The ultimate guide for renting a car in Switzerland

If you want to explore remote villages, mountain passes or less touristy areas, a car gives you the freedom to go beyond train routes.

If you’re planning a scenic road trip in a group or as a family, a car can be cost-effective when splitting expenses compared to multiple train tickets.

If you prefer a flexible schedule, a rental car allows you to stop at viewpoints, take detours or visit places off the beaten path without being bound by timetables.

Travelling by public transport is the way to go if you plan on sticking to major cities and tourist hubs like Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken or Zermatt. Cities have excellent tram, bus and train networks that make it easy to get around. Also, driving and parking in city centres can be a hassle and expensive.

If you’re planning on travelling on scenic trains like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express or the GoldenPass Line, then don’t bother renting a car. Just grab your ticket or travel pass and enjoy the view without worrying about traffic.

If you travel on your own or with one other person, catching a train might be cheaper than renting a car.

Book early: Rental cars can be in high demand, especially in summer or over the school holidays. Booking a few months in advance often gets you a better rate.

Compare prices: Use comparison sites to check prices across companies. You’ll often save money this way. I’ll tell you more on using DiscoverCars later, which makes comparing deals super easy. 

Have a credit card ready: Swiss rental companies require a credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit. Debit cards usually won’t cut it. The rental agency will place a hold on your card – often between 1000 to 3000 CHF – as a deposit, so ensure your credit limit can handle it. 

Take note of age restrictions: Please note that the driver typically needs to be at least 21 years old, or 25 for some car categories, and have a valid driver’s license. An International Driving Permit is recommended if your license isn’t from Europe.

Choose the right car for your trip: Switzerland has everything from narrow city streets to high Alpine passes, so pick a car that fits your plans. For city-hopping, a small compact car is easier to park and more fuel-efficient. If you’re heading into the mountains or travelling in winter, consider a 4WD or a car with a bit more power. An SUV can be helpful for snowy areas or steep inclines, but note that larger vehicles will use more fuel and might be harder to navigate on tight mountain roads.

Automatic vs. manual: Manual transmission cars are common and often cheaper, but if you only drive automatics, reserve an automatic well in advance. They cost around 10 CHF more per day on average.

Plan for winter driving (if applicable): Switzerland has four distinct seasons. If you’re visiting in winter or early spring, ensure your rental car comes equipped with winter tires. Many Swiss rentals have them in winter by default. While winter tires aren’t legally mandatory in Switzerland, they are highly recommended for safety. Carry snow chains if you plan to drive through high mountain passes. Some roads will have signs requiring chains in heavy snow.

Check the weather conditions: Before driving into the Alps, always check the weather conditions. Don’t be fooled by what things look like around your current location. A sunny valley can turn into a snowy mountain in a short drive.

Know what’s included (and what’s not): Before you drive off, double-check what is included in your rental rate. Most rentals include unlimited mileage and basic mandatory liability insurance. Collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage might be included with a deductible (excess), or it might be an add-on. Know your coverage to avoid surprises. Also, inspect the car for any existing scratches or dents and ensure they’re noted on the contract to avoid disputes when you return the car.