Basel City Centre Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Basel City Centre

Renting a car in Basel City Centre offers excellent freedom and flexibility for exploring the area at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, business travellers, or those seeking a city-themed experience, as it allows for easy luggage management and adaptable travel plans. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions like the Basler Muenster, a stunning cathedral, and the Basel Art Museum, both located within Basel City Centre. The historic Basel Town Hall is also easily accessible, enhancing your cultural experience.

Additionally, a rental car enables you to explore popular nearby destinations, such as the picturesque Old Town, located less than 1 km away, where you can discover the same attractions in a charming setting. Wettstein, another area less than 1 km from Basel City Centre, features the Jean Tinguely Museum, adding to your itinerary. Having a car ensures that you can navigate these sites without the constraints of public transport, making your visit to Basel both enjoyable and efficient.

Most popular car rentals in and around Basel City Centre

• Compact: The Compact car is a favourite among travellers in Basel City Centre, accommodating up to 5 people and 3 medium suitcases. This option is excellent for solo adventurers, couples, or families looking for a vehicle that is easy to manoeuvre in urban areas. Its smaller size makes parking simpler, allowing you to explore the city at your leisure while managing your luggage effortlessly.
• Economy: The Economy car is another highly booked choice, also seating 5 passengers and fitting up to 2 medium suitcases. It is particularly suited for solo travellers, couples, or families seeking an economical and efficient way to navigate Basel City Centre. With its focus on affordability and fuel efficiency, this option allows you to enjoy your travels without breaking the bank.
• Standard SUV AWD: The Standard SUV AWD is ideal for those travelling in groups or families, accommodating up to 5 people and 2 small suitcases. This car type provides a higher driving position and additional comfort, making it a great choice for exploring the city and its surroundings. Its all-wheel drive capability adds versatility for those looking to venture beyond the city limits, providing peace of mind in various driving conditions.

Top rated car suppliers in and around Basel City Centre

• Sixt: Sixt is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility in Basel City Centre, with a convenient rental location in the area. Known for its friendly service, Sixt offers a variety of vehicles, with the Compact car being the most booked option. This makes it an excellent choice for those wanting a nimble vehicle to navigate the city and surrounding areas easily.
• Europcar: With three rental locations, including the nearest in Basel City Centre, Europcar provides excellent accessibility for tourists. The supplier is particularly favoured for its Midsize SUV AWD and Economy vehicles, which cater to families and individuals alike. This variety allows you to choose a car that best fits your travel needs, ensuring a comfortable journey through the beautiful landscapes of Switzerland.
• Hertz: Located a mere 2 km away from Basel City Centre, Hertz is another reliable option for car rentals. Known for its straightforward booking process, Hertz offers the Compact car as its most popular choice, making it ideal for those who prefer a convenient and efficient vehicle. With its proximity and solid reputation, Hertz is a great option for exploring the local attractions and beyond.

Where to stay around Basel City Centre

• Basel City Centre: The heart of Basel, this area offers a vibrant mix of culture and convenience. Staying in the city centre places you within easy reach of key attractions such as the Basler Muenster and the Basel Art Museum. Enjoy local restaurants and public markets, making it ideal for both family and business-themed experiences.
• Birsfelden: Located a mere 2 km from Basel City Centre, Birsfelden is an excellent choice for families and sports enthusiasts. The area features relaxing lakeside views and is close to various entertainment facilities. Explore the local dining scene and visit attractions like the Basler Muenster and Munsterplatz, offering a rich cultural experience.
• Muttenz: Situated 5 km from Basel City Centre, Muttenz is perfect for those seeking a family-oriented atmosphere with a focus on sports and entertainment. With numerous cafes and dining options, you can unwind after exploring nearby attractions such as the Basler Muenster and Basel Art Museum. Its proximity to a sports facility stadium makes it a great option for active travellers.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Basel City Centre

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary with demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals implement a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favourable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which can also be convenient; just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can assist you in avoiding unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Basel City Centre

The best value period for renting a car in and around Basel City Centre is February, when prices are low and demand is at its lowest. March also offers decent value, with low prices and average demand. As spring approaches, April to May sees moderate prices but higher demand. However, January tends to be the most expensive month, with high prices despite low demand, making it less ideal for budget-conscious travellers. June and July are particularly busy and pricey, attracting many visitors.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	34.9°F (1.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	High
February	36.5°F (2.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Low
March	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Low
April	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
June	64.4°F (18.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	High
July	67.8°F (19.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	High
August	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	60.3°F (15.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Low
December	37.0°F (2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average