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 115 € a day and hit the road for less.
The cheapest daily rental price in Basel is 49 €.
Planning a longer trip and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? 161 € 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 111 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 111 €, this provider is next in line.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly 182 € a day for one of their rentals.
The Compact 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
Kick off your Basel trip quicker by booking a car hire at Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport. The city centre is about 8 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
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 often vary by company and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Switzerland may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your Basel car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Rules vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest choice.
You'll need to show some documents when you pick up your ride. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
Get familiar with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the right side of the road in Switzerland.
Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph in built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Switzerland is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 8am. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Swiss franc (CHF) for all your purchases and expenses throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards for more flexibility when paying.
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.
