Our Unforgettable Road Trip Through Switzerland: Scenic Routes, Swiss Alps, and the Costs it Comes with
This blog post gives you all the details about our trip to Switzerland, how much it cost us, and what we explored. It contains all the questions you asked us on Instagram, and we hope it will help you prepare for your trip. Read on to learn how to plan and prepare and how much money you need.
FAQ about traveling to Switzerland
Would you recommend driving all around Switzerland or choosing one region?
When deciding whether to drive all around Switzerland or focus on a specific region, it depends on your preferences and the kind of experience you’re looking for. While Switzerland is small and incredibly accessible, choosing an area to explore in depth can provide a more relaxed and immersive experience. If you love alpine adventures and stunning mountain scenery, the Jungfrau Region or Zermatt offers iconic views and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and paragliding.
The Lake Geneva region, with cities like Lausanne and Montreux, is perfect for a mix of lakes, culture, and charming towns. The Appenzell and Engadine valleys are ideal if you’re drawn to Swiss tradition, rural beauty, and quieter vibes. Focusing on one area allows for a deeper, more relaxed experience, and you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture.
How Long Would It Take to Drive Around Switzerland?
Driving around Switzerland can vary depending on the route and the stops you make along the way. A typical road trip around the country, covering major cities and scenic routes like Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, and Geneva, would take approximately 10 to 12 hours of driving time without extended stops. However, to fully experience Switzerland’s stunning landscapes, charming villages, and mountain passes, a more leisurely 5 to 7 days is ideal, allowing time for sightseeing, hiking, and the local culture. The well-maintained roads and efficient highway system make it easy to explore, but Switzerland’s beauty is best savored slowly.
What should I know about traveling to Switzerland?
Traveling to Switzerland offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and efficient infrastructure. Known for its breathtaking Swiss Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages, it is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The country has a reliable public transportation system, including trains, buses, and cable cars, making it easy to explore even remote areas. However, renting a car can provide more flexibility for scenic road trips. Switzerland is expensive, so it’s wise to plan for higher accommodation, dining, and activities costs. The country’s four official languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—reflect its cultural diversity, but English is widely spoken. Be sure to check local weather conditions, as the mountains can have rapidly changing weather and bring layers to be prepared for varying temperatures.
What are the don’ts of Switzerland?
There are a few cultural “don’ts” to remember to ensure you respect local customs and have a smooth experience.
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- Don’t Tip Excessively. Tipping is appreciated but not expected in Switzerland, as service charges are often included in the bill. Over-tipping can be seen as unnecessary or even awkward. A 5-10% tip is generally sufficient if you feel the service deserves it.
- Don’t Be Late. Punctuality is highly valued in Switzerland. Always be on time, whether for a train, a meeting, or a social event. Being late is considered disrespectful.
- Don’t Speak Too Loudly. Swiss people value calm and polite behavior, so avoid speaking loudly in public spaces or on public transport. Keep conversations at a respectful volume.
- Don’t Skip the Queue. Swiss people take queueing seriously. Cutting in line is considered rude and is likely to be met with disapproval.
- Don’t Forget to Respect Quiet Hours. In residential areas, there are strict rules about noise, especially in the evenings and during the night (often from 10 pm to 7 am). Avoid making loud noises during these hours, including playing music or mowing the lawn.
- Don’t Litter. Switzerland has strict environmental laws, and littering is not tolerated. Always dispose of trash properly and use recycling bins when available.
How many days is enough for Switzerland?
The ideal number of days to spend in Switzerland depends on your interests and your desired experience. Still, 7 to 10 days is generally enough to explore the country’s highlights comfortably. You can also take scenic train rides, like the Glacier Express, and enjoy the tranquil lakes around Interlaken and Lucerne. For a more relaxed experience, 7 days can cover the essentials, while 10 days lets you delve deeper into Switzerland’s diverse landscapes and cultural offerings. We spend five full days in Switzerland if we do not count the travel time, and honestly, two more days would be more than welcome. You can see a lot in five days but to try to explore Switzerland, you need your whole life.
What is the best month to visit Switzerland?
The best months to visit Switzerland depend on your interests, but May, June, and September are ideal for hiking. During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with blooming landscapes in spring and vibrant autumn colors later on. It is also a great time as the crowds are smaller than in peak summer months like July and August.
If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, December to February is the best period, offering prime conditions for skiing and snowboarding in the Alps. Ultimately, the “best” time varies based on whether you prefer lush greenery, fewer tourists, or snowy adventures.
How much will a Switzerland trip cost?
The cost of a trip to Switzerland varies widely depending on travel duration, accommodations, activities, and time of year. For us, we spent five days there and paid 1592.3 CHF. See more detail by scrolling down.
How to save money while in Switzerland?
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- To save money while visiting Switzerland, focus on cost-effective strategies like staying in budget accommodations such as hostels or Airbnb, and consider exploring less touristy towns for cheaper options. Like us, when we stayedin Leissigen instead of Interlaken, which is highly popular.
- Take advantage of Switzerland’s excellent public transportation by using passes like the Swiss Travel Pass or regional travel cards, which provide unlimited travel and discounts on attractions. There are plenty of options.
- For meals, shop at grocery stores like Coop or Migros for affordable fresh food, or enjoy self-catering when possible. If you are coming by car and crossing countries like Austria, Germany, or Italy, make sure to do your grocery shopping there.
- Opt for free or low-cost activities such as hiking in the Alps, visiting lakes, or exploring charming old towns.
- Additionally, plan your trip during the shoulder seasons for lower prices on flights and accommodations.
Is parking expensive in Switzerland?
Parking in Switzerland can be quite expensive, especially in urban centers. The cost for on-street parking typically ranges from 1 CHF to 6 CHF per hour, depending on the city and zone, with central areas being the priciest. Public parking garages often charge 2 CHF to 6 CHF per hour, and daily rates can exceed 50 CHF in premium locations. Many residential areas require permits, and those can also be costly.
For most of the parking, we used the app EasyPark (download for iOS here link and for Google Play here link). In most places, it was possible to use it for parking. Seldomply, we have to have some cash on hand. We highly recommend downloading the app.
Also, see below the table where we parked and how much it cost us for approximately half day parking.
| Date | City | Price |
| 31.8.2024 | Lautenbrunen | 6.90 CHF |
| 1.9.2024 | Grindenwald | 7 CHF |
| 2.9.2024 | Oeschinensee | 7.80 CHF |
| 3.9.2024 | Lucern | 6.40 CHF |
| TOTAL | 28.10 CHF |
As you can see, the parking was not as expensive as in Slovenia, but it was still not the cheapest. Overall, we left almost 30 CHF for parking in Switzerland.
Where to stay when in Switzerland?
Switzerland offers many accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs, whether seeking luxury, charm, or budget-friendly options. For example, for a romantic or historical touch, Lucerne provides charming lakeside boutique hotels with easy access to scenic boat rides and the iconic Chapel Bridge. We recommend choosing one town or village as your central spot where you will stay. For example, we stayed in Leissigen, a charming village on the shores of Lake Thun.
During our stay (August 30–September 3), we opted for an Airbnb, which offered breathtaking lake and mountain views, ensuring a peaceful retreat after exploring nearby attractions. We stayed here for 4 nights and paid 604€, a great price in Switzerland.
It turned out to be a small, cellar-like space with noticeable humidity. While the conditions weren’t ideal—especially with a bed that could have been more comfortable—it served its purpose as a place to rest. On the bright side, the property’s views were breathtaking, making up for the modest accommodations. We managed to cook simple meals in the space, which, though essential, was functional for our needs. For the price we paid, it was an acceptable trade-off, as we spent most of our time exploring the stunning Swiss landscapes.
Is it expensive in Switzerland?
Yes, Switzerland is regarded as one of the most expensive countries in the world. Factors like elevated salaries, a strong currency, and premium-quality public services drive the high cost of living. Housing, dining out, healthcare, and transportation are more expensive than most nations. For instance, cities like Zurich and Geneva often rank among the priciest for expatriates. However, these costs are offset for residents by excellent infrastructure, low crime rates, a high standard of living, and top-tier public amenities. Visitors and tourists may find everyday expenses like accommodation, meals, and groceries surprisingly steep.
Let’s look at our other expenses while in Switzerland.
| Item | Total Price | Price/Person |
| Food: Buying groceries | CHF186.59 | CHF93.30 |
| Souvenirs | CHF43.31 | CHF21.66 |
| Attraction | CHF31.94 | CHF15.97 |
| Cable Car Tickets | CHF488.00 | CHF244.00 |
How much was your trip to Switzerland?
Let’s calculate our expenses for two people and one penguin. For parking, we paid 30 CHF and 560.36 CHF for accommodation. For food, we didn’t manage to eat out, and we cooked for ourselves all five days. The groceries cost us 186.59 CHF, while for souvenirs, we spent 43.31 CHF. The most expensive of all were the tickets to the cable cars, which cost us 488 CHF. 😱
So, for two people and one penguin, for five days in Switzerland by car, it was around 1592.3 CHF, which is 796.15 CHF per person.
Of course, depending on your travel lifestyle, you can always make it more or less.
Below is an overview:
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- Parking costs: 28.10 CHF
- 1 year vignette: 40 CHF
- Gas: 147€ (136 CHF), but we filled the tank in Austria twice.
- Accommodation: 560.36 CHF
- Attractions and entry tickets: 31.94 CHF
- Food (groceries): 186.59 CHF (+78 CHF or 85€ as we had one big shopping stop before crossing the borders still in Austria)
- Souvenirs: 43.31 CHF
- Cable Car Tickets: 488 CHF
Total cost: 1592.3 CHF
We hope this helped out with your planning and that you will enjoy Slovenia as much as we did. It can get a bit more expensive, but still worth the visit. And you can always cut some expenses.
Enjoy Switzerland and waddle on!
