Lausanne Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Lausanne

Renting a car in Lausanne provides the freedom and flexibility to explore this beautiful city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting key attractions such as the stunning Lausanne Cathedral and the engaging Olympic Museum, both located in the city. The picturesque Ouchy Port is also a must-see, offering scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Having a rental car allows you to conveniently access popular destinations like the vibrant Lausanne Center, where you can find the aforementioned attractions, and the charming neighborhood of Ouchy. Additionally, the city of Pully, only 3 km away, is home to more sights, including Ouchy Port and the Olympic Museum. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking outdoor adventures, romantic experiences, or cultural enrichment. A rental car not only enhances your sightseeing experience but also ensures you can explore the region without the constraints of public transport schedules, making it a practical option for any traveller in Lausanne.

Most popular car rentals in Lausanne

• Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice for those visiting Lausanne, accommodating up to 5 travellers and providing space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or families looking to explore the city at their own pace. With its manageable size, navigating through Lausanne's streets and parking can be a breeze, making it a practical choice for those wanting flexibility in their travel plans.
• Economy: The Economy car is another well-booked option, accommodating 5 travellers with room for up to 2 medium suitcases. This is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers, including solo visitors, couples, and families. The Economy car offers a great balance of affordability and functionality, allowing you to comfortably navigate Lausanne while keeping costs low. Perfect for those who want the freedom to explore without overspending, this option is very appealing.
• Premium SUV: The Premium SUV caters to business travellers or those seeking a more luxurious experience. Accommodating 5 travellers and up to 2 medium suitcases, this vehicle offers a higher level of comfort and space. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to make a stylish impression while navigating Lausanne or who require a bit more room for luggage. With its elevated driving position and spacious interior, the Premium SUV is perfect for those who appreciate a touch of elegance in their travels.

Top rated car suppliers in Lausanne

• Hertz: Hertz is a popular choice among travellers in Lausanne, known for its reliable service and convenient location. With a focus on providing a seamless rental experience, Hertz offers a well-maintained fleet, including the most booked options of Compact and Premium SUVs, perfect for exploring the scenic surroundings of Lausanne. Customers appreciate the ease of the booking process and the flexibility that comes with renting a vehicle from Hertz, allowing you to manage your itinerary with ease.
• Sixt: Sixt is another top supplier in Lausanne, offering a fantastic selection of vehicles to suit various travel needs. With its rental location in the city, Sixt is well-positioned for tourists seeking to explore the region. The most booked cars from Sixt include Compact and Midsize SUVs, ideal for navigating the picturesque landscapes. Travellers appreciate Sixt for its modern fleet and efficient service, making it a convenient option for those looking to hit the road quickly and comfortably.
• Europcar: Europcar stands out as a reliable rental option in Lausanne, with a strong reputation for its customer service and vehicle quality. Offering Standard and Premium Van AWD options, Europcar is ideal for those needing extra space for luggage or group travel. Its location in Lausanne makes it easy for tourists to pick up their rental and start their adventure. Customers often highlight the cleanliness of the vehicles and the smooth rental process, ensuring a pleasant experience while exploring the beautiful region.

Where to stay in and around Lausanne

• Lausanne Center: This vibrant neighborhood is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Located near the ski fields and resorts, it's perfect for winter sports. Visitors can explore the stunning Lausanne Cathedral, the scenic Ouchy Port, and the fascinating Olympic Museum. The nearby lake, harbor, and marina provide picturesque views and relaxation spots. With a variety of food and drink options, including wineries and coffee shops, Lausanne Center is a convenient base for your adventures.
• Ouchy: Situated along the lakeshore, Ouchy is great for families and beach lovers. This area features an urban park and easy access to attractions like the Olympic Museum and Lausanne Cathedral. The harbor and marina offer stunning scenery and leisure activities. With nearby wineries and bars, Ouchy is ideal for enjoying local beverages while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. This neighborhood is particularly delightful during the warmer months, making it a perfect spot to unwind by the lake.
• Morges: Located 10 km from Lausanne, Morges is known for its romantic atmosphere and scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities near the lake and explore the charming marina and harbor. Key attractions include the picturesque Ouchy Port and the renowned Olympic Museum. Morges also offers a variety of dining options and wineries, making it a lovely destination for food and wine enthusiasts. This charming city is particularly inviting during spring, when its floral displays are in full bloom.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Lausanne

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, use filters on Expedia to locate the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most beneficial option. Others might provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is typically a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but this might be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help prevent unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. It's easy to include car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Lausanne

The best value period to rent a car in and around Lausanne is March, when prices are at their lowest and demand is minimal. April and May can also offer reasonable rates, though demand starts to rise in May. The most expensive period tends to be January, which experiences higher prices and lower demand, while August sees both prices and demand peak during the summer months. December remains pricier with typical demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	33.8°F (1.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately High
February	34.9°F (1.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
March	41.0°F (5.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
April	47.7°F (8.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
May	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
June	61.9°F (16.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	65.7°F (18.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
August	65.3°F (18.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
September	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	43.0°F (6.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
December	36.7°F (2.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately High