DRAIV

Picking up a rental car at a station or airport often means a counter, paperwork, and a line before you can leave. DRAIV offers a different process in Zurich: book online, choose a pickup location, and use your phone to unlock most cars in its own fleet. The company belongs to Steininger AG and operates as a counter-free rental service.

The search starts on the website, where customers choose a location and dates. DRAIV says a separate app is not needed to book; the process works in a browser. Zurich locations shown include the main station, Oerlikon, Altstetten, and the airport. Cars from partner operators are also listed in Zug and Ennetbaden, so availability depends on the location and vehicle selected.

The fleet combines cars owned and operated by the company in Zurich and nearby areas with vehicles from selected partners. That distinction matters for access: DRAIV says its own cars unlock with a phone, while the process for partner vehicles may depend on the provider’s instructions. The catalog offers filters for electric and hybrid cars, SUVs, and longer rentals; specific models change with the dates selected.

The format is designed to make pickup and return less dependent on counter hours. DRAIV advertises 24-hour vehicle access, subject to the terms for the particular car and location. Before a rental starts, the team may ask for a reply or a document—such as an image of a driver’s license—to complete verification and release the vehicle. It is a good idea to check for messages before heading to the pickup point.

The company says it does not require a deposit on the card and allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before a rental begins. Those terms may matter when comparing a traditional rental with a digital service, but they should be read alongside the conditions for each booking. The site also shows delivery options in some areas, including Winterthur; availability depends on the destination and should be checked while selecting a car.

DRAIV offers human support during a daily service window even though vehicle pickup is flexible: the website says its team is available seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. by WhatsApp, email, or phone. Support can help with documents required before handoff and with issues during a rental. The service pairs automated access with a customer-support channel that is not limited to weekdays.

For travelers arriving in Zurich by train or plane, the main station and airport make it possible to compare pickup points within one booking system; Oerlikon and Altstetten add options around the city. DRAIV also lists partner locations in Zug and Ennetbaden. There is no single counter to visit: the selected location, vehicle, and handoff instructions are part of each reservation.