Car hire in Lugano, Switzerland

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Lugano

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Lugano car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Lugano pick-up location

There are 8 car hire locations in Lugano. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Lugano

Hiring a car in Lugano: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyEuropcar
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceP5,269

How to book the best car rental deals in Lugano

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Lugano car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Lugano

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Lugano? You're in just the right place. With prices averaging P5,269 a day, we compare the best offers so you can book faster, spend smarter, and hit the road happy.

  • Reserve your ride in November and accelerate your savings. It's the cheapest time of year to rent a car in Lugano, with average daily rates of P2,785.

  • To score a cheap rental car in Lugano, try to book ahead. Prices generally climb as your travel dates get closer, and waiting too long might mean missing out.

  • Browse car hire deals in Lugano from leading providers like Europcar, Hertz and Budget.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Lugano car hire policy, whether with Europcar or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Find the best available rates for a car for rent in Lugano by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Lugano with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You also avoid the high fees rental companies charge for refueling.

  • Want to explore without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.

Compare car hire types in Lugano

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Lugano makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and improved tech features, this Lugano car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: If you're after a car for rent in Lugano big enough for a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group outings, moving or business needs.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Lugano car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it's a safety net if something happens. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's included.

  • Level up your ride with handy extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These features can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in Lugano.

Good to know

  • Younger driver? Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your car hire in Switzerland. Rules can vary, and added costs or restrictions may apply. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to explore your options.

  • Add a car seat to your Lugano car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Regulations change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest option.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Lugano

  • Make time for the top attractions in the city once you've lined up a car hire deal in Lugano. Lungolago di Lugano and Aussichtspunkt San Salvatore are a great opening act for your trip.

  • If you need a place to stay in Lugano while you explore, consider Villa Sassa or Hotel Splendide Royal.

  • Around 21 kilometres north of central Lugano, Bellinzona belongs on your itinerary. Head to can't-miss sights like Montebello Castle and Castelgrande.

  • Hotel Liberty Self Check-In and Boutique & Business Hotel La Tureta are recommended accommodation options in Bellinzona.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Lugano and travel around 23 kilometres north-west to Locarno. Featuring Cardada Panoramic View Point and Lido Locarno, its highlights live up to the buzz.

  • Relax after a big day out in Locarno at EasyRooms dell'Angelo. Or spend your downtime at Hotel dell'Angelo.

  • Why slow down now? Take off to Bern, around 153 kilometres north-west of Lugano. From Old Town Bern to Zytglogge, it'll round out your trip nicely.

  • Next on your itinerary is some serious shut-eye. Novotel Bern Expo and Prize by Radisson, Bern City have rooms ready in Bern.

Frequently asked questions

The cheapest car to rent in Lugano is a compact convertible. The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire company in Lugano is currently Dollar, followed by Hertz.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Lugano is currently November.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Lugano for a whole month is P83,548. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Lugano, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Lugano that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Lugano.
Most places – Lugano included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is P2,459 per day. The average price per day is around P5,269.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Europcar, Dollar and Hertz offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Lugano.