Cheap 5-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich traveling east to Lugano and St. Gallen

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

Zurich is a popular cheap holiday destination in Switzerland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Switzerland, Zurich 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.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Lindenhof. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,365 reviews.

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

Babu's stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, Cantinetta Antinori offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at El Lokal, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

Visit Rio Bar, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. La Stanza serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Zurich. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar.

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

On day 2 of your cheap holiday travels in Switzerland, you’ll tour 1: Zurich. You'll stay in Lugano for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Kick off the day at Grossmünster, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This church building is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,297 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Zürich Opera House. Zürich Opera House is an opera house with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,213 reviews.

Chinagarten Zürich is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,420 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Zürich Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,267 visitors.

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

Discover the heart of Lugano through its culinary scene, starting with Lanchetta Lounge Bar & Pinsa. 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 Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Bar Laura, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Il Fermento, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Bar Oops is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting.

A road trip vacation in Zurich can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Switzerland!

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Switzerland will take you to the town of St. Gallen, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to St. Gallen, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Switzerland, including Lugano, Melide, and Bellinzona.

Make Parco Ciani one of your first sightseeing stops in Lugano. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,286 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Lugano Arte e Cultura is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This museum building is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,055 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Melide, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Lugano to Melide may take around 8 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Melide, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Swissminiatur. This extraordinary miniature park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,624 visitors.

Bellinzona’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Melide behind. This drive usually takes around 32 min. Bellinzona welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Three Castles of Bellinzona. This architectural ensemble is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,522 reviews.

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

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

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Kafi Franz, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Tibits St. Gallen is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Zur alten Post.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like news Café Music Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Baracca Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Timeout Bar offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the town of St. Gallen!

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 4 charming destinations — Neuhausen, Winterthur, Aathal, and Sellenbüren. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Zurich, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Neuhausen, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from St. Gallen to Neuhausen may take around 1 hour without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Neuhausen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make Rhine Falls your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this waterfall an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 70,505 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Winterthur. This drive usually takes around 29 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Drop by the renowned Swiss Science Center Technorama. This popular technology museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,644 visitors.

After soaking in Winterthur’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Aathal. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 29 min. When you arrive in Aathal, it's time to take a break from the road.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Aathal Dinosaur Museum. This natural history museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,092 reviews.

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

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Zurich has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Start your flavor-filled journey at Aurora, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Kafi Dihei offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Weisses Rössli is the perfect spot for you!

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Ebrietas Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Rimini Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Zurich.

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

Make the most of your final day in Switzerland by visiting Zurich’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Switzerland. Take home a piece of Switzerland with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Zurich is the remarkable Botanical Garden. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,198 visitors.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Zurich, consider a top-rated restaurant like Viadukt, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. La Pasta is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Metropol, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Zurich.

You’ll then say farewell to Zurich. 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!