Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Basel - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Basel
Basel
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Basel
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Basel
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Basel
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 Basel?
Basel, a vibrant city on the Rhine River, offers a unique blend of culture, history and modern innovation. While Basel boasts an efficient public transportation system, renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the surrounding regions at your own pace.
Explore the Swiss Alps: With a rental car, you can easily venture into the breathtaking Swiss Alps, known for their stunning landscapes and charming villages. Enjoy scenic drives and hiking trails that are easily accessible by car.
Visit Colmar, France: Just a short drive from Basel, Colmar is a picturesque town in the Alsace region of France. Its colourful half-timbered houses and canals make it a delightful day trip destination.
Discover the Black Forest: Located in Germany, the Black Forest is another accessible destination from Basel. Explore its dense forests, traditional villages and world-famous cuckoo clocks.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Basel
Before renting a car in Basel, be aware of the standard terms and conditions. Ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, possess a valid driving licence and understand the insurance and deposit policies.
Area
23.91 square kilometres (9.23 square miles)
Population
Approximately 175,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1
Ideal for
Day trips and regional exploration
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak commuting times, 7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Basel is typically 21 years old. However, some rental companies may charge a young driver surcharge for those under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driving licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in a Latin alphabet.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is required, typically held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, so check whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, GPS navigation systems or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Basel – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts and lower rates.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Basel?
To book a car in Basel, compare prices, select the right vehicle and carefully review rental terms. Booking early can help you secure the best rates, particularly during peak seasons. Remember to bring your licence, credit card and identification when picking up your rental.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the most competitive rental rates for your desired dates.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for exploring the Alps.
3. Check Rental Terms - Read the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure the best prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance of your trip.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver's licence, credit card and passport when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Basel
Basel is a city known for its art, culture and historical architecture. Exploring the city and surrounding areas by car requires an understanding of local traffic rules, parking regulations and fuel availability.
Basel, located in northwestern Switzerland, is a city where Swiss, French and German influences converge. While Basel has excellent public transport, a car is useful for day trips in the surrounding regions.
Top Attractions to Discover
Kunstmuseum Basel
One of the oldest and most respected art museums in Switzerland.
Basel Minster
A beautiful Romanesque and Gothic cathedral with stunning views of the city.
Tinguely Fountain
A whimsical fountain with kinetic sculptures created by Jean Tinguely.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Parkhaus Badhüsli and Parkhaus Elisabethen are good options in the city centre.
On-Street Parking
Limited metered parking is available, but can be expensive and time-restricted.
Park & Ride
Use the Park & Ride facilities outside the city centre and take public transport into Basel.
Gas Stations in Basel
Major Brands Available
You'll find Shell, BP and Avia stations throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Easy Access
Refuelling is relatively straightforward, with well-maintained stations and clear signage.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Basel
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Be aware of potential traffic delays during rush hours, especially on weekdays.
Be Aware of Cyclists
Basel has a high volume of bicycle traffic, so be mindful of cyclists.
Check Parking Regulations
Ensure you understand local parking rules to avoid fines.
Use Contactless Payment
Many places accept contactless payments, including credit cards and mobile payment apps.
Key Transportation Hubs in Basel
Major Bus Stations
Basel SBB Bus Terminal
Located near the main railway station, it serves numerous regional and international bus routes.
Railway Stations
Basel SBB
The city's primary railway station, providing connections to major Swiss and European cities.
Basel Badischer Bahnhof
A railway station located on German territory within the city of Basel, serving regional and international routes.
Airports
EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP)
An international airport located 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) northwest of Basel, serving flights to destinations across Europe and beyond.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Basel?
Renting a car in Basel is a relatively straightforward process, but it's essential to meet the required conditions before you start your journey. Here's what you'll need.
A valid driving licence from your country of residence is required. If your licence is not in a Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
A valid credit or debit card in the primary driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies may prefer or require a credit card.
A passport or another form of official identification may be required, particularly for international renters.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 Basel 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.
Pretty relaxed, actually.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 13.01.2025
Basel was a wonderful surprise! Having a car made exploring so easy; I highly recommend it for first-timers.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 11.10.2024
Efficient business trip to Basel. Having a car was perfect for getting around quickly.
David Lee
Reviewed: 01.02.2025
Pretty good, really
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 13.12.2024
Loved exploring Basel! Getting around with a car was so convenient. A truly charming city.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 03.01.2025
Solid, pretty chill.
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 26.03.2025
Relaxing and pleasant.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 13.11.2024
Basel was fantastic! My family and I had a wonderful time exploring, and having a car made it so much easier to get around and see everything. Highly recommend!
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 20.08.2025
Basel was surprisingly easy to navigate. My business trip was short but productive, and having a car made getting around a breeze. Definitely recommend!
Katherine Brown
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Charming Basel! Exploring by car was effortless, a truly delightful trip.
Isabelle Dupont
Reviewed: 10.03.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 07.02.2025