day |
Best driving seasons
Many mountain passes are closed during the winter, making June to September the best time of year for a scenic Swiss road trip.
Weather changes
Remember that weather can change drastically at the top of a mountain. Be prepared to adjust your driving for any rain, snow or ice.
Pass roads
Besides Switzerland’s basic traffic regulations, there are additional rules for those interested in driving on steep mountain roads. You must carefully control your car on slopes and ensure you don’t overheat your engine or brakes. Uphill drivers also have priority over downhill traffic.
Popular Swiss cities
Geneva
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Geneva |
|---|---|
| June | £33.10 |
| December | £50.60 |
(*based on a 7+day rental)
Nearby: France
Top highlight: Palais des Nation is the European headquarters of the United Nations. Take a tour around the complex of marble buildings to view the Assembly Hall, which is larger than the Paris Opera House!
Best time to visit: December to April is the key time for winter sport enthusiasts visiting Geneva. For those interested in hiking, July and August see the hottest weather, as well as lots of tourists.
Zurich
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Zurich |
|---|---|
| April | £33.60 |
| December | £44.80 |
(*based on a 7+day rental)
Nearby: Germany
Top highlight: Uetliberg, the mountain overlooking Zurich, offers 360 degree views of the city. Catch the train, which has been running since 1875, from Zurich up 871 metres to the mountain top and spend the day hiking the woodlands.
Best time to visit: If you’re into holiday cheer and exquisite Christmas markets, December is a great time to see Zurich. The city’s festive atmosphere is contagious.
Basel
| Cheapest month / most expensive month | Average cost per day of car hire in Basel |
|---|---|
| November | £31.30 |
| December | £50.60 |
(*based on a 7+day rental)
Nearby: France and Germany
Top highlight: The Basler Münster is the city’s landmark monument. Its red sandstone and patterned roof titles are easy to spot in the horizon, while its lovely views of the Rhine River are enviable.
Best time to visit: Art Basel, the world’s biggest modern art fair, takes place every year in June, making it the perfect month for art lovers to visit. June also sees pleasant temperatures for sightseeing around Basel.
Book your car hire now
Book by phone
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Points of interest in Switzerland
Gruyeres
A medieval town and popular tourist destination, home to a 13th century castle and Gruyere cheese.
Lake Thun
One of the country’s loveliest lakes, its sparkling blue waters and neighbouring mountains make it a great place to unwind.
Montreux
A quaint town surrounded by vineyards and Lake Geneva, it has long inspired artists and writers.
Jungfraujoch
At 3,454 metres high, this peak is dubbed the Top of Europe and is Europe’s highest train station.
Lugano
This town looks more Italian than Swiss, with its palm trees and beautiful Floral Driving Route.
Epic drives
Top mountain passes
Grimsel Pass
This road dramatically traces the landscape with hairpin turns and steep grades. One of the highest mountain passes in the Alps, it leads to sparkling reservoir lakes and granite valleys.
Furka Pass
A high-altitude journey and one of the world’s most iconic adrenaline-pumping drives. The route was immortalized by the James Bond film Goldfinger and attracts anyone interested in reaching the Rhone Glacier. Though its sheer drops can be dizzying, the miles of stunning views cannot be missed.
Great St Bernard Pass
This historic route has been used for thousands of years and is one of the oldest paths in the Western Alps. Connecting Martigny to Aosta, this lovely winding road will take you past the legendary Great St Bernard Hospice and through lush meadows.
