Renting a car in Munich (airport) with itinerary that includes Switzerland

One-way cross-border rentals are very expensive (factor 3-4). So maybe try to get to Swiss border as close as possible and drop-off there. Continue journey by train.

Care for valid driving permissions of drivers in Germany. Some driving licenses are not accepted and even if license is accepted it is not valid alone as permission (likely IDP needed).

I would book directly in advance at one of the large providers: Sixt, Europcar, Avis. Hertz.

If you like to stay in Munich first do not pick up the car from the airport because in Munich a car is not an advantage and renting from airports or trainstations is always more expensive (station surcharge). Try the same request at different stations in good reach to your hotel.

Have you priced the cost of gas, the hefty fees for crossing the border, one- way car return costs, and the Swiss vignette if renting from another country? You could fly into/ out of Zurich, or into Munich and out of Zurich, depending on the rest of the itinerary. Are you also exploring areas in Germany?
Keep in mind that many Swiss mountain towns are car free zones, so the car would be in an expensive parking lot outside of the area, and you'll still be hauling luggage on your own. Also, the train stations are usually very convenient in the center of the old town areas. The intent is to make public transportation the preferred mode.
Depending on your children's ages, they could be free with one of the Swiss passes.
Is this trip this year or next year? What season?
In either case, have a great trip in this beautiful country, and safe travels.

Thanks. Going back to my original question, what is the best way to rent a car for this purpose, renting and returning car at the Munich airport. Well aware of the aforementioned challenges with car travel in Europe, having lived in several French and German cities in the past.

I've always used Autoeurope which is a 3rd party and has a number of car rental agencies. I've never found the car rental agencies in the Autoeurope "bid" at a lower price purchasing from the car rental company directly. You can call them on the phone and they will give you advice/suggestions for rental

Hi. Sounds like a great trip. Yes, you should definitely book your car in advance. As mentioned earlier, try the websites of major companies like Sixt, Europcar, Avis. Hertz. Also, many on this forum like AutoEurope. Also::
- put 'car rental' in the search box at the top of this page, and you will see many other threads with good info.
- click on the 'travel tips' link on the left of this page to find a lot of good info from Rick about car rental.
Have a great trip!

Thanks for these suggestions!

In that case with you returning to Munich I think you have a good trip organised, the only thing you have to worry about is getting the Swiss vignette for 40 francs. Will you be going elsewhere in Germany or leaving from Munich?

Valid point, Nigel.

OP can get Swiss vignette online as soon as the ID plate number is available. Also ADAC branches sell it offline (search for "ADAC Geschäftsstelle").

Thank you, Nigel and MarkK. Appreciate the tips. Haven't 100% decided specifics, but am thinking about Garmisch as one possibility.

One thing to keep in mind, outlets of "Hertz" and "Avis" in Europe are licensed and not technically part of the US mothership operation.

So while the name on the building may give some comfort, if there are issues or questions the US operation will disavow any knowledge and direct you to the Europeans. Had this happen in Dijon a few years ago.