Car rental in Switzerland– Your Alpine Escape

If it's your first car rental then you need to know that in Switzerland the minimum age requirements to drive is at least 20 years of age. Individual suppliers may adopt their own policy on age restrictions. In all cases it is mandatory that drivers must have held their licence for at least one year before hiring a car. It is common practice for younger drivers to have to pay a Young Driver Fee directly to the supplier. The fee varies between suppliers and can often apply even to those who are under the age of 21.

When conducting a search on our booking engine, make sure you enter your correct age. This means that only suppliers who are willing to rent out a vehicle to your age group are displayed. Any fees and restrictions will be set out for you to read. For further information click on the blue info icon or consult your car rental voucher once booked.

Yes - a one-way car rental is possible during your rental in Switzerland. Normally, the supplier will charge a small fee for this privilege, which is paid directly to them during pick-up. The fee will vary between suppliers, car category and rental duration. One-way car rentals are an excellent way to explore more of Switzerland without having to return to the place of origin.

It is important that you note all the areas you wish to visit, including any international destinations. This will allow us to check whether or not your desire is feasible, and obtain authorisation. It is important to note that you are entitled to cancel your reservation up to 48-hours before collection. This flexibility is to make sure that you’re fully satisfied with your rental and fees.

The one-way fee is shown during your booking. Click on the blue info icon for more information or consult your car rental voucher’s terms and conditions upon booking. Driving in western Europe is permitted, however, some restrictions may apply to certain car categories. Driving in eastern Europe must be pre-authorised by both us and the supplier. Failure to do so may make your insurance void and thus any damage or theft caused to the vehicle will be the driver's sole responsibility.

Yes - a credit card is required for the supplier to release the vehicle. The credit card must be under the main driver's name and contain rough funds for a security deposit to be held on it. Failure to provide this may mean that the supplier will not release the vehicle and you will lose your booking. All major credit cards are accepted, including Visa and Mastercard. The security deposit will be released back on to the same credit card one it is confirmed that the vehicle has been returned in the same condition.

Please make sure you fully inspect the vehicle during pick-up, noting any damage, etc, on the collection form and informing the staff. Likewise, you should inspect the vehicle again in the presence of a member of staff to confirm the vehicle condition is fine. Once released please allow up to 14-business days for the funds to show on your statement. Debit cards are not accepted for this purpose.

Please note that for a luxury vehicle two or more credit cards may be required - all of which also have to be under the main driver's name. For further information on credit card and deposits please click on the blue info icon during your booking, with relevant information contained under Payment. This information is also contained in your car rental vouchers terms and conditions upon booking.

Swiss authorities are quite strict in comparison with other European countries. It is therefore important to stick to the road rules and regulations to avoid fines or worse. It is important that you familiarise yourself with local laws as heavy on-the-spot fines are common. Firstly, there are four official languages in Switzerland - this means that road signage and place names, etc, will change as you drive through the country. Sortie, Ausfarht and Uscita all mean exit for example.

In Switzerland you drive on the right side of the road. In built up areas the speed limit is 50 kph, on major roads it is 80 kph and on motorways the speed limit ranges between 100 kph to 120 kph. Drink driving is taken very seriously, with an alcohol limit level of 0.05 - making it lower than many other European countries.

On the road, you must always use your headlights. You must also always carry all documents in the vehicle - registration document, insurances, driving licence and ID. When driving in the cities, it is common for trams to share the same road lanes as cars, with trams having right of way. Seatbelts must be worn at all times by everyone in the vehicle. An appropriate child seat must be used for anyone under 12 years old, or under 150cm in height.

If driving on a mountain road, when you overtake a vehicle, it is the responsibility of the descending vehicle to give way. Reversing if necessary to make space for the upward heading car. Petrol stations are normally open between the hours of 8am to 10pm. Although finding a petrol station outside cities and on mountain roads is rare. If you have an accident or breakdown you must always report this to the local emergency numbers 117 (police and roadside assistance) or 144 (accidents and the ambulance service). Don’t forget to also put out your red triangle in all eventualities.

Yes - toll booths exist in Switzerland on motorways and all vehicles must have affixed on their windscreens a toll vignette by law. Rental cars normally come with this already affixed, however, we recommend confirming its existence and validity before driving away. Vignettes can be purchased, or at border crossings and petrol stations throughout the country. In addition to motorways, tolls are also found at the Great Saint Bernard Tunnel - which links Martigny (Switzerland) to Aosta (Italy).

The base rate shown on our website comes with the minimum legally required car insurance for Switzerland. This is Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP) and Limited Liability Insurance. Although useful, this does not cover all the vehicle parts, all damage or eventualities. For this we have other car rental coverage options that may interest you.

For a small fee, our Full Damage Protection will cover damage to the vehicle not otherwise covered with the base rate, including greater eventualities. The fee is calculated based on the rental duration, location and car category. Further information can be found on our website by clicking on the blue info icon, or in your car rental vouchers terms and conditions up on booking.

Please note that local suppliers often offer car insurances during pick-up. This is fully optional and generally not necessary if you have already purchased the Full Protection Cover. Such insurances and coverages include; Super CDW, Roadside Assistance, Theft Insurance, Travel Insurance, etc. Auto Europe does not recommend any insurances purchased locally and thus not profit from it. Any locally purchased insurance will not be refunded by us even if deemed unnecessary afterwards.

Yes - you are able to add an additional driver to your car rental if desired. Normally a small fee is charged, however we do often have Free Additional Driver offers that will save you money. Any offers will be displayed via a banner located above the rental rate. Details of any additional drivers must be conveyed to us and the supplier. Any additional driver must provide the same documents as the main driver - namely, ID, driving licence and an international driving licence if required.

For more information on additional driver fees, please click on the blue info icon during booking or consult your car rental vouchers terms and conditions up on booking. Failure to add a driver will void any insurances and make the driver fully liable for any damage or theft caused to the vehicle whilst under their care. It is therefore important to have every driver properly registered to avoid fines, fees or issues with local authorities.

If hiring a car in Switzerland during the winter months, winter tyres and snow chains are only compulsory in certain parts of the country. When driving you come across a road sign that says “Ketten Obligatorisch” you cannot go any further without snow chains on your tyres. Failure to comply will mean a hefty fine. It is important to pay attention to weather forecasts and warnings before heading into the mountains even during summer, as it can snow at high altitudes. Make sure you tell someone where you are going and pack appropriately for any unforeseen eventuality.

It is good to note that some suppliers offer free winter tyres through us for those renting a car in Switzerland during winter months. To take advantage of this great benefit, you’ll see a green banner stating the offer above the rental rates. This benefit will not only add peace-of-mind but also make your driving experience more secure and safe.