My husband and I will be in Switzerland September 8-21. He would like to drive I would like to take trains at least in the mountains. Is it possible to drop off your rental car somewhere in the middle of the trip?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
24166 posts
Sure. Use a car for locations that cannot be reached via train. It is easy to rent a car for a few days at anytime.
Posted by
Chicago
4466 posts
One of the many great things about Switzerland is the trains. Where are you going that you need a car? Some of the towns don’t even allow cars.
Posted by
Bend, OR
2144 posts
The only place that I’ve been disappointed about not having a car to visit is The Gotthard Bunkers. It looked complicated by train and then bus. Otherwise the train is so much more enjoyable and everyone enjoys the views.
Posted by
Florida
1 posts
You can get around Switzerland almost completely by Train, which we recommend. Cities like Zermatt are pedestrian-only. For more information about the trains and the cities that we visited on our 14-day tour, please see the following:
https://cosguide4travel.com/2025/10/20/best-cities-to-visit-in-switzerland-in-fall/
https://cosguide4travel.com/2025/10/20/switzerland-train-tour/
Posted by
Moncton NB
1514 posts
Trains are only good for cities. If you're going to Switzerland to see the cities, you're missing the point. Renting a car in Switzerland is fantastic. If you mean drop off as in returning the car, that would depend on your company. If you mean parking, there are public lots everywhere. We parked easily in Bern and Luzern on our way to Chur; and most conveniently there is a huge lot in Stechelberg if you're travelling the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Posted by
Moncton NB
1514 posts
Can we just all agree that if someone asks for tips on driving, we assume they are grownups and have decided driving works best for them, without going off topic and giving them train advice?
Posted by
Chicago
4466 posts
Can we just all agree that if someone asks for tips on driving, we
assume they are grownups and have decided driving works best for them,
without going off topic and giving them train advice?
It sounded to me like they were deciding between car or train: He would like to drive I would like to take trains.
Posted by
Switzerland
484 posts
Trains are only good for cities.
Hmm..I disagree, and I have lived in Switzerland for many years now and do not own a car. You can really go almost anywhere using public transportation. I absolutely love it!
Posted by
Bend, OR
2144 posts
I’m reading the title of this and it says “Car or Train or both.” It seems the opinions and advice are pretty on topic to me.