Cheap One-Week Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich traveling east to Lugano, Chur, and Schaffhausen
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Kickstart an unforgettable journey with this 8-day cheap road trip in Switzerland, tailored for travelers on a budget. Explore Zurich, Einsiedeln, Lugano, Melide, Goldau, Locarno, Orselina, Lavertezzo, Chur, St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, Neuhausen, Winterthur, and Kloten, where every turn is a new discovery.
Explore Switzerland for less and on your own terms. This customizable and cheap Switzerland travel package promises an exhilarating 8-day adventure. We'll introduce you to many famous and affordable vacation spots in the country.
Stay comfortably at a top-rated budget hotel for 4 nights in Zurich, 1 night in Lugano, 1 night in Chur, and 1 night in Schaffhausen. Dine with locals at popular restaurants and bars across Switzerland and get a taste of the people’s hospitality and authentic food. We'll help you have an unforgettable road trip experience in Switzerland at the lowest price!
On arrival in Zurich, you'll pick up your rental vehicle. From there, you'll begin your journey to the best and cheapest places to travel to in Switzerland. Switzerland offers a wealth of world-class natural and scenic beauty you wouldn't want to miss!
During your cheap holiday in Switzerland, the choice of accommodation is entirely yours. Enjoy the freedom to select the ideal budget-friendly stay that perfectly matches your needs. Rest assured, your affordable accommodation will provide a welcoming retreat after a day of exploration and discovery.
Throughout your road trip in Switzerland, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Switzerland.
This affordable holiday package includes everything you need for a fantastic 8-day vacation in Switzerland. We'll offer you cheap flights and arrange your hotel reservations for 7 nights. We'll also provide you with the best budget rental car in Switzerland with CDW insurance.
You can customize your Switzerland travel plan for a more personalized holiday experience. Choose from popular and competitively-priced tours and tickets in Switzerland and add your picks to your itinerary. For example, get cheap tour tickets to uncover the stories behind Switzerland's famous sights. Or, try out some of the most fantastic excursions. There's no better way to add more culture and inspiration to your trip!
Booking this cheap holiday package in Switzerland offers you many perks. You'll get 24/7 travel support. In addition, you'll have access to a step-by-step guide in our mobile app. Here, you'll find all your travel documents organized in one place.
So what are you waiting for? Enjoy a hassle-free vacation in Switzerland with this cheap holiday deal! The best and most affordable tours in Switzerland fill up fast, so book your adventure today!
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Day 1 – Zurich - arrival day
- Zurich - Arrival day
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- Lindenhof
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Your exciting road trip through Switzerland starts when you reach the incredible city of Zurich, where you'll stay for 3 nights. 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.
When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Lindenhof. This much-appreciated square is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,365 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. Zurich has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.
Babu's offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Cantinetta Antinori. Or, try El Lokal, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.
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 – Zurich
- Zurich
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Drive 3 km, 47 min
- Kunsthaus Zürich
- Grossmünster
- Fraumünster
- Swiss National Museum
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Day 2 means another chance to make the best memories in Zurich. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Zurich and check out the most popular dining spots. You still have 2 nights left to stay in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away!
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Kunsthaus Zürich. This art museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,594 visitors. Kunsthaus Zürich welcomes around 382,603 visitors every year.
Grossmünster is another popular attraction you could visit today. This church building has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,297 visitors.
Fraumünster is also highly recommended by travelers. This church building has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,411 visitors.
Swiss National Museum is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This organization is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,085 reviews.
Switzerland is a wonderful destination with so much to show and so many stories to tell. To have the most extraordinary time on your low-cost holiday in Switzerland, consider adding tours to your affordable tour package to Switzerland. Choose from many thrilling to laid back and budget-friendly excursions in Switzerland that will add color and uniqueness to your adventure.
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.
Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Aurora, 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 Kafi Dihei - 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 Weisses Rössli, where fantastic food and friendly service await!
If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into Ebrietas Bar, considered one of the best bars in Zurich. You can also enjoy drinks at Rimini Bar, known for its fun atmosphere.
Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Zurich!
Day 3 – Zurich and Einsiedeln
- Zurich
- Einsiedeln
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Drive 93 km, 1 hour 56 min
- Zürich Zoo
- Chinagarten Zürich
- Zürich Opera House
- Einsiedeln Abbey
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Day 3 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories on your cheap holiday in Switzerland. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Zurich! You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Zurich and conclude your journey with a lovely dinner, enjoying your remaining 1 night in the area.
Make Zürich Zoo one of your first sightseeing stops in Zurich. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,267 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.
Chinagarten Zürich is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,420 reviews.
Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Zürich Opera House. This opera house has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,213 visitors.
Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Zurich. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.
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 Zurich that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.
After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Viadukt, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is La Pasta, 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 Metropol, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.
Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Switzerland. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Switzerland!
Day 4 – Zurich, Lugano, Melide, and Goldau
- Lugano
- Melide
- Goldau
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Drive 222 km, 2 hours 53 min
- Nature and Animal Park Goldau
- Swissminiatur
- Lugano Arte e Cultura
- Parco Ciani
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On day 4 of your cheap holiday travels in Switzerland, you’ll tour 3: Lugano, Melide, and Goldau. You'll stay in Lugano for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.
An excellent attraction to start your day with is Lugano Arte e Cultura. This museum building is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,055 reviews.
Continue your journey at Parco Ciani. This urban park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,286 travelers from near and far.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Melide. This car ride takes around 1 hour 54 min.
When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Swissminiatur. This much-appreciated miniature park is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 6,624 reviews.
When you’ve had your share of Zurich, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Goldau. Your travel time is around 39 min.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Nature and Animal Park Goldau. This extraordinary zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,104 visitors.
You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Lugano. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Lugano, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.
A cheap, budget vacation in Lugano should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Lugano, try some of our top recommendations.
Start your flavor-filled journey at Lanchetta Lounge Bar & Pinsa. , featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Villa Sassa Hotel, Residence & Spa offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Bar Laura is the perfect spot for you!
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Il Fermento, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Bar Oops offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Lugano.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Switzerland!
Day 5 – Lugano, Locarno, Orselina, Lavertezzo, and Chur
- Chur
- Locarno
- Orselina
- Lavertezzo
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Drive 212 km, 3 hours 29 min
- Ponte dei Salti
- Madonna del Sasso
- Falconeria Locarno
- Piazza Grande
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On day 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Locarno, Orselina, and Lavertezzo. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Chur, where you'll stay for 1 night.
When you’ve had your share of Orselina, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Locarno. Your travel time is around 3 min.
Kick off the day at Falconeria Locarno, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,064 reviews.
Today is also your chance to visit Piazza Grande. Piazza Grande is a square with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,554 reviews.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Lavertezzo, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Orselina may take around 24 min. Upon your arrival in Orselina, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Madonna del Sasso. This extraordinary church building is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,479 visitors.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Lugano, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Lavertezzo. This drive usually takes around 56 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Drop by the renowned Ponte dei Salti. This popular stone arch bridge has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,917 visitors.
Chur 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 mouthwatering delights of Chur, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.
Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to S'Pub Sunshine Pub, 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 Restaurant Pizzeria Brauerei - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, La Pasteria Otello promises to deliver a feast for the senses.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Hemingway, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Churchill Pub Chur is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Barbar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Switzerland!
Day 6 – Chur, St. Gallen, and Schaffhausen
- Schaffhausen
- Sankt Gallen
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Drive 192 km, 2 hours 43 min
- Wildlife Park Peter and Paul
- St Gallen Cathedral
- Abbey of Saint Gall
- Drei Weieren
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Day 6 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 — St. Gallen. You’ll explore along your route leading to the town of Schaffhausen, where you'll be spending 1 night.
Set your GPS to St. Gallen and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 7 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. St. Gallen beckons with new experiences!
Drop by the renowned Wildpark Peter und Paul. This popular zoo has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,980 visitors.
Another unforgettable place to experience is St. Gallen Cathedral. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,083 visitors, this cathedral deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.
We also recommend a visit to Abbey of Saint Gall. This benedictine abbey has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,646 reviews.
Another favorite attraction in the area is Drei Weieren. This urban park and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,727 local and international travelers.
While exploring Switzerland is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Schaffhausen has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Schaffhausen on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the town.
Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Schaffhausen. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.
Start your foodie adventure at Gerberstube, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Adler, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss Restaurant La Piazza, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Eckhaus GmbH. Alternatively, go to Bar No13, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Tabaco Lounge provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Switzerland!
Day 7 – Schaffhausen, Neuhausen, Sellenbüren, Winterthur, Kloten, and Zurich
- Zurich
- Neuhausen
- Winterthur
- Kloten
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Drive 116 km, 2 hours 5 min
- Rhine Falls
- Swiss Science Center Technorama
- Observation Deck B
- Üetliberg
- Uetliberg Lookout Tower
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Day 7 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Neuhausen, Sellenbüren, Winterthur, and Kloten. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in 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 Schaffhausen to Neuhausen may take around 7 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Neuhausen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
An excellent attraction to start your day with is Rhine Falls. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 70,505 reviews.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Kloten and set your GPS to Sellenbüren. 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 36 min. Upon reaching Sellenbüren, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Üetliberg. This extraordinary mountain has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,065 visitors.
Next, make your way to Uetliberg Lookout Tower. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,349 reviews.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Winterthur. This car ride takes around 29 min.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Swiss Science Center Technorama. This technology museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Winterthur, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,644 visitors.
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.
Indulge in the culinary wonders of Zurich, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.
Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Oliver Twist, 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 Café Bar ODEON - 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 Tibits, where fantastic food and friendly service await!
A road trip vacation in Neuhausen can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Switzerland!
Day 8 – Zurich - departure day
- Zurich - Departure day
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- Botanical Garden
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Your budget road trip vacation in Switzerland is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Zurich.
Maximize your last day in Switzerland and go on a shopping spree in Zurich’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.
If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Switzerland, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery. Bring a bit of Switzerland home with you through these charming souvenirs.
Before you conclude your road trip in Switzerland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Zurich.
As you prepare to bid farewell to Zurich, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Swiss Chuchi Restaurant, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, The International Beer Bar features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Kennedy's Irish Pub is a highly recommended spot.
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!
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