Driving in Zurich with a rental car is not complicated, due to the fact that it is a relatively small city. Please note that the local drivers usually turn off the engine while they are waiting at the traffic lights or for the train/tram to pass, in order to save as much as possible on the emission of polluting gases.

Flughafen International Airport is located approximately 10 km northeast of the city, and it takes a few minutes by car to get to the center of Zurich or to the central Hauptbahnhof train station.
The rental car groups are diverse and range from small, medium, family vehicles, executive cars, minivans, minibuses and automatic vehicles. The road service of the rental companies provides an answer to any matter 24 hours a day, whether you are in a big city or in the countryside.
 

◾ Parking in the city

Parking in the city is divided into zones: white - regular paid parking. You buy a ticket at the nearest meter while typing in the vehicle number, and placing the ticket in a prominent place near the windshield. Blue/red - parking area designated for holders of special badges which can be obtained at police stations, tourist agencies and banks. Yellow - no parking area.

In Zurich there are also many "park and ride" parking lots (mainly in the suburbs) from which you can easily continue into the city by public transportation. Rental car owners entering the city can also use the "parking garages" (Parkplätze/Parkhäuser) option. They are slightly more expensive but very convenient and safe to use.
Within the city itself it is recommended to use public transport as well. Please note, Zurich consists of 12 districts. The old city is marked as district number 1 and the other districts are numbered around it clockwise. The trams and trains are also a great tool for the tourist and you can purchase a ZürichCARD card for 24 or 27 hours that allows you to get from place to place cheaply.

◾ Toll roads

In Switzerland, a road toll of 40 francs is collected from each vehicle for driving on the highways (autobahns). This is a fixed annual fee that cannot be discounted even if you only intend to pass through Switzerland in one trip. Be sure to pay the fee already at the pick-up station. If you entered Switzerland from another country - pay at the border crossing. The sticker is called a vignette and must be affixed to the windshield of the rented vehicle in a prominent place. If you forgot to purchase the sticker, do it at one of the service stations spread out along the roads, because driving without it entails a fine.
Recently an app where you can pay the tolls directly was launched, you can read more details here-
https://www.asfinag.at/en/toll/vignette/digital-vignette/

◾ Leaving the city

The departure/arrival to Zurich is very convenient from wherever you are. Switzerland is one of the smallest countries in Europe and the distances between the destinations are relatively short. For example: Basel - 85 km, Bern 125 km, Cor 120 km, St. Gallen 60 km, Geneva 290 km, Lugano 210 km.
Those wishing to continue north to Germany will take road number 1 then 4 north towards Schwazen, or alternatively west on road 1 then 3 towards Basel. Those traveling with a rental car heading south will take road 4 towards Lucerne and those wishing to move towards Austria will take road 3 south and then east.

Be sure to mark the countries to which you wish to travel already when you start booking the car on our website (or telling our representative if you are making the booking via phone), so you will receive written confirmation from the supplier and will be covered in terms of insurance and road service.

Please note that in some countries in Europe, a special sticker is required for driving on highways, which you can purchase in kiosks at the borders.

The responsibility of purchasing the sticker is the renter's alone, so make sure to stick it according to the local guided and make sure whether a sticker is needed whenever you exit a country and enter another.

Driving in Zurich in the winter season

◾ Winter tires and snow chains

The winter season in Switzerland is between the dates 1.11-15.4, due to the winter conditions, most rental companies equip all their vehicles with winter tires, which give the vehicle a safer road grip.
In addition, in certain areas in Switzerland, the installation of snow chains on the car's tires is required, subject to signage and road conditions. When the chains are assembled, the journey will be at a slow speed only (up to 40 km/h).
Please note, the snow chains must be ordered in advance!

As mentioned above, Switzerland is a mountainous country, therefore it is highly recommended that those who wish to rent a car there in the winter keep snow chains in the car at all times, even if they are not using them. Driving without chains in areas that require it, may result in a fine and even cause the vehicle to be taken off the road. Please note that many winter towns (such as: Zermatt, Braunwald, Murren, Wengen) cannot be reached by car at all. You have to park at the foot of the mountain and go up by public transport. The chains should be installed on the tires only when driving on snow or ice, otherwise there may be damage to the road and the vehicle itself.
 

◾ Ski Racks

Some of the rental companies offer a ski rack for rent to connect to the rental car. The ski rack must be ordered in advance. The rack is suitable for two pairs of skis only and is an additional charge to be paid when picking up the car.
Please note that it is not possible to attach the rack to all vehicle groups. It is recommended to find out in advance that it is indeed possible to add him to the invited category.
 

◾ Driving a diesel/electric vehicle during winter time

Please note, that in very low temperatures, diesel fuel may freeze, so it's important to prepare accordingly when you are in driving in especially cold conditions. It is recommended to park the vehicle in a covered parking lot and purchase anti-freeze liquid to prevent the freezing of the fuel. Also note that electric cars are also affected by the cold, and it is possible to experience a drop of up to 30% in the range of use of the battery.

 

For more tips regarding renting a car during wintertime click here

and for important tips regarding renting a car abroad click here

Booking a car in Zurich with Ofran will allow you to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a rental car in Zurich, exploring all the sites and attractions that interest you and the freedom to do so according to your schedule.

Ofran wishes you a safe and pleasant trip with your rental car in Zurich

Lake Zurich

The Long Lake is a major tourist attraction in Zurich. Locals and tourists frequent it every day, along with the promenade and parks that border it. This is where residents come every day to run, swim, sunbathe and have picnics.
Tourists are invited to do the same, and also to combine a boat ride which will reveal to you magical views of the Alps.
 

Jungfraujoch - The Jungfraujoch mountain range

Jungfraujoch is a saddle connecting Jungfrau and Mönch mountains, that are part of the Bernese Alps. It is about a two-hour drive from Zurich, during which you'll be able to stop at the Sphinx Observation Terrace and the famous Swiss Plateau (Plateau Suisse). When you reach at the ridge, you can take the mountain train and watch the peaks of the connecting mountains. You might not know how to pronounce its name, but know this - the Jungfraujoch ridge is a must-see when visiting Zurich.
 

Engelberg

Engelberg is a resort town in the canton of Obwalden. It is about an hour away by rental car from Zurich, and the word picturesque was invented for it. It lies at the foot of Mount Titlis, and is a tourist center all year round. In the winter it is a well-known ski town and in the summer it becomes a resort town with spa baths, and many hiking and cycling routes.
No matter what season you arrive in Zurich, it is highly recommended to travel and visit Engelberg.
 

Lucerne

Renting a car in Zurich will allow you to reach Lucerne, which is less than 50 minutes away from the city. The city lies on the banks of the Raus River, which flows from the Lucerne River. Lucerne was a trading city in the Middle Ages and you can still see many remnants of that period in the city center.
Many tourists start their visit to the city at the beautiful Kapellbrücke bridge, built in 1333, which is a covered bridge that is used not only for passage, but also as a museum with pictures that tell the history of the city. You should also go to the old city and appreciate the ancient construction and the squares.

Zurich with children

If you come to Zurich with children, you will surely be happy to know that the city offers quite a few attractions for such a family visit. Wading in the lake, meeting animals or even football, in this city you will find everything.
 

The Zurich Tram

The compact size of Zurich makes a trip on its tram train ideal, and one that allows you to see much of the beauty that the city has to offer. Traveling on this charming little tram is fun in itself, but especially when you can see almost all the attractions of the city from the windows. The recommended line for the views is line 21.
In addition, if your children like the means of transportation, you can drop by the Zurich Tram Museum and see how carriages have developed over time to the train they are riding on now.
 

The Botanical Gardens

One of the best places in Zurich to feel the air and see a green landscape. The Botanical Gardens are located in the east of Zurich and you can find greenhouses of tropical vegetation next to wide lawns. 
Feel free to relax and enjoy the view or even take a guided tour and learn a little more about the diverse vegetation the gardens offer.
 

Wow Museum- The Museum of Illusions in Zurich

A family experience that will provide you with a lot of memories, as well as photos. In the museum you will find optical illusions and surprises suitable for all ages. Whether you find yourself dancing on the ceiling or lost in infinity, this attraction, which occupies three floors of exhibits, promises you several hours of real fun.

                                         


Shopping in Zurich

Among the Swiss, and perhaps the rest of Europe, Zurich has a reputation as a shopping city. They are indeed not wrong, the city offers several shopping centers and malls, which are fun to walk around and you can leave them with a respectable quantity of purchases.
 

Bahnhofstrasse

The street starts at the central train station and continues to the lake, and most of it is used as a pedestrian street. Bahnhofstrasse is famous for its luxury jewelry and watch stores, as well as designer boutiques, but you can also find a number of more accessible brands such as United Colors Of Benetton and Swiss department stores such as Globus.
 

Seefeld

This is where you can find more unique items. Boutiques with local produce, second hand stores, antique watch shops and even ask them to make a bag or laptop cover with a personal design for you.
 

Glatt Mal

If you prefer a classic shopping experience inside a spacious and well-designed mall, Glatt Mall is the place for that. Here you can find well known and beloved international brands such as Bershka, Chalcedony, Tezenis, Zara and, of course, H&M.