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Compare car hire prices from top providers at Zurich Airport (ZRH) with Road Genius. From compact cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up at the on-airport Car Rental Center and join the A51 to Zurich city centre in minutes, with easy returns in the P3 car park and after-hours key drop. Filter for automatics, winter tyres or 4x4, compare one-way car hire within Switzerland and find offers that include the Swiss motorway vignette.
The car hire facilities at Zurich Airport are conveniently located and well-organised:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Car Rental Center (on-airport, attached to terminal) | All major companies in one place; on-site with no shuttle needed; 5–10 minute walk from baggage claim; clear signage | Airport surcharge applies; queues possible at peak times; limited late-night counter hours |
| Terminal 1 and 2 Access (walkways to hire area) | Direct connection from both terminals; easy to follow; barrier-free access | Requires walking with luggage; can be crowded during peak arrivals |
| Vehicle Pickup/Return Area (P3 car park) | Vehicles located next to counters; covered/indoor; simple wayfinding for pick-up and return | Parking spaces can be tight; inspect for damage in low light; return lanes busy at peak times |
The Car Rental Center is conveniently attached to the airport terminal. You can walk there from baggage claim in about 5 to 10 minutes, guided by clear signs. No shuttles are necessary, as both the rental counters and the cars are on-site.
On average, car rentals at Zurich Airport cost around CHF 76 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from CHF 25 per day.
Compare brands, dates and car types on the same search. At ZRH, prices swing a lot. Try shifting pickup/return by a few hours or a day. Weekly rates can beat 5–6 day hires.
Skip the airport surcharge by taking the 15-minute train to Zürich HB and renting in the city. Airport pickups include roughly a 20% location fee.
Pick the simplest car that works. Manual saves about CHF 10–20/day over automatic. Only pay extra for AWD if you’re heading to ski areas or mountain roads.
Avoid paid extras. Use your phone for GPS, bring your own child seat if you’re flying with one, and only add snow chains if you’ll actually need them.
Time your booking. For peak Switzerland periods (Christmas/New Year, February ski holidays), book early. Off-peak, monitor prices and rebook if they drop.
Keep it a return trip in Switzerland. Domestic one-ways are usually low-cost, but international drop-offs can add up. Refuel yourself in Kloten or on the A51 before returning to avoid service fees.
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Local Driving Culture:
Rent a car to drive to:
Zurich city centre - A51 to A1/A4, 15-20 minutes
Lucerne - A51 to A4, 45-50 minutes
Bern - A51 to A1, 1.5 hours
Basel - A51 to A1 to A3, 1 hour
St. Gallen - A51 to A1, 1 hour
Interlaken - A51 to A4/A14, 1.5-2 hours
What's the minimum time I should allow for picking up a hire car at Zurich Airport? You should allow about 30-45 minutes to get your car. This covers your time at the counter and checking the vehicle. You might need more time when it's busy or if you have special requests.
Can I rent a car at Zurich Airport and return it to another location in Switzerland? Yes, most hire companies let you return the car to another location in Switzerland. For major cities like Geneva, Basel or Lucerne, companies usually charge a small fee or no fee at all. You should always check the company's one-way rules when you book.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent from Zurich Airport? If you have an EU licence, you don't need an IDP. If your licence uses a different alphabet (like Russian, Arabic or Asian languages), you will likely need an International Driving Permit. Some hire companies require it. People from the US, Canada and the UK don't need an IDP if their licence is in English. Still, some hire companies might ask for one, so you should check before you travel.
Can I take a hire car from Zurich Airport into neighbouring countries? Yes, most hire companies let you drive to nearby countries like Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. You must tell the hire company your travel plans when you pick up the car. Some hire companies charge a fee for driving across the border. They might also have rules about which cars can go or where you can travel, especially in Italy. It's best to check their rules before you book.
What credit cards are accepted for car hires at Zurich Airport? Hire companies accept major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard and American Express. They usually don't accept debit cards to hold the security deposit. Some hire companies might accept a debit card if you provide extra paperwork or a larger deposit.
Is it necessary to get additional insurance when renting from Zurich Airport? The hire price usually includes basic insurance for liability and collision damage, but you still have to pay an excess for any claims. You can choose to buy extra cover from the hire company to lower this excess or get rid of it. Before you buy extra insurance, you should check if your credit card already covers you for hire cars.
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