Within Europe, the general answer is yes, you can drive your hire car into a different European country from where you picked it up. However, you may find some restrictions depending on the: Country you rent the car from. Country/countries you want to take the car to.

In 2026, renting a car in Switzerland and driving to Italy is entirely possible and a popular way to explore the Alps, but it requires careful attention to specific regulations. Most major rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar allow cross-border travel between these two Schengen countries, provided you inform them in advance. You must ensure the vehicle has a valid Swiss motorway vignette (for the Swiss side) and be prepared to pay tolls on Italian autostrade. Additionally, if you are driving in winter, you must verify that the car is equipped with winter tires or snow chains, which are legally mandated in many Italian regions. While standard cars are usually unrestricted, some luxury or high-performance models may have insurance limitations that prevent them from entering Italy. It is also essential to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license, as Italian law technically requires it for non-EU license holders, and failing to produce one during a routine check could result in a significant fine.