Your Complete Car Rental Guide for Exploring Zurich with Ease
Zurich is a large city located in the northern part of Switzerland. It is here that the entire financial life of this region is concentrated, here are dozens of banks and offices of world companies. Zurich is considered to be a city with one of the highest standards of living not only in Europe but also in the world. There are many who want to move here, but only a few succeed. But it wasn't always like that.
Zurich was once a small village surrounded by mountains. During its long history, the city managed to be under the rule of the Roman Empire and the French kingdom. This place served as an important customs point between two other major cities. The city developed rapidly, businessmen from all over the district came to it. So, from a small settlement, it soon turned into a large city that flourished steadily. It is worth noting that due to its location, Switzerland has always been at the epicenter of clashes of interests between neighboring countries. But, despite this, she somehow managed to always stay away from military conflicts and not take either side. The policy of neutrality has paid off. The country as a whole, and especially such large cities as Zurich, were actively developing, and soon, in terms of economic development, they could compete with their powerful neighbors.
The only major destruction in the city occurred during World War II, when in 1945 American aircraft confused Zurich with the German city of Pforzheim. Many historical buildings were damaged by the bombing, but they were quickly restored by the joint efforts of the authorities and citizens.
Zurich Airport considered to be one of the busiest in this part of Europe.
To get from it to the center, you will have to use public transport or rent a car. Coming to Zurich, it is worth remembering that this is a very expensive city, and even public transport here is not cheap, so if you plan to visit all the sights of the city in a few days, then you should opt for a rented car. On the Bookingautos website, you can choose a car for yourself at a price that suits you.
Zurich Attractions
The city website has a lot of useful information for tourists. Here you can learn a lot of interesting things about the history of Zurich and the most interesting events that take place in it, in order to know what time of the year is best to come here. For example, in autumn, an amazing wine festival is held here, and in December - a festive parade, when the streets of the city are buried in festive lights.
In Zurich, you should definitely take a walk along the streets of the Old Town, where old buildings, some of which were built during the Middle Ages. To get a better view of the beauty of the city, you can go up to Lindenhof Square, which offers a magnificent view of the Limmat River and the entire eastern part of the city.
From here you can see the church of St. Peter. The clock on its tower is considered one of the largest in Europe. The building was built in the 9th century, but since it was constantly rebuilt, the temple acquired its current appearance only at the beginning of the 18th century. The temple looks great from afar, but still you should not be lazy and go to the eastern part of the city to see this beauty up close.
Another calling card The city is the former male Grossmünster Monastery. Its towers are visible from any part of the city. Inside is a gallery displaying sculptures from the 12th century.
Zurich is home to one of the largest art museums in the country Kunsthaus. The museum was opened at the beginning of the 20th century. It contains a collection of paintings by such famous artists as Turner, Hodler, Rist and Fuseli.
Where to go near Zurich?
There are several resort towns near Zurich, where you can easily go for a day or two. One such city is Interlaken. The city is notable for its ancient streets and buildings, but the most impressive thing about it is the surrounding nature - it is located at the intersection of two lakes and is considered one of the most beautiful places Switzerland .
And, of course, in the vicinity of Zurich, it is worth visiting Rhine Falls, which located on the border of Switzerland and Germany. If you get to Laufen Castle, then from its side there are several viewing platforms that allow you to fully enjoy the beauty that opens up.
Zurich Cuisine and Restaurants
Zurich is the birthplace of pastries and champignons in a creamy sauce. The main ingredient for reshti is potatoes. Depending on the region, it can be served both in the classic version and with various additives - eggs, bacon, spices, herbs or cheese can be added to it. Another traditional dish is called Züri-Gschnätzlets, and it consists of small pieces of beef in a creamy sauce with spices. During the Christmas period, in every pastry shop you can find Tirggel - local cookies with the addition of honey, which are baked in the form of figures.
Traditional Zurich dishes can be tasted in the following establishments:
When traveling around Zurich by car, you should find out everything about parking rules and the most suitable places for this in advance. For improper parking, you can be fined, which is quite high even by local standards. In the center of Zurich, you can only park in paid closed parking lots, but there are usually not very many places in them and they are too expensive. Street parking areas are marked with lines on the pavement. In the blue parking zone during the daytime, you can leave the car for free, but only for an hour and no more. At night and in the evening (from 19:00 to 08:00) you can leave the car without a time limit per hour. In the center of Zurich, of course, there are no blue parking zones.
Paid street parking is marked with white stripes on the asphalt. The cost per hour can be 1-2 francs, and if closer to the city center, then already 10-15 francs per hour. At night, most of these parking lots also become free.
Parking is strictly prohibited in areas marked with a yellow stripe.
Addresses of several inexpensive parking lots in Zurich:
Kinderspital Zürich (Pestalozzistrasse 66). The price is 2 francs/hour;
Monthly price chart. Approximate prices for 7 days rental
January
€299
February
€261
March
€246
April
€300
May
€299
June
€472
July
€562
August
€413
September
€270
October
€209
November
€217
December
€402
* The average cost of renting a car in Zurich for seven days. The data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.
A percentage showing the monthly occupancy of the fleet of available vehicles. During August, there is a maximum demand for car rental, which entails a decrease in the range of cars available for order. You should take care of booking a car in Zurich in advance, this will allow you to get the preferred option on the most favorable financial terms.
The best time to rent a car in Zurich is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €17 for a Compact car.
Convertible cars in Zurich are in high demand during the summer. This is not surprising. After all, a trip on such a car gives a feeling of freedom and independence, allows you to relax and forget about the problems of the world around you. Although you should be prepared for an increase in rental prices and possible problems with the range of available cars. If we talk about the price VW Beetle Cabrio - it will be from €57 per 1 day.
We have the largest selection of cars in Zurich. What do we offer:
New cars 2024 of the year.
Cars of any class from budget to premium.
A wide range of models: convertibles, sedans, SUVs, minivans.
When calculating the rental price for a car in Zurich, seasonal demand, the class of the car itself and the duration of the rental are taken into account. In winter, renting a car is the cheapest. In the summer, rent will cost more expensive. An additional discount for long-term rentals is provided by many car rental companies, which makes your trip even more profitable for the budget. For example, in the spring months, the compact Opel Astramodel can be rented for just €17 per day. Renting the same car for a week will cost less and will be only €16. The situation is similar with other models of the budget segment. Among them are Mercedes CLA, Opel Astra Estate, Opel Mokka, which can be rented for as little as €33-€28 per day. Approximately for €57in Zurich you can rent a convertible car. Premium segment models are more expensive, the rental will cost from €136 per day. If we talk about exclusive models, then when ordering them, you should be prepared for an amount of 450€ or more for daily use.
Recently, in Zurich has seen a rise in demand for electric car rentals. They do not pollute nature and save money. The city has free parking and cheap charging stations. To rent an electric car in Zurich, select the appropriate filter in the car search and fill in the dates you need. The best option could be BMW i3.
Documents required for car rental
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
Expert Car Rental Tips: 10 Things to Keep in Mind
Download Google maps for offline access
The presence of an offline navigator allows you to save on roaming. It is enough just to download the necessary maps from Google Maps and get directions even without a network connection. To do this, enter the phrase "OK MAPS" in the application, select the desired area and download offline maps to your smartphone.
Book in advance
Zurich is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.
It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.
Which car to choose
Choose a car according to the purpose of your trip. You can drive around the city and its surroundings in a compact car Fiat 500 or Opel Astra. These models are the most popular with our customers in Zurich.
In the mountains, more powerful transport will be required. Pay attention to the volume of the engine - it must be more than 1.6 liters. An all-wheel drive crossover would be ideal. Opel Astra Estate will cost €29 per day. By the way, before leaving, do not forget to refuel with a margin. On the rises, the fuel goes one and a half to two times more. Gas stations in mountain villages are rare.
What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance recommendations
Rental companies in Zurich may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:
Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged.
Fuel prepayment terms
When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Zurich for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.
Rent without mileage limit
Before renting a car, you should check with the rental company if there is a limit on the daily mileage for a car. Typically, tourists use a rental car to travel not only around the city, but also to travel to neighboring cities and even countries. If such a restriction exists, it is recommended to choose a rental option where there is no limit. In this case, the total cost of mileage will be lower, since you will not have to pay extra for exceeding the mileage. On our site, in the search results, check the filter "Unlimited mileage" to see the offers you need.
Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Zurich, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
How to choose a rental company
Pay attention to the car park. Large and reliable companies regularly buy new cars.
Our clients name the top companies in Zurich - sixt with an average rating 9.8 points and budget with 9.7 points.
We show all the rental conditions of different companies. Read the rules carefully before booking a car.
Getting a car at a rental office
You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.
Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.
Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.
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Car rental reviews: Zurich
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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