Renting a Car in Switzerland

Renting a Car in Switzerland vs. Public Transportation

One of the biggest decisions travelers face when exploring Switzerland is whether to rent a car or rely on the country’s world-famous public transportation system. Both options have their strengths, and I’ve done both. But here’s what I’ve learned from my own adventures:

Why I Prefer Renting a Car

For me, renting a car is all about freedom and timing. I love getting up before the sun, chasing alpine glow on the peaks, and arriving at trailheads before the tour buses roll in. Having a car means I can stop at that hidden lake I spotted out of the corner of my eye, or linger a little longer at a viewpoint without watching the clock for the next train. It’s also a lifesaver when traveling with kids..snacks, naps, and spontaneous detours all fit right into the trunk.

Using public transportation can sometimes be problematic when trying to seat large parties together or if you have children/elderly with bags that they can’t easily get on and off the train alone.

Parking can sometimes be tricky in the bigger towns (Interlaken, Lucerne, Zermatt base), but I found that many trailheads and mountain villages have small lots or garages. Toll stickers (“vignettes”) are required for the highways, but they’re usually included in your rental car.

Why Switzerland’s Public Transportation is Incredible

That said, Switzerland’s trains and buses are nothing short of legendary. They’re clean, efficient, and unbelievably scenic. Sometimes the journey itself, like the GoldenPass Express or the Glacier Express, feels like an attraction. For travelers staying mostly in larger towns and connecting popular tourist areas, public transport might actually be easier. Plus, mountain gondolas, cogwheel trains, and boats are seamlessly tied into the network.

The biggest perk: you don’t have to drive mountain roads. Some of those cliff-hugging passes can be nerve-wracking if you’re not used to alpine driving. You also don’t have to navigate through small Swiss towns.

Switzerland’s Car Trains

One of the most unexpected parts of driving in Switzerland is that sometimes…you’ll find yourself putting your entire car on a train. The country is so mountainous that instead of building endless winding roads, the Swiss created special tunnels where cars ride on flatbed trains to bypass mountain passes.

The first time I drove onto one, it felt so strange. You line up, drive onto the train platform, put your car in park, and then sit back as the train whisks you straight through the mountain. In about 15 minutes you’re out the other side, saving what could have been hours of hairpin turns on high alpine roads.

You will find them on popular routes include the Lötschberg Tunnel (connecting Bernese Oberland to Valais) and the Vereina Tunnel (leading into Engadin/Scuol). You just buy a ticket on the spot (no reservations needed for most routes), drive on, and let the train do the work.

Tips for Driving in Switzerland

Renting a car in Switzerland gives you freedom, but there are a few things most travelers don’t realize until they’re already behind the wheel:

• Highway Vignette: Every car driving on Swiss motorways must display a vignette (toll sticker). Rental cars usually come with one, but double-check before you leave the lot. If not, you can buy one at gas stations or border crossings.

• Mountain Roads: Some alpine passes (like Grimsel or Furka) are seasonal and only open in summer. Always check road status before heading out, especially in May or October when snow can close them unexpectedly.

• Roundabouts Rule: You’ll hit lots of roundabouts, and traffic inside the circle always has the right of way. It keeps things moving, but it can be intimidating if you’re new to it.

• Speed Cameras Everywhere: Switzerland takes speed limits seriously. Fines are steep and mailed internationally. Stick to posted limits, even in small villages where it suddenly drops from 80 km/h to 50 km/h.

• Headlights On: Even during the day, you’re required to drive with your headlights on. It feels odd at first, but it’s law.

• Parking Apps: Many small towns use apps like Parkingpay or EasyPark. They’re worth downloading ahead of time, because meters often only take Swiss coins.

• Watch Out for Cyclists: Bike lanes are common, even on mountain roads, and cyclists have priority. Be especially cautious on blind corners.

• Tunnels: Switzerland is full of them, from short cuts through hills to the 17-km Gotthard Tunnel. Keep sunglasses handy! You’ll be in and out of bright light and darkness quickly.

• Border Crossings: If you’re planning to pop into Italy, France, Austria, or Liechtenstein, check whether your rental car insurance allows it. Most do, but some require notice or extra coverage.

My Honest Take

If your dream is to follow a flexible, crowd-free itinerary, chase sunrise hikes, or travel as a family with little ones, I’d recommend renting a car. If you’re planning to stick to the classic cities and iconic train routes, the Swiss Travel Pass is an incredible investment. The Half Fare card is also a great investment if you want to rent a car, but still do some of the touristy things that require a gondola ride.

At the end of the day, both are wonderful! It just depends on whether you want the freedom of the open road or the ease of the rail line.