Compare cheap car hire at Zurich Airport with practical details on rental desks, pickup locations, driving routes and prices.
Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zürich – ZRH) is Switzerland’s largest airport and a major international hub. Located about 13km north of Zurich city centre, it’s a common starting point for trips across Switzerland, including the Alps, Lucerne and Interlaken.
Although Switzerland has an excellent rail network, hiring a car at the airport is useful if you want flexibility, especially when visiting mountain regions or travelling between multiple destinations.
Arriving at Zurich Airport
Car hire desks at Zurich Airport are located inside the Airport Centre (Airside Centre) on Level 1, accessible from arrivals in all terminals.
Vehicles are collected from the P3 multi-storey car park directly connected to the terminal complex, within easy walking distance via lifts and walkways.
You can check terminal maps and services on the official Zurich Airport website.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Zurich has regular year-round direct flights from Ireland.
- Dublin → Zurich (Aer Lingus, SWISS)
Flight time from Dublin is typically around 2 hours 15 minutes.
Car Hire Providers at Zurich Airport
A wide range of international and Swiss car rental companies operate at the airport.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise
All major providers offer on-airport pickup with vehicles located in the P3 car park.
Typical Rental Prices in Zurich
| Season | Economy | Family Car | Larger Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | CHF 60 – 110 | CHF 110 – 170 | CHF 170 – 260 |
| April – June | CHF 70 – 130 | CHF 130 – 200 | CHF 200 – 300 |
| July – August | CHF 90 – 160 | CHF 160 – 240 | CHF 240 – 360 |
| September – October | CHF 75 – 140 | CHF 140 – 210 | CHF 210 – 320 |
| November – December | CHF 60 – 120 | CHF 120 – 180 | CHF 180 – 270 |
Vehicle Types for Switzerland
Compact Cars
Ideal for city driving and short journeys.
Family Cars
Comfortable for longer distances between Swiss cities.
Estate Cars
Popular for road trips with luggage or outdoor equipment.
All-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Recommended for mountain travel, especially in winter conditions.
Driving from Zurich Airport
Zurich Airport connects directly to Switzerland’s motorway network.
- Zurich city centre – about 20 minutes
- Lucerne – around 50 minutes
- Interlaken – roughly 2 hours
- St. Moritz – about 2 hours 30 minutes
The A1 motorway links Zurich with major cities across Switzerland.
Travellers heading to the Alps often compare routes through nearby airports such as Geneva Airport, Munich or Innsbruck Airport.
Driving in Switzerland
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Roads are modern, well maintained and clearly signposted.
Motorway use requires a vignette (toll sticker), which is usually included with rental vehicles.
Further travel advice is available on the official Switzerland tourism website.
Where to Go by Car from Zurich
Zurich is an excellent base for exploring Switzerland.
- Lucerne – lakeside city with mountain views
- Interlaken – gateway to the Jungfrau region
- Appenzell – scenic rural region
- St. Moritz – alpine resort town
Many visitors combine city visits with mountain travel during their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Zurich Airport?
The desks are located in the Airport Centre on Level 1.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Zurich?
Yes, regular flights operate from Dublin.
Is renting a car in Zurich necessary?
It is useful for exploring beyond the city, especially mountain areas.
How far is Zurich Airport from the city centre?
The drive takes around 20 minutes.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car?
Yes, most rental companies require a credit card.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, though manual vehicles are also common.
Is driving in Switzerland easy?
Yes, roads are well maintained and clearly signposted.
Can I rent a 7 Seater at Zurich Airport?
Yes, 7 Seater vehicles are available for families and groups.
Do I need to pay motorway tolls?
A motorway vignette is required but is usually included with rental cars.
Which motorway connects Zurich Airport to the region?
The A1 motorway connects Zurich Airport with major Swiss cities.
