Car rental in Zurich, Switzerland

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There are 65 car rental providers in Zurich. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pickup spot.

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 car rental deals

The most popular car rental companies in Zurich

Choose from the best car rental companies in Zurich

Renting a car in Zurich: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car rental companyAlamo
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceAED 549
Best time to bookLess than 1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Zurich

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car rental rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Zurich car rental search.

How to find a cheap car rental deal in Zurich

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Zurich and start your adventure for around AED 548 a day. From solo rides to family outings, we'll find the right wheels for whatever you have planned.

  • AED 195 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Zurich.

  • Staying a while and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? AED 559 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.

  • Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Around two weeks in advance gives you the best window to grab the best price on a Zurich car hire.

  • Get behind the wheel with Alamo, Europcar or Explore Vacations AG. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.

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

  • Choosing a one-way car rental can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Zurich.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.

  • Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.

Best value car rental options right now

  • Taking first place for value is this company, with average prices of AED 595 a day.

  • Next up is this provider, offering daily rates of around AED 532.

  • The third option also keeps costs reasonable. Expect to pay roughly AED 519 a day for one of their rentals.

  • If you're not quite sure what kind of wheels you need, choose something from the Economy rental category. It's the most widely booked vehicle type in Zurich.

Flying to Zurich? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car rental at Zurich Airport. If you're flying to Zurich through this hub, simply pick up your wheels after landing and get moving. The drive to the city center is about 11 kilometers and takes around 15 minutes.

Compare car rental types in Zurich

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Zurich may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, great on mileage, and a match made in heaven for city driving.

  • Medium: A top choice when you want something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for longer drives, this Zurich car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and rugged backroads alike.

  • Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Zurich that can handle the big jobs. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or big groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Zurich car rental is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Just remember that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Zurich.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could pay extra and face some limits. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your car rental in Switzerland.

  • Add a car seat to your Zurich car rental reservation if you're traveling with small kids. Regulations change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest way to travel.

  • Bring the right documents to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll generally need your physical driver's license (no electronic copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed 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.

  • Local speed limits are often about 45kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Switzerland is 0.05%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.

  • One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.

  • The Swiss franc (CHF) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay with your card when it's convenient, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't accepted.

Best hotels in Zurich for drivers

  • Pull in and get ready to relax at Moxy Zurich. Offering accessible parking as well as a bar and luggage storage, this hotel is around 3 kilometers from central Zurich.

  • Or take advantage of the parking at Amanthos Living Zürich Airport (Self Check In). The city center is roughly 6 kilometers from this stay, which also features tour services and express check-out.

  • Browse the lineup of hotels in Zurich for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.

  • After you've locked in a car rental deal in Zurich and the right hotel, all that's left is deciding where to explore first. Get things started with popular attractions such as Bahnhofstrasse, Cirque du Soleil - Grand Chapiteau and Zurich Opera.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Zurich

  • Basel should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit Art Basel and Basel Minster. This city is about 72 kilometers west of central Zurich.

  • You'll be well taken care of at B&B Hotel Basel and Novotel Basel City, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Basel.

  • Or pick up your cheap car rental in Zurich and then head for Bern. Roughly 97 kilometers southwest of Zurich, Old Town Bern and Zytglogge are standout attractions that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Relax after a day out and about in Bern at Novotel Bern Expo or Prize by Radisson, Bern City. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.

  • Up for a bonus adventure? Biel/Bienne is a popular road trip destination that's about 105 kilometers west of Zurich. Plan to make a few pit stops at Lake Biel and Omega Museum.

  • Rest your head in Biel/Bienne at either Mercure Plaza Biel or GLANDON Rooms Elite. They have a room waiting for you and parking availability too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, renting a car in Zurich will set you back around AED 548 per day or AED 2,294 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Zurich is an intermediate SUV. The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car rental companies in Zurich are currently Avis and Budget.
Scoring the best car rental deal depends on when you book – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. However, according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Zurich is currently May.
On average, around AED 2,294. But the best price we found for a car rental for a week in Zurich is AED 559.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to rent a car in Zurich for a whole month is AED 13,475. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Zurich, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car rental deals with a "full to full" fuel policy as opposed to a "half-full to full" one.

We also clearly highlight car and van rental options in Zurich that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car rental companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select "Return car to a different location" when you search with us.
Public transportation can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and for as long as you want. You'll also be able to discover more outside of Zurich.
Most places – Zurich included – allow people under the age of 25 to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance deductible for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is AED 195 per day. The average price per day is around AED 548.
Of course. Most major car rental companies like Alamo, Budget and Europcar offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travelers rated Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the Internet for all kinds of vehicle rental deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van rental in Zurich.