Overall, road conditions are excellent, and Switzerland is amongst the countries with the least accidents. But driving in the Alps can be quite challenging. It's pretty much going up and down and around corners all the time. Stretches of roads can be one way and not all roads are paved in an alpine setting. More than half of accidents occur on secondary roads.

On the other hand, driving in the Alps adds a tad of excitement and spectacular views. The road to the Alps is in good condition, but special attention should be paid to the narrow and winding mountain road. Observe the road condition frequently, be careful and slow down your driving speed.

To avoid confusion about road types, below is a description of each:

-Motorway (freeway, expressway) for Autobahn/Autoroute/Autostrada;

-Highway (secondary roads) for Hauptstrasse/Rue principale/Strada principale;

-Rural roads (secondary roads) for Nebenstrassen/Routes hors localité/Strade extraurbane principale;

-Residential streets for Innerorts/Rue localité/Strada località;

-Residential zones for smaller areas within a city, town or village with a high-density population, school zones etc.

Toll Roads There are no toll stations on the highways and the fee is paid every year (the annual fee is about 40 Swiss francs). Vehicles on the highways must stick an annual traffic ticket called `Vignette`. Generally, vehicles rented in Switzerland include the ticket. But if other vehicles rented in nearby countries enter Switzerland, drivers MUST buy it at the counter, post office or gas station before crossing the border.

Expert tips: If you would like to take your rented car from Switzerland to other countries, please click and read our cross-border car rental booklet (Switzerland).