Renting a Car at Zurich Airport
Zurich Airport (ZRH) serves Switzerland's largest city and financial capital, but the real reason to rent a car here is the country beyond: the Rhine Falls, Lake Lucerne, the Bernese Oberland, and the Gotthard Pass are all within reach. Switzerland is expensive, but the scenery is matchless.
Prices from €35/day — among the highest in Europe, reflecting Swiss cost levels. A Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40) is required and sold at the border or any petrol station. Swiss roads are immaculate. Speed limits are strictly enforced.
Which Car Rental Companies Operate at ZRH?
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
Additional options are available through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com, which aggregate independent local operators alongside the major brands — often at the lowest rates.
How to Pick Up Your Car at Zurich Airport
Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.
Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.
You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.
Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.
Follow airport exit signs toward the city. Your sat-nav or phone maps will guide you from there.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted without translation throughout the EU/EEA.
- Passport or national identity card.
- Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards rarely accepted).
- Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in Latin script.
Young Driver Rules at Zurich Airport
Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25/day. The minimum rental age is usually 18, though some providers require 21 or 25 for premium vehicle categories.
Tips for Renting at ZRH
- Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40) is required for all motorways — buy at petrol stations or online. Annual only; covers the whole year.
- Speed limits are strictly enforced: 120 km/h motorway, 80 km/h rural, 50 km/h urban. Cameras everywhere.
- Swiss francs are accepted everywhere; cards are also universally accepted.
- Mountain passes (Gotthard, Furka, Susten) are spectacular but have weight limits and narrow sections — standard rental cars handle them fine.
Ready to Book Your Zurich Airport Car Hire?
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Compare Prices at ZRHGetting from Zurich Airport to Zurich City Centre
With a rental car, driving from Zurich Airport to Zurich city centre takes approximately 15 min (13 km). Follow the airport exit signs toward the city — sat-nav or Google Maps will route you from there. Parking in the centre varies; check our tips above for the best options.
Driving in Switzerland
Switzerland uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, 120 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%. Motorway vignette required — buy at border or petrol station. CHF accepted alongside cards. Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF).
Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To
- Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) — 40 km, 35 min. Europe's most powerful waterfall — surprisingly accessible and dramatic.
- Lucerne — 55 km, 50 min. The most scenic Swiss city — Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and Lake Lucerne with the Alps reflected.
- Interlaken — 120 km, 1.5 hr. Adventure sports capital between two lakes, with the Jungfrau and Eiger towering above.
- Liechtenstein — 90 km, 1 hr. The world's fourth smallest country — a principality on the Rhine with excellent skiing.
For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.