Cheap 10-Day Switzerland Road Trip from Zurich traveling south to Lugano, Lausanne, Geneva, and Bern

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.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Zurich, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

You could check out Weisses Rössli, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 525 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Zeughauskeller is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,976 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Swiss Chuchi Restaurant. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Swiss Chuchi Restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 3,383 customer reviews.

Tibits is an excellent example of a great bar in Zurich offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,746 customers.

You can also hang out at Kennedy's Irish Pub, another of locals’ go-to bars in Zurich. Kennedy's Irish Pub is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 2,395 customers having rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

El Lokal is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Zurich. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 2,127 bar-goers.

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

Day 2 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Switzerland, Zurich. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Zurich!

Make your vacation in Switzerland more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Switzerland and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

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 spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Babu's. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,949 customers.

Another dining option is Kronenhalle. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Kronenhalle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,764 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Markthalle for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 1,771 customers have rated the irresistible Markthalle an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Zurich, Rimini Bar. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,417 customers.

Café Bar ODEON is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. This bar has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,374 customers.

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

On day 3 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Switzerland, you’ll go deep into Lucerne, making the most of your 1 night in the town. To learn more of the town's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Lucerne, and meet locals along the way!

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

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 long day of exploring, we recommend you try Cantinetta Antinori, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,379 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Metropol, so you'll want to drop by this place. Metropol serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,341 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Zurich is Viadukt. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,179 customers.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated La Stanza. This bar is considered one of the best in Zurich and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,083 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Kon-Tiki Coffeeshop & Bar, rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 870 customers. Alternatively, go to Rio Bar. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Zurich and boasts an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 992 reviews.

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

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

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Zurich and set your GPS to Goldau. 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 39 min. Upon reaching Goldau, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Nature and Animal Park Goldau. Previous visitors have rated this zoo an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,104 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Melide. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 54 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

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’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Melide, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Lugano. This drive usually takes around 8 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Switzerland, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Lugano that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Visit the popular Bistrot & Pizza Argentino. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,569 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Switzerland is Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,096 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Ristorante Trattoria Galleria. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,111 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Make your way to Il Fermento. This bar promises a great atmosphere for your celebrations and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

Or, why not continue your evening at Trinity Irish Pub? This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars among 695 guests.

Another bar where you can have a great time tonight is Bar Laura. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 653 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Lugano!

On day 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Switzerland, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Corsier-sur-Vevey, Montreux, and Lausanne. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Lausanne.

Montreux’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Lugano behind. This drive usually takes around 4 hours 2 min. Montreux welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Freddie Mercury statue. This extraordinary sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,801 visitors.

Next, make your way to Promenade sur les quais de Montreux. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 406 reviews.

While in Montreux, we also recommend a visit to Golden Pass Railway. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,676 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Montreux and set your GPS to Corsier-sur-Vevey. 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 12 min. Upon reaching Corsier-sur-Vevey, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Corsier-sur-Vevey and set your GPS to Lausanne. 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 26 min. Upon reaching Lausanne, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Lausanne, 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 long day of exploring, we recommend you try Beau-Rivage Palace, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,230 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend The Great Escape, so you'll want to drop by this place. The Great Escape serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,559 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Lausanne is Holy Cow! This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,760 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a day, pop into King Size Pub. This bar is considered one of the best in Lausanne and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,356 customers.

You may also want to check out Bleu Lézard. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors. Bleu Lézard is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,546 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Bruxelles Café. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,334 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

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

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 exploring 4 wonderful destinations — Lausanne, Veytaux, Lavey-Morcles, and Geneva.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Lausanne Cathedral. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,766 visitors.

The Olympic Museum is another popular attraction you could visit today. This museum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,534 visitors.

After soaking in Lausanne’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Veytaux. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 36 min. When you arrive in Veytaux, it's time to take a break from the road.

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.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lavey-Morcles. This car ride takes around 20 min.

Drop by the renowned Les Bains de Lavey. This popular spa has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,702 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Geneva. This car ride takes around 1 hour 31 min.

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.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Auberge de Savièse. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,055 customers.

Another dining option is Oh Martine! This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Oh Martine! has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 654 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Café de Paris - Chez Boubier for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 2,127 customers have rated the irresistible Café de Paris - Chez Boubier an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

To get a drink at one of the best bars in the city, go to Beau-Rivage Genève. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,169 customers.

If you’d like to continue your evening somewhere else, we recommend heading to Demi Lune Café. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 968 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is Le Kraken. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 898 customers.

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

Day 7 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Geneva, proving that cheap holidays in Switzerland can be extraordinary.

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.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Geneva, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

We recommend a local favorite like Restaurant Les Armures. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,758 customers.

Cottage Café is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Geneva. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,337 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Geneva you might want to check out is Tartares & Co. Tartares & Co is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 707 reviews.

Visit Mr Pickwick Pub, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,993 customers.

Café du Centre serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Geneva. Customers have rated Café du Centre an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 2,188 reviews.

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

Day 8 of your road trip across Switzerland offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Geneva, Gruyères, Pringy, and Bern. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Bern.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Parc de La Grange, 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 5,098 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at The Geneva Water Fountain. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,281 travelers.

Broken Chair is another must-visit attraction. This renowned point of interest offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,465 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Geneva, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Gruyères. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 22 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Gruyères Castle. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,612 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Gruyères, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bern may take around 46 min. Upon your arrival in Bern, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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

A cheap, budget vacation in Bern should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Bern, try some of our top recommendations.

You could check out Brasserie Obstberg, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 628 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Restaurant Rosengarten is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,281 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Turnhalle. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Turnhalle has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,298 customer reviews.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, an awesome bar you can go to is tibits. This place has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,518 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at Lötschberg. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,268 customers.

Mr. Pickwick Pub Bern is another great place where you can celebrate your adventures in Bern. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,069 customers.

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

Day 9 of your self-drive vacation in Switzerland will take you to the city of Zurich, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Zurich, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Switzerland, including Bern, Basel, and Zurich.

Make UNESCO - Bern Old Town your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this sightseeing destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,755 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at bear pit. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 13,960 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this architectural structure every year.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Basel. This car ride takes around 1 hour 8 min.

Take the opportunity to see Basel Minster. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,442 visitors.

Basel Zoo is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This zoo has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,178 travelers. Up to 2,012,511 people visit Basel Zoo every year.

Zurich’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Basel behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 8 min. Zurich welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Zurich, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Zurich is La Pasta. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,041 customers.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, a popular bar you can go to is The International Beer Bar. This place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 773 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at Aurora. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 705 customers.

Ebrietas Bar is another great place where you can celebrate after a long, fun day in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 560 customers.

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 10 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Zurich.

Optimize 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.

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