Blog

How to Travel to Switzerland

Switzerland can be reached by air or by land. Being centrally located, you can easily drive or take trains or buses from the surrounding countries. If you are coming from a bit further, then the easiest option is to fly into one of the international airports.

Can You Fly Direct to Switzerland from the US?

You can fly into either Geneva or Zurich directly from the US. Geneva has direct flights from New York and Washington DC, while Zurich has flights from Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Tampa, and Washington DC.

Direct Flights to Switzerland from Other European Countries

Being centrally located, there are pretty much direct flights from everywhere in Europe to at least one of the airports in Switzerland. You can check below by putting "from your airport" and then "to Swizerland".

Direct Flights to Switzerland from Other Countries Around the World

International cities that fly to Zurich include Abu Dhabi, Algiers, Antalya, Bangkok, Cairo, Cancun, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, Hurghada, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Male, Marrakech, Marsa Alam, Montego Bay, Montreal, Mumbai, Muscat, Riyadh, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Tel Aviv, and Tokyo.

Bern has flights from Doha, and Geneva recieves flights from Abu Dhabi, Addis Ababa, Agadir Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Casablanca, Doha, Enfidha, Istanbul, Izmir, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Luanda, Marrakech, Montreal, Port Louis, Rabbat, Riyadh, Santiago, Tel Aviv, and Tunis.

Traveling to Switzerland by Train

Switzerland is very well connected by train, and can be reached easily by cities is various nearby countries.

Here are a few popular train routes to Switzerland:

• Frankfurt to Basel (3 hours)
• Lyon to Geneva (2 hours)
• Milan to Geneva (4 hours)
• Paris to Geneva (3 hours)
• Frankfurt to Zurich (4 hours)
• Innsbruck to Zurich (3 1/2 hours)
• Munich to Zurich (3 1/2 hours)
• Venice to Zurich (7 1/2 hours)

Traveling to Switzerland by Bus

There are plenty of opportunities to get to Switzerland via public transportation, and buses are typically the most budget-friendly option there is. You can take buses from many major cities, and even connect if you are coming from a smaller town.

Traveling to Switzerland by Bla Bla Car

When I was traveling solo to Switzerland, I visited by Bla Bla Car, which is a carpooling app that is popular in Europe. It's great because you can choose which driver you like at whatever time works for you, and coordinate with them for dropping you at your exact destination.

This past trip to Switzerland though, we actually decided to rent a car, and then posted the trip on Bla Bla Car to help split costs of going there on our own.

Traveling to Switzerland by Rental Car

If you plan on renting a car to visit Switzerland, make sure that you purchase your vignette, which is basically a pass that allows you to drive in the country (kind of like a toll pass). You can get one at a gas station as soon as you cross the border, and it costs 40 CHF for the year.

There are cameras everywhere in Switzerland, and many toll booths, so it's pretty crucial you get the vignette, and also that you always drive under the speed limit!

Switzerland Travel Guide: Local Adjustments

One of the most important parts of having a full Switzerland travel guide, is making sure that you know the basics for visiting! Things such as the language, currency, and tipping culture are included in all of our guides for this reason. Here are a few things that you need to know.

What Language is Mostly Spoken in Switzerland?

Despite being a tiny country, Switzerland actually has 4 official languages! These include German, Italian, French, and Romanch, of which German is spoken in the largest amount of the country.

Is English Spoken in Switzerland?

English is not spoken in Switzerland, but you will find plenty of people that do speak English, particularly in the cities.

Currency in Switzerland

The currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Typically, it is a very strong currency, and worth more than the euro or the dollar. Currently, (February 2024) 1 CHF is equivalent to $1.13 USD, 1.05 EUR, or .90 GDP.

Can You Use Euros in Switzerland?

Euros are typically not accepted in Swizerland. However, there are certain places that may be willing to take euros if you are luckily. Most things can be paid by credit card, but if you need cash we suggest withdrawing it from a local ATM.

Is Switzerland Very Expensive to Visit?

Yes, Switzerland is very expensive to visit. But, that doesn't mean you can't do it on a budget! We have a few tips for saving money while visiting Switzerland, and other pricey countries in one our guide "how to travel to expensive countries on a budget".

What Plug Adapter Do I Need for Switzerland?

Switzerland uses the same plug types as the rest of Europe, which are types C (2 round pins) & J (2 round pins and a third underneath). The standard voltage in Switzerland is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

If you are coming from the US, the UK, or Australia, you will need to get a travel adapter.

Is it OK to Drink Tap Water in Switzerland?

Switzerland has some of the cleanest drinking water in the world! Bottled water is quite expensive, and is completely unecessary. There are even fountains that you can find which have free water all over, so we definitely suggest bringing a reusable water bottle with you.

Is it Customary to Tip in Switzerland?

It is not customary to tip in Switzerland, as servers actually make a regular wage. Many restaurants in Switzerland do however add a service charge on the bill, which is typically around 10%.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Switzerland Travel Guide: The Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

The most important part of any Switzerland travel guide is knowing where to visit! Here are the top places to travel in Switzerland to add to your itinerary.

Zurich

Zurich is probably the most popular city in Switzerland, as it is the most well-connected city in the country to the rest of Europe.

Despite being the business capital, the city center is actually small and charming, and there are a ton of fun acitivites that you can enjoy. We've been a few times now, and even have friend living there, so will continue to add to our guide!

Geneva

Located right near the French border, Geneva is Switzerland's most cosmopolitan city, and one of the most politically significant. This is where Europe's United Nations, as well as the Red Cross are located, and it's a global hub for diplomacy and banking.

While that doesn't sound crazy exciting as a tourist, it still is a beautiful city located on Lake Geneva, and worth a visit, especially if you are coming from France.

Bern

Bern is Switzerland's capital, and is characterized by medieval architecture. It's famous for it's old town being an UNESCO World Heritage Site, being where the first Lindt factory stands, and home to Einstein's most famous published work.

Basel

Basel is the third largest city in Switzerland, and is located on the Rhine river, near the borders of both France and Germany. This city is known as the cultural hub of Switzerland, with having a beautiful old town, and having over 40 museums!

Interlaken

Located in the heart of Switzerland, this stunning town is wedged right between two massive lakes. It is definitely one of the top tourist destinations, and most likely one you'll find in any Switzerland travel guide out there.

Despite the crowds, we have to say that it truly is a magical place, and has so many great spots to offer like waterfalls, castles, and some of the most incredible viewpoints in the country.

Lucerne

Just a half hour outside of Zurich is one of Switzerland's most beloved lakeside towns. Lucerne is 44 square miles, and is dotted with adorable villages and incredible boutique hotels, making it the perfect place to spend a night or two.

Lugano

Located all the way in the south near the Italian border, Lugano is another pictureque lake worth adding to your Swiss bucket list. Truthfully, as soon as we arrived we felt like we had already arrived in Italy! With its beautiful architecture and delicious Italian cuisine, it's the perfect place to experience Italy before hopping the border.

Zermatt

Zermatt is one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland. The mountain village with views of the iconic Matterhorn peak is a scene straight from a fairytale, and a top destination on any Switzerland travel guide.

This town is car-free, and the only way you can get there is by train! It's great for hiking in the summer, and for its ski resort in the winter, which is the highest in Europe!

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is the perfect village to go if you want to experience some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes in Switzerland. Like Zermatt, it's great for hiking in the summer, as well as skiing in the winter, and regardless, is gorgeous to experience year round.

Lauterbrunnen

This may just be one of the most charming places you'll ever encounter. The adorable village of Lauterbrunnen is tucked away between the mountains, and is scattered with waterfalls. This place seriously looks like it's out of a fairytale, and is a must-visit for your trip to Switzerland.

Ticino

Ticino is the Italian region of Switzerland, and it is full of quaint villages, rolling green hills, and gorgeous mountains surrounding it.

It is probably one of the least visited areas of Switzerland for tourists, but we feel it deserves a spot on our Switzerland travel guide, as it truly is magical.

While it is a little less connected than the other areas of the country, it's a beautiful area to check out if you rent a car.

Switzerland Travel Guide: Fun Things to Do in Switzerland

Now that you know the best places to visit in Switzerland, it's time to explore all of the fun things to do around the country! Switzerland is full of bucket list activities, so it's important to put some extra money aside to tick a few of them off. Here are some of our favorites.

Have Fondue

Fondue is one of the most special culinary experiences, and a must-mention for any Switzerland travel guide.

You can find fondue in many restaurants across the country, and it is perfect for groups.

I was dying to have fondue in Switzerland, but you need at least two people in order to order fondue, and Fede is not a cheese lover. Luckily we met the loveliest Swiss couple though that invited us over for a traditional fondue in their home!

Bonus: Do a Fondue Making Class

Not only do we suggest trying fondue, but you can actually join a class to learn how to make one and eat it too! It's the perfect way to truly immerse in Swiss culture and enjoy the flavors at the same time.

Taste Swiss Chocolate

Switzerland is known for having the most incredible chocolate, and it would be a sin not to try some. Whether it's having a cup of hot chocolate in a cafe, visiting a chocolatier, or simply grabbing a Swiss chocolate bar from a shop, make sure to add all things chocolate to your Switzerland itinerary!

Go Hiking

Switzerland is known for its incredible nature, and is a hiking-lover's paradise. Be prepared though- this country doesn't play around with its mountain hikes. There are tons of them, and some of them only for the faint of heart. 

Switzerland is special because the hiking destinations are typically set up with guest houses and restaurants at the top, meaning you can almost always find ways to wake up right in the mountains!

Here are a few of our favorite hikes that you should add to your list:

• Stoos: an incredible ridge hike with views of several lakes near Lucerne
• Schafler Ridge: a full region of several trails leading to an iconic ridge, cute guest house, and a beautiful lake
• Saxer Lucke: a stunning ridge walk with incredible views
• Adelboden: known for it's giant swing at the top

Switzerland has some of the most beautiful hikes in the world.

Pssst! Click the names of the hikes for our dedicated blog articles!

Experience the Via Ferratas

Via Ferrata is a really popular activity throughout the alps, and Switerland has some great ones! 

We particularly recommend the one in Murren, as it has iconic views and a long suspension bridge from one mountain to another. Just make sure that you book in advance, as we paid to take the cable car all the way there and they were sold out.

Try Bunjee Jumping

Another epic activity to experience while in Switzerland is bunjee jumping! Stockhorn is home to one of the coolest bunjee jumping in the world, and is definitely one for the bucket list.

Ride a Roller Coaster Through the Mountains

All of the best acitivities in Switzerland can be found in cute mountain villages or after an awesome hike.

We particularly love the self-driven roller coaster that you can find next to Oiechensee, but there are also a few of them that you can find around the country if you're looking for a thrill with great views.

Go Paragliding

With such stunning views everywhere, it really is special seeing it all from above. Paragliding is the perfect activity for those that want a little adventure and to see Swiss landscapes from a different perspective.

Here are a few paragliding experiences that you can choose from:

Party at the Zurich Street Parade

Every year in August the city of Zurich comes together for one of the biggest parties in Europe! Zurich Street parade fills with people from all over the continent to dress in festival-wear and dance along the streets and on boats in Switzerland's most famous city. We're always seeking celebrations around the world, and this certainly lived up to the hype.

Visit the Top of Europe

Experience the top of Europe right in Switzerland. The Jungfraujoch is a saddle connecting two of the major 4,000ers of the Bernese Alps: the Jungfrau and the Mönch. It's a pretty iconic view, and definitely one for the bucket list!

We're not going to lie though- this is definitely the most expensive cable car you'll ever take. At 200 euros, we decided to sit this one out. But if you have the cash to blow, then we'd say go for it!

We honestly think it's a better deal to get a package deal, so here are a few options below:

Take a Scenic Train Ride

Our Switzerland travel guide wouldn't be complete without sharing with you this one. Typically train rides are simply transportation. But not in Switzerland! They are a designated activity in itself, as they have the most stunning rides you'll ever experience.

The downfall to having a car was that we didn't get to experience one of the incredibly beautiful train rides. However, we have a few lined up for the future - from the iconic train ride to Zermatt to luxury train rides on the Bernina Express.

Attend the Balloon Festival

Each January the village of Château-d’Œx holds a balloon festival for a period of 9 days. Each day there are dozens of hot air balloons flying over the snow capped mountains, as well as air shows, flying competitions, balloon demonstrations, and an impressive night glow event.

Go Shopping

We're not massive shoppers, but Switzerland is known for quite a few great things! Some of the most popular things you can bring home are:

• Cheeses
• Chocolate
• Cuckoo Clocks
• Swiss Army Knives
• Watches

Stay in an Epic Hotel

Switzerland has some of the most incredible hotels, and a lot of them are luxury chalets or small boutique hotels in the mountains. While we didn't quite have the budget for these unique stays this time, we certainly have them on our bucket list for the future.

Unique Stays in Switzerland

• Hotel Glacier, Grindelwald: luxury cabin stay with an incredible igloo-style hot tub
• Belvedere, Grindelwald: a luxury hotel with stunning views, a spa, and ski gondolas you can dine in
• Beausite, Zermatt: a cozy stay with beautiful views of Zermatt
• Iglu Dorf, Zermatt: an igloo with jacuzzi and epic views of the Matterhorn
• Riffelhaus 1853, Zermatt: a dreamy stay with a jacuzzi and Matterhorn views 
• Burgenstock Resort, Lucerne: one of the most incredible hotels with a massive infinity pool overlooking the lake
• Hotel Villa Honegg, Burgenstock: an iconic luxury hotel with jacuzzis in an infinity pool and lake views
• Kurhaus Cademario, Ticino: has a beautiful infinisty jacuzzi in the Italian part of Switzerland
• Whitepod Hotel: luxury goe-style glamping experience int he Alps
• Hotel Lindenhof, Brienz: has a rooftop with barrel jacuzzi overlooking the lake

Switzerland Travel Guide: Getting Around

When reading other Switzerland travel guides, we found it really difficult to decide on how we were going to get around!

Should I Rent a Car in Switzerland?

We ended up renting a car, and it was the one country that we really had mixed feelings about. On one hand, having a car allowed us to see a lot of hidden gems that would be difficult to reach otherwise.

But Switzerland also has a lot of mountain villages that can not be reached by cars, and the parking in cities (and even small towns) can really get expensive. Typically renting a car is great for saving money in many countries, but between the vignette and parking fees, we aren't sure we would do it like that again.

If you like to travel off the beaten path and are planning on spending a lot of time in the country, it can be worth renting a car. But if you plan on just doing the highlights, or have a limited amount of time, we honestly think relying on public transportation makes more sense.

Public Transportation in Switzerland

Switzerland has excellent public transportation, and is well-connected by buses, and even more well-connected by their train system.

Trains can certainly become expensive, but they are clean, comfortable, and offer some of the most stunning views!

You can get the Swiss Pass if you plan on traveling around a lot, which will have all of your trains rides included, as well as discounts on a lot of activities and attactions around the country. They are certainly pricey, so we'd only recommend them if you have a heavy itinerary.

You can also get package deals that include other perks through partner sites. Here are some different options you can choose from:

Swiss Half Fare Card

If you plan on spending more time in Switzerland and traveling at a slower pace, then we suggest getting the Swiss half fare card. It gives you half off all transportation, and unlike the other travel passes, it is valid for a full 30 days.

Switzerland Travel Guide: Safety

Switzerland has been rated one of the safest countries in the world! There are very low crime rates throughout the country, and we always felt safe day and night.

Is Switzerland Friendly to Foreigners?

Switzerland is a country that is very used to tourists. We found that there was a mix of people throughout the country - some which were annoyed by tourists, and others that were incredibly welcoming.

Overall we found that the warmest people can be found in the small villages. This is where you're able to meet the most authentic and sweet people, who are typically very nice and helpful to travelers.

Is Switzerland Good For Solo Female Travelers?

As far as safety goes, Swizerland is great for solo travelers! However, we do think that it's a better place to experience with friends or with a significant other. This is because there aren't a ton of hostels, or opportunities to make friends while traveling like in other budget-friendly city destinations.