How to find a cheap car hire deal in Zurich
Turn the key on your trip with a cheap rental car in Zurich. With prices averaging R 2,190 a day, it's travel freedom that doesn't cost a fortune. From zippy compacts to power-packed SUVs, we'll help you find the right rental for less.
Drive smart from the start by reserving your ride in October. With average daily rates of R 736, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in Zurich.
We've cracked the code on when to book. Two weeks in advance gives you the best chance at finding a cheap rental car in Zurich.
Browse car hire deals in Zurich from leading providers like Alamo, Europcar and Explore Holidays AG.
Whether you book with Alamo or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Zurich car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Click 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in Zurich. Providers often need to move vehicles between locations, which means you can snag some excellent one-way prices.
Skip the sneaky refueling fees by choosing a car hire in Zurich with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.
Think about picking up one of the car rentals in Zurich Airport if you're arriving by plane. You can skip the cab line or public transport and start exploring Zurich faster.
Compare car hire 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 easy to drive, great on mileage, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a great all-rounder.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and advanced tech features, this Zurich car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or gliding down stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Zurich that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, baggage or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Zurich car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Zurich by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that make parking feel effortless.
Good to know
Are you a younger driver? Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your car hire in Switzerland. Rules can vary, and added fees or restrictions may apply. At the start of your search, simply uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.
If you're travelling with kids, check if you should add a car seat to your Zurich car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Zurich
Make time for the leading attractions in the city once you've found your car hire deal in Zurich. Bahnhofstrasse and Cirque du Soleil - Grand Chapiteau are the perfect warm-up to your travels.
If you're after a place to stay in Zurich while you sightsee, consider Crowne Plaza Zürich by IHG or Ibis Budget Zurich City West.
Keep travelling to Basel. Around 72 kilometres west of central Zurich, it's home to popular sights like Art Basel and Christmas Lightshow.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at B&B Hotel Basel and Novotel Basel City, two reliable accommodation options in Basel.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Zurich and then head for Bern. Roughly 97 kilometres south-west of Zurich, Old Town Bern and Zytglogge are among the highlights that make the drive worthwhile.
Novotel Bern Expo and Prize by Radisson, Bern City are comfy places to stay in Bern if you're planning to stick around.
Why slow down now? Set out for Biel/Bienne, about 105 kilometres west of Zurich. From Bieler Altstadt / Vieille ville de Bienne to Lake Biel, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.
Hit the hay in Biel/Bienne at Mercure Plaza Biel. Art Déco Hotel Elite has a cosy bed waiting for you too.
