Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Basel

Basel puts you at the meeting point of three countries, and a motorcycle is the fastest way to feel that. Ride out along the Rhine to the Dreiländereck, where Switzerland, France and Germany touch, then loop back into the old town and park beside Basel Münster, the red-sandstone cathedral with a terrace over the river. From there, the road only opens up: Jura passes, Black Forest peaks and French ridgelines are all within reach before lunch.

Basel's old town is compact and its bridges are narrow, so a bike slips through traffic and parks in half the space a car needs. That same layout works in your favor once you leave the city: within an hour you can be on Swiss, German or French backroads, which makes a motorcycle rental in Basel the easiest way to string together three countries' worth of riding in a single day.

Top 10 things to see in Basel by motorcycle

1. Dreiländereck — the tripoint where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, an easy first ride along the Rhine.
2. Basel Münster and the Pfalz terrace — the cathedral's river-view terrace, a good in-town stop before heading out.
3. Augusta Raurica — one of the best-preserved Roman sites north of the Alps, about 15 minutes east of the city.
4. Passwang Pass — a Jura mountain road south of Basel, loved locally for its curves and views over the Solothurn Jura.
5. Chasseral — the highest point of the Bernese Jura, with a panorama over the Alps and Lake Biel.
6. Feldberg — the Black Forest's highest peak, reached by winding German roads on a popular cross-border day trip.
7. Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen — Europe's largest waterfall, around 90 minutes away by highway and country road.
8. Vitra Campus, Weil am Rhein — buildings by Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid, just over the German border.
9. Route des Crêtes — a scenic ridge road through the French Vosges, a favorite loop for touring riders.
10. Rheinfelden Altstadt — a picturesque riverside old town upstream, good for a relaxed coffee-stop ride.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Basel?

For anything up to 125cc you'll need category A1; larger machines require category A, with power restrictions lifted after a qualifying period or once you reach the higher age threshold. An International Driving Permit generally isn't required, though it's worth carrying if your licence isn't in Latin script. Rental companies usually ask for a minimum age of 18–25 and a minimum time holding your licence, and you'll leave a deposit as a credit-card hold, scaled to the size of the bike.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Basel?

A basic scooter or small-displacement motorcycle runs CHF 25-35 per day in low season, rising to CHF 45-70/day for a standard motorcycle in high season. Larger touring machines, such as a BMW GS-class bike, go for CHF 90-150+ per day.

• Prices climb through July and August, the busiest riding months.
• They drop through November to February, the cheapest window to book.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Basel?

High season runs June to September, when demand and prices both peak. Low season stretches from November to March, with better rates and quieter roads. The most reliable riding window, especially if you want to cross into the mountains, is May to September — alpine passes further afield typically stay closed under snow until late spring.

Local traffic rules in Basel

Switzerland drives on the right, and helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers on any motorcycle or scooter. Dipped headlights must stay on at all times, day or night. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on expressways and 120 km/h on motorways, with plenty of 30 km/h and 20 km/h zones in town. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, and enforcement is strict, so it pays to stay well under it. Once you've got your route sorted, use the search form at the top of the page to rent a scooter in Basel or find the right motorcycle for your trip. Have a nice trip!

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!