Rental company category:Standard
Zurich or Geneva: two gateways to Switzerland’s lakes and passes
Autocaravan Express, a rental company from Spain, offers two departure cities in Switzerland at either end of the Swiss Plateau: Zurich, in German-speaking Switzerland, and Geneva, at the tip of Lake Geneva. Neither has a published address: you are told at booking where the motorhome will be handed over to you.
From Zurich, Lucerne, the Rhine Falls, Appenzell and the Bernese Oberland are within half a day’s reach. Geneva leads to the Vaud Riviera, the Valais and, just across the border, Annecy and the Mont Blanc massif. CoolDrive has not yet recorded any prices for these departures: the search gives the price for your dates.
Our view: two well-chosen departure points for a tour of the lakes and the Alps, one of them in French-speaking Switzerland. With no known depot and no observed prices, compare with McRent or BlackSheep, also present in the country.
The key facts to decide whether Autocaravan Express suits your trip.
Autocaravan Express has no physical branch in these cities: the company delivers the vehicle there, at a time and place agreed with you after booking. They are available as pick-up locations in the search form, which shows availability and the price, delivery included.
Every Swiss motorway requires the annual vignette, either a sticker or electronic, in which case it is linked to the number plate. Ask at handover whether the vehicle has one; if not, buy it before setting off, as checks are frequent.
Overnight parking outside designated sites is regulated by each canton and each municipality, often restrictively. Campsites, plentiful along the lakes, and signposted municipal motorhome areas remain the safe options, especially in summer.
The Grimsel, Furka, Susten and Nufenen passes are only open in the warmer months, generally from June to October, depending on snow cover. Check their status before planning your itinerary; out of season, tunnels or car-carrying shuttle trains often let you get through.
In Zurich or Geneva. The exact address is not published: the rental company sends it with your booking, whether it is its depot or an agreed handover point. From Kloten or Cointrin airport, or from the main station, our experts then help you plan the final leg.
Zurich suits a road trip through central and eastern Switzerland: the city of Lucerne and Lake Lucerne, St. Gallen, Lake Constance. Geneva is better suited to a trip via Lake Geneva, Lausanne, the Valais and Zermatt, or a loop through the neighbouring French Alps.
CoolDrive has not yet observed any prices for this rental company in Switzerland. The amount varies with the season, the length of hire and the model: run a search with your dates to get it, mandatory fees included. Do not forget, on top of that, the vignette, campsites and fuel, which are more expensive than in neighbouring countries.
Very good value for money. Spacious and well-equipped.
First rental of this type of vehicle in a professional context where the rental must take place from France to Canada. Many questions and Cooldrive (Marlène) has been a valuable support in guiding my choices. Efficiency and responsiveness beforehand, and on-site a vehicle and service that met our expectations. No complaints. Great!
Too rigid computer system
Yes, for a motorhome of 3.5 tonnes or less, the vignette is compulsory on motorways and semi-motorways. Above this weight, a flat-rate heavy vehicle charge replaces it. The model’s gross weight is stated in the offer.
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union: you can cross the border freely, but customs checks are still possible. The countries you may drive in are set by Autocaravan Express’s contract; check them in the offer before planning Chamonix or Lake Maggiore.
The currency is the Swiss franc. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, including at petrol stations and campsites; some shops also take euros, at an unfavourable exchange rate. Keep a little local currency for parking meters and motorhome areas.
In Switzerland, Autocaravan Express departs from Zurich or Geneva, two cities that open up, respectively, central Switzerland, and Lake Geneva and the Valais. CoolDrive Nomad presents its offers for your dates alongside those of the other rental companies in the country, and our experts support you with the handover. Its main page, written for Spain, describes the brand and its fleet.
