Locarno car rentals

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Cheap car rentals in Locarno

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Economy car
Economy
Compact car
Compact
Intermediate car
Intermediate
Standard car
Standard
Full-size car
Full-size
Luxury car
Luxury
Minivan car
Minivan
Passenger van car
Passenger van
Commercial car
Commercial
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Locarno

  • Driving a car hire in Locarno will give you the freedom to explore the city and its surrounding areas with your own itinerary and speed. This means you won't have to rely on public transportation schedules, which can be particularly beneficial when visiting less touristy places or when you have a specific itinerary in mind. With a Locarno car hire, you can easily venture beyond Locarno and explore other charming towns in Ticino, such as Ascona, Bellinzona, or Lugano.
  • The closest airport to Locarno is Lugano Airport (LUG), whichsituated approximately 40 km southwest of Locarno, in the city of Lugano, Switzerland. The airport is small but it serves as a regional airport and offers domestic and international flights to various destinations. At the airport you will find several car hire companies located outside the terminal in the airport’s car park, where you can book and collect your car hire in Locarno to continue your journey.
  • When driving your car hire in Locarno, be aware that the city is situated in a mountainous region, and driving on winding and steep mountain roads can be challenging, especially for drivers who are not accustomed to such terrain. Be cautious and drive at a safe speed, especially in adverse weather conditions. Moreover, some streets in Locarno's historic centre and other old towns in the region can be narrow and winding. Locarno is also a pedestrian-friendly city with many cyclists, so pay attention to bike lanes and pedestrian crossings.
  • It is good to take note that depending on the time of year, weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly in the mountainous areas. Snow, ice, and heavy rain can make driving more hazardous during the winter and early spring months, so be prepared for changing weather and road conditions. You should also be aware that the region around Locarno has several tunnels, including the Gotthard Road Tunnel, which is one of the longest road tunnels in the world. Exercise caution while driving through tunnels and adhere to the posted speed limits and safety guidelines.
  • Book your rental car in Locarno at least 4 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Compact rental cars in Locarno are around 22% more expensive than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Locarno

  • Can I rent an automatic car in Locarno?

    Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Locarno. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.

  • How much is gas price in Locarno?

    The average gas price in Locarno is $7.67 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $92 and $123, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Locarno?

    Compact (Volkswagen Golf or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Locarno.

  • Which car rental companies are at Lugano airport (LUG)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Lugano airport include Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Lugano airport (LUG)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Lugano airport to off-airport locations include Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Locarno?

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

  • How much does a Compact car rental cost in Locarno?

    A Compact car rental in Locarno costs $106 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Locarno?

    An Intermediate car rental in Locarno costs $53 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Mini car rental cost in Locarno?

    A Mini car rental in Locarno costs $34 per day, on average.

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in Locarno?

    Most car rental providers in Locarno offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Locarno, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

  • How many car agencies are operating in Locarno?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 7 car rental agencies in Locarno.

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Locarno?

    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 Locarno?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Locarno so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Locarno?

    It can be a good idea to opt for a compact or mid-size car in Locarno as the city, as many surrounding areas in Ticino have narrow streets and tight parking spaces. A compact or mid-size car would be more manoeuvrable and easier to park in urban areas. Moreover, since Locarno is situated in a mountainous region, some roads might be uneven or have potholes. A car with good ground clearance can better handle such terrain. Alternatively, having an AWD or 4WD car can be beneficial, especially during winter.

  • What is the speed limit in Locarno?

    In built-up areas, towns and cities, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h. When circulating outside these built-up areas, the speed limit is generally 80 km/h, while on major roads and expressways the speed limit can range from 80 to 120 km/h, depending on the specific road and signage. And on the highways (autobahns), the maximum speed limit is 120 km/h, unless otherwise indicated. It is advised to always check the road signs for any changes in the speed limits to ensure you are travelling safely on the roads.

  • Where are the best places to park my car rental in Locarno?

    Within Locarno city centre, you will find many parking options during your visit to the city. In the blue parking zones you will require a parking disc, so it is recommended to park in the white parking areas, where a small fee is paid. For example the covered parking garage Centro Castello, Locarno offers parking from Monday to Sunday which will cost you around CHF1.90 (₹179) for 1 hour of parking and around CHF19.90 (₹1875) for 24 hours of parking.

Locarno car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Hertz

No score available yet

Best rated

2 locations in Locarno

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Locations in Locarno

Locarno Magadino Airport

+41 91 743 50 50

Monday08:00 - 11:0014:00 - 16:00
Tuesday14:00 - 16:0008:00 - 11:00
Wednesday08:00 - 11:0014:00 - 16:00
Thursday14:00 - 16:0008:00 - 11:00
Friday08:00 - 11:0014:00 - 16:00

Piazza Stazione

+41 91 743 50 50

Monday13:30 - 17:3008:00 - 11:00
Tuesday13:30 - 17:3008:00 - 11:00
Wednesday08:00 - 11:0013:30 - 17:30
Thursday13:30 - 17:3008:00 - 11:00
Friday08:00 - 11:0013:30 - 17:30

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

2 locations in Locarno

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Locations in Locarno

Locarno Magadino Airport

Opening times not available

Piazza Stazione

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

No score available yet

One location in Locarno

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Locations in Locarno

Piazza Stazione

+41 91 743 50 50

Monday08:00 - 11:0013:30 - 17:30
Tuesday13:30 - 17:3008:00 - 11:00
Wednesday08:00 - 11:0013:30 - 17:30
Thursday13:30 - 17:3008:00 - 11:00
Friday13:30 - 17:3008:00 - 11:00

Filters

No reviews available

Europcar

No score available yet

One location in Locarno

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Locations in Locarno

C/o Parking Centro

+41 91 760 08 55

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

keddy by Europcar

No score available yet

One location in Locarno

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Locations in Locarno

C/O Parking Centro- Via Giuseppe Cattori 2

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Shouqi

No score available yet

One location in Locarno

Show locations

Locations in Locarno

C/o Parking Centro Via Giuseppe Cattori 2

+41 91 760 08 55

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

No score available yet

One location in Locarno

Locations in Locarno

Piazza Stazione

+41 91 743 50 50

Monday13:30 - 17:3008:00 - 11:00
Tuesday13:30 - 17:3008:00 - 11:00
Wednesday13:30 - 17:3008:00 - 11:00
Thursday08:00 - 11:0013:30 - 17:30
Friday13:30 - 17:3008:00 - 11:00

Filters

No reviews available

Car rental locations in or near Locarno

Good to know

Most popular car type

Compact

When to book a rental car in Locarno

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches

Locarno car rental information

Pick-up locationLocarno
Car types
Rental locations10
Airport locations1

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