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Switzerland, with its majestic mountains, deep forests, and azure blue skies, truly lives up to its reputation as a dream destination for travelers.
However, it's no secret that Switzerland has a reputation for being one of the most expensive countries to visit in Europe.
Even a simple meal at McDonald's can set you back around $16.
We’ve created an itinerary for budget trip to Switzerland to prove that you don't need to be crazy rich to experience the best of Switzerland.
With a budget of less than $2000 per person, you can explore six captivating Swiss cities and enjoy a diverse range of experiences.
This budget-friendly adventure is made possible with the convenience of the Swiss Travel Pass , which allows you to explore this beautiful country without breaking the bank.
Your Swiss adventure begins in Zürich, where you'll arrive by flight. Please note that flight prices are not included in the budget as they can vary throughout the year.
To get around Switzerland without emptying your wallet, consider using the Swiss Travel Pass.
This pass is a traveler's best friend, covering not only train rides but also an extensive network of buses, boats, and access to 500 museums across the country.
It comes in various durations, and for this 10-day Switzerland itinerary, the 8-day pass is the most suitable option.
Pro Tip: You can use the pass to avail upto 50% discount on most mountain railways such as Mount Titlis , Pilatus, Jungfraujoch
Cost Breakdown:
|
Cost |
| Accommodation |
|
| Zürich |
Budget accommodations could start around $80-120 per night for hostels or budget hotels |
| Lucerne |
Similar to Zurich, budget accommodations begin around $80-120 per night |
| Interlaken |
Accommodation costs in Interlaken is a bit higher due to its touristy nature. Budget options start around $100-150 per night |
| Montreux |
Around $80-120 USD per night for hostels or budget hotels |
| Zermatt |
Starting around $100-150 USD per night |
| St Moritz |
St. Moritz tends to be more upscale and expensive. Budget options start at $150-250 per night |
| Attractions |
|
| Jungfrau |
The cost to visit Jungfrau id around $100-150 without the Swiss Travel Pass discount. With the pass, you can get around a 50% discount |
| Matterhorn Glacier Paradise |
Similarly, without the pass, it could cost around $90-120, with a potential 50% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass |
| Mt Pilatus |
Entrance fees is around $60-80, again potentially discounted by approximately 50% with the Swiss Travel Pass. |
| Mt Rigi |
Costs could range from $40-60, with possible discounts using the Swiss Travel Pass. |
| Transportation |
$400 |
*Please note that these are approximate figures and can fluctuate based on the time of year, specific accommodation choices, and any changes in attraction or pass costs.
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Day 1 - 3: Lucerne
Lucerne, just an hour away from Zürich Airport, is your first destination where you can reach by train. This historic city offers a charming old town, an opportunity to ascend Mt. Pilatus via the famous Golden Round Trip, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Alps from Mount Rigi.
For transportation, you have two options. You can either use the 24-hour ZVV day-pass for public trains or rent a car from Zürich Airport and drop it off in Lucerne, which costs approximately $110 per day.
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Day 3 - 5: Interlaken
Interlaken, a must-add to your budget Switzerland tour package, serves as the perfect base for day trips to thrilling adventures.
Highlights here include paragliding in Lauterbrunnen, riding the Gelmerbahn (Switzerland's steepest open-air funicular), conquering your vertigo on the Thrill Walk (a 200m-long walkway made of glass and metal wires), and reaching Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the Swiss Travel Pass offers a 25% discount on it.
To get from Lucerne to Interlaken, you can take the Luzern-Interlaken Express, which takes approximately 120 minutes and departs every hour from 7:05 AM to 3:05 PM (except 8:05 AM). For accommodation, consider staying at a hostel, which costs approximately $90 per bed per night in a dorm.
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Day 6: Montreux
As you cross into Montreux, you'll notice the stark difference between the German-speaking cities of Lucerne and Interlaken and the French-speaking charm of Montreux.
This city boasts French-influenced architecture, the stunning Swiss Alps as a backdrop, and Lake Geneva at its doorstep.
Montreux is a place to unwind, with its serene atmosphere and a slower pace of life. When traveling to Montreux, you can enjoy the scenic journey via the Golden Pass Line.
While in Montreux, don't miss Switzerland's grandest castle, Château de Chillon. Stroll along the romantic streets of Vevey and consider taking a detour to the Leukerbad Thermal Baths before moving on to the next city, Zermatt.
For accommodation in Montreux, you can opt for our apartments in Switzerland.
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Day 7: Zermatt
Zermatt, home to the iconic Matterhorn (also known as the "Toblerone Chocolate Mountain"), is a car-free town that boasts ski slopes open year-round.
If you're considering adding a hike to your 10-day Switzerland itinerary , Zermatt serves as the gateway to some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. You can plan your route around the vast Matterhorn landscape with the help of a full map of the Matterhorn Paradise.
While in Zermatt, make sure to see the Matterhorn up close, and don't miss the opportunity to enjoy affordable cheese fondue. For transportation, you can take a train from Montreux to Leuk (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes) and make a stop at the Leukerbad Thermal Bath.
Afterward, take the train to Visp (approximately 30 minutes), and the final leg is from Visp to Zermatt (approximately 1 hour).
You can also visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and get a peak of the world’s most photographed mountain up close.
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Day 8: Glacier Express to St Moritz
The Glacier Express is often referred to as the queen of Swiss railways, and the 8-hour picturesque ride is incredibly popular. It's advisable to make reservations at least one month in advance to secure seats, as bookings open three months ahead.
Starting from Zermatt and ending in St Moritz, the Glacier Express offers highlights such as passing through the Oberalppass at 2,033 meters above sea level, traveling through the Rhine Gorge (also known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland), and crossing the famous Landwasser Viaduct.
Pro tip: Sit on the right side of the train for the best views.
The cost of the Glacier Express journey starts from $220 (second class). If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, you only need to pay a top-up of $40 for the reservation, helping you stay in budget on Switzerland trip.
Be sure to check the schedule for specific timings.
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Day 9: St Moritz
Accommodation Cost: ~$100 per night
The final stop of the Glacier Express is St Moritz, a popular town known for its luxurious alpine resorts. From here, you can take a day trip to the town of Filisur, where you can hike to the famous viewpoint of the Landwasser Viaduct.
To get to St Moritz, simply enjoy the scenic journey on the Glacier Express, which takes approximately 8 hours.
For accommodation in St Moritz, consider staying at a youth hostel, where a single bed in a quadruple room costs approximately $100 per night. It's just a 15-minute bus ride from St Moritz station.
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Day 10: Zürich
Accommodation Cost: ~$105 per person
The last day of your Switzerland itinerary takes you back to Zürich, a bustling city with historical charm. You'll arrive in Zürich from St Moritz at night and begin your exploration of the city on the next (and final) day.
Besides taking a day trip to see the Rhine Falls, explore Zürich Old Town and catch the sunset at Lindenhof.
Check out things to do in Zurich in our separate guide.
At this point, your Swiss Travel Pass will have expired, so you can get around the city using local public buses or by walking.
When it's time to leave the city en route to Zürich Airport, you have the option of taking a direct train from Zürich HB station, which takes approximately 10 minutes and costs $7.
Alternatively, you can opt for a private car transfer for added convenience.
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Budget Considerations for Your 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary:
1. Food
Eating out anywhere in Switzerland can be pricey, with meals costing at least $22 per person. Even a simple meal at an inexpensive restaurant can set you back $24, and a glass of water at restaurants costs $6.
To save on food expenses, make use of the good ol' supermarkets like Coop and Migros, which are found all over Switzerland.
Fortunately, Switzerland offers plenty of picturesque spots perfect for picnics, giving you a great excuse to enjoy supermarket food outdoors.
Think of $4 salad pastas and $3 tuna sandwiches. Croissants, ham, and spreads in Switzerland are fresh and delicious for breakfast and lunch. Consider cooking dinner instead of eating out, and you'll discover a delightful world of Swiss flavors in the kitchen.
Also, don’t miss out on the best food and drinks to try to in Switzerland.
2. Accommodation:
When it comes to finding budget-friendly accommodation options for your Switzerland tour package, hostels and Airbnb rooms are your best bets. While renting an entire Airbnb apartment can be relatively costly, opting for a private room is usually more affordable and comfortable, even for groups of three.
Hostels are another great option for budget-conscious travelers. Not only are they affordable, but they're often conveniently located close to train stations and provide access to traveler necessities like kitchens, laundry facilities, and even complimentary breakfasts.
One additional perk of staying in hostels is the opportunity to mingle with like-minded travelers from around the world.
On average, hostels in Switzerland cost about $60 to $85 per person per night in a shared dormitory, which is considered reasonable by Swiss standards.
3. Transport in Switzerland:
Getting around Switzerland can be quite costly, especially when traveling within or between cities. For example, a single train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken could easily cost you $45.
However, you can overcome this budget hurdle by planning your route strategically and maximizing the benefits of the Swiss Pass.
The Swiss Travel Pass is a flat-rate option that offers unlimited rides on buses and trains and provides discounted entry (often up to 50%) to various attractions across Switzerland. After doing the math, you'll realize that you can save a significant amount by purchasing this pass. It's a no-brainer for budget-conscious travelers.
Conclusion:
Switzerland, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, is a destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list. While it's true that the country has a reputation for being expensive, this 10-day itinerary proves that you can explore the best of Switzerland without breaking the bank.
From the historic streets of Lucerne to the breathtaking vistas of Zermatt, this journey offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
So, don't let budget constraints deter you from experiencing the beauty of Switzerland. Pack your bags, follow this itinerary, and embark on a Swiss adventure filled with natural wonders, exciting activities, and cultural treasures.
