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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Zürich
Zürich
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Zürich
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Zürich
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Zürich
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 Zürich?
Zürich is a vibrant city with a blend of cultural attractions, stunning landscapes, and efficient infrastructure. While public transport is excellent, renting a car offers the freedom to explore beyond the city limits and discover the hidden gems of Switzerland at your own pace.
Explore the Swiss Countryside. A rental car allows you to easily visit picturesque villages, scenic lakes, and the majestic Alps, all within a comfortable driving distance from Zürich.
Convenience and Flexibility. With your own vehicle, you can create your own itinerary, stop at charming cafes, and enjoy spontaneous adventures without being tied to train or bus schedules.
Perfect for Day Trips. Zürich is ideally located for day trips to destinations such as Lucerne, Interlaken, and the Rhine Falls. A car makes these excursions convenient and enjoyable.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Zürich
Before renting a car in Zürich, it’s essential to understand the local regulations and requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
Approximately 91.88 square kilometers (35.48 square miles)
Population
Approximately 434,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (UTC+2 during summer)
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Zürich require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some providers may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in a language easily understood by the rental company. A passport and credit card in the driver’s name are also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary; many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Zürich – 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 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €13 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
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 Zürich?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips into the Alps.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Zürich
Zürich is a global centre for banking and finance, but also offers a high quality of life with numerous cultural attractions and beautiful natural surroundings. Exploring it with a car requires awareness of local traffic regulations and parking policies.
Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland and a major transportation hub. While it boasts an efficient public transportation system, renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the surrounding Swiss landscapes, including the Alps and picturesque lakes. However, driving in the city centre can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking. Understanding local traffic laws, fuel station locations, and parking rules is essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Lake Zürich
Enjoy boat tours, lakeside promenades, and stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Bahnhofstrasse
A famous shopping street with luxury boutiques, department stores, and cafes.
Grossmünster Church
An iconic Romanesque-style church with twin towers that offer panoramic views of the city.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Parkhaus Urania, Parking Opéra, or Hauptbahnhof Parking for secure, central parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but often costly and time-limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Leave your car outside the city at designated Park & Ride facilities and use public transport to reach the centre.
Gas Stations in Zürich
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, Esso, and AVIA stations throughout the city and surrounding areas.
24-Hour Stations
Some stations offer 24-hour service, particularly along major highways.
Use Navigation Apps
Tools like Google Maps or Waze can help you locate nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Zürich
Watch for Cyclists
Zürich has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, so be aware of cyclists, especially in urban areas.
Be Aware of Speed Limits
Strict speed limits are enforced, so pay attention to signage.
Pay Attention to Traffic Signs
Swiss traffic signs may differ slightly from those in other countries, so familiarise yourself with them.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Plan for potential traffic delays, especially during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM / 4:00–7:00 PM).
Key Transportation Hubs in Zürich
Railway Stations
Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)
The largest railway station in Switzerland, connecting Zürich with national and international destinations.
Airports
Zürich Airport (ZRH)
The largest airport in Switzerland, located approximately 13 kilometres (8 miles) north of the city centre.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Zürich?
Renting a car in Switzerland is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from Switzerland, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification 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 Zürich 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.
Meh. Overpriced chocolate.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Zürich was lovely; renting a car made seeing my friends easy. The lake was beautiful, though the museums felt a bit underwhelming.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 26.08.2024
Relaxing, pretty chill
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 15.03.2025
Zürich was fantastic! Seeing friends and exploring with a car was so convenient. Highly recommend!
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 25.10.2024
Stunning city, explored easily by car. Loved it!
Benjamin Lee
Reviewed: 05.08.2025
Zürich was a perfect spontaneous weekend! Getting around with a car was so easy.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 20.11.2024