Rent a Car at Zurich Downtown

Which payment cards do you accept?
We accept:

• American Express (excluding American Express Travellers Cheque cards)
• Diners Club
• Visa credit cards
• MasterCard credit cards
• Avis-issued charge cards

Prepaid cards can only be used for making payments at the end of your rental. To rent a car from us, you will have to present the payment cards listed above.

We do not accept Visa Electron cards, Maestro cards, V-Pay cards, Cirrus cards, JCB cards or any other cards not listed above.

We do not accept Digital Payment Cards.

Can I pay by cash?
No, regrettably, we are not able to accept cash.

What happens if I am late in making payment?
If you are late in paying us, interest will be calculated at the statutory rate.

Debit cards are not accepted.

Requirement to bring a valid driving licence with you

In Switzerland, all drivers must bring their valid driving licence with them.

If any of the following applies:

• their driving licence was issued in Europe,
• their driving licence was issued in a non-European country or,
• their driving licence was issued in a non-roman alphabet language like Arabic, Greek, Russian, Hebrew or Japanese,

and we cannot confirm with certainty the details included within the driving licence, the driver will also need to provide either an international driving licence or an official German, French, Italian or English translation, by a notary, of their driving licence. If this might apply to you, please contact us (prior to your pickup date) as we would be pleased to confirm if an international licence or official translation will be required.

We do not accept digital driving licences.

Minimum licence requirements

All drivers must have held their licences for at least 6 months from the date of pick-up. A higher minimum age limit and licence validity may apply for certain vehicles. This will be shown during the booking process or disclosed to you before completing the booking.

If a licence does not show the driver has held it for the minimum period, then they must provide evidence, such as:

• previous driving licences; or
• a letter from their driving licence authority stating that they have held it for this minimum period.

As well as your driving licence, you must bring:

• the payment card that was used to make your booking. For some vehicles, two payment cards in your name will be required and one of these must be a credit card, in addition to the payment card used to make your booking; and
• photo ID featuring a recognisable photo taken in the last 10 years. We will accept your passport if it contains a photo, a national identity card.

If you do not pass our identification checks and you are a resident of Switzerland, you may also be required to provide proof of where you live this could include a recent utility bill or bank statement. In these circumstances, your driving licence will not be accepted as proof of your address.

Public liability insurance is in accordance with the insurance laws of the country.  Customer may inquire at the time of rental for additional information of the benefits, conditions and acceptance.

Note: Some credit cards provide insurance coverage, with certain limitations, as a benefit of using the card to rent vehicles.  The customer is advised to contact the card issuer before the rental.  Any waiver must be discussed directly with the location upon arrival.

How old do I need to be to drive a rental vehicle?

To drive our vehicles, all drivers need to be at least 21 years old and have held a full, valid driving licence for at least ½ year at the start of your rental. Higher as well as lower minimum age limits as well as a minimum holding period of 3 years may apply to certain vehicles.

How do I know if there are minimum age restrictions on my rental?

When you book, you will be told if there are any minimum age restrictions for the vehicle you request. If you are not sure, please check your booking confirmation email or call the Reservations team.

I am under 25, do I need to pay a young driver surcharge?

If you or any of your drivers are under 25 when you pick up the vehicle, you will each have to pay a young driver surcharge. The cost for this will depend on where you are picking the vehicle up from but you can expect it to be between CHF 20.00 and CHF 24.00 per day.
If you rent the vehicle for more than 10 days, you will only be charged for a maximum of 10 days and get cover for the duration of your rental, up to 28 days.

Are there any maximum age restrictions?

No, as long as you hold a full, valid driving licence for at least ½ year or 3 years with regard to certain vehicles.

Approximate total includes base rate, taxes, and surcharges. Items such as coupon discounts, child safety seats, winterization fee from (15 Nov - 15 Apr) and gas are NOT included in the estimated total. Optional coverages and one-way fees are subject to tax in certain locations. This tax is not reflected in the Estimated Total.

Estimated total is subject to change based upon exchange rates at the time of rental.

Should I bring the vehicle back with a full tank of fuel?
Yes. The vehicle will normally be supplied with a full tank of fuel. You must return it to us with the same amount of fuel it had in it when you picked it up, usually a full tank, as shown on the factory-installed fuel gauge. We recommend you fill up as close to the return location as you can on the return date, and keep the receipt to show us. If you do not return the vehicle with a full tank and you ca not show us a receipt for fuel we will charge you.

Fuel Options

I plan to travel more than 120 kilometres, and want peace of mind, do you have a fuel option for me?
Yes, with Fuel Up Front you pay for a full tank of fuel, based on the manufacturers stated fuel tank capacity for your vehicle plus our costs of refuelling the vehicle for you. Then you just return the vehicle with whatever is left in the tank (even if it is virtually empty) so long as the engine still runs.
How do I calculate the cost of Fuel Up Front?
Depending on where you are renting, we charge the average fuel price at the start of your rental period. For further details on the price for Fuel up Front, please ask the rental station. However, you do not get a refund for any fuel you do not use.
Can I get Fuel up Front at any time?
No, if you want to take advantage of Fuel Up Front, you must ask for it during the booking process or when you pick up the vehicle.
I plan to travel less than 120 kilometres, do I still need to fill up?
Yes, often the fuel gauges stills look full so we ask you to fill up the tank near to the return location and show us a copy of the receipt. If you do not have time to fill up the tank, or ca not show us a receipt, we will apply EZ Fuel to cover our costs of refuelling the vehicle for you.
How much is EZ Fuel?
EZ Fuel is a fixed fee of CHF 25.80.
What are my options if I do not return the vehicle full and have not bought Fuel up Front?
Pay on Return will apply if you have driven more than 120 kilometres and:

• Do not buy Fuel Up Front
• Do not return the vehicle with a full tank

How do I calculate the cost of Pay on Return?
You pay for fuel based on the factory-installed fuel gauge rounded down to the nearest eighth (1/8) of a tank. This is based on the manufacturers stated fuel tank capacity.
We charge between 1.5 and three times the average fuel price at the end of the rental period for Switzerland. The price per litre will be stated on your rental agreement. This charge covers our cost of driving to the nearest petrol station at short notice, and potentially delaying the next customer’s rental.

Electric Vehicles

How much battery charge should I return an electric vehicle with?

You must return the vehicle with at least a 70% battery charge, or the same % battery charge as it had at the time of pick-up.

What am i charged if I fail to return an electric vehicle with the required 70% battery charge, or the same % battery charge as it had at the time of pick-up?

We charge a fixed amount dependent on the battery life showing on the factory-installed battery gauge. This is the Pay on Return rate. the amounts charged are set out below:

Do I need to bring proof of identification?
Yes, you must bring:

• the payment card that was used to make your booking. For some vehicles, two payment cards in your name will be required. One of these must be the payment card used to make your booking.
• your passport featuring a recognisable photo taken in the last 10 years.

You may also need to bring proof of where you live. This could include a recent utility bill or bank statement. If your driving licence shows your address, we will accept it as proof of your address.

Other requirements

Will I need to give a pre-authorisation or pay a security deposit?
Yes, you must give us a pre-authorisation on your payment card before we release the vehicle to you. A pre-authorisation holds money in your account.
What do I need to do to give a pre-authorisation or security deposit?
You will need to give us a payment card in your own name that has enough money available on it. 
How much is the pre-authorisation?

The amount of the pre-authorisation taken on pick-up of the rental vehicle is calculated as follows:
(The vehicle rental price* + EUR 200 (or if applicable, the equivalent amount in your local currency) MINUS (Any sum you have already paid when making a "Pay Now" booking)

* The "vehicle rental price" includes the vehicle rental cost and all optional extras you've requested, calculated at the start of the rental based on the intended length of the rental. For the avoidance of any doubt, any "Pay at Location" amount you owe in relation to the vehicle rental (including any optional extras) will be included as part of the pre-authorisation and will be charged to you at the end of the rental (using the card provided for the purposes of the pre-authorisation, unless agreed otherwise).

** If you buy our "Fuel Up Front" product, we will reduce the EUR 200 (or if applicable, the equivalent amount in your local currency) by the amount we charge you for the "Fuel Up Front" product

The EUR 200 (or if applicable, the equivalent amount in your local currency) is included as part of the pre-authorisation in case we have to charge you at the end of the rental for any of the following:
i. costs to refuel the vehicle (where relevant);
ii. additional rental charges in circumstances where you fail to return the vehicle or any optional extras at the end of the agreed rental period (or to the agreed return location);
iii. any additional charges or fines you incur relating to your use of the vehicle (which we have been notified of prior to you returning the vehicle, which will include, for example, charges relating to traffic violations); and/or
iv. costs incurred as a result of exceeding any relevant mileage restrictions.
Where the pre-authorisation we take does not cover the charges you incur, we will request you make a further payment for the additional amounts owed.

Please see the section titled "Damage, loss, injury or theft" in the General Conditions which provides information on how and when we charge costs if the vehicle, keys, any accessories, or any vehicle documents are lost, stolen or damaged.

You can purchase additional waiver and protection products to reduce the amount you would otherwise owe please see details in Part 2 below.

As well as charging for any damage or loss suffered, we will also charge you a damages processing fee in accordance with our "Theft, Loss & Damages Policy" (see General Conditions).
The Damage/ Loss/ Repair Processing Fee is CHF 40.00.

Unless you've asked us to send you a receipt by post or email, you’ll be able to find details of the charges owed by you here: http://www.budget.ch/budgetonline/ch-gb/budget.nsf/c/get_a_quote,rental_invoice_information

Can I let anyone else drive?
Yes, but only if we have approved them. You must not let anyone else drive the vehicle.
We charge a fee for every Additional Driver we allow to drive the vehicle. The price depends on the location you are renting from, but you can expect it to be between CH 14.50 and CHF 17.40 per day.
If you rent the vehicle for more than 10 days, you will only be charged for a maximum of 10 days and get cover for the duration of your rental, up to 28 days.
All additional drivers must meet our age, driving licence and ID requirements. 
If any additional driver is outside of our age restrictions, we will also charge a driver surcharge.
Do you offer a Meet and Greet service?
No, unfortunately we are unable to offer a meet and greet service at this time.
Can I pick up the vehicle outside your normal opening hours?
Yes, some rental locations offer an out of hours pick-up service where you can collect the vehicle and any optional extras outside the rental locations normal opening hours. Please contact your rental station for further information.
My rental has a mileage allowance. I have driven more than the allowance, how much will I pay for excess mileage
Many of our vehicles are provided with unlimited mileage. If a mileage allowance applies, it will be stated on your rental agreement and in your booking confirmation email. If you go over the mileage allowance, the price depends on the vehicle and location. Your excess mileage charge will be stated on your rental agreement.
Can I smoke in the vehicle?
No, you are not allowed to smoke in it. If we believe anyone has smoked in the vehicle during the rental period, a specialist cleaning charge will apply.
Are there any roads or zones where I need to pay a fee before I can enter?
Yes, there are toll roads and toll bridges which require you to pay a fee if you wish to use them.  If you do not pay these charges before you use such roads or bridges, you will incur a fine. 
We recommend you check the Internet to find out about any restricted areas before you travel. Websites such as www.urbanaccessregulations.eu provide useful information. If the rental location is in or near a restricted area, we will tell you about it when you pick up the vehicle. We are unable to tell you about any other restricted areas.
I have been caught speeding, and did not pay a parking charge, what will I have to pay?
You are responsible for all fines and charges issued as a result of you or your additional drivers using the vehicle. Fines and charges could include:

• All parking fines or charges
• Toll charges
• Towing charges
• Clamping costs
• Traffic fines or charges
• Speeding fines
• And any other charges or fines

If a fine or charge is sent to us because you have not paid a charge or complied with the law, we will take payment for:

• Our administration fee of CHF 50.00 for each fine or charge issued, which will be charged in the currency of the country where the fine occurred.
• Plus the fine or charge if we have to pay it

I have left the interior of the vehicle very dirty and made it smell. Will I be charged to clean it?
Yes, if the interior of the vehicle is especially muddy, dirty, stained or smelly, and our standard cleaning procedure will not fix it, you will be charged a Specialist Cleaning Charge between CHF 75.60 and CFH 260.00 plus our Administration Fee of CHF 60.00.

Roadside Assistance

What happens if I break down because of a mechanical failure?
All our vehicles are maintained to the manufacturers standards, and they are roadworthy when you pick them up so mechanical failure in our vehicles is rare. So long as you are using the vehicle in a country we have agreed to, we provide roadside assistance or recovery free of charge. You can only use our roadside assistance provider to help you. You will find their contact details inside the vehicle.
What happens if I break down because of a non-mechanical failure or in another country?
You must tell us if you break down or have an accident. If you need roadside assistance, we will arrange this for you but you will have to pay for it. You will also be charged for any costs we incur getting the vehicle back on the road in the country of rental. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Towing call out fee and recovery costs up to a maximum of 300 Euro (unless there is need of a special towing rescue, repatriation, or breach of contract in which the maximum charge could be up to 600 Euro) 
• Repair costs
• Loss of use
• Repatriation costs
• An administration fee
• Any costs to take you, and/or any of your passengers, to another location.
• Electrical Charge for EV Vehicles (Where the cable is in working order)

What products do you have to protect me if I break down because of a non-mechanical problem?
Roadside Assistance Plus provides roadside assistance if you break down as a result of…

• e.g. Flat batteries
• Flat tyres
• Keys locked in the vehicle
• Running out of fuel

Provided you are using the vehicle is a country we have agreed to.
You will only need to pay for the costs of any additional items needed to get the vehicle back on the road, like fuel or tyres.
How much does Roadside Assistance Plus cost?
The price will depend on where you are renting, but you can expect it to be between CHF 8.00 and CHF 9.60 a day. If you rent the vehicle for more than 10 days, you will only be charged for a maximum of 10 days and get cover for the duration of your rental, up to 28 days.
What happens if I do not return the incident report form or European accident form?
If you are involved in an accident, or the vehicle, keys, any accessories, any vehicle documents or any optional extras are damaged, lost or stolen; you must complete and return an incident report form and if available, the European accident report form.

Can I pick up the vehicle from one rental location and return it to another?
Yes, some rental locations let you collect the vehicle and any optional extras from one rental location and return them to another.
How much is the One-Way fee?
The price depends on the rental location. If you want to pick up the vehicle and return it to a different location please ask the rental station.
How do I get a One-Way rental?
You can request a one-way rental when you book or you can ask for it when you get to the rental location.
If you asked for a one-way rental when you booked, the fee will be included in your rental price.
How much will it cost if I did not request a One-Way rental but return the vehicle to a different location?
You will be charged a one-way fee at the pay at location prices available on the day you return the vehicle.

The prices we give you for optional extras when you book will generally be the price you will pay. Exchange rates or other reasons beyond our control may alter prices.

Customers with disabilities

I have a disability, do you offer adapted vehicles?
No, regrettably, we do not currently offer adapted vehicles.
I have a disability, do you offer hand controls?
No, regrettably, we do not currently offer panoramic mirrors at this time. However hand controls are available at some of our rental locations. Please call the Reservations team for more information.

Popular optional extras to rent

I have small children, do you offer child seats?
Yes, we offer baby, child and booster seats. A baby seat is typically suitable for a child from birth to 12 months old and weighing no more than 13 kilos. An infant seat is typically suitable for a child aged 9 months to 4 years old and weighing between 9 and 18 kilos. A child seat is typically suitable for a child aged 4 to 11 years old and weighing between 15 and 36 kilos. A booster seat is typically suitable for a child aged 8 to 11 years old and weighing between 20 and 45 kilos.
In some rental locations, we may arrange for a third party to fit the seat for you. But remember, it is always your responsibility to check the seat is fitted correctly before you drive away.
Please note: In Switzerland, all children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 150 cm tall.
How much are your child seats?
The fee for renting a seat will depend on where you are renting, but you can expect it to cost between CHF 45.00 and CHF 78.00 per rental.
If the seat is damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement. This is likely to cost between CHF 20.00 and CHF 250.00 on top of the hire fee. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
I am not familiar with the area; can I rent a GPS (satellite navigation system)?
Yes, the fee for renting a GPS will depend on where you are renting, but you can expect it to cost between CHF 14.00 and CHF 16.80 a day. If you rent the vehicle for more than 10 days, you will only be charged for a maximum of 10 days and get to use the GPS for the duration of your rental, up to 28 days.
If the GPS is damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement. This will cost CHF 150.00 on top of the hire fee. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
Please note: In some countries, it is against the law to use a GPS that tells you where speed cameras are. It is illegal in Switzerland. If you rent a GPS from us, it will not give you speed camera information.
Do you offer an audio tour guide service on your GPS?
No, unfortunately we do not offer an audio tour guide service at this time.
I want to be able to access the internet anywhere I go, do you offer a solution?
Yes, we offer Mobile Wi-Fi devices. To use this service you will need to read and agree to separate terms and conditions. We will give you these terms and conditions at the rental location.
Please note: In many countries, including Switzerland, it is illegal to drive while using a handheld mobile phone, tablet or other communications device. It is your responsibility to drive safely and according to the laws of the country you are driving in.
How much does Mobile Wi-Fi cost?
The fee for hiring mobile Wi-Fi will depend on where you are renting, but you can expect it to be between CHF 15.00 and CHF 20.00 a day.
If the mobile Wi-Fi device is damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement. This will cost CHF 150.00 on top of the hire fee. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
If any mobile Wi-Fi accessories are damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement. This is likely to cost from CHF 3.00 to CHF 150.00 on top of the hire fee. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
I am intending to drive along toll roads; do you offer a device to make this quicker and easier for me?
No, unfortunately we do not offer any electronic toll charging devices at this time.

Winter equipment to rent

I am concerned about the road conditions, do you offer winter tyres?
Yes, if the rental location you are hiring from is in an area where it is illegal to drive without winter tyres at certain times of year, the vehicle will automatically be supplied with them and the fee will be included in your rental fee or contract.
We can also supply winter tyres for a fee. This will depend on where you are renting, but you can expect it to be between CHF 9.80 and CHF 12.00 a day. If you rent the vehicle for more than 10 days, you will only be charged for a maximum of 10 days and get to use the winter tyres for the duration of your rental, up to 28 days.
If any winter tyre is damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement pair. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
Please give us at least 24 hours notice if your rental does not automatically include winter tyres and you want to hire them. If you need them at shorter notice, please call the Reservations team.
Not sure if you need winter tyres? Please ask a member of our team.
I am going skiing, do you offer snow chains?
Yes, if the rental location you are hiring from is in an area where it is illegal to drive without Snow Chains or winter tyres at certain times of year, the vehicle will automatically be supplied with snow chains and the fee will be included in your rental fee. You can ask not to have these but we recommend that you take either snow chains or winter tyres at these locations.
Snow chains are also available in some other rental locations. The fee for snow chains depends on where you are renting, but you can expect it to be between CHF 50.00  and CHF 60.00 per rental.
If any snow chain is damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement pair. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
We can not fit snow chains for you, and we can not arrange for them to be fitted.
Not sure if you need snow chains? Please ask a member of our team.
I am have brought my own skis with me, do you rent ski racks?
Yes, all rental locations offer ski racks. You can expect to pay between CHF 50.00 and CHF 70.00 per rental to rent a Ski Rack from us.
Ski racks can not be fitted to all our vehicles, so you may need to upgrade if you need one. This may increase the price of the vehicle and any excess you have to pay.
If the ski rack is damaged, lost or stolen, you will have to pay for a replacement. This is likely to cost between CHF 100.00 and CHF 300.00 on top of the hire fee. If you can show the damage or loss was not in any way your fault or due to your negligence, we will refund this cost to you.
Please give us at least 24 hours notice if you want to hire a ski rack. If you need it at shorter notice, please call the Reservations team.

I want to keep the vehicle for longer, what should I do?
If you want to extend the rental please contact us as soon as possible. At the latest, this should be before the end date and time on your rental agreement. Extra days will be charged at pay at location prices.
What happens if I don’t extend the rental?
If you fail to extend your rental and are late returning the vehicle, we will charge you for an extra days rental plus a late return administration fee for each day or part of a day until the vehicle is returned.
If you fail to extend your rental and are late returning the vehicle, we will on the third day after your agreed return date pre-authorise payment for an additional 5 days rental charge on your debit card or, 10 days if you are using a credit card, at pay at location prices. If you return the vehicle within those 5 or 10 days (whichever applies), you will only be charged for your actual rental days, plus any other charges you owe us.

If you fail to return your vehicle as agreed, we will also charge you a late return administration fee for each day or part of a day until the vehicle is returned.
The late return administration fee is CHF 20.00 for each day.

Unless we agree otherwise, you are only allowed to use the vehicle in:

• Austria
• Andorra
• Belgium
• Switzerland
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Germany
• Denmark
• Spain
• France
• Finland
• Hungary
• Liechtenstein
• Italy
• Ireland
• Luxembourg
• Monaco
• Norway
• The Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• San Marino
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Sweden

Porsche vehicles may only be driven in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and Monaco.

Some vehicles are not permitted to enter the following countries:

• Croatia
• Slovenia
• Slovakia
• Czech Republic
• Poland
• Hungary

Please note, that there are certain travel restrictions for EU residents:

If you are EU resident and drive a vehicle with Swiss registration and number plate, you are only allowed to drive the vehicle in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. You must not take the vehicle into the EU, except for the purpose of directly returning to your place of residence in the EU, which must be stated on your rental agreement. You must pay for all damages and costs we incur as a result of you or any Additional Driver not complying with this obligation including payable customs, tax charges and loss of use, if you or an additional driver gets detained at Customs.
Please note, that a breach of customs regulations may result in criminal charges against you or your Additional Driver. If you plan to travel cross-border into the EU, please let us know at the time of booking, so that we can choose the right vehicle for you.

International journeys are permitted for certain countries outside Switzerland but always require prior consent. If approved, a cross border fee must be paid of a minimum CHF 10.81 per day and a maximum CHF 76.67 per rental.

Please note that if you are permitted to take the vehicle outside of Switzerland it is your responsibility to make sure you comply with legal requirements applicable in the relevant country/countries you travel in.