Small
Volkswagen Polo
Alamo- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €234/7 days
See offer →
Car Rental at Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Compare deals from 16 rental companies right at the airport. Start your trip the moment you land.
LocationAirport
Providers16
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 20+
Quick answer: At Zurich Airport you can compare rental cars from 16 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 Zurich Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 5 Nov. Prices collected 6 Oct.
AlamoMid-size
Volkswagen Golf
Alamo- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €239/7 days
See offer →SUV
Kia EV6
Thrifty- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €253/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in Zurich Airport: sorted by rating
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
 GreenMotion | (50) | By shuttle bus | €284 |
 Europcar | (223) | Inside the terminal | €258 |
 Avis | (38) | Inside the terminal | €419 |
 Enterprise | (103) | Inside the terminal | €294 |
| Thrifty | (75) | Inside the terminal | €240 |
 Dollar | (107) | Inside the terminal | €241 |
 Hertz | (129) | Inside the terminal | €241 |
 Budget | (55) | Inside the terminal | €419 |
 SIXT | (95) | €305 | |
| Alamo | (419) | Inside the terminal | €234 |
 Flizzr | (21) | Inside the terminal | €284 |
 EV-Adventure | (1) | Meet & greet on arrival | €840 |
 Carwiz | Meet & greet on arrival | €798 | |
 National | (8) | Inside the terminal | €265 |
 ACE Rent a car | (5) | By shuttle bus | €373 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 6 Oct, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 from customer reviews. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at Zurich Airport
Car rental prices at Zurich Airport vary depending on the season and how far in advance you book. By comparing multiple rental companies in advance, you'll secure the best rates and avoid expensive last-minute bookings. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is Switzerland's largest international airport and offers 16 car rental companies - the widest selection in the country.
The airport is located 13 km north of Zurich city center and is the perfect starting point for road trips throughout Switzerland and to neighboring countries. Zurich Airport has its own train station level directly beneath the terminal with direct trains to Zurich Hauptbahnhof in 10 minutes and Bern in 60 minutes. Rental desks and parking facilities are located in Terminal 1 and 2, with clear signage from arrival halls and a walking distance of 5-10 minutes.
Book your car in advance at Zurich Airport, especially during summer season and Christmas/New Year - 16 rental companies offer good price competition, but popular vehicle categories fill up quickly. If you're driving toward the Alps, take the A3 south toward Gotthard - Andermatt is reached in 1.5 hours and Lugano in 2.5 hours. Check whether your rental company uses the airport's shared return garage or has its own separate facility.
Which rental companies are available at Zurich Airport? At Zurich Airport we compare prices from 16 rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, Enterprise, National, Alamo and several local operators - one of Europe's broadest selections. How long does it take to pick up a car after landing at Zurich Airport?
Allow 20-40 minutes including baggage collection, walking to the rental desk and vehicle inspection - book online in advance to speed up the process. Can I rent a car at Zurich Airport and drive to Italy? Yes, via the A2 and Gotthard tunnel you'll reach Lugano in 2.5 hours and Milan in 3.5 hours.
Inform your rental company about international travel and confirm that your insurance covers Italy.
We compare prices from all major providers at Zurich 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.
What to Know Before Picking Up at Zurich Airport
🚗 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 Zurich Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at Zurich Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At Zurich Airport you can compare rentals from 16 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 Zurich Airport
Which rental companies are available at Zurich Airport?▼
You can compare 16 rental companies at Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich Airport
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