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

Home One-way Car Rentals Zurich to Geneva

Can I rent a car from Zurich to Geneva?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Zurich to Geneva. 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 Spain 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 1-3 years.

Notes: Spanish digital version of the driving license is acceptable. The driving's license must be shown from the official DGT App.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, UnionPay, DinersClub, JCB, and Discover. Additional supported cards include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-80 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 11.77 per day (capped at US$ 353.30) or US$ 14.13 per day depending on the rental.

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 1-3 years. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• EU Driving Licence
• Full driver's license issued in Spain
• Original US Driver's License
• Hongkong Driving License in China + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Taiwan Driving License in China + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Original Canada Driving Licence

Notes: *Driver's license, passport, and IDP must be issued in the same country.
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 Visa, Master, AMEX, UnionPay, DinersClub, JCB, and Discover. Additional supported cards include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-80 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 11.77 per day (capped at US$ 353.30) or US$ 14.13 per day depending on the rental.

How much does renting a car from Zurich to Geneva 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$ 79/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 95/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 106-US$ 186	US$ 0-US$ 108	US$ 236-US$ 487	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 164-US$ 263	US$ 0-US$ 108	US$ 385-US$ 471	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 142-US$ 982	US$ 0-US$ 108	US$ 319-US$ 2,144	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 127-US$ 242	US$ 0-US$ 108	US$ 283-US$ 566	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 198-US$ 467	US$ 0-US$ 312	US$ 435-US$ 1,050	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 177-US$ 397	US$ 0-US$ 125	US$ 388-US$ 1,045	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Most rental companies charge an additional fee for one-way rentals. Confirm this fee while booking.
Cross-Border Restrictions: Some rentals might restrict travel across borders. Confirm if driving outside Switzerland is permitted if needed.
Vehicle Availability: Certain vehicle types may have limited availability for one-way trips. Reserve your preferred vehicle early.
Drop-Off Location Timing: Ensure the drop-off location is open at your arrival time to avoid extra charges.
Fuel Policy: Understand the fuel policy for your rental. Some require the tank to be full upon return.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Early for Better Rates: Booking ahead can secure better rates and availability for one-way rentals.
Choose Flexible Drop-Off Points: Opting for popular drop-off locations like Geneva Airport can make the process smoother.
Read the Terms: Review the rental agreement's terms, including cancellation and late return policies.
Coordinate with Your Accommodation: Check your lodging for parking options or proximity to drop-off points.
Plan Your Stops: Explore scenic stops between Zurich and Geneva to enrich your journey.

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 to avoid additional charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Check the fuel type required for the vehicle to avoid engine damage.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel price along the route is CHF 1.90 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and avoid rapid acceleration.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Minimize the use of air conditioning to conserve fuel.

Zurich Parking

Parking in Zurich is available at public garages like Parkhaus Opéra.

Street parking is limited and often requires a blue zone permit.

Consider using Park & Ride facilities for extended stays.

Geneva Parking

Geneva offers parking at locations such as Parking Cornavin.

On-street parking is regulated and requires payment.

Secure parking areas are recommended for overnight stays.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia

EasyPark

PayByPhone

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Recommended Scenic Routes from Zurich to Geneva:

Lake Geneva Region Drive

Scenic 3 hours 15 minutes

This route allows you to explore the picturesque landscapes along Lake Geneva with access to multiple wineries and lakeside towns.

Montreux , Lausanne , Nyon

Swiss Countryside Route

Countryside 4 hours

A serene drive through pastoral landscapes, dotted with charming villages and historical landmarks.

Gruyeres , Fribourg , Morges

Alpine Exploration Drive

Mountainous 6 hours

Experience the breathtaking views offered by alpine passes with this slightly more adventurous route.

Interlaken , Thun , Sion

Highlights Along the Zurich-Geneva Route:

Zurich to Montreux

2 hours 30 minutes

Known for the Jazz Festival, Montreux offers a lovely detour along the lake.

Zurich to Gruyeres

2 hours 15 minutes

Visit this charming medieval town famous for its cheese-making history.

Zurich to Lausanne

2 hours 45 minutes

Enjoy this vibrant city full of cultural institutions and lakeside views.

Zurich to Interlaken

3 hours 30 minutes

An iconic destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts and sightseers.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Route Planning: Plan your route ahead of time to include scenic stops and allow flexibility for unforeseen conditions.

Fuel Efficiency: Research gas stations along the way to avoid low fuel in remote areas.

Vehicle Selection: Select a vehicle suitable for the terrain; smaller cars for city driving, SUVs for mountain routes.

Rental Cost Management: Compare prices among rental companies and double-check terms for one-way fees.

Local Insights: Explore recommendations for local foods, landmarks, and cultural experiences.

Emergency Preparedness: Carry essential emergency tools and supplies, especially for longer or remote drives.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Find the right car rental company offering one-way rentals from Zurich to Geneva.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage
Hertz	$$	Excellent	Wide
Avis	$	Good	Comprehensive
Europcar	$$	Excellent	Extensive
Sixt	$$$	High-End Options	Very Wide

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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

Car Rental Center Details in Zurich and Geneva

Car Pickup and Dropoff Locations:

Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt facilities are located within Zurich Airport and Geneva Airport for your convenience.

Operating Hours:

Both Zurich and Geneva rental locations operate from 6 AM to 11 PM daily.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttles are available every 10 minutes at both airports, connecting terminals to rental centers.

Pro Tips for Zurich Airport(ZRH) Car Rentals

Book your one-way rental in advance to ensure availability and secure better rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up my rental car in Zurich and return it in Geneva?

Yes, car rental companies allow customers to return their vehicle at a different location for a one-way rental. Zurich to Geneva is a popular route, and most major companies facilitate this service.

Are there any additional fees for a one-way car rental?

Yes, there is typically a one-way fee that varies by rental agency. This fee covers the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location or for logistical adjustments.

What is the approximate driving time from Zurich to Geneva?

The driving distance between Zurich and Geneva is approximately 280 kilometers (174 miles), and it takes around 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and stops.

Which documents are required to rent a car in Switzerland?

You will need a valid driver’s license, an ID or passport, and a credit card for the rental deposit. An International Driving Permit may also be required if your license is in a non-Latin alphabet.

Can I request additional services such as GPS or child seats for the route?

Yes, most rental agencies offer optional extras like GPS devices and child seats. These can be requested at the time of booking or added during vehicle pickup, but additional fees may apply.

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