Basel car rentals

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.

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).

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.

On average a rental car in Basel costs $67 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 $59.

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Sixt ($41/day), Hertz ($45/day) and Europcar ($56/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Sixt Euroairport 4030 (4 miles from city center).

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.

The average gas price in Basel is $7.75 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $93 and $124, depending on the car size.

Mini (Fiat 500 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Basel.

Car rental companies onsite at EuroAirport Swiss include Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis, Dollar and National.

Car rental companies onsite at Mulhouse EuroAirport include Rentscape, Thrifty, Dollar and Hertz.

Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from EuroAirport Swiss to off-airport locations include Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis, Dollar, and National.

Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Mulhouse EuroAirport to off-airport locations include Sixt, Avis, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Rhodium, Thrifty, Budget, Europcar, Dollar, and Hertz.

Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

A Mini car rental in Basel costs $44 per day, on average.

A Standard car rental in Basel costs $48 per day, on average.

An Economy car rental in Basel costs $52 per day, on average.

In Basel, cars are most frequently rented at Budget Aeroport Cote Francais (4 miles from city center).

On average a rental car in Basel costs $469 per week ($67 per day).

On average a rental car in Basel costs $2,011 per month ($67 per day).

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.

KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 22 car rental agencies 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!).

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.

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.

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.