Car Rental - Lugano
Car rental in Lugano gives you complete freedom to explore an intriguing city that boasts the best of two worlds – as well as the spectacular landscape beyond.
Situated in Switzerland’s southernmost Ticino region, close to the border with Italy, Lugano offers a unique blend of Italian influences and Swiss charms. Rent a car in Lugano and discover them all at your own pace.
The residents here speak Italian, Italian food and architecture are widely celebrated across the city, and the climate is even a little bit sunnier here. Switzerland’s distinctive charms aren’t lost either, however, with abundant natural wonders to explore and a laid back vibe to enjoy.
Reserve your Lugano car rental online in advance and choose from a wide range of vehicles, whether you are in need of a spacious family option or something a little sleeker. We have rental car collection points across Lugano, including at Lugano Airport, offering easy access to the Ticino region’s best attractions. Reserve your Hertz rental car in Lugano today.
Lugano Locations
A Quick Guide to Lugano
From its picturesque landscape to its historic landmarks, this destination offers its visitors the best of both Switzerland and Italy.
Here’s just a few ways you can make the most of your trip with a rental car in Lugano.
Enjoy a Peaceful Afternoon at Lake Lugano
Much of Lugano’s natural beauty can be found in its expansive lake, which spreads across Switzerland’s southern tip. Beautifully maintained, it offers a slice of paradise thanks to its calm waters and often warm climate.
Take a boat out on the lake to fully soak up the views of the nearby coastal villages and towering mountains. Alternatively, you can board one of the ferries which depart daily to enjoy a tour of the lake, stopping off at the quaint village of Gandria on the foot of Mount Bre, the picturesque Melide which floats on Lake Lugano and Brusino Arsizio on Monte San Giorgio.
If you prefer to keep your feet grounded, these locations can all be visited by car – and you can also relax in Parco Ciani along the edge of the lake. Just a short drive in your rental car from the heart of Lugano, take a seat on one of the benches dotted around the park and enjoy the tranquility, as well as the impressive mountains looming tall beside.
Explore Spectacular Trails
Engulfed by a mountainous landscape, Lugano is a treasure trove of woodland trails and hiking adventures.
Just to the south of Lugano, Monte San Salvatore offers unparalleled views of the city and lake below. Take the cable car from the base of the mountain to reach the peak, then embark on one of the many scenic trails on your way back to the city, running through the small towns of Carona and Pazzallo.
To the other side of the city lies the famed Olive Grove trail, which runs along the coast from Castagnola across to Gandria. Drive to either in around 10 minutes and then make your way to the path on foot. Staying mainly on flat ground, journey through the winding trails to uncover the history, production and importance of the olive tree in Ticino.
Explore Lugano’s Old Town
Head to Lugano’s old town to fully experience the Swiss/Italian blend which gives the city its unique charm. Encompassing a series of winding streets and seemingly never-ending piazzas, let your senses lead you through the mini neighborhoods which call this part of the city home.
Seemingly plucked out of Tuscany, Lugano’s old town is overflowing with quirky cafés, historic churches and delicious food stalls. Sample fresh bread and pungent cheeses then stop off for an espresso while watching the world go by.
Once you’ve had your fill of Italian delights, head to Piazza della Riforma, the main hub of Lugano’s traditional center. More traditionally Swiss, this square is the beating heart of the city, home to the Town Hall and various events throughout the year.
Ensure you take in all the sights and sounds of this enthralling destination and its surrounding landscape with car rental in Lugano. Rent a car in Lugano direct with Hertz today.
Driving In and Around Lugano
Even though it is tucked away in a beautiful corner of southern Switzerland, Lugano has access to a fantastic road network. The major A2 highway runs along the outskirts of the city, offering travelers easy access to nearby towns as well as wider points of interest, and the rest of the country as a whole.
Collect your rental car from Lugano airport and follow Via Piodella east towards the heart of the city. This journey usually takes just 15 to 20 minutes.
Driving around Lugano itself is relatively straightforward. Just be aware that there are some pedestrianized areas. There is plenty of paid parking in and around the city, including street parking and various lots, where you can conveniently leave your Lugano rental car to explore on foot.
There’s plenty to see beyond the glistening waters of Lake Lugano too. The resort town of Locarno is the perfect base for exploring the Swiss Alps and is only an hour away via the A2 to the north. Meanwhile, the region’s capital Bellinzona is around a 40-minute drive away and promises castles and chateaux aplenty.
If you want to transform your vacation into the perfect Swiss road trip, the journey to Switzerland’s more traditional north offers extraordinary scenery and spectacle. Jump in your rental car from Lugano on A2 northward and join onto A4 to reach the luxury hub of Zurich in just over two and a half hours. Here, you can unwind amid the medieval walls with an indulgent mix of fashionable boutiques and decadent chocolates.
As in the US, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road here. However, speed limits will be displayed in kilometers per hour (km/h). On the major highways, this is often 120 km/h (74 mph), but usually drops down to 80 km/h (49 mph) on standard rural roads outside of the cities. In towns and cities such as Lugano, the speed limit will usually be 50km/h (30 mph) or lower. When driving in your rental car in and around Lugano, make sure to check the road signs for information.
