Hertz car hire in Basel

Hire a car in Basel and start exploring Switzerland and its third most-populous city, situated on the border between France and Germany. Renowned for its contribution to Swiss culture, and the many museums and theatres around the city, Basel is home to some prestigious architecture.

Journey through the old medieval town and admire the impressive 12^th-century gothic cathedral. There’s also to the Museum of Fine arts, containing the world’s oldest art collection.

Choose car hire in Basel for easy movement across the region via the A3 Motorway. Bern, Lazuren and Zurich can be reached in less than an hour’s drive from the city. Or venture further afield across the borders of southern France into the picturesque Montreux.

Whatever your plans, it’s easy to find great hire cars with Hertz. We have a range of vehicles to choose from, from stylish saloons to compact family hatchbacks.

Hire a car in Basel with Hertz online and embark on your city getaway today.

Driving in and around Basel

Parking in Basel

• Parkhaus Storchen (4051) is a multi-storey car park that offers 24/7 parking and nearly 150 spaces, situated close to Helvetia auf Reisen,Stoll Turm and Drachenreiter Statue.
• Rebgasse Parking (4058) provides 24/7 parking and can be found in the Altstadt Kleinbasel area of the city, filled with boutique stores and art galleries.
• Parking St. Jakobshalle (4142) is open 24/7, nearby Aussichtspunkt,Etbilder and Labyrinthplatz Basel.

Key roads in Basel

• A2 motorway starts in the Otterbach area of the city and leaves Basel south, passing through Lucerne and eventually reaching Lugano, near the Italian border.
• A3 motorway runs diagonally from France through central Basel, heading east out of the city. It’s the main route into Zurich and travels beyond onto the Liechtenstein border.
• A5 motorway runs from the southern end of the Swiss border near Basel, through the German states of Hessen and Baden-Wurttemberg.

How to get from Basel to Zurich

It takes around 90 minutes to drive the 54 miles from Basel to Zurich.

1. Leave central Basel via Voltastrasse.
2. Merge onto the A3 toll road and follow for around two miles.
3. Stay left to remain on the A2/A3 toll road for seven miles.
4. Keep left and continue on A3 for 27 miles.
5. At the 53-Birrfeld junction, follow signs for E60/A1/A3 toward Zurich.
6. Stay left at the fork to remain on A1/A3.
7. After eight miles, keep left to stay on A1H.
8. Continue on Route 1/Route 3 and follow this route into the city centre.

How to get from Basel to Geneva

Geneva is around a three-hour drive south-west from Basel. Take the A3 toll road out of the city centre, then follow the A2/E25/E35 to Gotthard/Luzern/Bern/Arisdorf. Join the E25/A1 at the 45-Harkingen junction and continue onto the A1 near Bern. Just outside Lausanne, remain on the A1 and follow into Geneva.

A quick guide to Basel

Best hotels in Basel

Der Teufelhof Basel

Leonhardsgraben 47-49, 4051

Situated in the picturesque Old Town, with Basel’s tourist sights and attractions within easy reach, Der Teufelhof Basel is one of the world’s first art-themed hotels. This guesthouse is housed within two 18^th-century townhouses and contains artistically designed rooms, a Michelin starred restaurant and impressive art exhibits, including a large canvas showcasing guests’ artistic creations.

Nomad

Brunngässlein 8, 4052

Completed in 2016, this four-star minimalistic hotel boats a central location and impressive facilities, including an onsite gym, spa, TRX equipment and yoga mats. Grab a bite to eat after a busy day of exploring at the onsite eatery, which features a large dining area and serves a compilation of dishes under a remarkable skylight.

Hotel Les Trois Rois

Blumenrain 8, 4001

One of Europe’s oldest city hotels, inviting guests for over 300 years, Les Trois Rois lies in the heart of Basel’s Old City. This five-star accommodation features huge red velvet draped windows that offer enviable views of the flowing River Rhine. Its cosmopolitan feel is perhaps gained through its quirky features – it was built on the site of a medieval inn, still noticeable in its unusual wonky staircase.

Best restaurants in Basel

Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl

Blumenrain 8, 4001

Cheval Blanc is an elegant riverside eatery in the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. Its refined menu features innovative French dishes with delicately balanced flavours. The restaurant ranks among the top 100 restaurants in the world and has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide.

Schlüsselzunft

Freie Str. 25, 4001

Nested away in a century’s old tavern with elegant chandeliers, Schlüsselzunft serves up creative European dishes with exceptional culinary combinations. From perch fillet with pears and fennel to fish in tartar sauce, there’s a wealth of new dishes to try – your tastebuds are in for a mouth-watering treat.

Roter Bären

Ochsengasse 17, 4058

Roter Bären invites you to experience seasonal Swiss cuisine in a classic venue, complete with a formal and relaxed dining space. A variety of plates are on offer, including Hokkaido, piopini mushroom and curry tortellini and succulent lamb chops, served with venere risotto, yoghurt and balsamic vinegar.

Best things to do in and around Basel

Fine Arts Museum Basel

St. Alban-Graben 16, 4051

Listed as a heritage site of national significance, Fine Arts Museum Basel houses the oldest public art collection in the world. Wander the halls, which house a collection that was first opened to public viewing back in 1671, which were opened in 1936. Discover a collection of masterpieces dating from the 17^th to the 19^th century, including the works of Hans Holbein.

Zoo Basel

Binningerstrasse 40, 4054

Basel Zoo houses a large number of native and exotic animals and has been operating in the city since 1874. Visit to meet King penguins, freshwater crocodiles and learn about the zoo’s nature conservation projects. There’s also the chance to find out more about the animals and their habitats in a guided tour.

Old Town

4001

Home to painted fountains, old-fashioned churches and attractive quaint houses, wander through the pebble streets of Basel’s Old Town. Experience its well-preserved historic heritage and admire the gothic architecture of Basel Cathedral. Don’t forget to head to the city market and tuck into some of the city’s finest produce and fresh goods.