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Car Rental at Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Quick Answer

Rental car desks at Zurich Airport (ZRH) are Car rental desks are in the Arrivals 2 area of the Airport Centre, on level -1. The rental car park is in the P3 multi-storey garage, connected by a short underground walkway.. Major companies include Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt. The fastest transfer to Zurich is by Train (SBB) (12 minutes).

Rental Desk Location

Car rental desks are in the Arrivals 2 area of the Airport Centre, on level -1. The rental car park is in the P3 multi-storey garage, connected by a short underground walkway.

Pro Tip

Book your rental car at ZRH at least 2-3 weeks ahead for the best prices, especially during summer.

Car Rental Companies at ZRH

Europcar Hertz Avis Sixt Enterprise Budget National Alamo

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Getting from Zurich Airport to Zurich

TransportDurationCostNotes
Train (SBB)12 minutesCHF 6.80 (EUR 7)Direct to Zurich Hauptbahnhof; trains run every 5-10 minutes. Station is under the terminal.
Tram (10)35 minutesCHF 4.40 (EUR 4.50)Tram to Zurich Bahnhofstrasse and city center
Airport Bus (various)30-60 minutesCHF 5-20Buses to surrounding towns and ski resorts
Taxi15-20 minutesCHF 60-70 (EUR 62-72)Metered fare to Zurich center; Switzerland taxis are very expensive

Zurich Airport is Switzerland's largest airport, located just 10 km north of Zurich city center. It handles over 31 million passengers and serves as the main hub for SWISS International Air Lines. The airport is modern, efficient, and directly connected to the Swiss rail network via an underground station.

Renting a car at Zurich Airport gives you access to some of Europe's most stunning Alpine scenery. The Bernese Oberland (Interlaken, Jungfrau) is 2 hours south, the lakeside city of Lucerne is 1 hour away, and the Engadine Valley (St. Moritz) is 3 hours east. Switzerland's compact size means that almost anywhere in the country is reachable within 3-4 hours from Zurich.

Swiss roads are outstanding but come at a price — the annual motorway vignette is mandatory, fuel is expensive, and parking in cities like Zurich, Bern, and Geneva is tightly regulated. That said, the Alpine passes — Furka, Grimsel, Susten, Gotthard — offer driving experiences that are worth every Swiss franc.

Tips for Renting at Zurich Airport

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Swiss motorway vignette cost?

CHF 40 (about EUR 41) for a calendar year. There is no shorter-term option. It is mandatory for all motorways and can be purchased at border crossings, petrol stations, or post offices.

Can I drive to Italy from Zurich?

Yes, the Gotthard route to Milan takes about 3 hours via the A2 motorway and Gotthard tunnel. In summer, the Gotthard Pass road is a spectacular alternative.

Are mountain passes open year-round?

Most high passes (Furka, Grimsel, Susten, Klausen) close from October/November to May/June. The Gotthard tunnel provides year-round north-south access.

Is renting a car worth it in Switzerland?

For Alpine exploring and visiting multiple regions, yes. For staying in one city, the Swiss train network is exceptionally efficient and often more convenient.

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