Car Hire Bern

Let’s be honest – Bern doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Most travellers zip through Switzerland heading for Zurich or Geneva, completely missing this gem of a capital. But here’s the thing: Bern is actually brilliant as a base for exploring the country, especially if you’ve got your own set of wheels. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site with one of the most beautifully preserved medieval old towns in Europe. We’re talking cobblestone streets, sandstone arcades, and that famous clock tower putting on a show every hour.

Hiring a car in Bern opens up the heart of Switzerland in a way trains simply can’t match. You’re perfectly positioned between the Bernese Oberland Alps and the rolling hills of the Emmental region. Want to wake up in the mountains and be back in a cosy café by afternoon? Entirely doable. Plus, having a car means you can chase those hidden valleys, stop at whichever cheese factory takes your fancy, and explore at your own pace without consulting a rail timetable every twenty minutes.

Picking Up Your Rental Car

Bern isn’t a massive airport hub – Bern Airport (officially Bern-Belp) is quite small and handles mostly regional flights. That said, you’ll find car rental desks right at the terminal, including major providers like Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt. The airport is only about 10 kilometres from the city centre, so you’ll be on the road within half an hour of landing if everything goes smoothly.

If you’re arriving by train – which is how most people get to Bern – you can pick up rental cars from several agencies near the main station (Bern Hauptbahnhof). Some have counters inside the station area, whilst others are just a short walk away. Just make sure you’ve got your driving licence, passport, and credit card handy. An International Driving Permit isn’t strictly necessary for most nationalities, but it’s worth checking before you travel.

One important note: Swiss parking can be pricey, particularly in the city centre. Most hotels offer parking, but always confirm when booking. If you’re staying in the Old Town, you’ll likely need to park in a public garage and walk to your accommodation – those medieval streets weren’t designed for cars.

Where to Go

Interlaken and Lake Thun (45 minutes) – This is the classic Bern day trip. Head out on the A6 motorway and you’ll hit the lakes region in under an hour. Interlaken itself is touristy, but the surrounding area is stunning. Drive along Lake Thun’s northern shore for gorgeous views, or continue to Lauterbrunnen Valley if you’ve got time. The A6 is straightforward, though watch for speed cameras – they’re everywhere in Switzerland.

Grindelwald (1 hour) – Keep going past Interlaken and you’ll reach this famous mountain village. It’s your gateway to the Jungfrau region, and the drive itself is half the fun. Mountain roads can be narrow, so take your time. Summer is glorious, but winter drivers should absolutely request snow tyres or chains – this is serious alpine territory.

Gruyères (50 minutes) – Yes, the cheese. The medieval town of Gruyères is perched on a hill and looks like something from a fairy tale. Visit the cheese factory (La Maison du Gruyère) right at the entrance to town, then drive up to the castle. The route takes you through lovely countryside on the A12, and you’ll pass through some of Switzerland’s dairy heartland.

Thun (30 minutes) – Often overlooked, but Thun is worth the short drive. It’s got a beautiful lakeside setting, a castle with panoramic views, and a charming old town. Great for a half-day trip if you don’t want to venture too far. The drive is simple – mostly motorway and well-signposted.

Lucerne (1 hour 15 minutes) – If you fancy a longer trip, Lucerne delivers that picture-postcard Switzerland experience. Chapel Bridge, lakeside promenades, and mountains all around. The drive takes you along the A6 and A2, skirting Lake Sempach. It’s motorway most of the way, so nice and easy.

Tips for Driving in Switzerland

Right, let’s cover the essentials. First up: the motorway vignette. You’ll need one of these stickers to drive on Swiss motorways, and they cost 40 Swiss francs for a calendar year. Most rental cars should already have one, but double-check before you drive off – getting caught without one means a hefty fine.

Speed limits are strictly enforced, often by cameras rather than police patrols. The limits are: 50 km/h in towns and villages (watch for the place name signs), 80 km/h on open roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. Those cameras are sneaky, and they’ll catch you going just a few kilometres over. Don’t risk it.

Swiss drivers are generally courteous but expect them to follow rules religiously. Always stop for pedestrians at crossings – it’s the law. And when you see a yellow diamond sign, that means you have priority at the upcoming junction. No diamond? Give way to traffic from your right.

Winter driving: If you’re visiting between November and March, winter tyres are essential. Most rental companies will provide them automatically, but ask when booking. Some mountain passes close in winter, so check conditions before setting out. Snow chains are mandatory on certain alpine roads when indicated – again, your rental company should be able to supply these.

Petrol is expensive in Switzerland compared to neighbouring countries, so if you’re crossing borders, consider filling up in France or Germany. That said, Swiss fuel quality is excellent, and stations are well-distributed throughout the country.

Ready to explore Switzerland from Bern? Book your car hire today and discover just how much this underrated region has to offer. The mountains are calling!