All-inclusive car rental in Zurich
Zurich is the gateway to central Switzerland - the lakes, Lucerne and the Alpine resorts. The city itself is best by tram, so a car is ideal for the mountains. An all-inclusive rental gives full insurance with zero excess on the Alpine roads.
Zurich, on its lake at the foot of the Alps, is Switzerland’s main gateway. The city is superbly served by trams, so keep the car for what lies beyond: Lake Lucerne and the Rigi, the Appenzell hills, and the ski resorts of central and eastern Switzerland.
A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation, with pick-up in the city and at Zurich Airport (ZRH). The annual motorway vignette is normally already on the car.
Good to know before you drive in Zurich
| Pick-up | Zurich (city or ZRH airport) |
|---|---|
| Drives on | Right-hand side |
| Best day trips | Lucerne, the Rigi, Appenzell, ski resorts |
| Good to know | Annual vignette on the car; winter tyres advised |
Into the mountains and lakes
Lucerne and its lake are under an hour away, with the Rigi and Pilatus peaks above; the rolling Appenzell hills lie east, and the resorts of central and eastern Switzerland are within reach. In the city, trams are quicker than the car.
Swiss roads are immaculate and the rental normally carries the annual vignette and winter tyres in season; the included zero-excess cover keeps a scrape in a tight mountain village worry-free.
Picking up your car in Zurich
Rentals are collected in the city or at Zurich Airport (ZRH), on the motorway north of the centre. The car normally already carries the annual vignette - confirm at pick-up - 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 Zurich 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.
More car rental in Switzerland
Helpful guides
Zurich car rental - FAQ
Do I need a car in Zurich itself?
For the city, no - the trams are excellent and parking is pricey. A car is ideal for Lucerne, the lakes and the Alpine resorts beyond.
Is the Swiss vignette on the rental car?
Normally yes - rental cars in Switzerland carry the annual motorway vignette. Confirm at pick-up; there is no short-term option to buy.
Is the insurance excess really zero?
Yes. An all-inclusive Cardamar booking includes comprehensive cover with no excess, reassuring on the Alpine roads.