[Switzerland to France] What to Know When Driving a Rental Car / Crossing the Border, Highway Usage, Road Tolls, and More
1. Border Crossing:
Switzerland and France are both part of the Schengen Agreement, so you can cross the border without special customs procedures. However, police may occasionally conduct checks, so it’s important to carry identification (passport).
2. Road Tolls:
In Switzerland, you need a “Vignette” sticker to use highways. This sticker is usually already on rental cars (no additional cost). In France, certain highways have tolls, which you’ll need to pay at toll gates, so have cash or a credit card ready.
3. Rental Car Policy:
Check with your rental car company to confirm that crossing the border into France is allowed. Some companies charge extra fees or restrict cross-border travel. (For my reservation, traveling to France and Germany was about $50 extra. The area was divided into two regions.) Be sure to verify when booking.
4. Gas Stations and Fuel:
Fuel prices and the location of gas stations may vary between Switzerland and France. If you’re traveling through areas with fewer gas stations, it’s a good idea to refuel beforehand.
5. Driving Rules:
The driving rules may vary slightly between the two countries. For example, in France, right turns may not be permitted at certain intersections, and alcohol limits are strictly enforced.
6. Insurance:
Check if your rental car insurance covers cross-border travel. Some insurance policies may only be valid in certain countries, so consider purchasing additional coverage if necessary.
From Basel to Colmar, France:
The drive from Basel to Colmar, France, takes about 30-40 minutes.
1. Main Route:
The most common route is via the A35 highway. This is one of France’s major highways, and it provides a fast connection from Basel across the French border to Colmar.
2. Highway Use:
• Most navigation systems (Google Maps, Naver Maps, etc.) will automatically guide you via the fastest route, including highways like the A35.
• If you want to avoid highways, you can choose the “avoid highways” option in the navigation, but this will increase travel time.
3. How to Confirm Highway Use:
• When checking your route in the navigation system, roads starting with “A” are highways (e.g., A35).
• You can also confirm by checking road signs. Highways in France are marked with blue backgrounds and start with the letter “A.” Regular roads have white backgrounds.
4. Highway Tolls:
The A35 highway is mostly toll-free, especially the section between Basel and Colmar.
From Basel to Colmar and from Colmar to Strasbourg:
1. Basel to Colmar:
• Highway Use: The A35 highway connects Basel directly to Colmar.
• Tolls: This section is toll-free.
2. Colmar to Strasbourg:
• Highway Use: The A35 highway also connects Colmar directly to Strasbourg.
• Tolls: This section is also toll-free.
Summary:
• Basel to Colmar: A35 highway, toll-free.
• Colmar to Strasbourg: A35 highway, toll-free.
These routes are all toll-free, so you can travel without worrying about extra toll charges.
댓글