5-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Basel to Geneva and Zurich and surrounding area
Description
Summary
Description
Explore the best of Switzerland on a 5-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Basel, Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich, Neuhausen, and Winterthur. This road trip itinerary in Switzerland seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Switzerland takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Basel, 1 night in Geneva, and 1 night in Zurich. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Switzerland. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Basel, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Switzerland on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Switzerland. Rhine Falls and Chapel Bridge are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Basel, Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich, Neuhausen, and Winterthur, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Switzerland. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Switzerland.
Throughout your road trip in Switzerland, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Switzerland.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Switzerland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Switzerland today!
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Day 1 – Basel - arrival day
- Basel - Arrival day
- More
- Middle bridge
- More
Say hello to Basel! Your exciting road trip through Switzerland is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Basel for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
Basel is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out middle bridge or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Basel. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Switzerland. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Basel. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Renowned for its , this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of cuisine. This distinguished -recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. With an acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at tibits, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Essential by Dorint Basel City offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Hotel Les Trois Rois. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Basel.
If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Schall und Rauch Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Switzerland!
Day 2 – Basel and Geneva
- Geneva
- Basel
- More
Drive 258 km, 3 hours 16 min
- Basel Zoo
- Fine Arts Museum Basel
- Basel Minster
- Tinguely Fountain
- More
Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Switzerland. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Basel. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Geneva, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
When you’ve had your share of Basel, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Geneva. Your travel time is around 2 hours 52 min.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Basel Zoo. This extraordinary zoo is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,178 visitors. Each year, around 2,012,511 people visit this site to learn more about it.
Next, make your way to Fine Arts Museum Basel. This top attraction is a museum with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,049 visitors.
We also recommend a visit to Basel Minster. This cathedral is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,442 travelers.
If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Tinguely Fountain. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,117 travelers.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Geneva. Geneva offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Geneva.
Celebrated as a restaurant, it boasts an exceptional menu. This establishment consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Nestled in the city's heart, is a perfect choice for discerning cuisine enthusiasts seeking a new experience. Enjoy a sumptuous meal at Auberge de Savièse, a highly-rated dining destination in Geneva. If you're eager to try something different, consider Chez ma Cousine, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Oh Martine! With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Geneva this evening.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Roi Ubu. Alternatively, go to Le Bateau-Lavoir, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Mulligans Irish Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!
Day 3 – Geneva, Lucerne, and Zurich
- Zurich
- Lucerne
- Geneva
- More
Drive 322 km, 3 hours 54 min
- The Geneva Water Fountain
- Jardin Anglais
- L'horloge fleurie
- Lion Monument
- Chapel Bridge
- More
On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Lucerne and Geneva. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Zurich, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Geneva, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Lucerne. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 50 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
When you're ready to see some sights, Lion Monument Lucerne is a great place to start. This sculpture is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,294 visitors.
Another popular attraction you can visit today is Chapel Bridge. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 29,995 travelers.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Lucerne. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 50 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to The Geneva Water Fountain. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,281 reviews.
Next up is Jardin Anglais. This urban park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 18,129 visitors.
Another top sightseeing recommendation is L'horloge fleurie. This floral clock has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,614 reviews.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Zurich, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Zurich. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
This popular restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. This acclaimed -recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. With a recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed. Don’t miss out on dining at Babu's, a top-rated dining destination in Zurich. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Cantinetta Antinori, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at El Lokal. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Zurich this evening.
Keep the evening going at Rio Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to La Stanza, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Switzerland.
Day 4 – Zurich, Neuhausen, Winterthur, and Basel
- Basel
- Neuhausen
- Zurich
- Winterthur
- More
Drive 171 km, 3 hours
- Lindenhof
- Zürich Zoo
- Swiss Science Center Technorama
- Rhine Falls
- More
On day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Neuhausen, Zurich, and Winterthur. In the evening, you’ll end up in Basel, where you will stay for 1 night.
Set your GPS to Neuhausen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 29 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Neuhausen beckons with new experiences!
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Rhine Falls. This waterfall is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Neuhausen, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 70,505 visitors.
When you’ve had your share of Zurich, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Winterthur. Your travel time is around 35 min.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Lindenhof. This square is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Zurich, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,365 visitors.
Zürich Zoo is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,267 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Basel, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Basel's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Renowned for its , this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of cuisine. This distinguished -recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. With an acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? KLARA 13 AG offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Mr. Pickwick Pub Basel. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Basel.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Switzerland!
Day 5 – Basel - departure day
- Basel - Departure day
- More
- Kannenfeld Park
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Day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Basel before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
As you approach the end of your journey in Switzerland, take a moment for some retail therapy in Basel’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.
Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Switzerland, a variety of items are waiting for you. Hold onto the magic of Switzerland with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.
Before you conclude your road trip in Switzerland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Basel.
This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. This acclaimed -recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. With a recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.
You’ll then say farewell to Basel. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Switzerland!
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