Sign In
24/7
App

Rent a Car in Interlaken for Flexible Alps Adventures at Competitive Prices

Compare great-value options and follow our complete pickup-location and driving guide to explore the Bernese Oberland on your schedule.

Location & Logistics
Interlaken Car Rental Guide: Where to Pick Up and What to Know
Interlaken is a compact hub between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, making it an excellent base for road trips to the Bernese Oberland. Renting a car can be convenient for visiting smaller villages and viewpoints at your own pace, but it is not always the best choice for high-traffic days or destinations well-served by trains. Expect narrow streets, limited parking in the center, and seasonal mountain driving conditions. Many travelers pick up a car at a major airport (Zurich is the most common) and drive to Interlaken, or rent in/near Interlaken when they only need a vehicle for a portion of the trip.
Zurich Airport (ZRH) Car Rental Center
Most common arrival point for travelers heading to Interlaken. Large on-airport rental center with the widest vehicle selection and longer business hours. Pros: best availability, one-way options, easy comparison across brands. Cons: higher airport surcharges, busy counters at peak times, and a longer drive to Interlaken (about 2 hours depending on traffic). Follow airport signs to the rental area in the Airport Center; inspect the car carefully for existing damage before leaving.
Interlaken West (Near Train Station & City Center)
Convenient if you’re arriving by rail and only need a car for day trips. Pros: easy to reach on foot or by public transit, avoids airport surcharges, simple for short rentals. Cons: limited inventory, advance booking strongly recommended, and parking can be tight—ask your hotel about overnight parking costs and access restrictions.
Interlaken Ost (Near Train Station & Lake Brienz Access)
Good starting point for routes toward Lake Brienz and the eastern side of the region. Pros: practical for travelers staying near Interlaken Ost or connecting to boats/trains; convenient for partial-trip rentals. Cons: fewer counters and shorter hours than airports; returning outside business hours may be limited depending on provider and location.

What do you need to rent a car in Interlaken?

Renting a car in Interlaken is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical national photo ID is required (e.g., Mexico ID for rentals in Mexico, Switzerland ID for rentals in Switzerland). A physical passport can also be requested by the rental desk for verification.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full, original, physical driving license with no major endorsements. In most cases, the license must have been held for at least 1 year; some offers require 1–2 years. Please check full rental terms if a longer holding period is specified.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards, depending on offer and country, include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, Discover, and sometimes local corporate/union cards. Some offers also accept physical debit cards (Visa or MasterCard) at the counter, mainly for payment (not always for deposit). A second credit card may be required by some suppliers for higher‑value rentals; see full rental terms.
  • Age requirements: No specific minimum or maximum driver age range is consistently defined in these offers. Standard rental-age rules and any young or senior driver surcharges are determined by the individual supplier’s full rental terms and conditions; please refer to those terms for exact age limits and any applicable young driver fees.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full, original, physical driving license with no major endorsements, generally held for at least 1 year (some offers specify 1–2 years; see full rental terms if longer is required). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) – IDP is a translation only; you must show the original license and the original IDP (no copies or scans accepted)
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version) – an English translation must appear on the back of the license
    • EU/EEA driving license – valid for rentals across the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. All documents must be physical originals.

    Notes: Foreign and international renters or authorized drivers must present a valid driver’s license from their country of origin, in addition to any required IDP or translation.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport is required. The rental desk may also request your national photo ID where applicable.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required for deposit and payment. Depending on the offer and country, accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, Discover and certain corporate/union cards. Some offers accept Visa or MasterCard debit cards mainly as payment or secondary cards; availability varies by supplier. E‑vouchers or printed vouchers may be required for some deals; check your confirmation. A second credit card can be required for certain vehicle groups or higher deposits; see full rental terms for details.
  • Age requirements: No specific minimum or maximum driver age range is consistently defined in these offers. Standard rental-age rules and any young or senior driver surcharges are determined by the individual supplier’s full rental terms and conditions; please refer to those terms for exact age limits and any applicable young driver fees.
requirementsrequirements

Drive Interlaken: Alpine Adventures Await

Discover the best car rentals for exploring Interlaken and the stunning Swiss Alps, from scenic mountain passes to charming valley drives.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Mountain

SUV

Conquer Every Alpine Pass
5
3
Auto

An SUV is essential for navigating Switzerland's steep mountain roads and dramatic passes like the Grimsel and Susten. The higher ground clearance handles gravel sections and unmarked paths with ease. Perfect for reaching Jungfraujoch and Grindelwald from Interlaken. Four-wheel drive provides confidence on wet or icy spring mornings.

Summer

Convertible

Open-Air Alpine Freedom
4
2
Auto

A convertible lets you fully experience Switzerland's breathtaking scenery along the Grand Tour route near Interlaken. Cruise through Lauterbrunnen valley with the top down, capturing views of 72 waterfalls. Summer temperatures are ideal for roof-down driving through the Bernese Oberland region.

Winter

SUV

Snow-Ready Swiss Adventure
5
3
Auto

Winter in Interlaken brings snow-covered passes and icy roads requiring an SUV with all-wheel drive. This vehicle meets Swiss winter tire requirements for Alpine driving. Navigate safely to Zermatt orMeiringen despite January snowfall. Heated seats make cold morning starts comfortable.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Best Choice for Selection, Hours, and One-Way Flexibility

Picking up at a major airport (especially Zurich) typically gives you the widest choice of vehicles, longer operating hours, and more inventory for peak travel dates. This can be ideal for families needing larger cars, travelers wanting automatics, or anyone planning a one-way route. Expect airport surcharges and busier counters; reserving ahead and prepaying can help lock in better pricing.

Interlaken BRN Airport Car Rentals – Best Deals Await!

Pick up your rental car in Interlaken and explore Switzerland's stunning scenery with confidence by checking authentic reviews from verified renters.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
Europcar
1.9
71 reviews
$1640.4 mi
$822 - $7,772
  • Friendly Professional Staff
  • Quick Easy Pickup Return
  • Free Upgrades Offered

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 15 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
Guide to Handling Rental Car Accidents in Switzerland
This guide outlines essential steps for tourists involved in rental car accidents in Switzerland, covering immediate actions, documentation, insurance processes, and communication with rental companies.
View details
Stress-Free Refueling Guide for Rental Cars in Switzerland
This guide provides essential tips for refueling rental cars in Switzerland, covering the types of fuel, payment methods, and the overall process to ensure a smooth experience.
View details
Your Guide to Avoiding Hidden Car Rental Fees
Navigate the hidden costs of car rentals in Interlaken with this comprehensive guide, covering everything from insurance jargon to essential checklists for a surprise-free experience.
View details
Interlaken Car Rental Insurance: Avoid Costly Swiss Repair Bills
Comprehensive guide to car rental insurance for Interlaken and the Swiss Alps. Learn the real risks of mountain roads and tight parking, understand CDW/LDW, deductibles and exclusions, compare rental-company zero-excess protection (Path A) vs. third-party reimbursement policies (Path B), why credit-card coverage can be risky, and use a practical checklist to choose the right, cost-effective coverage for your trip.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"null"

Booking Patterns

"null"

Customer Pain Points

"null"

Drive Through Interlaken's Alpine Wonderland

Your Complete Driving Guide to Interlaken, Switzerland: Speed Rules, Rental Costs, Gas Prices, and Road Safety Tips for an Unforgettable Alpine Adventure

LANGUAGES

German, French, Italian, Romansh

CURRENCY

CHF

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+41

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$86 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

3 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

80-120 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05%

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.38/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$2.10/L - $2.65/L

TRAVELER RATING

8.5 / 10

Interlaken Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and car rental FAQs for exploring Switzerland's Alpine heartland

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Switzerland as an American?
Yes, you'll need both your US driver's license AND an International Driving Permit (IDP). Switzerland requires an IDP for non-EU/EFTA license holders. You can get an IDP through AAA before departure (about $20). Without it, you risk fines starting at CHF 200 if stopped by police. The IDP is valid for 1 year and serves as a certified translation of your license.
Is the Swiss highway vignette really mandatory, and how do I pay for it?
Absolutely mandatory—no exceptions. Switzerland uses a physical sticker (vignette) system, not electronic tolls. The CHF 40 vignette must be displayed on your windshield for any highway use. You cannot rent an electronic tag. Purchase it at border crossings, gas stations, or post offices before driving on highways. Driving without one incurs an instant CHF 200 fine, even if you immediately exit.
I'm 22—how much will I pay in young driver fees to rent a car in Interlaken?
Expect to pay a young driver surcharge of CHF 25-35 per day if you're under 25. Most rental companies in Switzerland charge this fee for drivers aged 21-24. Some specialty or premium vehicles require drivers to be at least 25. Budget accordingly—this fee can add CHF 175-245 to a 7-day rental. Always check the minimum age policy for your specific vehicle class before booking.
Will my US credit card work for car rental deposits and gas payment?
Major US credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are widely accepted at Swiss rental counters. Expect a substantial credit card pre-authorization: CHF 1,500-3,000 is common for security deposits. Debit cards are rarely accepted. For gas, credit cards work at most stations, though some smaller rural stations only take Swiss francs or Euro. Notify your bank before traveling to prevent fraud alerts blocking transactions abroad.
What driving dangers should I prepare for when exploring Interlaken's mountain passes?
Swiss Alpine roads demand respect. Many mountain passes (Grimsel, Susten, Lötsberg) are closed October-April due to heavy snow. When open, expect sharp hairpin turns, single-lane tunnels, and sudden weather shifts. Winter tires are legally required when conditions dictate—rentals equipped with winter tires are available from October through April. Snow chains (CHF 15-30 rental) are mandatory on certain routes and must be installed before ascending. Check pass status at gotthard-pass.ch before departure.

QEEQ Platform Awards

Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2022

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2022

Best Business Partner Award of ABG 2023 & 2024

Best Business Partner Award of ABG 2023 & 2024

Business Excellence Awards 2024

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car Rental Service Category

The Magellan Awards in Car Rental Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

Recommended by our customers

Trusted by customers worldwide and we're always working to improve.

Trustpilot