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

Home One-way Car Rentals Zurich to Geneva

Document required for international visitors

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 depending on the rental provider.

Notes: Spanish digital version of the driving license is acceptable. The driving's license must be shown from the official DGT App.
Form of ID: A valid physical Spain national photo ID or Switzerland national photo ID.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, UnionPay, DinersClub, JCB, and Discover. Some providers may require two credit cards.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-99 years old depending on the rental provider. Young drivers (18-25 years) may incur additional fees, e.g., US$ 11.77-31.52 per day, with some providers capping the fee for the rental period. Older drivers (65-80 years) may also incur fees, e.g., US$ 10.01 per day, with some providers capping the fee 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 1-3 years depending on the rental provider. Accepted licenses include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP), EU Driving Licence, Full driver's license issued in Spain, Original US Driver's License, Original Canada Driving Licence, Hongkong Driving License in China + IDP, Taiwan Driving License in China + IDP.

Notes: Spanish digital version of the driving license is acceptable. The driving's license must be shown from the official DGT App. 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, MasterCard, AMEX, UnionPay, DinersClub, JCB, and Discover. Some providers may require two credit cards.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-99 years old depending on the rental provider. Young drivers (18-25 years) may incur additional fees, e.g., US$ 11.77-31.52 per day, with some providers capping the fee for the rental period. Older drivers (65-80 years) may also incur fees, e.g., US$ 10.01 per day, with some providers capping the fee for the rental period.

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

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 173-364	US$ 0.00-108.67	US$ 399-838	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 250-356	US$ 0.00-108.67	US$ 613-811	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 223-991	US$ 0.00-108.67	US$ 507-2165	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 198-364	US$ 0.00-108.67	US$ 449-848	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 261-610	US$ 0.00-314.15	US$ 601-1395	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 219-552	US$ 0.00-125.66	US$ 498-1321	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Some rental companies charge a fee for one-way rentals. Check the pricing details and compare across providers.
Cross-Border Travel Regulations: Ensure the rental policy allows cross-border travel if your route traverses other countries, such as France for this journey.
Rental Duration Limits: Verify the allowed duration for one-way rentals—longer trips might have special conditions or fees.
Fuel Policy: Understand the fuel policy—whether you need to return the car with a full tank or prepay for fuel.
Insurance Coverage: Check the insurance policy—specifically coverage for the entire planned route and designated city drop-off.

Smart Planning Tips:

Reserve Early: One-way rentals are subject to availability. Booking early helps secure your desired vehicle and reduces cost uncertainties.
Confirm Drop-Off Details: Ensure the rental company has clear instructions for car drop-off at Geneva and any associated fees.
Plan Your Stops: Account for breaks and refueling on your route from Zurich to Geneva for a comfortable trip.
Verify Airport Drop-Off Options: If ending at Geneva Airport, confirm drop-off location and ensure you have enough time before your flight.
Check Weather and Road Conditions: Swiss roads may have specific weather regulations. Confirm if chains, snow tires, or toll preparation is needed.
Choose Fuel-Efficient Cars: For cost-effective travel, opt for fuel-efficient or hybrid rental options, especially for longer distances.

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

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

bp - Rte de Ferney 206, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland

Migrol Service - Av. Louis-Casa 74, 1216 Cointrin, Switzerland

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain steady speeds to improve fuel efficiency.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Zurich Parking

Consider using Park & Ride facilities to save on costs.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Geneva Parking

Look for parking zones marked with blue lines for short-term parking.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure the vignette is properly displayed on the windshield.

Purchase the vignette in advance to save time.

Switzerland requires a vignette for highway usage, which can be purchased online or at border crossings.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Car Rental Routes: Zurich to Geneva:

Scenic Central Switzerland Route

Scenic Drive 4-5 hours

Experience the charm of the Swiss countryside with stunning views of lakes and mountains.

Lucerne , Berne , Lausanne

Direct Highway Route via A1

Express Route 3 hours

A fast and efficient choice for drivers looking to reach their destination quickly.

Zurich , Lausanne

Lake Geneva Route

Picturesque Journey 3.5 hours

Follow the sparkling shorelines of Lake Geneva for breathtaking vistas.

Montreux , Lausanne , Vevey

Explore Iconic Destinations during Your Journey:

Alpine Adventure Route

6 hours

Delve into the heart of the Swiss Alps with stops at enchanting ski resorts.

Historic Journey Route

5 hours

Immerse in Swiss heritage with visits to historical landmarks across the route.

Cultural Experience Route

4 hours

Discover Swiss culture with highlights including museums and traditional villages.

Gastronomic Delight Route

5.5 hours

Indulge in a culinary journey with stops at renowned eateries between cities

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Book Your Car Ahead: Ensure availability of vehicle and better pricing by booking well in advance.

Select the Right Route: Plan your journey using maps and apps to choose the most suitable route.

Locate Gas Stations: Identify fuel station locations to avoid running low during longer trips.

Be Aware of Toll Roads: Account for toll charges and ensure you have the necessary payment methods.

Check Road Conditions: Verify road conditions and closures, especially during winter months.

Allow Extra Time: Include buffer time for rest stops and exploring interesting detours.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting a suitable rental company is crucial when arranging a one-way car rental from Zurich to Geneva. Below are some of the trusted providers, all offering one-way rental services.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	Excellent	Extensive	Wide range of vehicle types , Quick return process , Rewards program for frequent renters
Europcar	$$	Very Good	Good	Affordable rates , Ease of online booking , Good availability of hybrid options
Sixt	$$	Excellent	Extensive	Premium and luxury vehicles available , Flexible mileage packages , 24/7 customer support
Avis	$$$	Good	Good	Good weekend deals , Dedicated airport branches , Smooth vehicle change policy

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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

Geneva Car Rental Center Information

Operating Hours:

The rental center at Geneva airport operates 24 hours, providing flexibility for arrivals and departures.

Location:

Located adjacent to the airport arrivals terminal, easily accessible through a short walk.

Shuttle Service:

A free shuttle service operates every 15 minutes from the parking area to the terminal for added convenience.

Vehicle Pick-Up/Drop-Off:

Vehicles can be picked up or dropped off directly inside the designated parking zones. Assistance is readily available.

When returning the vehicle, refuel at the nearby gas station on Route de l’Aéroport before heading to the drop-off zone to avoid additional refueling charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the options for one-way car rental from Zurich to Geneva?

Most car rental companies operating in Switzerland, such as Europcar, Hertz, and Avis, offer one-way car rental services. You can check their official websites for available vehicles and prices.

Is there an additional fee for a one-way car rental?

Yes, car rental companies usually charge a one-way fee to cover the logistics of returning the vehicle. The exact amount varies by company and car type, so it is recommended to confirm during booking.

Can I choose the pick-up and drop-off locations for my rental?

Yes, when you book the vehicle, you can specify Zurich as the pick-up location and Geneva as the drop-off location. Ensure this option is available during booking.

Are there insurances included in the rental contract?

Most car rentals include basic insurance coverage, but you can opt for additional insurance like collision damage waivers (CDW) for more protection.

What kind of vehicles are available for this route?

Car rental companies offer a range of vehicle types, including economy cars, luxury models, and SUVs. The availability varies depending on the provider and current inventory.

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Smooth and Scenic Rides from Zurich to Geneva