Zurich car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Zurich
The best car rental companies in Zurich are Sixt, Enterprise, Europcar. Prices start from CHF 45/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 20, and airport pickup adds about 15%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Zurich
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CHF 1500Min age 20Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromCHF 49/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Enterprise
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CHF 1500Min age 20Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromCHF 52/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#3
Europcar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CHF 1500Min age 20Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromCHF 47/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#4
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CHF 1500Min age 20Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromCHF 54/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#5
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CHF 1500Min age 20Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromCHF 51/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#6
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CHF 1200Min age 20Free cancellationAirport
FromCHF 45/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#7
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CHF 1500Min age 20Free cancellationAirport
FromCHF 48/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CHF 1500Min age 20Free cancellationAirportDowntown
FromCHF 56/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Thrifty
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CHF 1200Min age 20Free cancellationAirport
FromCHF 44/day
base rate
View Thrifty deal
#10
Dollar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from CHF 1200Min age 20Free cancellationAirport
FromCHF 44/day
base rate
View Dollar deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-01 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Zurich
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | CHF 45 | VW Polo | 5 |
| Compact | CHF 52 | VW Golf | 5 |
| SUV | CHF 78 | Skoda Kodiaq | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | CHF 95 | VW Sharan | 7 |
| Luxury | CHF 140 | Mercedes E-Class | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Zurich
Airport — Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Car rental centre on Level 1 of the Airport Center; desks open ~06:00–23:30.
Downtown — Central Zurich
Desks near the main station (Zürich HB) and along Badenerstrasse in the city centre.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~15% of base rate | Any airport pickup |
| Motorway vignette | CHF 40 (annual) | Using Swiss motorways — usually already on the car |
| Winter-tyre equipment | CHF 0–10/day | Nov–Mar; often included, chains extra |
| Cross-border to EU fee | CHF 20–60 | Driving into Italy, France, Germany or Austria |
| Young-driver fee (20–24) | CHF 15–25/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Security deposit | CHF 1,000–3,000 hold | On the main driver’s credit card |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Zurich
- Swiss motorways require an annual vignette (CHF 40) — rental cars usually already carry it, but confirm at pickup.
- From Nov–Mar Alpine roads demand winter tyres (typically included) and snow chains where signs require them — driving without them can void insurance.
- Switzerland is one of Europe’s most expensive rental markets: economy cars start around CHF 45–70/day.
- Drivers from non-EU countries (US, UK, Canada, etc.) should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home licence.
- Minimum rental age is typically 20–21, with a young-driver surcharge for drivers under 25.
- The Swiss vignette does not cover foreign motorways — plan for separate tolls in Italy, France or Austria.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Zurich
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Zurich?
Most companies rent from age 20–21, with premium categories often requiring 25. Drivers aged 20–24 usually pay a young-driver surcharge of CHF 15–25/day, and you must have held your licence for at least one year.
Do I need the Swiss motorway vignette?
Yes to use Swiss motorways. It is an annual sticker costing CHF 40 (unchanged since 1995) and is almost always already fitted to your rental car — always double-check at pickup, as driving without one carries a CHF 200 fine plus the CHF 40 vignette.
Can I drive my Zurich rental across the border into the EU?
Usually yes into Italy, France, Germany, Austria or Liechtenstein, but you must declare it when booking. Expect a cross-border fee of roughly CHF 20–60, and note the Swiss vignette does not cover foreign motorways — you will pay separate tolls abroad.
Are winter tyres and snow chains included?
From roughly 15 November to 31 March, Swiss rentals come with winter-suitable tyres, usually at no extra charge. Snow chains may be a paid extra or waiver — confirm they are in the boot before heading into the Alps, as some passes require them by sign.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Switzerland?
EU/EEA licences are fine on their own. Visitors from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and other non-EU countries are advised to carry an IDP with their home licence, and it is required if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet.
What deposit should I expect?
A credit-card hold of roughly CHF 1,000–3,000 in the main driver’s name is standard for Switzerland. It is a hold, not a charge, and is released after you return the car undamaged.
Where can I pick up a car — airport or city centre?
Both. Zurich Airport (ZRH) has its rental centre on Level 1 of the Airport Center (open ~06:00–23:30), and there are city-centre desks near Zürich main station (Zürich HB).
What is the cheapest car type in Zurich?
Economy cars (e.g. VW Polo) start around CHF 45/day — Switzerland is a pricey market. For families, a 7-seat minivan starts around CHF 95/day.
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