Cheap Car Rental in Basel

Why rent a car in Basel

Basel has trams and a compact old town on the Rhine. A car is much more practical for reaching the Jura, Black Forest, and Alsace. With a rental car, you can explore three countries at your own pace.

Tips for finding a cheap car rental in Basel

Looking for a cheap car rental in Basel? With EconomyBookings, you can easily compare multiple providers to find the best possible deal in Basel and across Switzerland. Basel's airport has French and Swiss sides, so compare offers carefully.

• Compare pickup locations - Select the broader city instead of a specific location to unlock more deal options, including potential off-airport savings.
• Slightly adjust pickup times and dates - Even changing your booking by an hour can reveal lower rates.
• Choose economy or compact cars - These vehicle types are usually the most budget-friendly.
• Consider both price and availability - Rental prices are often lowest 2-31 days before pickup, but booking earlier may give you a better choice of cars, especially during busy periods.
• Use free cancellation to look for a better deal - If your booking includes free cancellation, you can keep checking prices and rebook if you find a better deal.

Car rental requirements in Basel

Requirements can vary by rental supplier, but you'll generally need the following when picking up a rental car in Basel:

• Driving licence - Most foreign licences are accepted for visitors for up to 12 months. If your licence is not in English, German, French, or Italian, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or translation may be needed.
• Passport or ID - Bring a valid passport, or a national ID card if you are an EU/EEA citizen.
• Payment card - A credit card in the main driver's name is usually required for the deposit. Accepted card types and deposit amounts vary by supplier.
• Booking voucher - Have your EconomyBookings voucher ready, either digital or printed if the supplier requires it.
• Insurance - Third-party liability insurance is required by law and is usually included in the rental price. Collision damage and theft cover may be included or offered as extras, so check what your booking covers before you arrive.

Always check your rental terms before pickup, as licence, age, deposit, payment, and insurance requirements can vary by supplier.

Driving in Basel

Parking

Parking in the old town is limited. Parking is often in blue zones, which require a parking disc and have time limits, or in paid zones and car parks. Many cities offer park-and-ride sites.

Tolls

Swiss motorways require a vignette, and Swiss rental cars always include it. Some tunnels, such as the Great St Bernard Tunnel, charge separate tolls, and car trains through some Alpine tunnels have their own fees.

Road conditions & driving culture

Swiss roads are excellent, but mountain passes are steep and winding, and many close in winter. Speed limits are strictly enforced with high fines, and winter equipment may be required in snowy conditions.

Popular road trips from Basel

Basel is a great base for exploring the region. Popular drives include:

• Augusta Raurica - approx. 20 minutes, Roman ruins and an amphitheatre.
• Colmar - approx. 1 hour, half-timbered houses. Check cross-border rules.
• Freiburg - approx. 1 hour, a gateway to the Black Forest.
• Lucerne - approx. 1 hour, a lake city with the Chapel Bridge.
• Zurich - approx. 1 hour, the lakefront and old town.

Final checklist before you pick up your rental car in Basel

• Bring your documents - Driving licence (plus IDP if applicable), passport or ID, booking voucher, and the payment card required by your rental supplier.
• Check your rental terms - Review the deposit, fuel policy, mileage, insurance coverage, and any additional fees before signing.
• Confirm cross-border travel - Most suppliers allow travel to neighbouring countries, but cross-border fees may apply, and taking a car registered in another country back into Switzerland may require a vignette, so confirm in advance.
• Inspect the car - Take clear photos and videos of the vehicle before leaving and make sure any existing damage is recorded on the rental agreement.