Car Hire in Switzerland - Getting to Switzerland

Being centrally located in Europe, many continental visitors find it more convenient to arrive by train, car or bus. Long haul flights arrive in Zürich and Geneva, Both have modern, well-organised airports with first class shuttle services into the respective cities. Kloten airport, 10km north of Zurich has a frequent train services (10 minutes) to Hauptbahnhof from 6am to midnight. Basel, Bern and Lugarno airports also receive international flights, mainly from regional cities.

Trains run like clockwork, and high speed trains link Geneva and Zurich with most other major European cities. The network within the country is extensive and efficient though not cheap. Buses tend to be slower and less comfortable, though usually cheaper.

Getting to Switzerland usually involves winding your way through mountains, meaning a longer but certainly picturesque drive. The highway network is well maintained, easily handles the traffic and has main highways to all main border points. Due to the mountains, border crossings are fewer, there are major routes into France via Geneva (south) and Basel (north), Germany via Schaffhausen and St Gallen – around lake Constance, which is also the access route to Austria, and Italy in the south via Lugano, Ascona and Brig. For drivers, the N1 is the fastest route from Bern and Basel; it also services routes to the north and east of Zürich. The N3 approaches Zürich from the south, along the shore of Lake Zürich.