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Compare car hire in Switzerland
- Bordered by Italy, Germany, France, Austria and Lichtenstein, Switzerland is a unique and fascinating landlocked country. Its location is a meeting point of the southern, northern and central regions of Europe. It is part of the European Free Trade Association and participates in Schengen but is not a member of the EU, the European Economic Area or the Eurozone.
- Switzerland is an exhilarating and beautiful place to drive. Its James Bond worthy roads offer twists, turns, altitude and of course, breath-taking views. There are so many fantastic routes, we recommend taking Route 17 to the spectacular Klausenpass. Be warned, this road has some very narrow sections and little in the way of protective barriers but take this drive on a nice day and you will be rewarded with excitement, adventure and amazing sights.
- Switzerland is a country of many languages. The majority of the population speak a Swiss form of German, but expect to hear French, Italian and Romansh as you travel around. Due to the international significance of Switzerland as an economic and cultural destination, English is also widely spoken.
- A valid UK or EU drivers’ licence must be carried with you at all times when driving in Switzerland. Although Switzerland is not a member of the EU it’s worth keeping an eye on any changes to requirements for UK license holders from Jan 2021, when the Brexit transition period ends.
Guide to Switzerland
A Brief History
Switzerland has a long history defined by the diversity of its language, culture and peoples. Evidence suggests prehistoric activity in the region as well as farming communities as early as 5300 BCE. However, it was in the Medieval period and the development of the Old Swiss Confederacy where the Switzerland we know today began its formation. This confederacy brought together communities of the central Alps under various charters. This provided safe and effective trade routes for the region. Overtime the confederacy grew in terms of territory and power, until war with France in 1515 significantly reduced its development.
Swiss Neutrality
Switzerland is famous for its non-aggressive foreign policy and its ability to maintain neutrality even during the First and Second World Wars. The origins of Swiss neutrality can be traced back to 1515 when the Old Swiss Confederacy abandoned its expansionist approach, though later involvement in the Napoleonic Wars ended this position. It was in November 1815, after the defeat of Napolean when Austria, Great Britain, Russia, France and Prussia acknowledged permanent Swiss neutrality.
Switzerland remained neutral during the World Wars of the 20th century. Although the Nazis had drawn up plans to invade Switzerland during the Second World War, this never happened. In the years since the Second World War Switzerland maintained its position of neutrality and is not involved in foreign warfare, though it does have a military and is involved in various peace-keeping roles throughout the world.
Switzerland Today
21st Century Switzerland is consistently voted one of the top places to live, work and travel on the planet. It’s unique placement as a small but economically significant nation brings with it a wealth of opportunities for tourists. For the thrill seeker there are the fantastic skiing resorts or for the hiker a wealth of Alpine landscape to explore. For those seeking culture and art Switzerland’s cities offer an amazing range of museums and galleries and for those gastro-tourists out there, in Switzerland the world really is your fondue.
Top Tips when hiring a car in Switzerland
- Research Extensively: Before you book, research Switzerland car hire options thoroughly. Look for cheap car hire deals, especially in major cities and at airport locations.
- Compare Car Hire Companies: There are several car rental companies in Switzerland that offer the best car hire deals. To get the best car hire deal, compare prices and services offered by different providers.
- Car Categories: Choose a car category that suits your needs and preferences. Switzerland car hire companies offer a variety of vehicles, from compact hire cars to SUVs.
- International Driving Permit: If you're from a non-European country, check if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Switzerland. It's a common requirement for rental cars.
- Speed Limits: Familiarize yourself with Switzerland's speed limits. They vary depending on the type of road and location, so be sure to adhere to the posted limits.
- Winter Driving: If you plan to visit Switzerland during the winter, consider hiring a car with snow tires. They are essential for safe travel, especially in mountainous regions.
- Mountain Passes: Keep in mind that some popular tourist attractions, like the Great Saint Bernard Tunnel or Lake Geneva, might require additional fees for passage.
- Child Seats: If you're traveling with children, ensure that your rental car includes child seats. It's a legal requirement in Switzerland for child safety.
- Petrol Stations: Switzerland has an extensive network of petrol stations, but they can be expensive. Plan your fuel stops strategically to save money.
- Exploring Beyond Switzerland: If you intend to explore other European countries, inform the car hire company beforehand to ensure that you have the necessary permissions and documentation to visit other European destinations.
- Abide by the strict speed limits in Switzerland, as speeding fines can be quite hefty.
- Navigation: Consider bringing a GPS device or using a navigation app to help you navigate Switzerland's road network and find car hire locations.
Getting to and from Switzerland
Swiss International Air Lines is Switzerland’s flag carrier. Offering routes to many of the world’s major cities from Zurich and Geneva. Most international carriers operate scheduled flights into Swiss cities, including British Airways, Lufthansa and Air France.
Places to visit in Switzerland
The Cities
Swiss cities have a relatively small population in comparison to other major European metropolises such as London or Berlin, but there is a serious amount on offer in each of them.
- Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and one of the world’s major financial centres. There is plenty to enjoy here, from fabulous food to galleries, museums and outdoor activities. We recommend checking out the FIFA World Football Museum and then getting away from it all and entering pure relaxation with a visit to the Thermalbad and Spa.
- Genevais another city of world significance thanks to its role as base for many international organisations, including several UN agencies as well as the Red Cross. No visit to the city would be complete without visiting the Palais des Nations the second largest UN headquarters, after New York.
- Baselis an historic town located on the Rhine and has a huge amount of cultural activity available in a relatively small space. From wandering the Old Town to Stand-Up-Paddle Boarding, this city has it all. We highly recommend a visit to the world-class Antiquities Museum, where you will find a wonderful permanent collection alongside regular temporary exhibits.
- Bern is the capital city of Switzerland despite being only fifth most populous. With its beautiful architecture and location on the River Aare it is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities to photograph. Get outside here and take snaps of the minster, parliament building and be sure to visit the wonderful Rose Garden, offering unrivalled views across the city.
Skiing
- Located 1800 metres above sea level, St. Moritzis probably the most famous of all high Alpine resorts. It has been associated with winter sports since the 19th Century and hosted the Winter Olympics in both 1928 and 1948. St. Moritz has sunshine for the majority of the year and is a favourite with tourists. There are numerous opportunities for skiing, snowboarding and hiking. If you fancy something a little different be sure to check out the Cresta Run Toboggan Track, even beginners are welcome, but be sure to book in advance.
- For a truly stunning winter sports location pay a visit to Zermatt. In addition to exceptional skiing and boarding there are some wonderful hikes including this lakeside route offering exceptional views of the Matterhorn mirrored on the water.
Car hire in Swiss airports
Switzerland has several airports serving domestic and international passengers. The busiest international airports are Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Over 25 million passengers are handled annually by Zurich alone. These airports fly to most world cities and it is possible to book car hire from any of them through EnjoyTravel.com.
Booking your car hire in advance is a good idea for several reasons. If you wait until you arrive you will have far less choice over the type of vehicle you hire, it is likely to be more expensive and will take up valuable, unnecessary time. We work with a wide range of local partners, throughout the world, meaning we can bring you the best deals and choice. All our partners adhere to our Fair Fuel Policy to provide you with additional peace of mind. Use our search tool to find and book your vehicle today.
Some rules of the Swiss road
- Drivers must be aged 18 or over
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- Seatbelts must be worn at all times by everyone in the vehicle
- A warning triangle is required for all vehicles in Switzerland
- The motorway speed limit is 120km/h and generally speaking 80km/h outside built-up areas and 50km/h inside. Please note this is only a guide and you should always pay attention to local signage.
Car Types
Car Hire Reviews
| Name | Review | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Alan Morrison | Rented a Toyota Aygo for a weekend when I visited Switzerland in September. It was a dream to drive and met all my expectations. It was the perfect car to explore both the city and the countryside. | |
Aiden Brynn | We went to Switzerland for a skiing holiday in February, and hired an Audi Q3. Initially, we expected to just drive to the ski resort in it, but we ended up using it more often, and it helped us see much more of the country than just the ski slopes. It was the best way to get around by far. | |
Omar Hussain | I visited my family in Switzerland over the summer, and hired a Peugeot 308 while I was there. My cousins don’t drive yet, so it was the perfect size car to ferry us all around and see all the sights. Highly recommend. | |
Jon Blackman | I’ve visited Switzerland many times over the years, but this is the first time I’ve ever visited in winter and hired a car. The Skoda Kodiaq that I rented was one of the best cars I’ve ever driven and made the trip so much better. No more waiting in the snow for a bus not to turn up! | |
Suzie Ford | My husband and I visited our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren in Switzerland in October. We hired a Volkswagen Polo which made getting around so much easier as we didn’t all have to cram into one car. It made the trip go so much smoother. | |
Georgia Hall | Went to Switzerland in July for a week, and hired a Citroen C3 while I was there. The car was so easy to drive, and it was ready for me at the airport when I landed. The process was so simple, and I would definitely recommend hiring a car for anyone who is visiting Switzerland anytime soon. | |
Charlotte Bowen | Rented a Seat Arona when I went to Switzerland in March with my partner and our daughter, and it was the perfect sized family car for us. Lots of room, comfortable to drive and enough space for all of our luggage in the boot. | |
Sarah Osbourne | Attended a friend’s wedding in Switzerland in August, and as it was in a fairly rural location, we hired a Volkswagen Polo. We wouldn’t have been able to get there anywhere near as easily had we opted to use public transport instead, so thankfully we were able to find an excellent car through Enjoy Travel. | |
Lydia Steele | I hired an Opel Astra when I went skiing in January in Switzerland. Initially, I had my doubts about the car being able to handle the icy conditions on the roads, but it proved me wrong. It was an excellent drive, and I managed to see much more of Switzerland than I thought possible thanks to having a car. | |
Erin Callaghan | I have never hired a car before I visited Switzerland in April, but can confidently say I’ll be hiring one on my next trip abroad. The process, from picking it up at the airport to returning it, and exploring authentic Swiss towns and Alpine villages was just perfect. Best holiday yet! | |
Bobby Taylor | Wanted to experience the ‘real’ Switzerland, away from the tourist hubs, so hired a car for my visit here in November. I managed to visit towns and villages that I’d never even heard of and enjoyed some of the best food and drink I’ve had in a long time. This would have been impossible if I’d had to rely on public transport, or too expensive to justify a taxi to get to these areas. | |
Holly Turner | My partner and I rented a Mini Cooper when we visited Zurich, Switzerland in August. It was the perfect car for driving through the Alps and enjoying the fantastic views. For the two of us, I couldn’t have imagined a better car – it met all of our needs, and would definitely recommend hiring a car if you plan on visiting Switzerland. | |
Graham Shaw | Switzerland is one of our favourite holiday destinations, and when we visited for our annual skiing holiday in December, we opted to hire a car. We were given a Peugeot 3008, which handled the wintry conditions with ease. We also arrived much quicker at the ski resort than if we’d used public transport, so had more time skiing – bonus! | |
Henry Phillipson | Took a trip to Switzerland in the summer, and hired a car while I was over there. I’m a keen photographer, so needed a car to get to some remote Alpine locations to get the perfect shot. Thankfully, this was possible by hiring a car through Enjoy Travel – I wouldn’t have been able to get to half the destinations I did if I’d had to take the bus or train everywhere. | |
Jason Matthews | Booked a hire car through Enjoy Travel when I went to Switzerland in March. It was the best decision I made – the Skoda Octavia that I was given seemed to run for miles, and because it was automatic, I found it much easier to drive than a manual car. Would definitely recommend it. |
