One-Way Car Rental from Lausanne to Zurich | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Lausanne to Zurich

Can I rent a car from Lausanne to Zurich?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Lausanne to Zurich. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for CH residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical Switzerland national photo ID
Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Some policies support XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 19 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 19 to 24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 24.88 per day, with some policies capping the fee at US$ 248.72 for the rental period.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.
Form of ID: A valid passport
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Some policies support XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 19 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 19 to 24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 24.88 per day, with some policies capping the fee at US$ 248.72 for the rental period.

How much does renting a car from Lausanne to Zurich cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 45/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 53/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 71-US$ 174	US$ 0-US$ 625	US$ 135-US$ 381	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 79-US$ 182	US$ 0-US$ 108	US$ 202-US$ 291	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 79-US$ 984	US$ 0-US$ 108	US$ 176-US$ 2,148	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 77-US$ 183	US$ 0-US$ 625	US$ 158-US$ 363	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 198-US$ 468	US$ 0	US$ 436-US$ 1,052	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 160-US$ 398	US$ 0-US$ 125	US$ 270-US$ 992	Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee Applicability: Most rental companies charge a one-way fee for returning the car to a different location. Check the cost in advance to avoid surprises.
Route and Mileage Restrictions: Understand if there are any specified routes to follow or if unlimited mileage is offered for your trip.
Cross-Border Travel Restrictions: Planning to cross into another country? Verify if your rental agreement permits it and consider additional insurance.
Refueling Policies: Determine if the rental company requires the car returned with a full tank and the locations of nearby fueling stations.
Advance Booking Benefits: Booking ahead could save costs and secure availability, particularly for routes with high demand like Lausanne to Zurich.

Smart Planning Tips:

Check Fuel Station Locations Near Zurich: Identify nearby fuel stations close to Zurich to easily refuel before returning your vehicle.
Plan Your Journey Time: Consider traffic times and road conditions on the Lausanne to Zurich route to avoid delays.
Familiarize with Route Options: Research the scenic or direct routes available and select one that fits your preferences.
Utilize Discounts or Promotions: Look for promotional codes or memberships that could reduce your rental costs.
Emergency Contact Numbers: Have the car rental company’s emergency contact information on hand during your journey.
Verify Vehicle Insurance Coverage: Ensure your rental package includes adequate insurance; consider supplemental coverage if needed.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning it to avoid additional charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use the recommended fuel type for optimal vehicle performance.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost along the route is approximately CHF 1.80 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Ensure tires are properly inflated before starting the journey.

Avoid unnecessary idling to conserve fuel.

Lausanne Parking

Parking in central Lausanne typically costs CHF 2-4 per hour.

Look for Park & Ride facilities to save on parking fees.

Avoid peak hours to find easier parking availability.

Zurich Parking

Parking in Zurich city center can cost CHF 3-5 per hour.

Utilize parking garages for secure and convenient parking.

Check for residential parking restrictions in certain areas.

Recommended Parking Apps

ParkU: Find and reserve parking spaces in advance.

EasyPark: Offers real-time parking availability and payment options.

PayByPhone: Simplifies parking payments through mobile devices.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Highlighted Routes from Lausanne to Zurich:

Route via Bern

Scenic Route 3 hours

This route goes through the picturesque city of Bern, offering a combination of urban exploration and scenic views.

Bern , Aarau

Route via Neuchâtel

Nature Route 3 hours 30 minutes

Travelers will enjoy views of Lake Neuchâtel and the surrounding countryside on this slightly longer route.

Neuchâtel , Olten

Direct Route on A1

Fast Route 2 hours 45 minutes

The most direct route connecting Lausanne to Zurich via the A1 motorway, ideal for quick transfers.

Yverdon-les-Bains , Solothurn

Exciting Journeys Around Lausanne and Zurich:

Journey to Lake Geneva

1 hour from Lausanne

Visit the tranquil shores of Lake Geneva, explore vineyards, and enjoy leisurely walks.

Explore Lucerne

1 hour from Zurich

Discover the charm of Lucerne with its historic bridge and stunning alpine backdrop.

Trip to the Rhine Falls

45 minutes from Zurich

View the largest waterfall in Switzerland, a breathtaking natural wonder.

Adventure in Interlaken

2 hours from both cities

Enjoy an adventurous escape in the heart of the Swiss Alps, popular for hiking and paragliding.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Plan Your Route: Choose your route based on time and interest—whether you prefer scenic views or efficiency.

Refueling Stations: Identify nearby gas stations along your route to avoid any disruptions.

Car Rental Options: Compare rates from different agencies to find the best deal for your journey.

Toll Charges: Note any tolls on motorways to factor costs into your budget.

Road Safety: Ensure your vehicle is equipped for varying weather conditions by checking tires and lights.

Peak Times: Avoid travel during peak weekday hours to experience a smoother journey.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from Lausanne to Zurich, consider factors such as one-way fees, fleet variety, and coverage.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	High-quality cars including luxury options	Excellent coverage across Switzerland	One-way rentals available without restrictions , Priority service for Gold members
Europcar	$$	Diverse, includes eco-friendly options	Nationwide presence ensuring availability	Flexible drop-off policies , Well-maintained vehicles
Avis	$$	Good mix of economy and luxury vehicles	Broad presence in both cities	Rewards program for frequent renters , 24/7 customer support
Sixt	$$$	Premium fleet with high-end models	Strong network in major cities	Digital check-in available , Luxury vehicle selection

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Zurich Rental Car Center Information

Operating Hours:

Open 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day including holidays.

Location:

Rental center located at Zurich Airport, Level G, Parking Garage 3.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttle every 15 minutes from major terminals.

Pro Tips for Palais De Beaulieu Car Rentals

Consider reserving a vehicle in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental, and is it available from Lausanne to Zurich?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a car in one location and drop it off in a different one. Yes, most major car rental companies offer this service between Lausanne and Zurich.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals on this route?

Often, one-way rentals include a drop-off fee in the total cost. It's recommended to ask the rental company about their policy to understand the complete pricing.

Can I choose where to return the rental in Zurich?

Many car rental services in Zurich offer flexible return options, including locations in the city center, Zurich main train station, and Zurich Airport. Verify available drop-off locations when booking.

Do I need to refuel before returning the car in Zurich?

Generally, you are required to return the car with the same fuel level it had at pickup. If not, you might incur additional charges.

What documents will I need to show when renting a car in Switzerland?

You will typically need a valid driver’s license, an international driving permit (if required by your country of license issuance), and a credit card in your name for the booking and security deposit.

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