Renting a car for a ski holiday
*Updated for 2026* The ski season is in motion and many of us are looking towards hitting the slopes to make the most from the cold weather! When going on a…
Car Hire in Switzerland.
Best-value car rental in Switzerland
- Free Cancellation
- Excess Protection
- 24/7 Support
- Fair Fuel Policy
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Once again very happy hiring a car through Zest. I have recommended Zest to many of my friends and family
Stephen John - Zurich Airport, 2 days ago
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Whether you're visiting for the snow-clad slopes or exploring the countryside and lakes, car hire in Switzerland will help you do just that. Hire a convertible or SUV to tackle the famous Stelvio Pass, where you'll experience beautiful panoramic views of the valley. If you like a slower pace, visit one of the many lakes of Switzerland with the peace of mind that your excess is always covered.
Visiting Switzerland to for the ski slopes? You'll be pleased to know that not only do we ensure your excess is insured, but we also highlight any winterisation costs associated with your car rental in Switzerland.
At Zest, our providers can include winter tyres, snow chains and ski racks as additional inclusions! Simply select this during the booking process if you require any optional extras.
- Excess Insurance included
- Free Cancellation & Amendments
- Fair Fuel Policy
- Breakdown Assistance
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Which? Recommended Provider
Which car rental company should I book with in Switzerland?
Search, compare and book you next car hire with Zest Car Rental for inclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else. At Zest, we understand the last thing you need after a long flight is to deal with problems collecting your car hire. Therefore, we only partner with trusted and monitored providers to ensure a hassle-free and smooth car rental experience.
Whether you decide to book with Alamo, Europcar or any of our other providers in Switzerland, you will always be welcomed with exceptional customer service! Start your holiday the right way with Zest Car Rental!
Book with Zest Car Rental in Switzerland
We take a fresh, honest approach to car hire. Our booking process is simple: clear pricing, no hidden costs, and no small print to worry about.
We want you to relax and look forward to your holiday, not worry about the logistics.
Unlock the real Switzerland
Switzerland is famous for its jaw-dropping alpine peaks, pristine glacial lakes, and beautifully preserved historic towns, making it a dream destination for an unforgettable road trip.
A scenic drive through the central valleys connects vibrant hubs like Zurich and Lucerne with the breathtaking panoramas of the Bernese Oberland, passing underneath iconic snow-capped peaks.
Navigating these highly advanced routes opens up access to quiet alpine villages, dramatic mountain gorges, and glassy lakeside vistas that regular public transport networks cannot easily match.
Whether you are tracing the shores of Lake Geneva or driving deep into the southern valleys, a rental vehicle gives you the complete freedom to explore the country's diverse landscapes at your own comfortable pace.
You can cruise the scenic lakeside routes of Ticino, navigate the spectacular winding roads of the Engadin Valley, or follow the open highways leading toward historic castles in Bellinzona.
Having complete control over your travel itinerary allows you to stop at rural morning markets, explore remote hiking trails, and discover family-run mountain chalets completely free from rigid group tour schedules.
Can I take my rental car across national borders?
Given Switzerland's central position in Europe, many travelers want to extend their road trip across borders into neighboring destinations like Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, or Slovenia.
Please be aware that each provider enforces completely individual regulations regarding border crossings.
To check what options are available for your journey, we recommend generating a live quote on our website where eligible cars will be explicitly labeled with exact permissions or local fees.
Our Fleet in Switzerland
At Zest Car Rental, we offer a wide range of vehicles in Switzerland to suit every type of traveller. Fuel-efficient economy cars and nimble compact models are highly practical for navigating narrow historic town lanes and finding parking in busy urban hubs like Geneva, Zurich, or Basel.
If you plan to tour the steep mountain routes of the interior, carry substantial holiday luggage, or cruise regional motorways with family, choosing a spacious intermediate vehicle, an estate, or a compact SUV can provide additional power, cargo capacity, and excellent interior comfort for long journeys.
One Way Rentals in Switzerland
In Switzerland, you can pick up your car and drop it off at a different location, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
One-way rentals are perfect for linear road trips, cross-country travel, or flexible itineraries, such as collecting your vehicle at Zurich Airport and returning it at Geneva Airport.
Please note that each provider sets their own rules for one-way rentals, and some may apply a mandatory local fee. This is clearly shown during the booking process.
Driver Age Requirements in Switzerland
Can I rent a car in Switzerland if I am under 25?
Yes. However, many providers apply a Young Driver Surcharge and may restrict access to luxury vehicle categories. Young driver fees vary by provider and may still apply depending on age and vehicle category.
Can I rent a car in Switzerland if I am over 70?
Yes. While some providers may have additional requirements or conditions for older drivers depending on policy, others welcome senior drivers with zero restrictions or extra costs.
What is the best time of year to explore Switzerland by car?
The ideal time to explore Switzerland on a driving holiday is during the summer months of June to September, when famous high alpine passes are fully open, and you can enjoy beautifully mild, sunny temperatures and clear driving conditions.
Alternatively, the winter months offer spectacular access to world-class ski resorts, though drivers should be fully prepared for snow-covered routes and seasonal winter equipment requirements.
Essential Tips for Driving in Switzerland
Driving in Switzerland is conducted on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking executed on the left. Switzerland requires a mandatory motorway vignette for all passenger cars and rental vehicles using the motorway network (Autobahnen/autoroutes/autostrade). The vignette is an electronic system linked to the vehicle’s registration and is required to drive on Swiss motorways and certain national roads. There are no general toll booths on standard highways. A small number of specific tunnels, such as the Great St Bernard Tunnel, have separate toll charges.
Drink-driving is prohibited under Swiss law and punishments are strict. If you plan to drink, you should not drive.
When navigating major urban areas like Zurich or Geneva, remain alert for exceptionally busy tram networks sharing the streets, dedicated bicycle lanes, and precise lane discipline. Parking options in central municipal districts are strictly regulated and divided into color-coded zones, commonly requiring a parking disc for blue zones or automated meters and regional mobile apps for paid spaces.
Outside the main cities, look out for sudden speed limit drops near rural villages, slow-moving agricultural vehicles, and steep mountainous terrain with tight turns across alpine ranges like the Swiss Alps.
Book nowTravel tips and blogs
Guide to Hiring a Car from Geneva Airport
*Updated for 2025* Travelling between sides of Geneva Airport Due to some recently applied security updates to Geneva airport, you’ll only be allowed to pass…
Places to hire in Switzerland
- Basel
- Basel Airport (BSL)
- Basel Rail Station
- Bern
- Bern Airport (BRN)
- Bern Central Rail Station
- Biel
- Geneva
- Geneva Airport - Swiss Side (GVA)
- Geneva Rail Station
- Interlaken
- Lausanne
- Lucerne
- Lugano
- Lugano Airport (LUG)
- Neuchatel
- Sion Airport (SIR)
- Sion Rail Station
- St Gallen
- St Gallen Airport (ACH)
- St Moritz
- Thalwil Rail Station
- Thun
- Yverdon Les Bains
- Zug Rail Station
- Zurich
- Zurich Airport (ZRH)
- Zurich Rail Station
Average customer rating for car hire in Switzerland
(4.75 out of 5.00) based on 243 responses to our customer survey.
Popular locations in Switzerland
See all locationsZest's Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Switzerland!
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Zurich
Switzerland's largest city offers a mix of culture, history, and modernity. Explore the picturesque Old Town, visit the Kunsthaus Zurich (Zurich Art Museum), and take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Zurich.
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Lucerne
This charming city is nestled between mountains and a lake. Visit the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), explore the Old Town, and take a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne.
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Interlaken
Situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is a gateway to the Bernese Oberland region. It's a hub for adventure activities like hiking, paragliding, and water sports.
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Lake Geneva Region
Explore the picturesque towns around Lake Geneva, including Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, and Vevey. Visit the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, explore the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, and take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenades.
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Bern
The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, offers a blend of history, culture, and charm. Explore the well-preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobbled streets, Zytglogge (clock tower), and the Federal Palace.
