Car Hire Interlaken — Unlock the Heart of the Swiss Alps

Squeezed between two turquoise lakes and overshadowed by some of Europe’s most dramatic peaks, Interlaken is the kind of place that makes you want to keep moving. While the trains in Switzerland are legendary, they don’t always align with that spontaneous urge to chase a sunset over Lake Thun or find a quiet trailhead away from the crowds. Renting a car here isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about having the freedom to explore the Jungfrau region on your own terms. You can stop for that photo of a waterfall you see from the road, or drive up to a viewpoint that the railway lines simply don’t reach.

What makes this destination special is its dual nature. Interlaken is the adventure capital, yes, but it’s also a serene escape where the pace of life slows down the higher you go. Having your own vehicle allows you to experience both extremes in a single day. You can spend the morning navigating the bustling streets of the town centre and the afternoon winding up a quiet mountain pass with nothing but cows and alpine air for company. It transforms a standard holiday into a proper road trip through some of the most stunning scenery on the continent.

Picking Up Your Rental Car in Interlaken

Because Interlaken is a smaller town focused on tourism, you won’t find a massive international airport right in the city centre. Most visitors arrive by train, which makes picking up your car remarkably straightforward. The primary pickup spots are located right near the two main railway stations: Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost. Most major brands have desks either inside the station terminals or just a short walk across the street. This means you can hop off a train from Zurich or Geneva, grab a coffee, and be on the road within twenty minutes.

If you are flying in, the closest major airport with a wide selection of rental agencies is Bern Airport, though many travelers opt to take the train directly to Interlaken and pick up their vehicle there to avoid city traffic. When you go to collect your car, make sure you have your valid driver’s licence and a credit card in the main driver’s name. It’s also worth checking if your licence needs an International Driving Permit depending on where you’re from, though most European and North American licences are accepted without issue. Try to book an automatic in advance if you prefer them, as manual transmission is still the default for many fleets in Switzerland.

Where to Go with Your Rental Car in Interlaken

Once you have the keys, the fun begins. The drives around here are genuinely spectacular, offering views that you just can’t get from a train window. Here are a few routes that are worth every drop of fuel:

• Lake Brienz Loop: Take the road east towards the smaller, but equally stunning, Lake Brienz. The drive along the northern shore offers sweeping views of the turquoise water. Stop in the village of Brienz to see the woodcarving shops, or continue on to the Giessbach Falls, where you can park and hike up to a hotel that looks like something out of a fairytale.
• Lauterbrunnen Valley: This is the classic excursion. It’s a short drive south, but the scenery changes rapidly. Park in the village (parking can be tight, so arrive early) and marvel at the Staubbach Falls plunging off the cliff. Having a car here lets you explore the quieter corners of the valley that the train misses.
• Grimsel Pass: For the confident driver, this is a bucket-list drive. Heading east into the mountains, the road winds dramatically upwards, offering hairpin bends and glacial views. It’s a thrilling engineering feat that takes you right to the source of the hydroelectric dams and high alpine terrain. Note that this pass is usually only open from late spring to autumn due to snow.
• St. Beatus Caves: Located on the shores of Lake Thun to the west, this is an easy drive. You can park right at the entrance and take a tour of the underground waterfalls and stalactites. It’s a great option if the weather turns rainy in the valley.

Tips for Driving in Switzerland

Driving in Switzerland is generally a pleasure—the roads are well-maintained, signage is clear, and locals are polite drivers. However, there are a few rules to keep in mind to avoid fines. Firstly, speed limits are strictly enforced. In towns, it is generally 50 km/h, often dropping to 30 km/h in residential zones. On motorways, the limit is 120 km/h, and on country roads, it is usually 80 km/h. Speed cameras are common and often unmarked, so keep an eye on your speedometer.

You will need a Motorway Vignette to drive on Swiss motorways. Most rental cars will already have this sticker displayed on the windscreen, but it is crucial to double-check this before you drive off the lot. If you plan to use the highway system extensively, you don’t want to be caught without one. Regarding fuel, prices in Switzerland can be high compared to neighboring countries, so fill up in town rather than at remote mountain stations if you want to save a few francs. Finally, remember that driving is on the right side of the road. In the mountains, keep an eye out for postal buses (PostAuto); they have priority on narrow mountain roads, so be prepared to reverse to a passing point if one approaches.

Ready to hit the road? Use the search widget above to compare prices and find the perfect vehicle for your Swiss adventure.