Small
Volkswagen Polo
Alamo- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €278/7 days
See offer →
Basel Airport Car Rental (BSL)
See real-time prices from 12 car hire companies. Collect your car at arrivals and go.
LocationAirport
Providers12
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 20+
Quick answer: At Basel Airport you can compare rental cars from 12 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.
Best priceBook 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.
Cheapest car rentals in Basel Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 19 Nov. Prices collected 20 Oct.
AlamoMid-size
Volkswagen Golf
Alamo- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €283/7 days
See offer →SUV
Fiat 600
Budget- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €290/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in Basel Airport: sorted by rating
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
 Europcar | (53) | Inside the terminal | €409 |
 Hertz | (38) | Inside the terminal | €335 |
| Budget | (27) | Inside the terminal | €285 |
 Flizzr | (11) | Inside the terminal | €359 |
 SIXT | (26) | Inside the terminal | €372 |
 Thrifty | (38) | Inside the terminal | €321 |
| Alamo | (150) | Inside the terminal | €278 |
 Avis | (3) | Inside the terminal | €328 |
 National | (2) | Inside the terminal | €302 |
 Dollar | (33) | Inside the terminal | €291 |
 Enterprise | (16) | Inside the terminal | €345 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 20 Oct, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 from customer reviews. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at Basel Airport
Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (BSL/MLH/EAP) is one of Europe's unique three-country airports and offers as many as 12 rental agencies - the largest selection in the region. The airport is approximately 8 km northwest of Basel city center, just inside the French border but with a separate Swiss entrance. The large selection of rental agencies guarantees competitive prices and good vehicle availability.
All major agencies have desks in the arrivals hall and the vehicle fleet is located in adjacent parking garages. The drive to Basel center takes approximately 15 minutes via A35/A2, and Mulhouse in France can be reached in 25 minutes. Use the Swiss entrance (Schweizer Sektor) to avoid French customs formalities if you're driving directly into Switzerland.
Compare prices among all 12 rental agencies - differences can be substantial. Keep in mind that a motorway vignette (Autobahnvignette) is required for Swiss highways and costs 40 CHF. How long does it take to drive from the airport to Bern?
It is approximately 105 km and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes via A2 and A1. Do I need a Swiss motorway vignette if I rent a car at Basel airport? Yes, if you plan to drive on Swiss motorways you need a vignette for 40 CHF - it can be purchased at the border or from the rental agency.
Can I drive directly to France or Germany from the airport? Absolutely, the airport borders France and Germany can be reached via A5 in approximately 20 minutes - perfect for round trips through all three countries.
We compare prices from all major providers at Basel Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
Renting at Basel Airport - The Short Version
🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms
- Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
- Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
- Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.
🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents
- Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of Switzerland. Check if an IDP is needed.
📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup
- Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
- Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
- Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.
Rental Companies at Basel Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at Basel Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At Basel Airport you can compare rentals from 12 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
- Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
- Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in Switzerland ▼
In Switzerland you drive on the right side.
- Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 80 km/h
- Motorway: 120 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0.5 per mille
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼
Parking can be expensive in cities, use parking garages.
Road tolls: Buy a road toll sticker at the border or online.
Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at Basel Airport
Which rental companies are available at Basel Airport?▼
You can compare 12 rental companies at Basel Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in Switzerland?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Basel Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in Switzerland is typically 20 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in Switzerland?▼
In Switzerland you drive on the right side. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Basel Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Basel Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Basel Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2-4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
15-Day Weather Forecast for Basel Airport
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Real prices, real terms, 12 providers. See what Basel Airport has to offer.
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