Car hire in Basel, Switzerland

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Basel

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Basel car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Basel pick-up location

There are 35 car hire locations in Basel. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Basel

Hiring a car in Basel: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyAlamo
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily price$197
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Basel

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Basel car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Basel

  • Whether you need a compact for zipping through the city streets or an SUV built for road trips, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Basel. Choose from options averaging $197 a day and travel your way for less.

  • October is the cheapest month to rent a car in Basel. With average daily rates of $68, you're riding easy with savings like these.

  • Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap rental car in Basel. Book about three weeks before your trip to land the best price.

  • Get behind the wheel with Europcar, Alamo or Sixt. These are some of the most popular brands offering car hire deals in Basel.

  • Whether you choose Europcar or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Basel car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.

  • Booking one-way could save you cash on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when looking for a car for rent in Basel.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Basel with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.

  • Want to explore more without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.

  • Flying into Basel? Consider picking up one of the car rentals in EuroAirport Swiss. That way, you can hit the road not long after arrival.

Compare car hire types in Basel

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Basel puts you on the road for less. These nimble, fuel-efficient cars are great for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra room compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Basel car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them a popular choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Basel that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, baggage or large groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Basel car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.

  • Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Basel by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.

Good to know

  • Younger driver? Check each company's age requirements before booking your car hire in Switzerland. Rules can differ, and both fees and restrictions may apply. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.

  • Add a car seat to your Basel car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest approach.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Basel

  • Don't leave town without visiting some of the city's top attractions, like Art Basel and Christmas Lightshow. Snap up a car hire deal in Basel and then start sketching out your sightseeing game plan.

  • If you're looking for somewhere to stay in Basel while taking in the sights, consider B&B Hotel Basel or Novotel Basel City.

  • Keep travelling to Zurich. Around 72 kilometres east of central Basel, it's home to must-sees like Bahnhofstrasse and Cirque du Soleil - Grand Chapiteau.

  • Crowne Plaza Zürich by IHG and Ibis Budget Zurich City West are recommended accommodation options in Zurich.

  • Add Bern to your trip lineup. Grab your cheap car hire in Basel and drive around 72 kilometres south to explore leading attractions like Old Town Bern and Zytglogge.

  • Bern has some comfortable places where rest comes easy, including Novotel Bern Expo and Prize by Radisson, Bern City.

  • Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Chur is a top road trip destination that's about 161 kilometres south-east of Basel. Consider making a few pit stops at Bernina Express and Old Town Chur.

  • Close your eyes and rest in Chur at Mercure Chur City West. Ibis Chur has a cosy bed waiting for you too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Basel will set you back around $198 per day or $769 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Basel is a compact crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Basel are currently Unirent and Buchbinder.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Basel is currently October.
On average, around $769. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Basel is $387.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Basel, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Basel that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Basel.
Most places – Basel included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is $141 per day. The average price per day is around $198.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Alamo, Europcar and Hertz offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Yes – van hire is available in Basel.