Cheap 5-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Basel to Lausanne and 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.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is middle bridge. This road bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,025 reviews.

Make the most of your budget vacation in Switzerland by treating yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Basel that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Discover the heart of Basel through its culinary scene, starting with tibits. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Essential by Dorint Basel City, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Hotel Les Trois Rois, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Schall und Rauch Bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

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

Day 2 of your road trip across Switzerland is another proof that cheap holidays in Switzerland can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes touring 1 wonderful destinations — Basel. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Lausanne, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Basel Minster. This extraordinary cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,442 visitors.

Next, make your way to Fine Arts Museum Basel. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,049 reviews.

While in Basel, we also recommend a visit to Tinguely Fountain. This park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,117 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Basel Zoo. This attraction gets around 2,012,511 yearly visitors. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,178 travelers, this zoo is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Basel.

While exploring Switzerland is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Lausanne has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Lausanne on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Lausanne. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Holy Cow!, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Alpha Palmiers by Fassbind, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss Vieux-Lausanne, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Captain Cook Pub, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of King Size Pub, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Pin Up Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Veytaux and Lucerne. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Zurich, where you'll stay for 1 night.

After soaking in Lausanne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Veytaux. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 37 min. When you arrive in Veytaux, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Chillon Castle. This extraordinary museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,331 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Veytaux, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Lucerne. Your travel time is around 2 hours 15 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Swiss Museum of Transport. Over 562,605 travelers visit this attraction every year. Previous visitors have rated this technology museum an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 11,571 reviews.

Lion Monument Lucerne is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This sculpture is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 20,294 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Chapel Bridge. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 29,995 reviews.

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.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Zurich offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Switzerland.

Discover the heart of Zurich through its culinary scene, starting with Babu's. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Cantinetta Antinori, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore El Lokal, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Rio Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, La Stanza is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Switzerland will take you to the city of Basel, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Basel, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Switzerland, including Zurich and Neuhausen.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Lindenhof. This extraordinary square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,365 visitors.

Next, make your way to Zürich Opera House. This top attraction is an opera house with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,213 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Chinagarten Zürich. This park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,420 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Zürich Zoo. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,267 travelers.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Zurich, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Neuhausen. This drive usually takes around 48 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Rhine Falls. This much-appreciated waterfall is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 70,505 reviews.

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.

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

Start your foodie adventure at HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to KLARA 13 AG, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Mr. Pickwick Pub Basel, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Switzerland!

Your budget road trip vacation in Switzerland is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Basel.

As your final day in Switzerland unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Basel’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Switzerland. Keep the spirit of your trip to Switzerland alive with these special souvenirs.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Basel is the remarkable Kannenfeldpark. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,501 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Basel, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Restaurant Fiorentina Basel, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, Unternehmen Mitte features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, WERK 8 is a highly recommended spot.

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!