03/07/2020
Arriving at Basel EuroAirport (EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg) marks the beginning of your journey, whether for business in the bustling banking sector, a leisurely holiday in the stunning Swiss Alps, or exploring the cultural richness of France and Germany. With its unique position straddling three borders, efficient and reliable transport from the airport is paramount. This guide will walk you through all your options, from securing a hire car to arranging a private chauffeur, ensuring your onward travel is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Car Hire at Basel Airport: Your Gateway to Freedom
For many travellers, the flexibility and independence offered by a hire car are simply unmatched. Basel Airport provides a comprehensive selection of reputable car hire agencies, conveniently located within the terminal building. These companies operate from both the French and Swiss sectors of the airport, catering to your specific travel needs and preferred currency.
Where to Find Your Hire Car Desk
Upon arrival, customers with a reserved hire car will find desks located in both sectors of the terminal. It's crucial to know which sector your booking is for:
- French Sector: You'll find the hire desks for Hertz, Avis, Europcar, National, and Sixt in Hall 1 on Level 2.
- Swiss Sector: Hertz Basel Airport also maintains a car rental station here, alongside Avis, Europcar, and Sixt, located on Level 2 in Hall 4.
Having a reservation in advance is highly recommended, not only to secure your preferred vehicle but often to benefit from more competitive pricing. Online booking typically takes just a few minutes and can yield significant savings.
Contacting the Hire Desks
Should you need to speak directly with the service teams at the hire desks, contact details are available for both sectors:
- Hertz Basel Airport (French Sector):
Telephone: +33 (0) 3 89 70 87 00
Fax: +33 (0) 3 89 70 87 08 - Hertz Basel Airport (Swiss Sector):
Telephone: +41 (0) 61 325 27 80
Fax: +41 (0) 61 325 4734
Fuelling Your Rental Vehicle
Returning your hire car with a full tank is often a requirement to avoid additional charges. Conveniently, Basel Airport offers round-the-clock petrol stations in both sectors, open every day of the year:
- French Sector: The petrol station is located right next to Car Park F6.
- Swiss Sector: The petrol station is situated right next to Car Park S3.
These easily accessible stations ensure you can top up your tank just before returning your vehicle, saving you time and hassle.
Driving from Basel Airport
The airport boasts excellent motorway links, connecting you seamlessly to Switzerland, France, and Germany. Sign-posting will lead drivers directly out of the airport and onto the A35 motorway, which links Basel Airport with both Basel and Mulhouse. Both cities are just a short drive away, making your onward journey incredibly straightforward.
A Closer Look at Vehicle Choices: Hertz Basel Airport
Hertz Basel offers an impressive array of vehicles to suit every type of traveller and purpose, from economical city cars to spacious premium models. When booking online, the displayed prices typically include essential services such as location service charges, theft protection, collision damage waiver (CDW), winterisation fees, and all local taxes, including VAT, road tax, and licence fees. Each vehicle is usually presented with a picture and a brief description to help you make an informed choice.
Popular Vehicle Categories
The selection at Hertz caters to diverse needs:
- Mini Category: Perfect for solo travellers or couples, these compact cars are ideal for navigating city streets and offer excellent fuel economy. Popular choices include the Citroen C1 (2-3 doors, manual transmission, air conditioning) and the Ford Ka (2-4 doors, economical, eco-friendly credentials).
- Economy Class: A step up in size and comfort, economy cars are great for small families or those needing a bit more space. The Ford Fiesta (4-5 doors, air conditioning, manual transmission) is a common option here.
- Compact Class: Offering a balance of space and manoeuvrability, compact cars are versatile for both city and longer journeys. Examples include the Toyota Auris, Mercedes A-class (often with automatic transmission), and the Ford Focus D Station Wagon (another vehicle with green credentials).
- Intermediate/Middle Range: For those requiring more passenger or luggage capacity, these vehicles provide greater comfort and performance. Options like the Toyota Corolla Verso, Ford Mondeo Station Wagon, Ford Kuga, or the Citroen C5 Station Wagon are available. The Citroen C5, for instance, accommodates up to 5 passengers, 4 large suitcases, and 2 small suitcases, featuring air conditioning, automatic transmission, 4-5 doors, and an efficiency of approximately 28 miles to the gallon.
- Premium Class: Business travellers or those seeking luxury and ample space will appreciate the premium offerings. The Mercedes E-class provides a sophisticated driving experience, while the Mercedes Vito people carrier is perfect for larger groups, with room for up to 9 passengers. This makes it an excellent choice for transporting sales teams to international trade fairs, branch meetings, or customer presentations.
Regardless of your destination, Hertz car hire Basel aims to provide a suitable and well-maintained vehicle for your journey.
Returning Your Basel Airport Car Rental
The process for returning your hire car is designed for convenience. For instance, SIXT, another prominent car hire provider at Basel Airport, offers rental counters in the centre of the arrivals hall of the terminal. They are particularly convenient for travellers with varying schedules, as they offer 24-hour returns. This flexibility is invaluable for early morning departures or late-night arrivals, ensuring you can drop off your vehicle outside of standard operating hours. Always confirm the specific return instructions with your chosen rental company at the time of booking or collection.
Alternative Transport Options from Basel Airport
While car hire offers unparalleled freedom, it might not be the best solution for everyone. Basel Airport and the city offer excellent alternative transport services, including taxis and premium private transfer services.
Getting a Taxi in Basel
Securing a taxi service in Basel is remarkably straightforward, thanks to the numerous companies operating throughout the city. You have several convenient options:
- Hailing a Taxi: You can simply hail a taxi in the street by raising your hand.
- Taxi Ranks: Many dedicated taxi ranks are strategically located throughout the city centre, at bus and train stations, and near all major shopping areas and tourist attractions.
Taxis offer a direct and convenient way to reach your destination, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling to a specific address within Basel.
Switzerland Car Service: The Epitome of Private Transfers
For those seeking an elevated travel experience, particularly for corporate needs, special occasions, or simply desiring ultimate comfort and convenience, Switzerland Car Service provides unmatched private airport transfers and chauffeured day trips. This service is ideal for travellers who prefer to leave the driving to a professional.
What Switzerland Car Service Offers:
- Private Airport Transfers: Seamless pick-ups and drop-offs at Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, and other serviced areas.
- Chauffeured Day Trips & Sightseeing Tours: Explore Switzerland's beautiful landscapes and attractions with a private driver. You can book from their packages or request a tailor-made sightseeing tour, promising picturesque routes for photo stops.
- Corporate & Leisure Transportation: Perfect for business meetings, congresses, sports events, concerts, or simply a night out. Your chauffeur can wait for you at any location and transport you between venues.
- Flexible & Affordable: They offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Importantly, they do not count miles/kilometres, and you pay only the confirmed rate, regardless of traffic. No registration or upfront payment is required, and there are no fees for cancellation.
- 24/7 Availability: Bookings can be made at any time via their contact form or by phone for urgent requests.
Their Diverse Fleet:
Switzerland Car Service boasts a premium fleet to accommodate various group sizes and preferences:
| Car Type | Passengers | Description | Luggage Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes E Class Limousine | Up to 3 | Business limousine, all-wheel drive, black, leather interior | Up to 2 XL & 2 medium |
| Mercedes S Class Limousine | Up to 3 | First class limousine, all-wheel drive, black, leather interior, extra-long | Up to 2 XL & 2 medium |
| Mercedes V Class Van | Up to 7 | Premium business van, all-wheel drive, black, leather interior, long & extra-long | Up to 7 XL & 7 carry-on |
| Mercedes Sprinter Minibus | Up to 15 | Premium business van, all-wheel drive, black, leather interior, extra space for baggage | Up to 15 XL & 15 medium |
Added Value:
Included without extra costs are child car boosters and infant/baby seats, as well as space for wheelchairs, skis, snowboards, and golf bags. This makes Switzerland Car Service an incredibly versatile option for families, sports enthusiasts, or those with specific accessibility needs.
Comparing Your Transport Options
Choosing the right transport from Basel Airport depends on your priorities. Here's a brief comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Hire Car | Taxi | Private Transfer (e.g., Switzerland Car Service) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independence | High – drive yourself, explore freely. | Low – reliant on driver, direct to destination. | Medium – chauffeur driven, but schedule is flexible. |
| Convenience at Airport | Desks in terminal, pre-booking advised. | Easy to hail or find ranks. | Pre-booked, driver meets you. |
| Cost | Varies by vehicle, duration, fuel. Often economical for longer trips. | Metered, can be costly for longer distances. | Premium service, fixed rates, good for groups. |
| Luggage & Groups | Dependent on vehicle size. | Limited by standard taxi capacity. | Excellent for large groups and significant luggage with vans/minibuses. |
| Local Knowledge | You navigate. | Driver has local knowledge. | Professional local drivers, excellent for tours. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which car rental companies operate at Basel Airport?
Hertz, Avis, Europcar, National, and Sixt all have hire desks at Basel Airport. Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt operate in both the French and Swiss sectors, while National is typically found in the French sector.
Can I return my rental car at Basel Airport 24/7?
Yes, some car hire companies, such as SIXT, offer 24-hour return services at Basel Airport. It's always best to confirm the specific return policy and procedures with your chosen rental provider at the time of booking.
Are there petrol stations available at Basel Airport for returning hire cars?
Absolutely. Basel Airport has petrol stations located conveniently next to Car Park F6 in the French sector and next to Car Park S3 in the Swiss sector. Both are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, making it easy to refuel your vehicle before returning it.
How do I get a taxi in Basel?
Getting a taxi in Basel is straightforward. You can hail one directly from the street by raising your hand, or you can find them at designated taxi ranks located throughout the city centre, at bus and train stations, and at major shopping and tourist attractions.
What is Switzerland Car Service?
Switzerland Car Service offers premium private transportation solutions across Switzerland. This includes private airport transfers, chauffeured day trips, sightseeing tours, and corporate travel. They provide a range of luxury vehicles with professional drivers, offering a high level of comfort, convenience, and flexibility for various travel needs, including accommodating large groups or special equipment like skis or wheelchairs.
Conclusion
Basel EuroAirport serves as a pivotal hub for travel across Europe, and a smooth onward journey is key to a successful trip. Whether you prioritise the flexibility and independence of a hire car, the immediate availability of a taxi, or the unparalleled comfort and convenience of a private chauffeur service, Basel Airport and its surrounding area offer excellent transport solutions. By understanding your options and planning ahead, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable start to your adventure, no matter where your journey takes you.
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