Zurich car hire information
| Pick-up location | Zurich |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Compact estate car, Full-size SUV, Luxury, Premium |
| Hire locations | 81 |
| Airport locations | 25 |
| Popular agencies | Sixt, Budget, Europcar |
Cheap car rentals in Zurich
| Compact | $72/day |
| Full-size SUV | $193/day |
| Premium | $177/day |
| Luxury | $183/day |
| Compact estate car | $92/day |
Top tips for hiring a car in Zurich
- Discover the scenic city of Zurich and its beautiful landscape conveniently with a car. The quickest and easiest way from the airport, which is situated over 6 miles from the center, is by renting a car. Switzerland is among one of the most popular European countries for road trips, as it stuns visitors with its beautiful landscape, well-maintained roads, and lovely little villages dotting the countryside.
- The easiest way to get in and around Zurich is to rent a car from one of the on-site airport car hire services upon arrival at Zurich International Airport. The hire center can be found in the Airport Center on Level 1, where cars from companies like Alamo, Enterprise, and Europcar await you. Follow the A1L into the heart of Zurich and let your fun in Switzerland begin.
- Zurich is, like many European cities, very old and was built before cars were used, so inside the city streets tend to be narrow and parking is scarce. The city also has many one-way roads, which makes navigating a bit of a challenge at the beginning, so using a satnav or mapping out the route beforehand is a good idea. During peak hours in the mornings and evenings (around 6-8 am and 4-6 pm), congestion can occur and driving through the city during these times is not advised.
- Switzerland has many gems to offer, and exploring the country by car allows travelers to find the best places. Street conditions in Switzerland are among the best in the world, but driving through the Alps, especially in wintery conditions, can be challenging for people who are not used to it. Drive slowly and make sure the hire car is properly equipped. Drivers who opt for an automatic car should familiarize themselves how to adapt speed for long, steep roads.
- Book your rental car in Zurich at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Compact rental cars in Zurich are around 49% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Zurich
What type of car is recommended for driving in Zurich?
In order to deal with the mountainous regions and snowy weather (if visiting in winter), a 4-wheel drive car is a wise choice. When driving around in Zurich a lot, opt for a compact car, as parking spots can be hard to come by and many streets are narrow.
What’s the speed limit in Zurich?
All speed limits in Zurich are given in kilometers per hour. The general regulations allow up to 50 km/h (31 mph) in residential, built-up areas and 80 km/h (49 mph) outside residential areas. Expressways allow up to 100 km/h (62 mph) and on the freeway there is a maximum speed limit of 120 km/h (74 mph). Speed always has to be adapted to weather conditions.
Where are the best places to park in Zurich?
Parking inside the city can be an exhausting undertaking and, if your hotel does not have a parking space included, it is not advised to seek parking inside. Many parking spots are reserved for residents and metered parking is very expensive. Find one of the P+Rs in the outskirts of the city and travel into Zurich with public transport, or opt for one of the city garages.
What is the best car hire company in Zurich?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire in Zurich is Sixt (7.3, 83 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in Zurich?
The average price of fuel in Zurich is $13.58 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $163 and $217, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Zurich?
Compact (Mazda CX-3 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Zurich.
How can I find car hires near me in Zurich?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Compact car hire cost in Zurich?
A Compact car hire in Zurich costs $75 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Zurich?
An Intermediate car hire in Zurich costs $82 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Zurich?
An Economy car hire in Zurich costs $84 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Zurich?
In Zurich, cars are most frequently hired at Thrifty Zurich Ap (10 km from city centre ).
Zurich car rental reviews and directory
Sixt
7.3
Good
127 reviewsCleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.0
3 locations in Zurich
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Nov 2022
2.0 Poor
Nov 2022
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2022
Europcar
8.8
Very Good
30 reviewsCleanliness
9.5
Comfort
8.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.3
8 locations in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
5.2 Fair
Jul 2019
Pros:
Clean and new carCons:
Service at pickup. Car was on difrrent level and i had suitcasesand a baby and they wouldnt help me bring the car near the desk10.0 Wonderful
May 2018
Pros:
Was given a car that easily fit luggage from 4 people. Had GPS. Comfortable, powerful diesel, a pleasure to drive. Great experience at both ends. Our best rental ever in EuropeCons:
No problems whatever. Couldn't be more pleased.9.2 Wonderful
Aug 2017
Pros:
I like the staff in the Europe carCons:
Nothing3.2 Poor
Jul 2017
Cons:
The person at the counter told me that if I returned the car a day early, I would only be charged for the days I rented the car. I returned the car a day early and they still charged me Euro 270 which was the two day rental charge - which by itself is a price gouging, exorbitant rate10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2017
Pros:
nice car, easy returnHertz
8.5
Very Good
78 reviewsCleanliness
9.4
Comfort
9.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
8.1
5 locations in Zurich
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Sep 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2021
8.4 Very Good
Jan 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly and thoroughCons:
Being winter in the mountains of Switzerland I would have preferred an all wheel drive vehicle10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2019
Pros:
they upgraded me to an Alfa Romeo .. amazing car . when i said i needed more trunk space and asked for anything but am a American Car since i was in Europe and wanted to drive a car from europe8.4 Very Good
Jul 2019
Cons:
Provide more details on roadside assistance as we tried in vain the contact Hertz about a coolant warning light issue. Also, expedite return process at ZRH Airport as we waited a while b/c they were understaffed despite it being peak holiday season.9.2 Wonderful
Sep 2018
Pros:
Staff were very helpful at Zurich airport, they were also flexible to accomodate us with the change in our flight time and pickup-drop off time. the car was pretty new and very clean and in good shape.Cons:
The Mini Cooper had the most uncomfortable seat of all the cars I have driven! I’m 180cm tall with an average body, although the drive be is fun but I don’t recommend this car for any drive longer than one hour, well this is not Hertz problem, I should complain to the car designers!!Alamo
7.1
Good
34 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.0
2 locations in Zurich
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Sep 2023
10.0 Wonderful
May 2023
8.0 Very Good
May 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2022
4.0 Mediocre
Apr 2022
Dollar
8.8
Very Good
20 reviewsCleanliness
9.5
Comfort
9.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.5
Value for money
8.3
5 locations in Zurich
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2019
Pros:
EverythingCons:
Nothing10.0 Wonderful
May 2019
Cons:
Provide map and name of local gas station to refuel auto.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2019
Pros:
Staff were very helpful, price was great, pick-up/drop-off was straightforward. They didn't have the car we had reserved so we were given an upgrade for free.Cons:
Called ahead to let them know we would be 1-2 hours late with drop-off for which we were charged an entire day. Not a big deal but pro-rating would be more reasonable I think.10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2019
Pros:
The staff was incredibly helpful, Oliver who helped me check in was incredibly thorough going through my reservation details and inspection of the vehicle before I drove off. The shop is very easy to find and perfectly located in the middle of the city. Would highly recommend and reuse again.Cons:
Nothing everything was great!10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2019
Pros:
Friendly6.4 Okay
Feb 2019
Pros:
The staff were helpful enough but they didn't work for DollarCons:
The insurance advertised was terrible - it covered nothing and when called they said "we are not a car insurance company" They should NOT be advertised as viable insurance on the Kayak website - this is seriously irresponsible. When we got stuck, the 24 helpline was shutBudget
8.7
Very Good
28 reviewsCleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.5
Value for money
7.7
3 locations in Zurich
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2020
Pros:
Friendly staff, high quality vehicles, as usual!10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2019
Pros:
The staff were friendly, and made the process simple. The car was a modern car with lots of amenities. The price was reasonable. They were flexible with drop off time.Cons:
N/A6.4 Okay
Mar 2019
Pros:
The guy at the drop off was rude and not helpfulCons:
The price I paid did not match the price quoted by kayak. I paid over $300 more than originally quoted for a 2 day rental.10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2017
Pros:
Car was greatCons:
The receptionist guy just left me standing there for 20 minutes at first. Then didn't say a word except for asking for my passport. But other then that, it was fine.10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2017
Pros:
The representatives who checked us in and out were extremely friendly and polite. Because we had to wait a little extra time they upgraded us to a Mercedes. Drove the country in style! When we needed to extend the rental for a few days they gave us no hassle at all.10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2017
Pros:
Staff spoke English well, gave helpful advice about driving through Switzerland. Fast service.Thrifty
8.5
Very Good
11 reviewsCleanliness
9.5
Comfort
8.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.8
Value for money
7.9
5 locations in Zurich
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2019
Cons:
I wish I had been given the Volvo that Thrifty shows in the pictures. The actual car we get is always a much smaller and simpler model, unfortunately. However, the car only had 10km on it, which was a plus.9.6 Wonderful
May 2019
Pros:
I could not have asked for a simpler drop off.. was incredible!!!9.6 Wonderful
Oct 2017
Pros:
We had reserved a car through Thrifty many months before and had worried about adequate luggage space as our daughters were joining us for the second week of our trip to Switzerland. Had also researched the waiver/insurance situation for an overseas rental and had some anxiety about it. Both agents were very helpful, flexible and patient while we made the decision ax to model. She offered us a selection which suited us well. She also accepted our coverage on our Cap One VISA, which I had researched thoroughly beforehand.Cons:
It was clear that any unrecorded scratched on the car would be a liability for us, so we were careful to use the flashlight on our phones and go over the car carefully when we were in the checkout process. It is very important that you take the time to do this AND Mark die anything you see and take it BACK into the desk fir them to record. I know you are in a hurry to get moving, but this is ESSENTIAL. And research your particular credit card coverage carefully; if it isn’t complete, you may be in a tough situation and might do better paying the waiver. Ask what deductible your coverage is; you want ZERO.10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2023
1.9 Poor
Sep 2021
Avis
6.0
Okay
24 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
6.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
4.8
3 locations in Zurich
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Oct 2019
Pros:
We liked our vehicle once we finally got what we thought we were getting. They did work with us on switching vehicles but we're not very happy about it.Cons:
The photo showed on line was iof a large van, not a minivan. We were paying about $1,500, which is a lot money for a rental vehicle. There were six adults and seven pieces of luggage. We traveled with the same group a couple of years ago and knew we needed a larger vehicle. However, when we got to Avis, they tried to send us with a minivan. We went back to the counter and they reassigned us vehicles four different times! It was a painful and lengthy process. In the end, we finally got an in between size vehicle, which worked out fine. It's just too bad they didn't give us what was pictured initially. We end up spending the first two hours of our vacation trying to get our rental vehicle straightened out, which was rather irritating for all of us!9.2 Wonderful
Aug 2019
Pros:
Staff friendly Drop Off easy Very good carCons:
Check in is too long9.6 Wonderful
Jun 2018
Pros:
Very easy for an American traveler with no European driving experienceCons:
The added fee of the insurance at the time of pickup was a bit of a shock.10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2017
Pros:
Check-out was fast and easy. Agent was very nice and extremely helpful10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2017
Pros:
When I booked, the airport was not a drop off option. We picked the car up in Florence and was a one-way drop. When we got to the city location in Zurich, the attendant told us we could return at the airport, no problem, he reviewed the vehicle issues we had, made notes & programmed the airport location into our gps. Airport drop off was quick & easy.9.2 Wonderful
Sep 2017
Pros:
The car was great. Fuel efficiency is one of my main criterion and this car was excellent.Cons:
The drop-off location in Milano Centrale was hard to find in a little street very congested and not that near to the train station. I had to run to catch my train.National
2.0
Poor
1 reviewCleanliness
2.0
Comfort
2.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
2.0
2 locations in Zurich
FLIZZR
2.0
Poor
No reviews available
Cleanliness
2.0
Comfort
2.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
6.0
2 locations in Zurich
keddy by Europcar
6.0
Okay
No reviews available
11 locations in Zurich
Right Cars
5.1
Fair
No reviews available
One location in Zurich
One location in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
8058 Zurich-Flughafen
+41 21 964 50 00
Filters
No reviews available
10 locations in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
Filters
No reviews available
3 locations in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
Edel & Stark AG, Steinackerstrasse 35 , Zürich
+41 62 295 15 15
Zurich Airport Parking 3 G1
+41 62 295 15 15
Zurich City
+41 62 295 15 15
Filters
No reviews available
3 locations in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
Josefstrasse 53
+41 44 271 56 56
ZURICH AIRPORT PARKING 3 G1
043 255 56 56
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No reviews available
2 locations in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
Flughafen Zurich
+41 58 122 04 20
Genferstrasse 36
+41 848 445 522
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No reviews available
2 locations in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
Kurhausstrasse 65
+41 33 533 35 33
Zurich Airport Parking 3 G1
+41 33 533 35 33
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No reviews available
2 locations in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
Zürich Airport
+41 21 588 13 21
Zürich Main Railway Station
+41 21 588 13 21
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No reviews available
2 locations in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
Böschenwissensatrsse 11, 8152 Glattbrugg, Zürich, Switzerland
+41 76 495 90 10
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No reviews available
One location in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
Zurich airport
+41 33 533 35 33
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
Zurich Airport
+86 10 6064 1387
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Zurich
Locations in Zurich
Zurich Airport - Feldeggstrasse 10 Glattbrugg/Opfikon - 6 Min From Airport By Tram (Tram Ticket Refunded by VAST)
+41 44 552 88 44
Filters
No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Zurich
Good to know
Most popular car type | Compact |
|---|