This page was last updated by Arno on 15 October 2023.
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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.
  • If you want to use the Swiss motorways, you need a motorway vignette.
  • Driving in Switzerland requires experience, focus, and caution.
  • You need to know the traffic rules and the expected behavior on pass roads.
  • Even if you travel by car, you’ll probably make day trips by train, boat, bus, and cable car too. A Swiss Half Fare Card can help you save money.

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. We discuss the pros and cons of both travel modes. And …
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.

Swiss motorway vignettes on car windshield

Motorway vignette

You need a Swiss motorway vignette unless you avoid the motorways. Learn how the 2024 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

Find out all about the Swiss Half Fare Card: how it works, what’s included, prices, and where to best purchase …
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 meter near Interlaken West station

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

Some Swiss pass roads can be avoided by taking a car train. This is convenient and eco-friendly. Many travelers consider …
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

About MySwissAlps

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.