5-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich to Lucerne and Basel

Photo of Basel, Switzerland by Albrecht Fietz
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
4 nights included
Car rental
5 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 5-day road trip through Switzerland.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Switzerland. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Zurich, 1 night in Lucerne, and 1 night in Basel, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Switzerland. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Zurich, Lucerne, and Basel.

We'll help you experience the best 5 days in Switzerland you can imagine, so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Zurich, you’ll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you’ll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Switzerland, including the stunning Lindenhof and Chapel Bridge.

You’ll have your choice of the country's best hotels and places to stay throughout your road trip, suitable for all budgets. For example, in the city of Hotel Sternen Oerlikon, you could choose to stay at a popular hotel like the 4-star H+ Hotel Zürich. Alternatively, you could stay at a luxury accommodation like the 5-star Atlantis by Giardino. Travelers looking for the best cheap accommodation could choose the 3-star Hotel Sternen Oerlikon. No matter which price range you’re looking for, our local experts will assist you in finding the best stay option for your visit.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Switzerland. From the magnificent Lion Monument Lucerne to the breathtaking Chillon Castle and Rhine Falls, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Zurich, Lucerne, and Basel, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Switzerland. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Switzerland.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Switzerland. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you’ll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Switzerland.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Switzerland.

You’ll return home having experienced the very best of everything Switzerland has to offer.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Switzerland. You’ll be booked at the best hotels for 4 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 4 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You’ll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. All taxes are included in your vacation package price. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Switzerland extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Switzerland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Switzerland today!

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Included

Hotel, 4 nights
Rental car, 5 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Panoramic view of historic Zurich city center with famous Fraumunster, Grossmunster and St. Peter and river Limmat at Lake Zurich on a sunny day with clouds in summer, Canton of Zurich, SwitzerlandZürich / 2 nights
View of the Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river, Switzerland.Basel / 1 night
Lucerne - town in SwitzerlandLucerne / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Photo of Rhine Falls or Rheinfall, Switzerland panoramic aerial view.Rhine Falls
Photo of the landscape of the Zurich zoo, Switzerland.Zürich Zoo
Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Luzern, SwitzerlandChapel Bridge
Photo of Chillon Castle, Switzerland. Montreaux, Lake Geneve, one of the most visited castle in Swiss, attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year.Chillon Castle
Photo of Lucerne dying lion monument, Switzerland.Lion Monument
Photo of Pink flamingos in the water in the zoo of Basel, Switzerland.Basel Zoo
Photo of bridge at Limmatquai in the city center of Zurich, Switzerland. People on the background. Seen from Lindenhof hill.Lindenhof
Photo of Grossmünster Romanesque-style Protestant church in Zürich, Switzerland.Grossmünster
Photo of Swiss National Museum or Landesmuseum in Zurich, Switzerland.Swiss National Museum
Photo of the Basel Minster Cathedral in Switzerland.Basel Minster
photo of Middle bridge over Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland.Middle bridge
Photo of Zurich opera house and Sechselautenplatz town square view, largest city in Switzerland.Zürich Opera House
Botanical Garden, Weinegg, Riesbach, Zurich, District Zurich, SwitzerlandBotanical Garden

Travel details

Travel dates
Jan 1 - Jan 5

Include flights?

Yes
No

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travelers

Rooms

1 traveler1 room
1 traveler1 room

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Zurich - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Zurich - arrival day

  • Zürich - Arrival day
  • More
  • Lindenhof
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Switzerland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Zurich. You’ll stay in Zurich for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Zurich has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Lindenhof. This attraction is a square and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,743 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city.

One of the best luxury places you could choose in Zurich is Atlantis by Giardino. This 5-star hotel is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,813 guests.

We also recommend the best 4-star accommodations, like H+ Hotel Zürich. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 6,390 guests.

Alternatively, one of the best cheap hotel options in Zurich is Hotel Sternen Oerlikon. This 3-star hotel is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 857 guests.

If these hotels are unavailable during your vacation in Zurich, our system will automatically help you find the best alternative for your stay.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich, Weisses Rössli. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich is Zeughauskeller. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,976 customers.

Locals recommend Swiss Chuchi Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Zurich. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,383 customers.

Zurich also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Zurich is Old Crow. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 935 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Zurich is Tales Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 628 customers.

Locals also enjoy Kennedy's Irish Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,395 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 5-day vacation in Switzerland!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Zurich and Lucerne

Day 2

Day 2 – Zurich and Lucerne

  • Zürich
  • Lucerne
  • More

Drive 64 km, 1 hour 21 min

  • Swiss National Museum
  • Zürich Zoo
  • Grossmünster
  • Zürich Opera House
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Switzerland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Zurich. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Lucerne. You’ll stay in Lucerne for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Zurich’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Zurich, start your day with a visit to the amazing Swiss National Museum. This much-appreciated organization and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,511 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Grossmünster. This church building and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,833 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Zürich Opera House to make the most of your road trip across Switzerland. The spectacular Zürich Opera House is an opera house that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,390 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Zurich has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Lucerne. Lucerne offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

We recommend you stay at the exclusive Grand Hotel National, one of the best 5-star hotel options in Zurich. At this hotel, you’ll have access to many exceptional amenities that will ensure a pleasant and comfortable stay. This hotel is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 550 guests.

Alternatively, check out one of the best 4-star hotel options in Lucerne, like Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora. This hotel is a popular choice among travelers in the city and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,168 guests.

If you’re looking for a top-rated budget hotel, we recommend you stay at Des Alpes Luzern Hotel Restaurant. This 3-star hotel offers value-for-money accommodation and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 1,736 guest reviews.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Bierliebe & Friends. This popular restaurant is one of locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 680 reviews.

The remarkable Grottino 1313 is another top restaurant in Lucerne we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 624 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Mill'Feuille is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,538 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Lucerne, the fantastic Suite small plates & cocktails. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,046 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Shamrock Irish Pub. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 833 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Switzerland!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Lucerne and Basel

Day 3

Day 3 – Lucerne and Basel

  • Lucerne
  • Basel
  • More

Drive 407 km, 4 hours 41 min

  • Chapel Bridge
  • Lion Monument
  • Chillon Castle
  • More

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Zurich is the amazing Chapel Bridge. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 28,159 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Lion Monument Lucerne. This sculpture and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 18,935 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Zurich is another excellent way to spend your new day in Switzerland. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Switzerland’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Switzerland’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Switzerland’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Chillon Castle for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a museum and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,926 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Basel.

One of the best hotel options in the city of Basel is the 4-star hotel Essential by Dorint Basel City. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 3,547 guests.

You can also stay at one of the best 5-star hotel. The hotel Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is a luxurious place to stay in the city of Basel. This hotel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 304 guests.

If you’re looking for the best cheap hotel, we recommend staying at the 3-star hotel Aparthotel Adagio Basel City. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 1,039 guests.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restaurant Stucki - Tanja Grandits, one of the best restaurants in the city of Basel. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 520 customers.

Locals also recommend tibits as one of the best restaurants in the city of Basel. Tibits is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,794 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Basel is KLARA 13 AG. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,460 customers.

After dinner, visit Bar Rouge, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Basel. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,606 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Switzerland!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Basel, Schaffhausen, and Zurich

Day 4

Day 4 – Basel, Schaffhausen, and Zurich

  • Basel
  • Zürich
  • More

Drive 154 km, 2 hours 44 min

  • Middle bridge
  • Basel Minster
  • Basel Zoo
  • Rhine Falls
  • More

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland. Today, you'll wake up in Basel and embark on a scenic drive to Zurich, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Basel before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Basel. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful middle bridge. This attraction is a road bridge that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,782 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Basel Minster. This attraction, a beloved cathedral, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,929 visitors.

A frequently recommended hotel in the city of Zurich is the 4-star H+ Hotel Zürich. This hotel offers plenty of functional amenities and has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 6,390 guests.

If you’d rather stay at the best 5-star hotel in Zurich, we recommend Atlantis by Giardino. This luxurious hotel promises guests a pleasant stay in the city and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,813 guests.

A top-rated budget hotel that is popular among travelers in Zurich is the 3-star Hotel Sternen Oerlikon. This hotel is a practical place to stay in the city and has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 857 guests.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Kennedy's Irish Pub. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,395 customers.

Locals also recommend Markthalle, another of the best restaurants in Zurich. Markthalle is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,771 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Cantinetta Antinori. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,379 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Rimini Bar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Zurich, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,417 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 870 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Switzerland, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Zurich - departure day

Day 5

Day 5 – Zurich - departure day

  • Zürich - Departure day
  • More
  • Botanical Garden
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Zurich before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Botanical Garden is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Zurich. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,980 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Zurich and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Switzerland.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Zurich at La Pasta before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,041 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Yen's for your last chance at a meal in the city of Zurich. The Yen's restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 786 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Zurich. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Switzerland!

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Experiences

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