Self-Drive Car Rental in Basel, Switzerland

Compare car hire from trusted providers

Book car hire with confidence

Save big on car hire in Basel

Find a cheap car hire deal

Search for Basel car hire near you

Choose from 33 pick-up spots

When's the cheapest time to hire a car in Basel?

Our data shows that September is the cheapest month to rent a car in Basel. It’s around ₹ 3,212 per day in September, compared to the yearly average of ₹ 4,889 per day.
Cheapest month avgSeptember • ₹ 3,212
Yearly avg price₹ 4,889

Select your Basel pick-up location

There are 33 car hire providers in Basel. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in Basel

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across Basel. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
Filter locations
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.

Driving in Basel: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
Bring your driving licence, passport and a credit card to rent a car in Basel.
Most travellers can use their regular driving licence. If your licence isn’t in English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Rental companies also check that your ID matches your booking details.
Navigating city driving
Basel has clear signs and simple routes across the city.
Driving is easy on main roads, though old-town streets are narrow and shared with trams. Navigation apps help you avoid restricted streets and guide you to bridges, museums and river areas.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Swiss motorways need a motorway vignette, a prepaid permit for using highways.
Most rental cars already include one, but it’s worth checking. Basel has no city tolls or emissions zones, so everyday driving in the centre is free for visitors.
Parking your car in Basel
Parking is easiest in car parks near the centre.
Street spaces are limited, especially close to the old town. Multi-storey car parks give simple access to shops and riverfront areas. Always check signposts, as time limits and fees vary by district.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in Basel are increasing.
Petrol stations sit along main roads and near shopping areas. Charging points are growing across the city, and apps like PlugShare help you check availability before longer trips.
Local driving style and tips
Drivers are calm and follow signs carefully.
Trams have priority in central areas, so slow down near crossings. Cyclists are common, and riverfront lanes can feel tight. Signal early and take extra care when turning near tram lines.
Find Basel car hire deals

The most popular car rental companies in Basel

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

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Volkswagen Polo is the most popular car to hire in Basel, with prices starting from ₹8,157 per day. The Volkswagen Golf and similar models are also popular drives in Basel.
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo11% chose this
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf10% chose this
Renault Clio
Renault Clio9% chose this
Skoda Scala
Skoda Scala6% chose this
Most popular carVolkswagen Polo
Why?Small, practical, easy to park

Basel's cheapest car hire providers

Europcar has the cheapest car hire in Basel right now, with prices from ₹8,157 per day. You'll save an average of ₹2,820 per day when you book with them.
Europcarfrom ₹8,157 per day
Hertzfrom ₹9,476 per day
Sixtfrom ₹11,171 per day
Unirentfrom ₹12,285 per day
Cheapest providerEuropcar
Book with them to save around₹2,820 per day

Choose from the best car hire 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 companyEuropcar
Most popular carMini, 2-3 doors
Average daily price₹ 14,499
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 ₹ 14,499 a day and hit the road for less.

  • The cheapest daily rental price in Basel is ₹ 8,157.

  • Planning a longer trip and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? ₹ 57,156 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.

  • Consider this your cheat code for when to book. Around three weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Basel car hire.

  • Find your perfect ride with Europcar, Alamo or Sixt. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.

  • Whether you book with 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 charge extra for it.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.

  • Want to explore without worrying about the number of miles you clock up? Find rentals 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

  • Taking first place for value is this company, with average prices of ₹ 26,469 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around ₹ 28,132, this provider is next in line.

  • The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly ₹ 16,397 a day for one of their rentals.

  • The Mini rental category is a reliable choice if you can't decide which wheels are 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

Compare car hire types in Basel

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Basel may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, fuel efficient, and just the thing for city driving.

  • Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Basel car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic routes alike.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Basel big enough for a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group trips, moving or business needs.

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, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make all the difference. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Basel.

Good to know

  • Age requirements for rentals can vary by company and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some companies in Switzerland may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.

  • Kids coming with you? Car seat requirements vary according to the location, and the best setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Find out if you need to add one to your Basel car rental booking.

  • You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.

  • For first-time drivers in Switzerland, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.

  • Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 45kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Switzerland is 0.05%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.

  • One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 8am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.

  • You'll be using the Swiss franc (CHF) here. As well as your credit and debit cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.

Best hotels in Basel for drivers

  • Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at Hotel 2places. Offering parking as well as express check-in and internet access, this hotel is around 6 kilometres from central Basel.

  • Maison Jenny Hotel Restaurant & Spa is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features accessible parking, along with a lobby bar and internet access. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Explore the full lineup of hotels in Basel and choose the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.

  • It's time to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Basel and your hotel. From Art Basel to Basel Minster and Muensterplatz, you're spoiled for choice on things to do here.

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 around 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 head roughly 72 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 including Novotel Bern Expo and Prize by Radisson, Bern City. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.

  • Catch up on sleep in Rapperswil at either Seedamm Plaza or Marina Lachen. They've got a bed waiting for you and space for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Basel will set you back around ₹ 14,499 per day or ₹ 71,127 per week. 

The cheapest car to rent in Basel is a compact SUV. The most popular is Mini, 2-3 doors.

The cheapest car hire companies in Basel are currently Dollar and Hertz.

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 September.

On average, around ₹ 71,127. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Basel is ₹ 57,156.

Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Basel for a whole month is ₹ 239,994. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!

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 ₹ 8,157 per day. The average price per day is around ₹ 19,148.

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

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

Yes – van hire is available in Basel.