Cheap 6-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Basel to Geneva and Lucerne and surrounding area

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.

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, Basel 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.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular tibits, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Essential by Dorint Basel City is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Hotel Les Trois Rois.

Schall und Rauch Bar is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day.

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

On day 2 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Basel. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Geneva, where you'll stay for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Basel, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Geneva may take around 2 hours 54 min. Upon your arrival in Geneva, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make middle bridge your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this road bridge an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,025 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Basel Minster. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,442 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this cathedral every year.

Tinguely Fountain is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,117 visitors.

When you’re finished at Tinguely Fountain, the perfect next stop is Basel Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 15,178 reviews. Basel Zoo attracts approximately 2,012,511 visitors annually.

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.

Savor the culinary delights of Geneva, 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.

Start your flavor-filled journey at Auberge de Savièse, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Chez ma Cousine offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Oh Martine! is the perfect spot for you!

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Roi Ubu, known for its lively atmosphere. Le Bateau-Lavoir is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Mulligans Irish 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 city of Geneva!

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

When you’ve had your share of Geneva, 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 43 min.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at The Geneva Water Fountain, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,281 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Jardin Anglais. This urban park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 18,129 travelers.

L'horloge fleurie is another must-visit attraction. This renowned floral clock offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 11,614 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Bains des Pâquis. This well-loved public bath boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 8,194 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a botanical garden, this is a top pick rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,702 previous visitors.

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

Bolero offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Ampersand. Or, try Mr. Pickwick Pub Luzern, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Bar 59 after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Bar 58 for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Café Tacuba Neustadt is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Switzerland. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Switzerland!

Day 4 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Lucerne, proving that cheap holidays in Switzerland can be extraordinary. Have fun exploring the best places to visit in the town. At the end of the day, enjoy wining and dining at Lucerne, with 1 night to stay in the area.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Lion Monument Lucerne. This sculpture is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 20,294 visitors.

When you’re finished at Lion Monument Lucerne, head to Chapel Bridge. This one-of-a-kind point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 29,995 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Swiss Museum of Transport. This technology museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,571 visitors. Visiting Swiss Museum of Transport means you'll be one of 562,605 people who do so every year.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Switzerland. To have the best affordable travel experience in Switzerland, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Switzerland unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Switzerland.

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, Lucerne 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 town's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Bar bei Miguel, where every bite is a flavor-packed adventure! With an enticing menu of affordable delights, this spot is a must-visit for foodies on a budget. Another hotspot worth exploring during your cheap getaway is la vie en rose - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights. If you're eager to dine where the locals love, don't miss out on Restaurant Schiff, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into Blue Bar & Smokers Lounge, considered one of the best bars in Lucerne. You can also enjoy drinks at Penthouse, known for its fun atmosphere.

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

Day 5 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 3 wonderful destinations — Neuhausen, Zurich, and Winterthur. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Basel, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Set your GPS to Neuhausen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 29 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Neuhausen beckons with new experiences!

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.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Lucerne, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Zurich may take around 43 min. Upon your arrival in Zurich, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make Lindenhof your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,365 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Zürich Zoo. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,267 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this zoo every year.

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 Winterthur may take around 35 min. Upon your arrival in Winterthur, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Swiss Science Center Technorama. This extraordinary technology museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,644 visitors.

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

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.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at HANS IM GLÜCK - BASEL Steinenvorstadt, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, KLARA 13 AG is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Mr. Pickwick Pub Basel, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

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 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.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Basel, consider a top-rated restaurant like Restaurant Fiorentina Basel, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Unternehmen Mitte is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is WERK 8, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of 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!