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Must-knows about driving a car in Switzerland

  • Switzerland has a high-quality road network, including scenic pass roads.
  • Several mountain villages and regions are car-free: you need public transport there.
  • You need a motorway vignette to use the Swiss motorways
  • Driving in Switzerland requires experience and caution.
  • You need to know the traffic rules and the expected behavior on pass roads.
  • Most drivers benefit from a Swiss Half Fare Card.

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Before you decide on driving

A safe trip starts with the essentials. Learn about the must-knows of driving in the Swiss Alps before you decide to travel by car.

Car viaduct and regional SBB train between Veytaux and Villeneuve

Train or car

Most visitors choose train over car traveling in Switzerland, and for good reason. I discuss the pros and cons of …
Swiss speed limit traffic sign in the mountains

Traffic rules

Learn about speed limits, priority rules and other important traffic regulations in Switzerland. They exist for everyone’s safety, and fines …
Cars at the Albula Pass road in Graubünden

Driving in the mountains

Switzerland has beautiful pass roads, but driving in the Alps requires special skills and knowledge of the rules. Find out …
Road with ice and snowy trees in Switzerland

Driving in winter

Driving in Switzerland during winter: the rules about tires, profile depth and snow chains, plus tips for a safe winter …

Prepare for your drive

Be ready when you arrive in Switzerland, and arrange for your motorway vignette, rental car and more.

The Swiss motorway vignette sticker for 2025.

Motorway vignette

You need a Swiss motorway vignette unless you avoid the motorways. Learn how the 2025 vignette works, and where to …
Basel EuroAirport car rental companies

Car rental

How to find a rental car that fits your Switzerland itinerary, which companies to use, and what to be aware …
Rhaetian Railways ticketing machine 1

Swiss Half Fare Card

Discounted travel in Switzerland for a month with the Swiss Half Fare Card: how it works, and my opinion about …
Car at the Albula Pass road

Car trips

If you’re an experienced driver, you’ll enjoy these beautiful alpine pass roads and other scenic car trips in Switzerland.

More details on driving in Switzerland

Prevent surprises and find even more information about driving in Switzerland here.

Busy Swiss motorway with road signs near Basel

Traffic information

A detailed map of Switzerland showing live traffic jams and construction works. Plus: opening and closure dates of the main …
Parking garage in the centre of Interlaken.

Parking

Parking in Switzerland is mostly paid. This is how and where to find a spot, what it costs, how to …
Cars in line for Lötschberg car train Kandersteg-Goppenstein

Car trains

There are 5 Swiss car trains in 4 different places: Furka, Lötschberg, Simplon, and Vereina. In summer you can use …
Camper site in the Gruyères region

Driving with van, caravan or mobile home

Driving on Swiss mountain roads with a caravan or camper is challenging, and in some places impossible. Learn which rules …
3-d map of Switzerland with flag

Map of Switzerland

See where Switzerland is located in Europe and which are the bordering countries. Find the main Swiss towns on this …
Other websites of interest
  • www.tcs.ch & phone number 0800 140 140: roadside assistance in Switzerland

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We’re passionate tourists and locals. We share tips about how to plan a trip to Switzerland. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

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Arno
Page author: ArnoI have visited Switzerland countless times since 1997. I've explored most of the country, but find myself staying in the Bernese Oberland and Graubünden most frequently. The alps and the rail network remain very impressive, even after all these years.