Switzerland Car hire Guide

Book cheap car hire in Switzerland with us and you'll save loads on car hire. Swiss car hire suppliers at the airport, and those with local depots in the country's towns and cities, are far more expensive than if you were to book online with us today.  We compare quotes from dozens of suppliers each with an array of cars for you to choose from. Save time queueing at the airport and book car hire in Switzerland online.

Switzerland is pure eye candy for those touring by car with the picturesque Alps and the countryside well networked by road. Although Switzerland’s government has heavily invested in trains, trams, coaches, boats and aerial cars - meaning that Switzerland can be enjoyed without having to hire a vehicle - the most remote places and the famous picturesque Alps region are best explored by arranging a vehicle, which is a cheaper alternative for families. Compare car hire rates of all the main reputable companies here.

Car hire driving tips in Switzerland

Driving in Switzerland is a great idea, and will help you cut costs since the super-reliable public transport is pricey around the country, particularly between the large cities. As one of the strictest countries in the world for drivers, Switzerland sees that motorists are always fully insured, meaning that any collisions or accidents can be dealt with efficiently.

Need to know essentials

Driving licenses: all non-Swiss drivers are required to carry a valid International Driving Permit. EU drivers can get on the road with a license from their homeland, as can non-EU drivers providing their license is in English, French, German or Italian.

Which side does Switzerland drive on: the right.

Speed limits:

Highways and dual carriageways (outside urban areas): 120kph

National or provincial roads: 100kph

Local roads: 80kph

Urban roads: 50kph

Alcohol limits: among the strictest limit found anywhere, with heavy fines and even the threat of imprisonment for any driver found with 0.05 per cent or more alcohol in their bloodstream.

Driving age: Swiss youngsters are able to get on the road at 18 years of age; however, those hoping to come here on holiday and drive must be at least 20 years old and have held a license for over 12 months in order to rent.

Compulsory items: snow chains are compulsory in some areas and they must be fitted on two-drive wheels. A warning triangle must be carried at all times. A motorway tax stamp valid for one year must be presented in the vehicle if motorways are to be used.

Seatbelts: obligatory in the front and back of the vehicle at all times.

Mobile phones and GPS: using a mobile phone while driving in Switzerland is prohibited unless a hands-free kit is used. Those using GPS must turn off any speed detector software, while radar detectors are strictly prohibited even if they aren’t switched on.

Cost of fuel in Switzerland: is more or less the same as in the UK.

Car hire and fuel payment: car rental in Switzerland is paid for by credit card. Travellers who are about to embark on road trips must ensure that they have Swiss francs with them as some foreign cards may be refused at certain pumps, particularly in rural areas. Unleaded petrol and diesel can be found in Switzerland, with just eight LPG outlets in the whole country. While the word for diesel is the same, petrol is known as benzin.

Insurance: third party and theft insurance is included in the price of a rental. Persons hiring a vehicle are advised to consider additional cover in the form of a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). Book car rental in Switzerland with us and purchase car insurance as an optional extra.

Traffic and parking: due to Switzerland’s small population, traffic isn’t as bad as it is in other European countries. Some of the towns and cities are centuries old, meaning that narrow roads are common and parking spaces can be difficult to find, while also expensive. If you are looking for a blue zone parking disc, they are available from petrol stations, garages, restaurants and police stations.

Our travel editor’s recommended drives

Great St. Bernard Pass – arguably the most famous mountain pass in alpine Europe that has been used since the Roman Empire.

Furka Pass – memorable for its glacier while also leading to the famous resort of Andermatt. Start in a German-speaking part of the country and end up in an Italian one.

Simplon Pass Road– constructed during the rule of Napoleon and often closed from December until early May, this road spans 64kms and is home to some of Europe’s most scenic mountainside.

Switzerland travel tips

Mostly because of the Alps, but also due to its history and the fact that it is influenced by three other European cultures and languages other than its own, Switzerland is among Europe’s most favoured tourist destinations. This dream destination for tourists the world over is expensive, yet Switzerland doesn’t subject visitors to price-hikes and rip-offs. Book car hire in Switzerland through us and you will be eligible to buy snow chains as an optional extra.

Switzerland weather and tourist seasons

Switzerland’s climate is temperate, although conditions vary significantly between the different regions. While glacial conditions are experienced around the Alps and close to Italy, the lowlands boasts near-Mediterranean summer weather. Summers from June to August are famously humid and see regular intervals of rainfall on most days. While winter from October to February is the least humid season and autumn is the driest.

Switzerland contact numbers (+41)

Emergency services – 117

Traffic news/weather/road accidents – 163

British Consular emergency services – 41 31 359 77 00

British Embassy – 41 31 359 7700

US Embassy – 41 31 357 70 11 

Irish Embassy – 41 31 352 14 42

Canadian Embassy – 41 31 357 3200

Australian Embassy – 41 22 799 910

Holidays and festivals

National holidays in Switzerland fall on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (known as St Stephen’s Day), in addition to New Year’s Day, St Berchtold (2 January) Epiphany Day (6 January). Good Friday and Easter Monday, Ascension Day (13 May), and Whit Monday (in May or June depending on the year) are the other religious public holidays observed by the vast majority of cantons, although some celebrate the Immaculate Conception and All Saints’ Day. Swiss National Day on 1 August is the only public holiday celebrated across the whole country.

Money matters

Switzerland isn’t part of the EU, and the Swiss franc is its currency. Even those that have experience in expensive cities in the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada and Australia might be shocked at the prices across the country. ATMs are never difficult to locate in the cities and places that cater to tourists.

Health and safety

Vaccinations won’t be required for visitors to Switzerland regardless of where they hail from. Visitors should carry health insurance however, as hospitals around the country are expensive for persons without adequate cover.

Fitting in…

While the Swiss are welcoming to tourists, they don’t take kindly to those that litter their country or disrespect local customs. Punctuality and being on time is essential, as is using the phrase “I would like” as a matter of courtesy. Depending on which part of the country you are in, or rather which language is being spoken, the locals will greatly appreciate you attempting to learn local phrases. In the French and German-speaking parts of Switzerland, kiss a friend three times on each cheek when greeting them. If uncomfortable with this, fake-kissing is also acceptable.

Visas for Switzerland

Travellers from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Ireland that would like to holiday in Switzerland can do so for 90 days without a visa. Americans, Canadians and Australians are required to show proof of a return or onward journey.

Electricity

The voltage in Switzerland is 220 Volts AC and 50 Hertz, with visitors from Britain and Ireland capable of using their own appliances as long as they have purchased a plug adaptor with three-pin, round plugs. The majority of international tourists will have to purchase a transformer.

Business hours
Business hours in Switzerland generally from 08:00 or 09:00 until 19:00 or 20:00. Government offices can be open as early as 07:15, however. Catholic holidays are common in Switzerland, so be sure to check a schedule before travelling as your plans might be affected.

Helpful phrases

Hallo – Hello

Danke – Thank you

Ja/Nein – Yes/no

Ichverstehenicht – I don’t understand

SprechenSieEnglisch? – Do you speak English?

Was kostet das? – How much is this?

Woist…? – Where is… ?

Please note that these phrases are in Swiss-German. French and Italian are widely used in the Southern regions of the country.

Resources online

www.wikitravel.org

www.ukinswitzerland.fco.gov.uk/