Cheap 5-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich traveling west to Lausanne and Neuchatel

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.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Paradeplatz. This extraordinary square has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,209 visitors.

A cheap, budget vacation in Zurich should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Zurich, try some of our top recommendations.

Start your foodie adventure at Babu's, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Cantinetta Antinori, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss El Lokal, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at Rio Bar, a must-visit destination for a great night out. Locals also enjoy the cocktails at La Stanza, where you can relax and have some fun in a welcoming environment. Another fantastic option is Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar, known for offering a variety of 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 self-drive vacation in Switzerland will take you to the city of Lausanne, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Lausanne, you'll explore 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in Switzerland, including Zurich.

Journey into the unknown at Grossmünster, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable church building has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,297 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Zürich Opera House is a recommended place to visit. This opera house is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,213 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Zurich is Chinagarten Zürich. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,420 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Zurich offers an experience you will remember.

Zürich Zoo is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Zurich. This zoo promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.6 out of 5 stars in 26,267 reviews.

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.

Savor the culinary delights of Lausanne, 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.

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.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Captain Cook Pub offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, King Size Pub is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Pin Up Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

Day 3 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 2 wonderful destinations — Veytaux and Geneva. You’ll explore along your route leading to the town of Neuchatel, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Veytaux’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Lausanne behind. This drive usually takes around 37 min. Veytaux welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Drop by the renowned Chillon Castle. This popular museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,331 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Geneva. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 24 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to The Geneva Water Fountain. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Geneva, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,281 visitors.

Jardin Anglais is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 18,129 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to L'horloge fleurie. Visitors have rated this floral clock an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,614 reviews.

Bains des Pâquis is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a public bath rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,194 reviews.

Neuchatel 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 town.

A cheap, budget vacation in Neuchatel should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Neuchatel, try some of our top recommendations.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Okapi Restaurant & Coffee Shop, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Oryza Sushi is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Brasserie Le Cardinal Neuchâtel, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Continue your lively evening at Beer O'Clock, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Bar le Charlot is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Au 21 ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Lucerne and Neuhausen. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Zurich, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Neuchatel and set your GPS to Lucerne. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 43 min. Upon reaching Lucerne, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make Jesuit Church, Lucerne one of your first sightseeing stops in Lucerne. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,665 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Chapel Bridge is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This sightseeing destination is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 29,995 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Sammlung Rosengart Luzern. This art museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 785 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Lucerne and set your GPS to Neuhausen. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 23 min. Upon reaching Neuhausen, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Rhine Falls, a remarkable waterfall where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 70,505 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.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Switzerland shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Zurich is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

Start your foodie adventure at Aurora, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Kafi Dihei, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Weisses Rössli, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Ebrietas Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Rimini Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday 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.

As you approach the end of your journey in Switzerland, take a moment for some retail therapy in Zurich’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. Hold onto the magic of Switzerland with these wonderful souvenirs, ensuring your memories never fade.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Zurich is the remarkable Lindenhof. This square and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,365 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!