Last Updated on March 31, 2025 by Kristin
Home to the famous snow-tipped Alps, tiny Switzerland is famous for chocolate, cheese and jaw-dropping scenery. One of the best ways to get the most out of a trip to Switzerland is to rent a car. Whether you’re ready to soak up the sun and disconnect at a remote lakeside chalet or explore the gastronomy and shops of Switzerland’s charming small towns, having access to your own vehicle will help you explore this beautiful country at your own pace. Here’s what to keep in mind when renting a car in Switzerland.
Essential Tips for Renting a Car in Switzerland
Book from home.
Don’t wait until you get off the plane to rent a vehicle. It will be cheaper to book your car before leaving home.
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Get an international driving permit.
If your license is in English, you’ll need an international driving permit (IDP) or an official translation of the document before driving in Switzerland. This booklet translates your license into 10 different languages and can be used in 150 countries. International driving permits are easy to get through the American Automobile Association (AAA), but you need to do it in advance of your trip. While Swiss authorities may accept a notarized translation of your travel document, paying for that paperwork will likely be much more expensive than getting the IDP.
Make sure you have a vignette.
Switzerland has a different toll system than the one you may be used to at home, and you must understand how it works before hitting the road. To use the country’s main motorways, you’ll need a sticker or an e-vignette. If you drive on a road that requires a vignette without one, expect a hefty fine of more than $200. A vignette costs roughly 40 Swiss francs (about $45). The good news is that rental cars in Switzerland should already have this vignette, but it is important to make sure it is valid and up to date. Note that you will likely have to purchase a Swiss vignette if you rent a car in another country and cross the border.
Always pay in Swiss francs.
When you get to Switzerland and it’s time to pay for the rental car, you may have the option to pay for the rental in U.S. dollars, but this option will cost you more in the long run. Pay in the local currency to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion fees.
Think through your insurance needs.
All rental cars in Switzerland come with mandatory liability insurance, which covers damage or injury to people or property outside of the rental car. But you might need to purchase additional coverage for theft or damage to the rental vehicle. You can purchase additional coverages like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection, or Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) at the rental counter. Note that some credit cards provide rental car insurance, including CDW, so check before leaving home to see if you have coverage.
Check for weather alerts and road closures.
If you’re visiting Switzerland during the winter months, keeping an eye on inclement weather and road closures is crucial. Several mountain passes across the country often close for the winter, which can complicate your travel plans. Also, keep an eye on the weather. Avoid heading out in heavy snow, and keep an eye on any warnings about slippery roads or avalanches.
Check whether your rental reservation allows border crossings.
Switzerland is conveniently located near several other countries such as France and Italy, making it a great place to pass through on a multi-country road trip. However, rental car companies have different rules about crossing borders. In some cases, you may have to pay an extra fee each time you cross a border or be prohibited from crossing into different countries. Always check with the rental car company to make sure you are allowed to cross into other countries, and ask about any extra fees you might incur along the way.
Note whether your rental has an automatic transmission.
Cars with manual transmission are still popular in Switzerland, although automatic transmissions are becoming more popular across Europe. If you do not drive a stick shift, be sure that the model you are renting has an automatic transmission. When in doubt, ask the car rental company whether they will be able to guarantee an automatic car.
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Obey speed limits and driving rules carefully.
Switzerland is known for being strict about speed limits and other driving laws, such as banning texting and having headlights turned on during the day. Failing to obey these rules can lead to hefty fines, or even losing your license in the case of excessive speeding. Familiarize yourself with the rules of the road before driving in Switzerland.
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