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Car hire in Zurich – Book to start saving
The Swiss city of Zurich is a modern city, surrounded by enchanted mountain landscapes and with all the flair of a dreamy holiday resort by the lake – making it the perfect place for resting and unwinding. Stroll and shop on Bahnhofstrasse, enjoy a coffee on the promenade with a view of the lake or explore the art and culture scene in the exciting new trendy district of Zurich West - with a car hire in Zurich, you can do this and much more at your own pace.
With a low cost car rental from Zurich, travel to neighbouring cities to uncover all of Switzerland. Head to the local mountains to enjoy the wilder side of the country - Uetliberg is a well-known mountain, Jungfrauenjoch and Mount Titlis are also popular and within easy driving distance from Zurich. Visit Geneva, home to the Red Cross and United Nations, explore Basel, a wonderful city on the Rhine River, or the historical medieval city of Lausanne during your time in Switzerland.
With more than 60 plus years in the international car hire industry, Auto Europe has formed long-lasting partnerships with local, national and internationally renowned car rental suppliers. Through our suppliers we offer convenient global pick-up locations, a large fleet of vehicles to choose from, and along with standard car hire, luxury car and motorhome hire. If you are looking for a reliable car hire solution, call our reservation agents on +44 123 3225 114 to find out more. Our website will provide a quick overview of the different vehicles in Zurich along with comments from previous customers on Zurich car hire reviews.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Zurich, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
| Suppliers | Car Hire FAQs | Travel Guide |
Where to pick up a car hire in Zurich
Collecting your car rental in Zurich is extremely easy and straight-forward. Through our numerous trusted partners, customer can benefit from great quotations, regular deals and amazing promotions – all designed to save you money. We have a large selection of vehicles to choose from, for every occasion – from Mini vehicles to large SUV’s and Van categories. With convenient locations across Switzerland, when hiring a car in Zurich you can decide to collect it at Zurich Airport, central Zurich or Zurich Train Station.
To see what locations are available, utilise our secure online booking engine to quickly see all options. Simply select the desired rental dates, and all available car rental suppliers will be displayed. You can then filter your results by supplier, car type, etc. An interactive map is available which allows for quick and easy referencing of location. The whole process is designed to help you find the best rental deals in Zurich.
Zurich Airport
Zurich Airport is located about 8 miles northeast of Zurich. In 2003 the airport underwent major renovation works and a new terminal was added with a direct train connection to the old terminal. You can fly to Zurich with Aer Lingus, British Airways, EasyJet and Swiss International Airlines from the major cities in the United Kingdom. The car rental desks can be found in the Airport Shopping centre on the first floor which is located between the parking facilities of P2 and P3, just outside Terminal / Arrival 2.
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Website: Zurich Airport
Address: Flughafen Zürich AG Postfach, CH-8058 Zürich-Flughafen, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 438 162 211
Zurich Central Train Station
With an estimated 15 million annual passengers, Zurich Central Station is not only one of the busiest in Europe, but also the largest in Switzerland. Along with its 13 platforms and 26 train tracks, the train station also includes plenty of on-site facilities. Car hire offices are located near the train station on adjoining roads. Please refer to your voucher for the exact location address of your chosen car rental supplier. Along with Europcar, other car hire brands at this location include Hertz and Unirent.
Zurich Central Train Station
Website: Zurich Central Train Station
Address: Bahnhofpl., 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 848 44 66 88
Book with the best car hire suppliers in Zurich
Consult our secure online booking engine to find the right car hire quotation in line with your budget. Along with great prices, we also provide regular promotions and complimentary offers. Our customer service team is available and will ensure that your car rental is as stress-free as possible. Once you rent a car in Zurich, you’ll realise that this was the best option for exploring the city. Please remember that age requirements apply for renting a car in Zurich, along with the requirement of specific documents such as ID, driving licence, voucher and a credti card. All our staff are fully trained to answer any questions you might have during your time in Zurich.
In Zurich we have partnered with many car rental suppliers, including Unirent, Hertz, Europcar, Enterprise and Alamo. From local to international suppliers, all are represented on our website. When looking for your car rental on our website, simply add the dates desired and all the available options will be displayed. Why not consider a one-way car hire to explore more of the county. This means that you can hire a car at one location, and return it to another location, for a small fee.
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If you need more information about what car hire companies are available in Zurich or about their policies, please contact one of our reservation agents via email or by phone.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Zurich
The following is a selection of the most commonly asked question by customers when hiring a car in Zurich. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please contact a member of our team. Our trained staff members are on-hand to provide any assistance you may need, and answer any car hire related questions not covered here. With an extensive local knowledge, our staff will make sure your rental is as seamless as possible.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Zurich?
Yes – a credit card is required for collecting your car rental in Zurich. The said credit card must be under the main drivers’ name, and contain enough funds in order for a deposit to be held on the card. Standard cars require one credit card, whilst luxury cars can require up to two credit cards. The deposit amount is noted on the rental voucher’s terms and conditions. Failure to provide this could mean that the car hire supplier will not release the vehicle. Debit cards are not accepted.
The deposit will be released back onto the credit card once the vehicle has been returned, and a member of staff has confirmed that the car is in the same condition as when it left. It is therefore important to check your vehicle during pick-up and note anything of concern on the pick-up slip before leaving. We recommend taken photographic time-stamped evidence or video. Upon your return, make sure a member of the supplier staff fully checks the vehicle and signs off confirming that the car is in the same condition. Suppliers accept all major credit cards, including; Visa, Diners, American Express and Mastercard.
What insurance do I need for my car rental in Zurich?
All provided quotations come with the basic legally required car coverage for Switzerland. This means that Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Liability Insurance and Theft Protection (TP) is included in your base rate. These basic insurances do not cover certain parts of the vehicle or every eventuality. For better protection and total peace-of-mind, we would advise on taking out a Full Protection Cover during your booking. This will make sure that along with the coverage offered by the basis insurances, you’ll also be covered for damage or loss of keys, misfueling, damage to undercarriage, vehicle roof, mirrors, windows, glass and for any administration or towing charges.
During your pick-up you may be offered additional insurances by the supplier. These are optional and for the most part, if you have already taken out the Full Protection Cover, you should be covered. These insurance types include; Roadside Assistance, Personal Effects Insurance (PEI), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and so forth. Have a read of our car hire coverage section to see all available insurance options and a more comprehensive explanation of the same.
How is the traffic in Zurich?
Driving your car hire in Zurich is not always an easy task due to high levels of traffic, but well worth it as hiring a car allows you to both explore the city and its surroundings with ease. As a historic city with a densely built-up city centre, it is not designed for high traffic volumes and numerous one-way streets and car-free zones are in place in order to control the traffic flow. If you plan on visiting sights in the city centre, it is advisable to park it in one of the multi-storey car parks and use public transport. Alternatively, you can also go on foot, as the distances are rather short. In general, the greater Zurich area transport network is very well connected to the Swiss with motorways with the A1 leading to Basel and Bern, and the A3 towards Chur. For more details on road rules and regulations, visit our driving information page.
Where can I park my car hire in Zurich?
Like many other city centres, parking your car rental in Zurich can be difficult and on-street parking is mostly reserved for residents only. Parking is generally only permitted in designated parking areas. There are parking meters for short stays (white zones). As a rule, you can park here for a maximum of 30 minutes, or 2-4 hours in less busy areas. Generally speaking, parking in one of the 10 multi-storey car parks in Zurich is recommended. These are indicated at every intersection, with an indication of the parking spaces that are still free.
Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car hire in Zurich?
Yes – drivers in Zurich and throughout Switzerland are required to pay tolls. By law the vehicle must have a vignette presented on its windscreen. Hired cars normally come with these, but you should confirm with the car hire supplier beforehand. Toll vignettes can be obtained either online, at border crossings or at petrol stations. Tolls are present on all motorways and at the Great Saint Bernard Tunnel.
Do I need extra equipment for my car hire in Zurich during winter?
In many parts of Switzerland and in Zurich, winter equipment is not required. In remote parts of the country, winter equipment and winter chains are mandatory during winter months. Areas that require such equipment display a ‘Ketten Obligatorisch’ road sign – meaning ‘Tyre Chains Required’. Failure to have these will land you a hefty fine. We recommend you read the winter tyres and equipment section beforehand.
If you are thinking of heading out into the mountains, we highly advise keeping an eye on the local weather forecasts and adapting your plans accordingly. Always let someone know you intentions and route. Make sure you have all the appropriate winter equipment, including snow chains if required, and blankets. Auto Europe often includes free winter tyres at select car hire suppliers in Zurich.
Zurich Travel Guide
Zurich is the richest and largest city in Switzerland and has been rewarded with being the world's most habitable city. The cleanliness of the city with plenty of green areas and a very efficient and almost never delayed public transport system makes Zurich an attractive destination. Along with its surrounding landscapes, the actual city is a great place to explore by car or on foot. With so much to see and do, it’s difficult to fit everything in, in one trip.
Best day trips with my car rental in Zurich
If you decide on a car hire from Zurich you must ensure you leave a couple of days to discover its stunning surroundings. If you are unsure where to start, Auto Europe has some great suggestions for you! Below are our personal favourites for day trips around the Zurich area.
Lucerne: Located south of Zurich, the city is beautifully nestled between its lake and stately mountain peaks. Lucerne is among the most popular day trips in Switzerland, thanks to its sights, its souvenirs and watch shops, the incredibly beautiful lake which is the fourth largest in the country and the nearby nature experiences. In addition to the unbelievably beautiful nature, the city has a very fascinating history that is well worth exploring. Kapellbrücke is a bridge, and is the city's most iconic place. It is an old wooden bridge, the oldest of its kind in all of Europe with many decorative paintings along its interior. It is very popular to walk along this bridge and during the evening time to sit and watch as the bridge lights up the evening night and offers a spectacular view.
Bern: A mere 1.30 hour drive away from Zurich, Switzerland’s capital city, Bern is full of attractions, including its charming Old Town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is also where you find most of the attractions, including the Zytglogge clock tower with moving figures and the Munster. You can visit the Swiss Parliament Building for a panorama view of the Aare River or cross the river and visit the Einstein Museum and Bern Historical Museum. As you promenade along the river, you reach the Bear Pit Park with some of the most unique views of the city and, as the name says, it is a park with bears which are the symbol of the city.
Alpamare Adventure Pool: The Alpamare adventure pool in Freienbach is located approx. 30 kilometers from Zurich, on the south bank of Lake Zurich. The pool has four different thermal pools with a temperature of 30 to 36 degrees. You can also relax in an extensive sauna and wellness area. Wellness treatments and massages can be booked for a fee. The children are also well catered for with a huge slide paradise and a paddling area for the little ones. The culinary offers include the Alpagrill restaurant, where you can grill your dishes yourself if you wish, and the Rio restaurant, where you can sit back and enjoy the view over Lake Zurich.
Jungfraujoch: If you want to experience a completely different world and see one of the most unique views of them all in the Swiss Alps, it is to the top of Europe, Jungfraujoch you should go. This part of the country's alpine chain is located north of Bern and it is possible to take the 9 km long unique railway to the high peak which is 4,158 meters above sea level. By train, you will reach the highest railway station in Europe and be right in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the outstanding view, you can also enjoy an ice palace.
What to do in Zurich
A general misconception that many believe is that Zurich is nothing more than a financial city and it is true that Zurich is one of the largest financial centres in the world with the fourth largest stock exchange and the country's financial engine, but it’s also a vibrant artistic and trendy city that makes it one of central Europe's hippest destination. Maximise your stay with a free additional driver, and share the driving experience with friends and family. Below Auto Europe has selected some of the highlights that you should not miss:
- Old Town: The Altstadt located on the banks of the Limmat River and home to some of the most beautiful sights in the city, like the Town Hall, the Grossmünster Church and a bright promenade close to the Limmat River, offers a mix of medieval and modern architecture and sights along with luxurious shopping and high-cuisine restaurants. The Grossmünster Church is one of the most iconic landmarks in Zurich with its twin towers and a climb to the top is well worth the effort as you are rewarded with an amazing view of Zurich. Across the river, you can reach Lindenhof district, a vantage point of the city and once home to an ancient Roman settlement. Another well worth excursion is the Polybanh train, a small historical funicular that has been in operation since 1889, and that will take you from the main railway station to a panorama terrace.
- Swiss National Museum: Located behind Zurich central station you will find this impressive building holding the biggest collection of artefacts in Switzerland. Simply admire its building - a historic fairy-tale castle dating to 1898, or discover its wonders inside. A tour of the museum will take you from prehistory through ancient times and the Middle Ages to the 20th century and especially noteworthy is the gothic art section and a comprehensive collection of liturgical wooden sculptures, panel paintings and carved altars.
- Bahnhofstrasse: This well-known shopping street was built off the main Railway Station to connect it to Lake Zurich. The 1.4 kilometre long shopping mile is known as one of the most expensive in the world. Exclusive shops like Prada, Gucci, and expensive jewellery and watch stores line the street and the rental prices for one square meter of retail space are up to € 15,000 here - elsewhere you can rent an entire street for this. At the end of the street is the Paradeplatz, the centre of the Swiss banking business. Whether you like shopping or not, this is a must stop. It takes around 20 minutes to walk from the beginning to the end of the street. A visit to Zurich is not complete until you have walked along this very beautiful street.
- Zurich-West: The former industrial district was once home to the manufacturing industry. After the industry moved away however, the quarter offered attractive urban development opportunities. From the 1990s onwards, numerous new buildings and conversions were completed here and attracted creative people and artist, and today this is where Zurich's modern urban life takes place today. Ms. Gerolds Garten, a city garden with a bar and restaurant, is particularly popular and The "Puls 5" center is also particularly worth seeing.
- Zurich Zoo: If you are interested in wildlife, exotic animals and nature conservation, then pay a visit to Zurich Zoo located just outside the city itself. The zoo covers around 27 hectares of land, and includes numerous species, including such animals as; rhinos, elephants and zebras. The enclosures are well maintained and perfectly sized for the animals. Giraffes are always a popular option! Restaurants and coffee houses, with a gift shop is present. Expect to spend at least the whole day here.
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