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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Switzerland
Switzerland
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Switzerland
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Switzerland
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Switzerland
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Switzerland?
Switzerland, with its majestic Alps, pristine lakes, and charming villages, is a dream destination. While its public transportation is excellent, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore this beautiful country at your own pace. Here’s why a car is the perfect way to experience Switzerland.
Unmatched Freedom and Flexibility. Public transport schedules can be limiting. A rental car allows you to deviate from the beaten path, explore hidden valleys, and stop at picturesque viewpoints whenever you desire.
Access to Remote Locations. Many of Switzerland's most stunning landscapes, like the car-free villages of Zermatt or the hiking trails of the Swiss National Park, require driving to a nearby access point. A car enables you to reach these starting points easily.
Comfort and Convenience. Traveling with luggage on trains and buses can be cumbersome. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to transport your belongings, especially if you're travelling with family or sports equipment.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or small groups, renting a car can often be more economical than purchasing individual train tickets, particularly for longer journeys. Plus, you can split the cost of fuel and parking.
Driving in Switzerland: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
German, French, Italian, Romansh
Average petrol price
€1.90 per litre or €7.20 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
80 km/h or 50 mph
Currency
Swiss Franc
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
9.5/10
Dialling Code
+41
Driving in Switzerland is generally a pleasant experience, thanks to well-maintained roads and clear signage. However, it's crucial to be aware of the local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s what you need to know before you get behind the wheel.
1. The Grand Tour of Switzerland This iconic route showcases the best of Switzerland, covering over 1,600 kilometres and passing through four language regions, five Alpine passes, eleven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and 22 lakes.
- Distance: 1,600 km – Duration: 7 to 14 days
- Route: Circular route starting and ending in Zurich
2. The Grimsel Pass This dramatic mountain pass connects the cantons of Bern and Valais, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and rugged peaks. It's a challenging but rewarding drive for experienced drivers.
- Distance: 38 km – Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Route: Gletsch to Innertkirchen
3. The Susten Pass Another stunning Alpine pass, the Susten Pass features a well-engineered road with numerous tunnels and bridges. It provides access to the Stein Glacier and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Distance: 45 km – Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Route: Wassen to Innertkirchen
4. Lake Geneva to Zermatt This scenic route takes you from the shores of Lake Geneva, through the vineyards of the Valais region, and up to the car-free village of Zermatt, with stunning views of the Matterhorn.
- Distance: 230 km – Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Route: Geneva to Täsch (for Zermatt)
5. St. Moritz to Lugano Traverse from the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz, winding through the Engadine Valley, over the Maloja Pass, and down to the Italian-speaking region of Ticino, ending in the lakeside city of Lugano.
- Distance: 200 km – Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Route: St. Moritz to Lugano
Top drives in Switzerland:
Many tourists and travellers say that cars in Switzerland is a necessity, not a luxury. And they are absolutely right. All Swiss, without exception, use cars.
Many tourists prefer travelling by car, and car hire is the perfect solution when your vacation is short and you want to see as much as possible but the public transport will not take you to all destinations of your choice. That is why car rental is well developed in Switzerland, and you can hire any vehicle on the island, from a compact car to a luxury convertible. Since the Switzerland’s land area is small, one or two weeks of vacation with a car can be enough to explore it all.
Car Rental Prices in Switzerland – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €50
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Switzerland
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Prices start at approximately £60 / $75 / €68 per day*
Low season (November to February): Discounts available from around £35 / $44 / €40 per day.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Switzerland
Renting a car in Switzerland offers amazing adventures, but smart planning is key to saving money. Here are practical tips for a cost-effective and memorable journey.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Rental rates increase closer to pick-up. Advance booking secures better rates and a wider vehicle selection.
2. Compare Prices & Look for Discounts.: Use comparison sites for the best deals. Many offer discounts for early bookings, longer rentals, or loyalty programs.
3. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs.: Smaller cars are cheaper to rent and fuel. If travelling solo or as a couple, an economy car is ideal.
4. Check Insurance Options Carefully.: Rental companies offer costly insurance. Check if your travel or credit card covers rental car insurance.
5. Stick to a Single Driver.: Adding drivers incurs extra fees. If possible, use one driver to minimise costs.
6. Refuel Before Returning.: Avoid high refuelling fees by refilling at local petrol stations before returning the car.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Switzerland?
To rent a car in Switzerland, ensure you meet all requirements for a seamless experience. Here's what you need.
Valid Driver’s Licence: A standard licence is sufficient if you're from Switzerland. Most foreign licences are valid for 12 months, but some require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Minimum Age Requirement: Most companies require drivers to be 21 or older, with potential fees for those under 25.
Credit or Debit Card: A card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit. Some only accept credit cards for deposits.
Proof of Identity: A passport or other ID may be required for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Switzerland as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Switzerland in summer was breathtaking! Exploring the mountains was amazing, though the crowds at some viewpoints were a bit much.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 16.08.2024
Pretty chill, actually.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 08.05.2025
Heard so much about Switzerland, and it lived up to the hype! Driving through those mountains was incredible.
Ava Brown
Reviewed: 20.09.2024
Switzerland exceeded expectations; car rental made exploring effortless.
Olivia Davis
Reviewed: 23.11.2024
Pretty good, actually.
Mia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 21.06.2025
Stunning scenery, great friends, but the trains were surprisingly crowded.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 28.03.2025