$86 Car Rental Lugano

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Lugano

Renting a car in Lugano offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its beautiful surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit attractions like Lungolago, perfect for outdoor and romantic experiences, and Mount Brè, which is ideal for adventure and scenic views. The convenience of a car allows you to manage your luggage effortlessly while traveling to various destinations.

In addition to exploring Lugano City-Centre, which includes notable spots like Piazza della Riforma and Parco Ciani, a rental car makes it simple to venture to nearby towns such as Paradiso, located less than 1 mile away, and Castagnola. These areas also feature stunning attractions like Swissminiatur and Monte San Salvatore. Whether you're a family needing space for gear or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, having a rental car ensures you can create a flexible itinerary, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and make the most of your trip to Lugano and its charming surroundings.

Most popular car rentals in Lugano

• Economy: This car accommodates 5 travelers and can hold up to 2 medium suitcases. The Economy option is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for an affordable and efficient way to explore Lugano. It offers the perfect balance of comfort and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the flexibility of driving around at their own pace.
• Standard SUV: With space for 5 travelers and up to 2 medium suitcases, the Standard SUV is an excellent choice for couples, families, or groups. This vehicle provides a higher driving position and more interior space, making it comfortable for longer trips around Lugano and beyond. The versatility of the Standard SUV allows for a relaxed travel experience while accommodating additional luggage.
• Compact: The Compact car option is suitable for up to 5 travelers and can carry up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it a fantastic choice for solo travelers, couples, or families who may need a bit more luggage capacity. The Compact car is particularly valued for its maneuverability in city settings, as well as its efficiency, allowing for easy navigation through Lugano's charming streets while providing ample space for your belongings.

Top rated car suppliers in Lugano

• Hertz: With 2 rental locations in the Lugano area, Hertz is a popular choice among travelers seeking flexibility and convenience. This supplier is known for its reliable service, and the most booked cars include Economy and Compact options, making it ideal for both solo travelers and small groups. Enjoy the freedom to explore Lugano and its surroundings at your own pace with a vehicle that suits your needs.
• Budget: Offering 1 rental location in the Lugano area, Budget is recognized for its competitive rates and value for money. The most popular cars available are Compact and Standard, providing a range of choices for those looking to navigate the scenic roads of Ticino. With Budget, you can manage your luggage easily and adjust your travel plans as needed, all while enjoying a cost-effective rental experience.
• Europcar: Europcar has 1 rental location in Lugano, catering to travelers who seek spacious and comfortable vehicles. The most booked options include Midsize SUVs and Standard SUV AWD, which are perfect for families or groups wanting to explore the beautiful landscapes of the region. Europcar's focus on quality vehicles ensures that you can enjoy your journey through Lugano and beyond with confidence and ease.

Where to stay in and around Lugano

• Lugano City-Centre: The vibrant heart of Lugano, this neighborhood is ideal for those seeking outdoor activities, stunning scenery, and a romantic atmosphere. You'll find nearby attractions like Lungolago, perfect for a scenic lakeside experience, and Piazza della Riforma, a cultural hub. With plenty of shopping options, restaurants, and wineries, Lugano City-Centre is a great base for exploring the city's rich offerings.
• Paradiso: Located less than 1 mile from Lugano, Paradiso boasts beautiful outdoor spaces and picturesque views. It's home to attractions like the serene Lungolago and the adventurous Monte San Salvatore. With its proximity to shopping centers and restaurants, Paradiso provides a relaxed yet engaging environment for travelers looking to enjoy both nature and urban experiences.
• Loreto: This charming neighborhood around Lugano is perfect for those who appreciate outdoor activities and scenic views. Key highlights include the cultural hub of LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura and the captivating MASILugano Museum of Art of Italian Switzerland. The nearby Lungolago offers additional opportunities for outdoor relaxation and romance, making Loreto a delightful option for your stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Lugano

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for warm weather enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking early often allows you to lock in lower prices and ensures better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always review the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can be acceptable as well. Just remember to return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance while booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Lugano

The best value period to rent a car in and around Lugano is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is low. April and May also offer decent options, with similar pricing and average demand. In contrast, July tends to be the most expensive month, as both prices and demand are high. December follows closely, often bringing slightly high prices with lower demand, making it less favorable for renting a car during that time.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Lugano

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Lugano into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Lugano and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Lugano

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Lugano. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Lugano

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $86.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals