Cheap 4-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Basel to Zurich

Your exciting road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Basel, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Basel and begin your adventure in Switzerland.

Basel is a popular cheap holiday destination in Switzerland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Switzerland, Basel is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

Savor the culinary delights of Basel, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

You could check out Hotel Les Trois Rois, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,540 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Tibits is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,794 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Restaurant Fiorentina Basel. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Restaurant Fiorentina Basel has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,379 customer reviews.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated KLARA 13 AG. This bar is considered one of the best in Basel and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,460 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,144 customers. Alternatively, go to Flanagan's. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Basel and boasts an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,232 reviews.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Switzerland!

Day 2 of your self-drive vacation in Switzerland will take you to the city of Zurich, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Zurich, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Switzerland, including Basel and Zurich.

Make Basel Minster your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this cathedral an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,442 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Fine Arts Museum Basel. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,049 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this museum every year.

Basel Zoo is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This zoo has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,178 visitors. Up to 2,012,511 travelers come to Basel every year to see Basel Zoo with their own eyes.

When you’re finished at Basel Zoo, the perfect next stop is Kannenfeldpark. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,501 reviews.

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 Zurich. Your travel time is around 1 hour 8 min.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Zurich. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Zurich, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Zurich, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

We recommend a local favorite like Weisses Rössli. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 525 customers.

Zeughauskeller is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Zurich. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,976 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Zurich you might want to check out is Swiss Chuchi Restaurant. Swiss Chuchi Restaurant is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 3,383 reviews.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Tibits, claiming it’s one of the best. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,746 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option in the city is Kennedy's Irish Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,395 customers.

El Lokal is yet another top-rated place where you can easily spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,127 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Switzerland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Switzerland!

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Neuhausen, Lucerne, and Basel. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Basel.

Neuhausen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Zurich behind. This drive usually takes around 41 min. Neuhausen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Rhine Falls. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 70,505 reviews.

After soaking in Neuhausen’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Lucerne. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 22 min. When you arrive in Lucerne, it's time to take a break from the road.

Journey into the unknown at Lion Monument Lucerne, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable sculpture has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 20,294 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Swiss Museum of Transport is a recommended place to visit. This technology museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,571 reviews. Based on recent data, the attraction hosts 562,605 visitors per year.

Another must-see attraction in Lucerne is Chapel Bridge. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 29,995 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Lucerne offers an experience you will remember.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Basel. This car ride takes around 1 hour 13 min.

Basel offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Switzerland. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

A cheap, budget vacation in Basel should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Basel, try some of our top recommendations.

WERK 8 is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 996 customers.

Gifthüttli is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Volkshaus Basel, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,123 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. NOOHN is a popular option with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 829 customers.

Another top option is Ängel or Aff. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 575 customers.

KaBAR is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 630 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Basel!

Your budget road trip vacation in Switzerland is about to end. Day 4 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Basel.

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.

Before you conclude your road trip in Switzerland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Basel.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Basel, consider a top-rated restaurant like Za Zaa - Lebanese Soul Food. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 926 customers.

Restaurant Stucki - Tanja Grandits is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 520 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Restaurant Boo Klybeck. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 551 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Switzerland and your fun memories in Basel.

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!