Renting a car in Switzerland and driving it is quite comfortable, and the routes between destinations are fast and fun. Ofran operates in Switzerland through several car rental companies, for example Europcar, which allows you to rent a car at the main airports, in the city centers and also in "winter towns" such as Davos, Interlaken, Lugano and Lucerne.
 

◾ Driving in mountainous areas

Switzerland is a mostly mountainous country and driving there is often done on winding roads with limited and poor visibility. Therefore, it is customary to honk when approaching a sharp turn or bend in order to warn vehicles coming from the opposite lane. At night it is customary to flash using the high beams. On narrow roads, the right of way is given to the vehicle coming up.
Important tip: don't assume all roads are open. Certain roads, especially mountain passes such as Furka and Grimsel, are closed throughout the winter. Check where it is closed before you set off.
 

◾ Collecting/returning the car at Geneva or Basel airports

The airports of the cities of Geneva and Basel are located on the border between Switzerland and France.
Because of this, it is possible to leave the airport to any of the two countries within a standard check-in procedure after collecting the luggage. It is important to pay attention to the signage that is located around the airport, and go to the relevant country. So if the rental voucher in your possession states that the car is picked up in Switzerland, you must go to the Swiss side.
Also, at the end of the rental, the vehicle must be returned to the parking lot of the Swiss rental company. Please note that if the vehicle is returned on the French side, the vehicle supplier will charge a significant return fee.
 

◾ 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/

Please note that there are certain routes that aren't included in the basic sticker provided by the rental company. Since the list of toll roads included in the sticker changes from time to time, it's your responsibility to find out through the supplier what routes are included and how to pay the tolls if there are any.

◾ Safety belts

Mandatory front and back. Children under the age of 12 cannot sit in the front.
 

◾ Speed limits

High-speed machines are deployed at high frequency. The speed limits in Switzerland vary according to the types of roads (two-lane roads, highways, intercity roads, city and built-up areas). When driving in stormy weather, with snow chains or in conditions of poor visibility - the speed on all roads is limited to 50 km/h.
 

◾ Lighting car lights

The use of car lights is recommended for every trip. In poor weather conditions and when passing through a tunnel - mandatory.
 

◾ Parking in cities in Switzerland

Parking in blue or red zones requires a special tag that can be purchased at gas stations, garages, kiosks, police stations or post offices. Parking in white areas is done by paying at meters.

◾ Travelling outside of Switzerland with the rented car

From Switzerland, you can travel to the neighboring countries. However, some vehicle groups (mainly luxury vehicles and automatic vehicles) are subject to restrictions when exiting to former Eastern European countries.

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, like Switzerland and Austria, 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 Switzerland 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 only suitable for two pairs of skis 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 Switzerland with Ofran will allow you to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a rental car in Switzerland, exploring all the sites and attractions that interest you, and having the freedom to do so according to your schedule.

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

Interlaken

The town of Interlaken in the canton of Bern is one of the favorite destinations for visitors to Switzerland. It is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, between lakes Thun and Brienz. It is the adventure capital of the country, so beyond a relaxed view of a spectacular landscape, you can also express your more extreme sides with hang gliders or bungee jumping.
The place also offers exciting activities for the younger members of the family, for example the rope park Seilpark will allow all family members to jump between the treetops on rope courses and obstacles of different challenge levels. You can also stop at Alpenwildpark for an orderly viewing of wild nature and the animals that live in the area.
Getting to Interlaken is easily possible by renting a car in Bern.
 

Montreux

The iconic hills of the resort town of Montreux, on the eastern north shore of Lake Geneva, have already starred on record covers and inspired art and songs.
This is the Swiss Riviera and it is a summer vacation destination because the weather there is relatively comfortable compared to the rest of the country, and is known as "Mediterranean" weather.
Walking trails on the hills and near the beach, the daffodils blooming known as "the snow of May", hotels for vacationers, restaurants, concerts, and a never-ending vacation atmosphere.
Every year in July the town hosts the World Jazz Festival, and during this period it is particularly lively.
Getting to Montreux is easy and fast by renting a car in Geneva.
 

The Matterhorn

A visit to the selected attractions of Switzerland is not complete without a visit to Matterhorn, which belongs to the Pennine Alps, as it is located right on the border with Italy.
Lovers of challenges will want to qualify for the summit, which is 4,478 meters high. But of course such climbing requires long preparations, knowledge and appropriate equipment. This is a coveted summit for experienced climbers from all over the world.
Most visitors on a family trip will prefer a cable car ride and a view to the top of the mountain and beyond.

Switzerland with children

Going on a family trip in Switzerland with a rental car will allow you to experience its magnificent spaces and landscapes in complete independence, and watch the wonderful nature up close, or choose precisely organized and equally fascinating attractions.
 

Alpamare - the largest water park in Europe

The water park located in the city of Pfäffikon, or Pepafkon, if you really insist on pronouncing it in Hebrew (we didn't really succeed), in the canton of Zurich, is a huge water park that has something for everyone. Water slides for all family members (more and less challenging), heated pools and children's pools in imaginative designs. The park is located about half an hour from Zurich, so it is particularly easy to reach it by renting a car in Zurich.
Since the park's opening in 1977, it has maintained its status as one of the country's favorite family attractions.
 

The world of Charlie Chaplin

True, it is likely that your children did not exactly grow up on the film character of Charlie Chaplin, but a magical journey through the world of Charlie Chaplin is a surprising and exciting experience for any curious visitor. The former rural area, where the filmmaker and comedian spent the last years of his life, was opened to visitors in 2016. The estate is overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps and the surrounding park and there’s an exhibition area with a Hollywood-designed film studio. Within this setting you will feel as if you are currently being photographed for a silent film, get to view interactive displays and find photo opportunities that will leave the children and everyone with unforgettable memories.

Shopping in Switzerland

In the large and central cities of Zurich and Geneva you can find a respectable selection of shopping centers of all kinds. But even if you are traveling outside the city there are quite a few options to satisfy your shopping needs.
 

Mall of Switzerland

"The Mall of Switzerland" is the largest mall in the center of the country. It is located in the city of Avicon in the canton of Lucerne.
It is relatively new and enjoys a spacious design, and a wide range of shops and restaurants.
Due to its proximity to Zurich, you can easily reach it by renting a car in Zurich.
 

Lausanne

The city of Lausanne is the fourth largest city in Switzerland. It is about 60 km from the city of Geneva and lies on the shore of Lake Geneva.
It is considered a very desirable destination among shopping enthusiasts visiting Switzerland. It has several shopping complexes and boulevards of shops, and most of them are located within walking distance of each other, so you can easily manage your shopping day.
Befitting a Swiss shopping stronghold, it offers a respectable variety of chocolate shops, watches (Swiss, of course) and boutique shops alongside well-known brands.