Zurich Airport car rentals

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How much does a car rental from Zurich Airport cost throughout the year?

Our data shows that September is the cheapest month to rent a car from Zurich Airport. It's around AED 207 a day in September, compared to the yearly average which is AED 2,342 a day.
Cheapest month avgSeptember • AED 207
Yearly average priceAED 2,342

Car rental near Zurich Airport

If it's easier for you, there are lots of car rental pickup locations in Zurich from ‎AED 157.

The most popular car rental companies at Zurich Airport

Zurich Airport car rental: Facts on the fly

Average daily priceAED 2,342
Most popular carCompact, Coupe
Cheapest price foundAED 206
Cheapest month to rentSeptember
Providers at Zurich Airport20
Most popular providerAlamo
Best time to bookLess than 1 week before

Choose from the best car rental companies near Zurich Airport

Driving in Zurich: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need a full license, passport, and credit card.
To rent a car in Zurich, bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended in Zurich if your license is not in English or from a European country.
Navigating city driving
Clear roads, but trams and signs need focus.
Driving in Zurich is smooth, but you’ll need to watch for tram lines, cyclists, and detailed signage. Navigation apps help to avoid restricted turns and low-speed zones in the center.
Tolls, emissions zones, and charges
A highway toll pass is required for Swiss roads.
Zurich itself doesn’t have toll booths, but motorways require a vignette—a prepaid toll sticker. It’s usually included with rental cars, but always check before setting off.
Parking your car in Zurich
Parking is expensive and time-limited.
Street parking in Zurich is paid and often restricted to short stays. Blue zones allow limited free parking with a disk. Use public car parks or hotel parking for longer visits.
Finding fuel or charging points
Gas is easy to find — EV charging is reliable.
Gas stations are common, though less frequent in the city center. EV charging stations in Zurich are well distributed – use Swisscharge, Electromaps or PlugShare to find a nearby option.
Local driving style and tips
Driving is calm and rules are followed.
Local driving rules in Zurich are strictly enforced. Expect clear signage, disciplined traffic and trams that always have the right of way. Stick to speed limits and don't block junctions.
Find Zurich Airport car rental deals

How to get the best car rental deals at Zurich Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down at Zurich Airport. 

How to find a cheap car rental deal in Zurich (ZRH)

  • Flight just landed? Pick up a cheap Zurich rental car and hit the road for around AED 2,342 a day. From solo getaways to family escapes, we'll match you with a rental that works for you.

  • Daily rental prices at Zurich start from just AED 206.

  • Planning a longer stay in Zurich? Grab a weekly rental from AED 448 and fit more into your itinerary.

  • To get the cheapest price, book your ZRH car hire around two weeks in advance.

  • Alamo, Europcar and Green Motion are some popular providers at Zurich.

  • The coverage Alamo or another supplier offers for your Zurich car rental can vary, so be sure to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.

  • Booking one-way could score you a discount on your car rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in ZRH.

  • Spend less on fuel by choosing a car rental in Zurich that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra charges.

Best value car rental options right now

  • You get the best value with https://www.skyscanner.ae/car-rentals/car-rental-with-provider/enterprise/702, with average prices coming in at AED 451 a day.

  • Next up is https://www.skyscanner.ae/car-rentals/car-rental-with-provider/national/656, which offers daily rates of around AED 486.

  • https://www.skyscanner.ae/car-rentals/car-rental-with-provider/avis/640 also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly AED 536 a day.

  • If you're not quite sure what kind of wheels you need, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked car type at ZRH.

Compare car rental types from Zurich (ZRH)

  • Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or taking a short trip, this cheap Zurich rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to good fuel efficiency and easy handling.

  • Medium: A smart pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.

  • Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this ZRH car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic routes alike.

  • Van: If you need a car for rent in Zurich that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group travel, business use or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different ZRH car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • Make travel easier when you rent a car in Zurich by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the terms set by each supplier before booking your car rental in Switzerland.

  • Travel plans include the kids? Car seat rules vary by location, and the right setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Be sure to add the right one to your ZRH car rental booking.

  • You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's license, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.

  • If you're new to driving in Switzerland, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.

  • Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Switzerland. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.

  • You'll be using the Swiss franc (CHF) on your trip here. In addition to your bank cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.

Drive smarter from the start

  • After you've grabbed the keys to your ZRH car hire, the next move is up to you. Central Zurich is about 11 kilometers south and a drive of around 15 minutes if that's where your journey begins.

  • At peak travel times, expect the drive from Zurich to the center to take as long as 30 minutes.

  • Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • Don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive? Consider picking up a car rental in Zurich instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Zurich (ZRH)

  • Start with some of the leading attractions in Zurich, like Bahnhofstrasse and Cirque du Soleil - Grand Chapiteau. Whether you drive your rental or get there another way, you'll want to check out these highlights before leaving town.

  • Around 72 kilometers west of ZRH, Basel deserves a spot on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like Art Basel and Basel Minster.

  • Or hop in your Zurich car rental and set off for Bern. Around 105 kilometers southwest of the airport, Old Town Bern and Zytglogge are popular attractions that make the drive more than worth it.

  • Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Biel/Bienne, about 105 kilometers west of ZRH. Kick things off at Lake Biel, then head to Omega Museum.

Renting a car at Zurich Airport: FAQs

On average, a car rental from Zurich Airport is around AED 2,342 per day.
No. It's a little higher than Switzerland's average daily car rental price, which is around AED 537.
There are lots of car rental companies to choose from at Zurich Airport, including Hertz, EV Adventure, Flizzr, Keddy By Europcar, Sixt, Surprice, Enterprise, National, and Avis.
Currently, the lowest price we've found for rentals at Zurich Airport is AED 206, and the cheapest rate for car rentals nearby is from AED 157. It can often be cheaper to rent a car from somewhere near Zurich Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pickup fee. However, when you consider the cost of traveling from Zurich Airport to the pickup location and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economical, faster, and easier.
Yes – you can rent a car when you touch down at Zurich Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travelers is Keddy By Europcar, with a 4.8 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Enterprise.
Although you can often find a cheaper car rental deal away from Zurich Airport, remember to consider: the extra cost of public transportation, a taxi to your hotel, or that pickup location on top of that price.
Yes. We understand that plans can change last-minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from Zurich Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.
We search the Internet for all kinds of vehicle rental deals in and around Zurich. However, at the moment, we can't find any van rental at Zurich Airport.
When you rent a car near Zurich Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.
You can book a car rental at Zurich Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.
The documents you need to rent a car at Zurich Airport vary depending on the car rental provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driver's license, photo ID, and a credit card. You can check with the car rental provider when you book.
Finding the best car rental deal at Zurich Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.