Explore the latest trends and booking tips. The data is based on booking statistics from the past six months.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Bern?
Over the past 72 hours, the lowest car-hire prices in Bern came from Budget (€10/day), Hertz (€12/day) and Alamo (€12/day). The cheapest of all was Budget — about 2.0 miles from the city centre.
What is the most popular rental car in Bern?
Mini cars are the most popular choice in Bern, costing around €17/day on average. Some drivers have found deals from as little as €9/day.
Mini32%
Standard23%
Electric20%
Business10%
Van15%
Bern car rental price comparison by vehicle type
How much does it cost to hire a Mini car in Bern?
Mini car hire in Bern typically costs around €17 per day. Prices are lowest in Feb, averaging €12 per day — roughly 29% below the yearly average. Mini cars are usually 60% cheaper than the average car hire in Bern.
How much does it cost to hire a Standard car in Bern?
Standard car hire in Bern typically costs around €28 per day. Prices are lowest in Feb, averaging €20 per day — roughly 29% below the yearly average. Standard cars are usually 33% cheaper than the average car hire in Bern.
How much does it cost to hire a Business car in Bern?
Business car hire in Bern typically costs around €94 per day. Prices are lowest in Feb, averaging €68 per day — roughly 28% below the yearly average. Business cars are usually 124% more expensive than the average car hire in Bern.
How much does it cost to hire a SUV car in Bern?
SUV car hire in Bern typically costs around €38 per day. Prices are lowest in Feb, averaging €27 per day — roughly 29% below the yearly average. SUV cars are usually 10% cheaper than the average car hire in Bern.
How much does it cost to hire a Van car in Bern?
Van car hire in Bern typically costs around €41 per day. Prices are lowest in Feb, averaging €29 per day — roughly 29% below the yearly average. Van cars are usually 2% cheaper than the average car hire in Bern.
How much does it cost to hire an Electric car in Bern?
Electric car hire in Bern typically costs around €33 per day. Prices are lowest in Feb, averaging €24 per day — roughly 27% below the yearly average. Electric cars are usually 21% cheaper than the average car hire in Bern.
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Bern car rental — FAQ
Booking a car in Bern 2-4 weeks in advance usually gives the best choice of vehicles and rates, especially around ski season, summer holidays, and major events. For peak dates, book even earlier to secure automatics or special classes. Last-minute bookings are possible, but expect higher prices and fewer model options.
After you return the car in Bern, the rental company usually releases the security deposit within 7-14 business days, depending on your bank and card issuer. The hold may appear as a pending transaction until it clears. If you prefer to avoid a large deposit altogether, look for no-deposit / no-credit-card deals when comparing offers.
The excess (deductible) is the maximum amount you pay if the rental car is damaged or stolen, even when basic insurance is included. In Switzerland it typically ranges from about CHF 800 to CHF 2,500, depending on car class and provider. You can often reduce or even bring this excess close to zero by purchasing optional extra coverage when booking or at the counter.
Most rental desks in Bern require a major credit card in the main driver's name to block the security deposit. Some local or alternative providers accept debit cards or cash, but conditions are stricter and options are limited. To skip a large card hold, filter offers that clearly advertise no-deposit / no-credit-card deals and always check the payment policy before confirming.
In Bern, a small to mid-size rental car typically costs around CHF 60-110 per day, depending on season, demand, and how early you book. Winter, local festivals, and last-minute reservations can push prices higher, while longer rentals often lower the average daily rate. Extras like GPS, child seats, or additional drivers will add to the overall cost.
At Bern - Airport (BRN), the on-site car rental desks are operated by Hertz and Avis. Their counters are usually located in or near the main terminal building, with vehicles parked close by for convenient pick-up and drop-off. Always check your voucher for exact desk location and opening hours before you travel.
Bookingcar lets you easily compare many Bern offers in one place, so you can find the right car size, mileage plan, and insurance at a clear price. You see rental conditions upfront, helpful customer reviews, and options from big brands and local suppliers. This saves time, reduces unpleasant counter surprises, and often secures better value than walk-up rates.
If you return your Bern rental car late, most companies charge an extra fee, usually calculated per additional hour and quickly reaching the cost of another rental day. Failing to return the car at all can be treated as a serious contract breach. If you realize you will be delayed, contact the rental company immediately to request an extension and confirm revised pricing.
Central Bern has several convenient car parks, including Parkhaus Casino, Parkhaus Rathaus, and City-West parking near the train station. These are paid, barrier-controlled garages with clear signage and ticket machines. In outer districts, blue zone street parking allows limited free parking with a parking disc. Always check local signs for time limits, fees, and resident restrictions.
From Bern you can usually drive into neighboring countries like Germany, France, Italy, or Austria, but cross-border rules depend on the rental company and vehicle type. Some destinations are restricted or carry extra insurance and breakdown fees. Always declare planned border crossings when booking and on arrival, so they can be added to your rental agreement and properly insured.
Built-up areas (towns, villages): usually 50 km/h
Some residential / special zones: 30 km/h or 20 km/h (clearly signed)
Rural roads: generally 80 km/h
Expressways (autostrassen): typically 100 km/h
Motorways (autobahnen): usually 120 km/h
Always follow local signs, as temporary or local limits override the general rules.
What drivers say about Bern
★★★★★★4.5
★★★★★★4.5
"I travelled with a friend and the pick-up in Bern was smooth, staff friendly and the car in great condition, with winter tyres already fitted. Only slight downside: the return area signage at the station was a bit confusing and we had to circle once."
L
Luca Gerber
Bern
★★★★★4
"We booked a family car in Bern for a week with our two children. The booking process was easy, and the child seats were clean and properly installed. The car had plenty of space for luggage and drove very well through the mountains."
S
Sabine
Bern
★★★★★4
"We rented as a couple for a weekend in Bern. Car was clean and economical, staff polite. Just wished the pick-up desk stayed open a little later in the evening."
