All-inclusive car rental in Interlaken
Interlaken, between two lakes in the Bernese Oberland, is the base for the Jungfrau region - Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and the mountain railways. A car reaches the valley bases easily; an all-inclusive rental gives full insurance with zero excess.
Interlaken lies between Lakes Thun and Brienz, in the heart of the Bernese Oberland - the classic Swiss Alpine scenery of the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch. With a car you reach Grindelwald, the Lauterbrunnen valley and the lakeside villages; note that some high resorts (Wengen, Mürren) are car-free, so you park and continue by train.
A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation, usually collected in nearby Interlaken or at Bern/Zurich airports. The annual Swiss vignette is normally already on the car.
Good to know before you drive in Interlaken
| Pick-up | Interlaken area (airports: Bern, Zurich, Geneva) |
|---|---|
| Drives on | Right-hand side |
| Best for | Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, lakes Thun & Brienz |
| Good to know | Some resorts car-free (Wengen, Mürren); vignette on the car |
The Jungfrau region by car
From Interlaken, valley roads lead to Grindelwald and into the Lauterbrunnen valley beneath its waterfalls. The highest villages - Wengen and Mürren - are car-free, so you park at the valley station (Lauterbrunnen) and take the mountain railway up. The lakeside roads around Thun and Brienz are a scenic drive in themselves.
On snowy valley roads the included zero-excess cover is reassuring; a minor knock in a tight village is simply not your problem.
Picking up your car
There is no major airport at Interlaken itself; most travellers collect the car in the Interlaken area or fly into Bern, Zurich or Geneva and drive in. The car normally already carries the annual Swiss vignette and winter tyres in season.
Bring your driving licence, passport or ID and the lead driver’s card; an all-inclusive Cardamar booking avoids a deposit at most pick-up points.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in Interlaken can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.
| All-inclusive (Cardamar) | Basic rate + counter insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage & theft excess | €0 – fully covered | High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card |
| When you insure | Before you travel, at a fixed price | At the desk, under time pressure, price varies |
| Tyres, glass & undercarriage | Included | Usually excluded or charged extra |
| Deposit / card hold | None or low at most stations | Large hold blocked for the whole trip |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation | Often non-refundable |
| What you pay in total | Known the moment you book | Can climb sharply at the counter |
A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.
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Helpful guides
Interlaken car rental - FAQ
Can I drive to Wengen or Mürren?
No - these villages are car-free. Park at Lauterbrunnen (or Grindelwald/Stechelberg) and continue by the mountain railway or cable car. Grindelwald and the valley floor are reachable by car.
Where do I pick up the car for Interlaken?
Usually in the Interlaken area, or fly into Bern, Zurich or Geneva and drive in. Your voucher shows the exact pick-up point.
Is the insurance excess really zero?
Yes. An all-inclusive Cardamar booking includes comprehensive cover with no excess, reassuring on the snowy valley roads of the Bernese Oberland.