Cheap 6-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Basel to Zurich and Geneva

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.

Journey into the unknown at middle bridge, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable road bridge has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,025 reviews.

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. Basel has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to tibits, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by Essential by Dorint Basel City - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Hotel Les Trois Rois promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

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 Zurich, where you'll be spending 2 nights.

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.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Basel Minster. This much-appreciated cathedral is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,442 reviews.

Next up is Fine Arts Museum Basel. This museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,049 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Tinguely Fountain. This park has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,117 reviews.

Basel Zoo is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This zoo has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,178 reviews. This popular attraction gets 2,012,511 visits every year.

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.

Savor the culinary delights of Zurich, 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.

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.

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.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Switzerland!

Day 3 of your exciting road trip across Switzerland is proof that there's more to this country than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Zurich and its neighboring areas. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals with 1 night left in Zurich.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Zurich, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Neuhausen may take around 41 min. Upon your arrival in Neuhausen, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lucerne. This car ride takes around 1 hour 24 min.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Swiss Museum of Transport. This extraordinary technology museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,571 visitors. Each year, around 562,605 people visit this remarkable site to admire its features and learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Lion Monument Lucerne. This sculpture is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 20,294 reviews.

While in Lucerne, we also recommend a visit to Chapel Bridge. This sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 29,995 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Spreuer Bridge, Lucerne. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,066 travelers, this wooden bridge is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Lucerne.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Zurich and your accommodation.

Savor the culinary delights of Zurich, 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 filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Aurora, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Kafi Dihei is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Weisses Rössli, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at Ebrietas Bar, a must-visit destination for a great night out. Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Rimini Bar, where you can relax and have some fun in a welcoming environment.

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

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

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Morges. This car ride takes around 2 hours 37 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Lindenhof, a remarkable square where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,365 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Zürich Opera House. This opera house has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,213 travelers.

Zürich Zoo is another must-visit attraction. This renowned zoo offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,267 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

After soaking in Zurich’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Morges. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 37 min. When you arrive in Morges, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Parc de l'Indépendance. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,591 reviews.

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

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Auberge de Savièse, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Chez ma Cousine, 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 Oh Martine!, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Roi Ubu after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Le Bateau-Lavoir, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Mulligans Irish Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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!

On day 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Geneva. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Basel, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Basel and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 38 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Basel beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Broken Chair. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,465 reviews.

Next up, make your way to The Geneva Water Fountain. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,281 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Jardin Anglais. This urban park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 18,129 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit L'horloge fleurie. This floral clock is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 11,614 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva. This botanical garden is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,702 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Basel. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Basel, 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 Basel offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Switzerland.

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!

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Switzerland! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Basel!

Your budget road trip vacation in Switzerland is about to end. Day 6 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Basel.

Make the most of your final day in Switzerland by visiting Basel’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.

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!