Konstanz, Freiburg, Bregenz, Friedrichshafen or Stuttgart: how the cross-border transfer works, which documents you need and why Zurich is often the better airport.
Zurich Airport is less than an hour from the German border and just under two hours from the Austrian border. For many travellers to southern Germany and Vorarlberg it is therefore the more practical arrival point – with more direct flights and an onward journey that, in a private transfer, requires no changes. This article answers the questions we are asked most often about cross-border journeys.
How does the border crossing work in a transfer?
You sit in the vehicle, your chauffeur drives you across the border – in the vast majority of cases it is that simple. Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, so there is usually no systematic passport control at the crossings to Germany and Austria. Customs officers may carry out spot checks; keep your ID card or passport within reach. Our drivers know which crossings are less congested at peak times and choose the route accordingly.
Important: the transfer is a door-to-door journey. You do not change vehicles at the border, do not need to organise a second car and do not search for a taxi in a foreign country.
Which documents do you need?
For citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland a valid identity card or passport is sufficient. Travellers from third countries need a passport and, depending on nationality, a Schengen visa; since Switzerland, Germany and Austria all belong to the Schengen area, a valid Schengen visa covers the entire journey. Check the current entry requirements for your nationality with the official authorities before travelling.
Customs rules apply regardless of the mode of transport: goods exceeding the duty-free allowances must be declared – in a transfer just as in your own car. The customs authorities can help with questions about specific goods.
Popular cross-border destinations
Konstanz and Lake Constance are reached quickly from Zurich Airport; our fixed route to Schaffhausen already heads in that direction, and Konstanz is only a little further. Freiburg im Breisgau and the Black Forest are a typical destination for hikers and spa guests. Bregenz, Dornbirn and the Montafon in Vorarlberg are reached via St. Gallen and the Rhine Valley motorway – in winter a popular way to the ski resorts. Friedrichshafen, Lindau and Ulm are also within range; Stuttgart and Munich are longer but easily planned journeys.
For these destinations outside our fixed routes we prepare an individual quote. Simply enter your address in the booking form; we confirm the price before you commit.
Practical notes
First: allow a little time buffer for journeys abroad in case there are checks at the border. Second: if you travel with children, Germany and Austria have child-seat requirements similar to Switzerland – our free child seats meet them. Third: the return journey to Zurich Airport can be booked at the same time; the driver collects you at your address abroad and brings you to check-in on time.
This makes Zurich the most convenient gateway to southern Germany and Vorarlberg – and the border crossing a moment you barely notice inside the vehicle.
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