How to find a cheap car hire deal in Basel
Take control of your trip with a cheap rental car in Basel. With prices averaging $474 a day, it's a wallet-friendly way to explore on your terms. From city cars to family movers, we'll help you find the right wheels at a price that works.
$38 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Basel.
Planning to stay longer? Grab a weekly rental from $263 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
If you want to time it just right, book around three weeks ahead to land the best price on a Basel car hire.
Line up your ride with Europcar, Alamo or Sixt. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Basel car hire policy, whether you go with Europcar or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $203 a day.
Coming in next is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $245.
The third option also makes your money go further. Expect to pay roughly $223 a day for one of their rentals.
The Large rental category is a dependable pick if you're not quite sure which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most in Basel.
Flying to Basel? Think about an airport pick-up
Get a head start on your Basel trip by booking a car hire at EuroAirport Swiss. The city centre is about 8 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Basel
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or just planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for small families and couples.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Basel car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Basel that can handle the heavy stuff. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Basel car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's a safety net if something happens. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These add-ons can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in Basel.
Good to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your car hire in Switzerland. Rules can differ, and added costs or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, simply uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your Basel car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Requirements change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest option.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in Switzerland.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 45kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.
In Switzerland, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you expect to drink, hand the keys to someone else or find an alternative way to get around.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 8am. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Swiss franc (CHF) here. Along with your debit and credit cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.
The language most widely spoken in this country is German (Swiss German).
Best hotels in Basel for drivers
Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at Genusshotel Krone & Roadtrips bei Basel. Offering parking as well as air conditioning and minigolf, this hotel is around 8 kilometres from central Basel.
Ochsen Hotel & Restaurant Binzen / Basel also works well if you've got a few road trips in mind. It features parking, along with Wi-Fi and a golf course. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 8 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse through the hotels in Basel for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the right fit. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to narrow it down to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Basel and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Art Basel, Christmas Lightshow and Basel Minster are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Basel
Zurich has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Bahnhofstrasse and Cirque du Soleil - Grand Chapiteau. This city is about 72 kilometres east of central Basel.
You'll be well looked after at Crowne Plaza Zürich by IHG and Züri by Fassbind, two accommodation options with parking in Zurich.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Basel and drive around 64 kilometres south to Bern. Featuring Old Town Bern and Zytglogge, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Bern has some comfortable places to stay such as Novotel Bern Expo and Prize by Radisson, Bern City. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.
Up for a bigger adventure? Chur is a top road trip destination that's about 161 kilometres southeast of Basel. Plan to make a few pit stops at Bernina Express and Old Town Chur.
Get some shut-eye in Chur at either Mercure Chur City West or Ibis Chur. They have a room waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.
