Zurich car hire
Banking centre and gateway to the Alps
This is Switzerland’s biggest city and financial capital. Its central location makes a great base for exploring the rest of the area and getting to the Swiss Alps. Experience it all in clean and efficient Swiss style with Avis car rental.
Popular car hire locations in Zurich
Plan your trip to Zurich
The Fraumünster and the Grossmünster are the city’s landmark churches. The Romanesque Grossmünster church, with its twin spires, dates back to 1100 and was the starting point of the Swiss-German Reformation. Climb to the top of the tower for great views of the city. Fraumünster church is a former convent in Gothic style, famous for its stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall.Visit the charming old town, and make sure you take in Augustinergasse, one of the city’s most beautiful narrow streets and famous for its colourfully painted oriel windows.
Zurich West is the young, modern face of the city, where old industrial sites have now been taken over by art, design, dance, culture and shopping. Many of the city’s more high profile nightclubs can be found in this district and it is a hive of stylish gastronomic treats.
During the summer months, the lakeside promenade on the banks of Lake Zurich is the perfect spot for sunbathing, inline skating or swimming. The Limmat river is also great for a dip - and Oberer Letten is the most popular spot. A little calmer and further up the river is Unterer Letten, which is a great place for kids.
Road trips from Zurich
WinterthurJust 20 minute drive away, Winterthur is affectionately known as the City of Museums. There are 17 of them in total, including the Oskar Reinhart collection of European art, and Technorama, the Swiss science centre. As well as museums, the city has a delightful old town with restaurants and shops, a twin-towered church and a range of gardens and parks.
Rhine Falls
Just a short drive from Winterthur, Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe. Observation decks offer spectacular views of the vistas, plus you can take a boat trip on the Rhine to get even closer.
Baden
This historic spa resort of Baden dates back 2000 years, when it was a retreat for the Roman legion. Today it has been awarded the official “Wellness Destination” seal of approval. Relax in the thermal spring waters at one of the many spas and fitness centres. Rich in minerals, it is thought to be helpful in treating a range of rheumatic, neurological and cardiovascular conditions. As you stroll through the old town and the castle ruins, you can imagine how life might have been in the Middle Ages.
Driving rules in Switzerland
Which side of the road?In Switzerland, please drive on the right side of the road.
Country driving laws
- Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
- If involved in an accident, and police are not needed, you must complete a European Accident Claim Form. Please return this to your Avis representative
- In towns and rural areas, on minor roads and where there is no clear indication of right of way, it may be prudent to give way to traffic coming from the right
Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h.
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
- Rural areas: 80 km/h (49 mph)
- Motorways: 120km/h (74mph)
Unless indicated by road signs.
Child safety / Seatbelt laws
- It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
- Children aged under 12 and less than 135cm must be seated in appropriate child restraint for their size
This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.