All of the major car rental companies operate within Switzerland and can be found at the airports at Zurich and Geneva as well as in city centre locations. Avis in particular has a widespread network of rental offices across Switzerland in addition to in the larger centres.

Airports

Zurich Airport: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt
Geneva Cointrin Airport: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt
Basel Airport: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt
Bern-Belp Airport: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt
Lugano Agno Aiport: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt

Cities

Basel: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt
Bern: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt
Geneva: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt
Lausanne: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt
Lugano: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National, Sixt
Lucerne: Avis, Europcar, Hertz, National

Rental offices in cities and towns are less expensive than those located at airports, where an additional service charge of approximately 20% of the rental cost applies. Local garages may also be able to rent you a car for less expensive prices.

In Switzerland you will need to have snow tyres and chains for winter driving. This will incur an additional charge of around CHF 8 per day or a maximum of CHF 80 per rental (2011 charges, Europcar). Usual car rental terms apply, such as liability for damage and a requirement to refuel the vehicle or else to pay a charge for refuelling. Extra charges are made for child seats and booster cushions, and for additional drivers. Minimum ages can apply, and luxury vehicles may only be made available to those aged 25 or over. With all vehicle rental there is a requirement to take out insurance, which is charged per day. You will be also charged a daily rate for road tax.

If you need a long-term rental, look for monthly deals. The 'Mobility' car scheme is becoming a popular alternative to traditional car rental in Switzerland and allows you to reserve a car online or via an iPhone app and collect it from a Mobility station. The cost is calculated on an hourly rate and mileage covered. Cars come equipped with an on-board computer which allows you to extend or end your reservation with immediate effect. Refuelling is free of charge and the cars come with fuel cards, but be sure to return it with at least a third of a tank. There are different membership subscriptions to suit your needs, whether you want to simply try it out, sign up for a year's use, or join a co-operative to enjoy discounted rates. You can combine membership with season tickets for a number of city centre transport networks.

Useful Resources

Mobility Car Sharing
http://www.mobility.ch/en/pub/index.cfm
Mobility Cooperative, Gütschstrasse 2, P.O. Box, CH 6000 Lucerne 7
Tel: 0848 824 812 (24 hours)
Email: info@mobility.ch