9-Day Switzerland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Zurich traveling east to Lugano, St. Gallen, and Schaffhausen

1 / 61

Photo of beautiful view of historic city center of Zurich with famous Fraumunster Church, Switzerland.

Perfect travel plans

Everything included

Fully customizable

Description

Included

Flights

Hotel

Select dates

Car rental

Select dates

Tours & tickets

Select dates

Travel plan

From A to Z

Travel agent

24/7 fast service

Description

Explore the best of Switzerland on a remarkable 9-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Zurich, Goldau, Lavertezzo, Orselina, Lugano, Locarno, Melide, Monte Carasso, Bellinzona, Rapperswil, St. Gallen, Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, and Winterthur.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Switzerland. You will spend 4 nights in Zurich, 2 nights in Lugano, 1 night in St. Gallen, and 1 night in Schaffhausen. 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 you covered.

Upon arriving in Zurich, 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 Zürich Zoo are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Zurich, Goldau, Lavertezzo, Orselina, Lugano, Locarno, Melide, Monte Carasso, Bellinzona, Rapperswil, St. Gallen, Neuhausen, Schaffhausen, 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, accommodations, 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!

Travel details

Set your travel details to find the best price

Flights

Compare and choose from the best flights to Zurich

Include flights

Car

Choose from the best car rental deals or see all options

Driver’s age is 30 - 65

I live in

Pick-up: 10:00

Drop-off: 10:00

Include car

Personalize your itinerary

Customize tours under each day and destination

Day 1

Zurich - Arrival day
More

Lindenhof
More

Your road trip adventure in Switzerland begins as soon as you reach Zurich and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 3 nights and explore what to see in Zurich, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Zurich is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Zurich. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Switzerland. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Zurich, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Switzerland!

Day 2

Zurich
More

Drive 14 km, 57 min

Botanical Garden
Zürichhorn
Chinagarten Zürich
Zürich Opera House
Zürich Zoo
More

You have 2 nights left in Zurich. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Zurich's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Switzerland.

Day 3

Zurich
More

Drive 3 km, 46 min

Swiss National Museum
Fraumünster Church
Grossmünster
Kunsthaus Zürich
More

You’ll stay in Zurich for 1 night.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Zurich.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Zurich, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Switzerland.

Day 4

Zurich
Lugano
More

Drive 266 km, 3 hours 53 min

Nature and Animal Park Goldau
Ponte dei Salti
Madonna del Sasso
More

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Switzerland includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Goldau, Lavertezzo, and Orselina. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lugano, where you'll spend 2 nights.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Lugano. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Lugano's best restaurants.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Switzerland!

Day 5

Lugano
More

Drive 97 km, 2 hours 18 min

Piazza Grande
Locarno–Madonna del Sasso funicular
Ciani Parc
Lugano Arte e Cultura
Swissminiatur
More

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Switzerland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Lugano. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Switzerland!

Day 6

Lugano
Sankt Gallen
More

Drive 265 km, 4 hours 15 min

Antico Convento delle Agostiniane
Three Castles of Bellinzona
Montebello Castle
Knie's Kinderzoo
More

On day 6 of your road trip in Switzerland, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Monte Carasso, Bellinzona, and Rapperswil are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in St. Gallen, where you will stay for 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to St. Gallen, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

St. Gallen is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in St. Gallen.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Switzerland!

Day 7

Sankt Gallen
Schaffhausen
More

Drive 89 km, 1 hour 43 min

Abbey of Saint Gall
St. Gallen Cathedral
Roter Platz
Drei Weieren
Rhine Falls
More

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Switzerland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including St. Gallen and Neuhausen. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Schaffhausen, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Schaffhausen. Schaffhausen offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Schaffhausen's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Say good night to Schaffhausen and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Switzerland!

Day 8

Schaffhausen
Zurich
More

Drive 125 km, 2 hours 21 min

Swiss Science Center Technorama
Wildpark Bruderhaus Winterthur
Aathal Dinosaur Museum
Üetliberg
Uetliberg Lookout Tower
More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Switzerland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Winterthur, Aathal, and Sellenbüren. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Zurich, where will spend 1 night.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Zurich. Check in and relax before you head out to tour 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.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Switzerland.

Day 9

Zurich - Departure day
More

Arboretum Zürich
More

Day 9 of your road trip in Switzerland is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Discover boutiques with stylish fashion choices to upgrade your wardrobe.

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!

How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

Similar travel packages

Discover other popular vacations in Switzerland

From 0

Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.