This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Basel with a pick-up date of 10/14 and drop-off date of 10/31. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap car rentals in Basel
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Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
Booking Insights
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Good deal
Budget
Economy
$77/day
$59/day
KAYAK’s insights & trends for Basel car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Basel with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Basel?
You should book your rental car in Basel around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Basel?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($20.99/day), Sixt ($31.41/day) and Budget ($31.80/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Hertz Nauenstrasse 33 (0.6 mi from city center).
What is the best rental car company in Basel?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Basel are Dollar (10.0), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (9.0, 1 review), and Europcar (9.0, 2 reviews).
Economy rentals (Citroen C3 or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in Basel. Economy rentals in Basel cost $77/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $42/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Basel?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Basel is January at an average cost of $48/day. July is the most expensive month to rent a car in Basel when prices are $92/day on average, which tends to be 43% above the yearly average rental price for Basel.
What rental car company in Basel has the most locations?
Sunnycars operates 7 locations in Basel, more than any other rental company.
Make sure you take out damage protection to stop them trying to make money off you.
Verified travelerOct 2023
No tips needed, excellent setup with cars right by arrivals. You can be in your car within 5 minutes!
Verified travelerSep 2023
When returning to the return rental lot, get a ticket at the rental car return gate like you were parking there. The gate will open. Park in a space for your company and take the key inside.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Basel
Basel is a great place to be based, especially with a rental car. A vehicle will allow you to explore not only the city’s main attractions, such as its many art galleries and museums, but also other destinations in Switzerland, Germany, and France. Head to Rotteln Castle in Germany, which is only about 25 minutes away from Basel, or to the Black Forest for some fairytale-like views.
EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (EAP) is about a 10-minute drive from Basel’s city center. The airport is divided into two sectors, the French one and the Swiss one, and you can circulate between both through the access area on the terminal’s third floor. Car rental desks on the French side are located on level 2 of Hall 1, and on the Swiss side they can be found on level 2 of Hall 4.
Because the Old Town area can be tricky to navigate, opt for parking the car in the surrounding areas instead. If you do drive there, remember that trams always have the priority. Dipped headlights must be on at all times. If you drive through rural areas, be cautious as you may come across herds of animals crossing the roads.
As with any main city, Basel experiences some heavy traffic during peak hour, so avoid driving between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., and then again between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. during the week. The A35 heading to the airport can also get quite congested during rush hour, so if you have to be at the airport at a specific time, plan your journey accordingly.
If you are looking into cheap car rentals in Basel, there are things you should keep in mind about driving on Swiss highways and mountainous roads. Any vehicles on the highway must display a toll sticker. Basel car rentals should come with this sticker, so when you pick up your rental vehicle, make sure the sticker is attached. When you are driving on a narrow, steep road and come head to head with another car, the ascending vehicle gets the right of way.
The blood alcohol limit in Switzerland is much lower than the limit in the United States. Compared to the United States, which has a limit of .08%, Switzerland has a legal limit of .05%. If you are stopped and tested and have a blood alcohol level between .05% and .079%, you will be fined and possibly arrested. If your blood alcohol level is any higher, the fine increases, the chance of arrest increases, and you might have your license revoked for 3 months or more.
Cheap car rentals in Basel give you the freedom to not only drive around Switzerland, but also drive into France. If, for example, you want to drive to Paris in your Basel car rental, it will take you approximately 5 hours and 44 minutes. If you plan to cross the border, though, make sure you tell the rental car company. Cheap car rentals in Basel will most likely charge you a cross-border fee in order to cover any damages that might occur while you are abroad.
25% of our users found rental cars in Basel for $59 or less
Compact rental cars in Basel are around 59% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Basel
What type of car is recommended for driving in Basel?
If you’re just driving across the city of Basel, a small, compact car is a better option for navigating and parking downtown. But if you’re hitting the road and heading to the countryside or even across country borders, book a mid-size sedan, as it offers more space and comfort, especially if you’re with family or friends.
What’s the speed limit in Basel?
The speed limit in built-up areas is usually 50 km/h (31 mph) unless the posted signs indicate otherwise. The speed limit on main roads and other minor roads outside urban areas is 80 km/h (50 mph), and on expressways it is 100 km/h (62 mph). Motorways allow drivers to go at a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).
Where are the best places to park in Basel?
Avoid parking in the Old Town, as spaces are scarce and fairly expensive. Metered parking across the city is enforced from 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday, with rates ranging between $1-3 per hour, depending on location. For longer stays, you can buy either a half-day ticket or a day ticket, for $6 and $10 respectively, at the BVB (Basler Verkehrs Betriebe) ticket machines.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Basel?
On average a rental car in Basel costs $77 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Basel found in the last 2 weeks is $55.
Can I rent an automatic car in Basel?
Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Basel. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.
Which car rental companies are at EuroAirport Swiss (BSL)?
Which car rental companies are at Mulhouse EuroAirport (MLH)?
Car rental companies onsite at Mulhouse EuroAirport include Rentscape and Hertz.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at EuroAirport Swiss (BSL)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from EuroAirport Swiss to off-airport locations include Budget, Alamo, Sixt, Thrifty, Avis, Hertz, and Europcar.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Mulhouse EuroAirport (MLH)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Mulhouse EuroAirport to off-airport locations include Europcar, Budget, Alamo, Sixt, and Hertz.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Basel?
An Economy car rental in Basel costs $83 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Basel?
A Compact car rental in Basel costs $83 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Basel?
An Intermediate car rental in Basel costs $120 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Basel?
In Basel, cars are most frequently rented at Budget Flughafen Basel Muehlhausen (4 miles from city center).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Basel?
Most car rental providers in Basel offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Basel, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Basel?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 22 car rental agencies in Basel.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Basel?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Basel?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Basel so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
What are the requirements for a US citizen to rent a car in Switzerland?
Basel car rentals require that you be at least 18, though some agencies require you to be 21. You will need your US driver's license, which must be in good standing and which you must have had for at least a year. Since your license will be in English, you will not need an IDP (International Driving Permit.) You also need another form of photo ID, such as a passport, and a major credit card displaying your own name.
Are there any costs I should be aware of when renting a car in Switzerland?
Basel car rentals will almost surely charge your credit card with a “hold” when you pick up your vehicle. This hold could range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. They're not charging your card, but they want to know the money is there in case you destroy or steal their car. (It happens!) The important thing is that your credit card has enough room on it to cover the hold. So, when you make your reservation, find out how much the hold will be and be prepared.
Had to return original car due to mechanical warning light. Second vehicle was an upgrade. Great vehicle and experience overall.
2.0 Poor
Şenol, Dec 2024
Economy
They didnt give car, and said credit card is not working. Later they said they can try another cresit card if i pay 325 $ (my reservation vas for 155$)But i rent anorher car from sixth 5 min later just next to them with the same excat credit card.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2024
Full-size
Staff was rude and very unhelpful, worst of a kind. Lousy service, ZERO online review.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2024
Premium SUV
The entire experience was excellent, but so far I have not received a final receipt in my email.
4.0 Mediocre
Ben, Nov 2022
After dropping the car off and being told that the car was okay after the inspection, Hertz over 24 hours later emailed me assessing me over $200 in damages. Is it because I returned the car full of gas and they couldn’t charge me over $200 for that? I don’t know, but it’s super shady in my opinion. Emailed them, and it’ll take 10 business days before I even get to hear back. What a joke!
Compact, Compact SUV, Compact station wagon, Full-size SUV, Full-size station wagon, Intermediate SUV, Intermediate station wagon, Luxury station wagon, Minivan, Passenger van, Premium station wagon, Standard station wagon
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