How to find a cheap car rental deal in Winterthur
Whether you need a compact for cruising around town or a bigger ride for longer drives, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Winterthur. Choose from options averaging $125 a day and get on the road for less.
Daily rental prices in Winterthur start from just $95.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the main attractions? $304 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Book early to lock in the best price for a Winterthur car hire. Beyond just getting a great rate, you'll be choosing from the full lineup, not what's left.
Check out the offers available with Sixt, Europcar and Dollar. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.
Whether you book with Sixt or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Winterthur car rental. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any surprise charges by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.
Best value car rental options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at $220 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $279, this provider is next in line.
The third option also performs well on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $222 a day.
The Economy rental category is a dependable pick if you're unsure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other in Winterthur.
Compare car rental types in Winterthur
Small: These cheap rental cars in Winterthur may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, fuel efficient, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for small families and couples.
Large: You've got the kids, the suitcases, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this Winterthur car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic backroads alike.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Winterthur that can handle the big jobs. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, baggage or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Winterthur car rental providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. These features can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Winterthur.
Good to know
Age requirements often vary by supplier (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in Switzerland may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Add a car seat to your Winterthur car rental reservation if you're traveling with small kids. Requirements change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest choice.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring your physical driver's license, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
If it's your first time driving in Switzerland, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are usually about 30mph through urban areas and around 70mph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
In Switzerland, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to drink, leave the driving to someone else or find an alternative way to get around.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
You'll be using the Swiss franc (CHF) for all your purchases and expenses on your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards to cover you in every situation.
German (Swiss German) is the language spoken by most people in this country.
Best hotels in Winterthur for drivers
Offering accessible parking, Hotel Rubus adds extra convenience to your stay. This hotel is around 5 miles from central Winterthur and also comes with express check-in and a laundry.
Centra Hotel Winterthur is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features parking, along with room service and bicycle rentals. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 1 mile from the city center.
Browse the range of hotels in Winterthur for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
After you've locked in a car rental deal in Winterthur and the right hotel, all that's left to do is decide where to head to first. Get things started with big attractions such as Winterthur, Swiss Cience Center Technorama and Kunst Museum Winterthur | Reinhart am Stadtgarten.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Winterthur
Buckle up and make tracks to Zurich. Around 13 miles southwest of central Winterthur, you'll find must-sees like Bahnhofstrasse and Cirque du Soleil - Grand Chapiteau.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Crowne Plaza Zürich by IHG and Züri by Fassbind, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Zurich.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car rental in Winterthur and travel roughly 55 miles west to Basel. Featuring Art Basel and Christmas Lightshow, its highlights live up to the hype.
Relax after a day of exploring Basel at B&B Hotel Basel or Novotel Basel City. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Ready to go the extra mile? Lugano is a top road trip destination that's around 100 miles south of Winterthur. Consider making a few pit stops at Lungolago di Lugano and Aussichtspunkt San Salvatore.
Book a room at Villa Sassa or Hotel Splendide Royal. They make it a breeze to experience everything Lugano has to offer. They also come with parking.