Driving Information Switzerland

Driving Licence Requirement

In order to be able to hire a car in Switzerland, you must be at least 20 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for one year.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum Switzerland age restriction is 20 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Drivers under the age of 20-25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

Driving Distances

• Bern to Geneva - 159kms (1hour/40mins)

• Lausanne to Montreux - 27kms (25mins)

• St.Moritz to Zurich - 200kms (2hours/45mins)

• Vevey to Sion - 75kms (55mins)

• Zug to Lugano - 174kms (2hours)

Road Rules and Petrol Stations

General Switzerland driving information, laws rules and regulations:

• Driving in Switzerland is on the right hand side of the road.

• Trams always have the right of way and should generally be passed on the left. However, moving trams should be passed on the right

• Seat belts when driving a hire car in Switzerland are mandatory.

• Radar detectors are prohibited even if not switched on..

• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid driver’s licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

• Dipped headlights must be used in tunnels when driving in Zurich and other cities.

• Most petrol stations in Switzerland are open from 8am to 10pm. Some self-service stations accept credit cards and Swiss Francs at the pump.

Tolls

Cars must display a Switzerland toll sticker when driving on highways in Switzerland. Driving without a sticker is punishable with a fine. Hired cars have a toll sticker, but they can also be purchased separately at border crossings and petrol stations. When picking up your car in Geneva, check if your vehicle has a toll sticker.

Parking Information

Most Swiss cities have 'blue zones' that require you to display a parking disc on your dashboard. These discs can be obtained at motor clubs, petrol stations and police stations. Parking on the pavements is illegal in Switzerland.

One-Way Car Hire

Domestic one-way car rentals are available and some routes incur additional return fees. There are fees for international one-way rentals and not all vehicles are allowed.

If you plan to drive with a Switzerland car hire you can pick it up in one location and return it to another location but there are some restrictions that you need to check with your car hire supplier.

To be safe with your car hire in Switzerland, it is important that you have looked through some of these rules and regulations about driving a car to ensure you have the safest possible journey.

Useful Links

Switzerland Airport Information

Switzerland Travel Information

Information on driving in Switzerland