Driving in Bern
Your complete guide to driving and renting scooters in Bern, Switzerland. Learn about IDP requirements, traffic rules, safety tips, and everything you need to know before hitting the road.
International Driving Permit (IDP) in Bern
IDP Not Required
EU/EEA licenses are valid. Other foreign licenses are accepted for up to 12 months. An IDP is recommended if your license is not in a Roman alphabet.
Fine without IDP: CHF 100-200
Where to Get IDP: Apply in your home country before traveling. Cannot be obtained in Switzerland.
Accepted Licenses
Traffic Rules in Bern
Local Traffic Rules
- 1Headlights must be on 24/7 - even during daytime
- 2Highway vignette (CHF 40/year) is required for motorways
- 3Blood alcohol limit is 0.5‰ (0.1‰ for new drivers)
- 4Right-before-left rule applies at unmarked intersections
- 5UNESCO Old Town has limited vehicle access
Common Tourist Mistakes
- Driving into the restricted UNESCO Old Town area
- Not yielding to trams and buses on shared roads
- Exceeding speed limits - enforcement is strict and cameras are common
- Parking without proper disc in blue zones
- Not turning wheels toward the curb when parking on hills (required by law)
Horn Culture
Horn use is minimal and reserved for genuine emergencies. Bern is a quiet, orderly city.
Traffic Fines & Penalties
Speeding
CHF 40-260 (minor), CHF 260+ and license confiscation (major)
No Helmet
CHF 250
No IDP
CHF 100-200
Red Light
CHF 250+
Drink Driving
CHF 400+ and license suspension (criminal charges possible)
Safety Tips
Essential Safety Tips
- Bern has very safe, well-maintained roads
- The Old Town streets are narrow and cobbled - challenging for any vehicle
- Watch for trams and buses at all times
- Public transport is excellent - strongly consider it over driving
- Hilly terrain requires extra caution in winter conditions
Best Time to Drive
Mid-morning or early afternoon. The Old Town is best avoided by car entirely.
Rainy Season Warning
No specific rainy season. Winter (Nov-Mar) brings snow and ice. Winter tires are strongly recommended, especially on hilly roads.
Areas to Avoid (for beginners)
- Altstadt (UNESCO Old Town) - narrow medieval streets with limited access
- Bundesplatz area - government district with security restrictions
- Kramgasse and Gerechtigkeitsgasse - iconic arcaded streets, not for cars
Parking
Average Cost
CHF 2-3/hour on street, CHF 25-45/day in garagesScooter Parking
Designated motorcycle parking areas are available near the Old Town and train station.
Parking Tips
- Blue zones offer 1 hour free parking with a parking disc
- Street parking costs CHF 2-3/hour
- Major garages: Casino, Bahnhof, Metro, Rathaus
- P+R at Neufeld and Wankdorf for good value
- When parking on hills, you must turn wheels toward the curb - it's the law
FAQ: Driving in Bern
Can I drive in Bern's Old Town?
Access is very limited. The UNESCO-listed Old Town has narrow medieval streets, low arcades, and many pedestrian zones. Park outside and explore on foot - it's the only practical way.
Is it worth renting a car in Bern?
For the city itself, no - trams and buses cover everywhere you need to go. A car is useful for day trips to the Bernese Oberland (Interlaken, Grindelwald, Jungfrau region).
Why do I need to turn my wheels when parking?
Swiss law requires you to turn your wheels toward the curb when parking on a slope. This prevents runaway vehicles. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
How expensive is parking in Bern?
Street parking is CHF 2-3/hour. Garages cost CHF 25-45/day. The best value is P+R at Neufeld or Wankdorf, which connect directly to the tram network.
Emergency Contacts
Police
117
Ambulance
144
Roadside Assistance
TCS: 140
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
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