Car Hire in Basel Center

Basel city center is an excellent starting point for car trips throughout northwestern Switzerland with 4 rental agencies located near the Market Square and Basel SBB train station. The city is uniquely positioned where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet – the so-called Dreiländereck (three-country corner). From here you can easily reach three countries in under 30 minutes.

Basel SBB station is in the heart of the city and most rental offices are within 500 meters. Münsterplatz and Rheinufer are central landmarks, and highways A2 toward Lucerne and A3 toward Zurich can be reached in 10 minutes. During Art Basel in June, rental car demand is extreme – book at least 3 weeks in advance.

Drive to the Black Forest in Germany in just 45 minutes via A5. Avoid the city center during rush hours 07–09 and 16–18 as traffic around Centralbahnplatz is heavy. How far is it from Basel center to Lucerne?

It is approximately 95 km and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes via highway A2. Can I rent a car in Basel and return it in another country? Yes, most rental agencies in Basel city center allow cross-border driving for an additional fee – check conditions when booking.

What is the best option if I arrive by train at Basel SBB? Several rental offices are located directly at Basel SBB, making it very convenient to pick up your car right after your train arrival.

We compare prices from all major providers at Basel Center 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.