Car Rental in Lugano, Switzerland

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Choose from 10 pick-up spots

Select your Lugano pick-up location

There are 10 car hire providers in Lugano. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in Lugano

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across Lugano. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
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These are estimated prices to help you choose from a large number of options. Each is an average based on the lowest car rental prices found for each destination over the last 15 days.

The most popular car rental companies in Lugano

What's the most popular car to hire in Lugano?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Volkswagen Golf is the most popular car to hire in Lugano, with prices starting from $39 per day. The Volkswagen Polo and similar models are also popular drives in Lugano.
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf10% chose this
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo10% chose this
Peugeot 208
Peugeot 2088% chose this
Fiat Panda
Fiat Panda7% chose this
Most popular carVolkswagen Golf
Why?Comfortable, practical, good value

Lugano's cheapest car hire providers

Felirent has the cheapest car hire in Lugano right now, with prices from $39 per day. You'll save an average of $99 per day when you book with them.
Felirentfrom $39 per day
Budgetfrom $133 per day
Flizzrfrom $136 per day
Europcarfrom $146 per day
Cheapest providerFelirent
Book with them to save around$99 per day

Hiring a car in Lugano: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyBudget
Most popular carCompact, Crossover
Average daily price$336
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Lugano

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 Lugano car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Lugano

  • Take control of your trip with a cheap rental car in Lugano. With prices averaging $336 a day, you're on the road to better value. From zippy compacts to power-packed SUVs, we'll help you find the perfect ride for the right price.

  • Daily home prices in Lugano start from just $39.

  • Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? $271 is the best rate for a weekly home.

  • Snap up the best price on a Lugano car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the best value with the most choice.

  • Get behind the wheel with Europcar, Hertz or Budget. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.

  • Whether you book with Europcar or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Lugano car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.

  • Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles between locations, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Lugano.

  • Avoid any surprise charges by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and only pay for what you actually use.

  • Want to explore without stressing about the number of miles you cover? Find homes with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at $243 a day.

  • Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around $408.

  • The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly $426 a day with this supplier.

  • If you're still weighing up which ride is right for you, consider something from the Compact home category. It's the most widely booked car type in Lugano.

Compare car hire types in Lugano

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Lugano may be small in size, but they pack a big punch. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and a match made in heaven for short trips.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the home that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with small families and couples.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for longer drives, this Lugano car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Lugano that can handle a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group travel, business use or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Lugano car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so take the time to shop around.

  • Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Lugano by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.

Good to know

  • Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your car rental in Switzerland. Rules can differ, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to explore your options.

  • Add a car seat to your Lugano car rental booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Requirements change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest option.

  • You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's license, extra photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.

  • Driving in Switzerland might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the right side of the road.

  • Local speed limits are usually about 45kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Switzerland is 0.05%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.

  • Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.

  • You'll be using the Swiss franc (CHF) for everything you buy on your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards for more flexibility when paying.

Best hotels in Lugano for drivers

  • Offering parking, Namasté - Ayurveda & Benessere takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is around 3 kilometres from central Lugano and also comes with a garden and a kitchen.

  • Relais Castello di Morcote also works well if you've got a few road trips in mind. It features accessible parking, plus a bar and Wi-Fi. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Need more ideas? Browse the full list of hotels in Lugano. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Lugano and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Lungolago di Lugano, Aussichtspunkt San Salvatore and LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Lugano

  • Shift gears and make tracks to Bellinzona. Around 21 kilometres north of central Lugano, you'll find must-do sights like Montebello Castle and Castelgrande.

  • You'll be well looked after at Hotel Liberty Self Check-In and Boutique & Business Hotel La Tureta, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Bellinzona.

  • Or collect your cheap car hire in Lugano and then take off to Locarno. Roughly 23 kilometres northwest of Lugano, Cardada Panoramic View Point and Lido Locarno are major attractions that make the drive more than worth it.

  • Kick back after a day of exploring Locarno at Hotel dell'Angelo or Ibis Locarno. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.

  • Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Bern, about 153 kilometres northwest of Lugano. First, visit Old Town Bern, then take your time exploring Zytglogge.

  • Check out the room availability at Novotel Bern Expo or Prize by Radisson, Bern City. They're a convenient base for exploring everything Bern has to offer. They come with room for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Lugano will set you back around $336 per day or $893 per week. 

The cheapest car to rent in Lugano is a compact SUV. The most popular is Compact, Crossover.

The cheapest car hire companies in Lugano are currently Flizzr and Dollar.

On average, around $893. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Lugano is $271.

If you're looking for freedom to explore Lugano, 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 Lugano 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 Lugano.

Most places – Lugano 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 $39 per day. The average price per day is around $411.

Of course. Most major car hire companies like Budget, Hertz and Dollar offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.

Other travellers rated Budget as the best overall in terms of experience.

We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Lugano.