Car Rental in Interlaken - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Interlaken can be worthwhile for exploring the surrounding Swiss Alps and countryside at your own pace, particularly for visiting mountain villages, scenic viewpoints, and areas not easily reached by public transport. However, within Interlaken itself, a car is generally unnecessary – the town is compact and walkable, with excellent train and bus connections to major attractions like Jungfraujoch and Grindelwald. Switzerland drives on the right side of the road, and road conditions are typically excellent year-round, though mountain passes may require winter tires or chains during colder months. Parking in Interlaken can be limited and expensive, especially during peak tourist seasons. A car rental makes most sense if you're planning multi-day road trips through the Bernese Oberland region or want flexibility to explore remote valleys and lakeside towns. Keep in mind that Swiss vignettes (highway toll stickers) are required for motorway use, and fuel costs are relatively high. For tourists staying primarily in Interlaken and using it as a base for mountain excursions, the comprehensive public transport network often proves more convenient and cost-effective than renting a vehicle.

International Driving Permit

Generally recommended for non-EU visitors to Switzerland. Check current requirements with rental agencies as acceptance varies by country of origin.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies in Interlaken typically require drivers to be at least 21-25 years old. Young driver surcharges often apply for those under 25.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. EU licenses are generally accepted; non-EU visitors should verify acceptance with rental agencies.

Credit Card

A credit card in the driver's name is typically required for security deposits. Debit cards are often not accepted for the deposit hold.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included, but additional coverage options are available. Consider comprehensive coverage for mountain driving conditions in the region.

Vignette for Highway Use

Switzerland requires a highway vignette (toll sticker) for motorway use. Rental cars usually include this, but verify with your rental agency before driving.

Rent from Interlaken Ost or West train stations for convenient pickup without needing to reach Zurich or Bern airports - most major international agencies have locations here with straightforward access from your accommodation.

Before driving off, verify the vehicle has winter equipment (required by law seasonally in Switzerland), check for existing damage thoroughly, and confirm whether your rental includes the Swiss motorway vignette (highway toll sticker) which is mandatory.

GPS navigation is recommended for mountain routes around Interlaken, but confirm whether it's included or if you should use your phone with offline maps downloaded beforehand - Swiss mountain areas can have limited mobile signal.

Fuel stations close early in smaller Swiss towns, so plan refueling during business hours; parking in Interlaken's center is limited and metered - consider using designated parking areas on the outskirts and walking into town.

Return the car with the agreed fuel level (typically full tank) and allow extra time for the return inspection - agencies at train stations generally have more flexible hours than airport locations for drop-off.

Mountain weather changes rapidly in Interlaken - sudden fog, rain, or snow can reduce visibility to near zero within minutes, especially on higher elevation roads and mountain passes.

Narrow Alpine roads with steep drops, tight hairpin turns, and limited guardrails require experienced mountain driving skills; many routes have no shoulder and oncoming traffic in blind curves.

Winter driving (November-April) requires winter tires by law, and many mountain passes close seasonally or require chains - check road conditions before departure as closures happen without much notice.

Parking in Interlaken's compact center is extremely limited and expensive; many streets are pedestrian-only zones with strict enforcement, and unauthorized entry can result in significant fines.