Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Zürich

Zurich rewards anyone willing to leave the tram behind. Point a motorcycle out of the city centre and within twenty minutes you're climbing the switchbacks of Uetliberg, with the whole city and Lake Zurich spread out below. Head the other way along the shoreline and you'll trace the Goldküste past waterfront villages all the way to Rapperswil's castle. This is a city built for two wheels, and once you've felt it, going back to a tram timetable feels like a downgrade.

Zurich's old town is dense, its trams run everywhere, and parking a car downtown means paying by the minute and circling the block twice. A scooter or motorcycle slips through that traffic and tucks into spaces a car never could. And because the city sits right at the foot of the Alps, a short ride out puts you on some of Switzerland's best-known roads — passes and lake routes that would otherwise mean a rental car, tolls and a long highway grind. If you're planning to rent a motorcycle in Zurich, this is exactly the kind of place where it pays off.

Top 10 things to see in Zurich by motorcycle

1. Uetliberg — Zurich's local mountain, a short winding climb to a panoramic viewpoint over the city and lake.
2. Goldküste shore road to Rapperswil — a classic lakeside ride along Lake Zurich's eastern shore, through waterfront villages to Rapperswil's castle and rose garden.
3. Klausenpass — one of Switzerland's most celebrated alpine passes, a few hours from Zurich, with hairpins, high meadows and glacier views.
4. Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen — Europe's largest waterfall, an easy scenic day-trip north of the city.
5. Zurich Altstadt and Limmatquai — cobbled riverside streets and the Grossmünster and Fraumünster towers for a short loop before heading out.
6. Lindenhof — a quiet hilltop terrace above the old town with a classic view over the Limmat and the rooftops.
7. Klewenalp / Bürgenstock ridge road — a favourite loop just beyond Zurich, with sweeping views over Lake Lucerne and the surrounding peaks.
8. Sustenpass — a dramatic high alpine pass, often paired with Klausenpass into a full-day loop, known for smooth tarmac and glacier scenery.
9. Rapperswil Castle and rose garden — the hilltop finish of the lake shore ride, with views back across the water.
10. Chinagarten and Zürichhorn park — an easy lakeside stop at the edge of the city, good for a short warm-up ride before heading further out.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Zurich?

For anything up to 125cc you'll need category A1; larger machines require the full A category. A car licence generally covers small scooters, though individual rental companies set their own rules, so check when booking. Most companies ask for a minimum age of 18–25 and a minimum period of holding your licence, and an International Driving Permit isn't legally required but is a good idea if your licence isn't in Latin script. Expect a deposit on your credit card, with the amount scaling up for larger and more powerful bikes.

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

A scooter or small-displacement motorcycle runs CHF 25–40 per day in low season, while mid-size to larger motorcycles cost CHF 60–110 per day at the summer peak. Premium touring or sport bikes, such as a BMW GS or a Ducati, go for CHF 150–250 or more per day.

• Prices climb from June through August, when demand for alpine touring is highest.
• November to March is the cheapest stretch, though many mountain passes are closed by snow.
• Long weekends and holiday periods push prices up even within high season.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Zurich?

High season runs June to September, exactly when Klausenpass and Sustenpass are open and at their best — book a few weeks ahead if you want your pick of bikes. Low season runs November to March, with cheaper rates but most high alpine routes closed by snow. May and early October sit in between: good weather, thinner crowds, and softer prices before or after the summer rush.

Local traffic rules in Zurich

Switzerland drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers on every scooter and motorcycle. 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 and 120 km/h on motorways, with plenty of 30 km/h zones through residential streets. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, and enforcement is strict — Swiss speeding fines are notoriously steep, so keep to the posted limits, especially through town.

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!