Zürich offers international travelers a little bit of everything when it comes to visiting Switzerland. Indulge in the culinary delights of Swiss chocolate and fondue. Experience the culture up close and personal with world-class museums. Enjoy the beautiful scenery. But why limit yourself to just one city? Explore more areas of Switzerland with these convenient and fun day trips from Zürich.

  • overview of city and bridge

BERN

Bern is the capital city of Switzerland and can be reached independently by train, car or private driver from Zürich. Old Bern, the medieval city center, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with Renaissance architecture that is considered a jewel of medieval charm in Europe. Traveling to Bern from Zürich will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your preferred mode of transportation.

  • swans on a blue lake

LUCERNE

Lucerne is nestled in the snow-capped Swiss Alps and overlooks Lake Lucerne. The breathtaking panoramic views are stunning enough that we recommend spending at least one night in the area. It’s very easily accessible as a day trip from Zürich by train or car as the travel time is typically one hour. A myriad of activities will keep you occupied for hours including shops, museums and restaurants. Medieval architecture is a sure-to-please bonus.

HEIDILAND

A family-friendly area, Heidiland is an easy day trip from Zürich — about 1 to 1.5 hours of travel time. Located in Eastern Switzerland, this region gets its name from Johanna Spyri’s Heidi story. In typical Swiss fashion, it is complete with towering mountains, serene lakes and picturesque villages. We recommend our travelers to tour Heidiland on a public or private tour to make the most of your time sightseeing.

  • person overlooking the city from a mountain top

LIECHTENSTEIN

Out of all the day trips from Zürich you could take, nothing will be as off-the-beaten path as a trip to Liechtenstein. It’s one of the smallest countries in the world with only 62 square miles and 38,000 residents. Accessible by bus or car, there are plenty of touring options whether you want to explore independently, with a group or with your own private driver. This country is further than the others on this list but still doable at 1.5 to 2 hours travel time.

Keep in mind that a current valid driver’s license is required to rent a car in Switzerland. An international driving permit (IDP) is not required, but recommended for foreign drivers, especially if you plan to drive the car outside of Switzerland. Ask about transportation options when you request a quote from our team.

Switzerland is located right in the heart of western Europe, which means it is very easy to reach other neighboring countries such as France, Germany, Austria and beyond. Download our free guide to Switzerland to learn more.

Explore Switzerland Build Your Tour

How We Travel

Learn More
  • Self Drive tour in Europe
    Self Drive

    Hit the road your way: itinerary, car, accommodations, sights, and tours. But let us do all the heavy lifting.

    View Details
  • Chauffeur 1
    Chauffeur

    The freedom of your own private car, the luxury of your own personal guide. And the very best hidden secrets.

    View Details
  • funny mural of school children in uniforms
    Scheduled Tour

    For travelers who prefer to join a small group tour, we offer scheduled tours.

    View Details
  • Train going over bridge next to waterfall
    Rail

    Convenient, comfortable, oozing with charm. With a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

    View Details
  • Young people overlooking scenic area in Europe
    Private Group

    The trip of a lifetime, personalized just for your group of friends, family, or organization down to every last detail.

    View Details
  • Honeymoon coupe drinking wine by ocean
    Honeymoon

    Every tour is different, perfectly matched for every couple. Crafted by a team who is as excited about your honeymoon as you are.

    View Details

More Articles

Read All Articles

The Swiss Explorer - Small Group Tour

9 Days | 8 Nights
Adventure
Outdoor
Sustainability

Embark on an unforgettable journey with our small-group tour, “The Swiss Explorer,” a meticulously crafted group adventure with Switzerland Travel Centre and Tenon Tours. This exploration will take you through Zurich, St. Gallen, St. Moritz, Lugano, Zermatt, Montreux, Grindelwald and Lucerne. Choose your preferred departure date for a 9-day, 8-night adventure of a lifetime!

Explore Itinerary Personalize My Tour
Starting From $5,749 per person based on double occupancy
Freiburg in Germany

Mountains and Metropolises of Germany & Switzerland

15 Days | 14 Nights
Castles
City
History

Embark on a magnificent 15-day journey through the enchanting landscapes and vibrant cities of Germany and Switzerland.

Explore Itinerary Personalize My Tour
Starting From $5,951 per person based on double occupancy
Passengers on Skylight train

Specialty Trains of Switzerland

9 Days | 8 Nights
Castles
Outdoor
Culinary

Experience Switzerland’s stunning natural scenery aboard panoramic and specialty trains. From Geneva and Zermatt to St Moritz and Zurich, you’ll explore six Swiss towns in this 9-day itinerary. 

Explore Itinerary Personalize My Tour
Starting From $8,630 per person based on double occupancy
By-Your-Side

By-Your-Side Service℠

Our personal concierge service and mobile app

Europe Experts

Custom Europe Experts

Experts in planning truly customized trips

Without Compromise

Value without Compromise

High-touch inclusions and customized experiences

Consistency with Individuality

Consistency with Individuality

You’ll always be met with the highest standards

Let's Get Social

@tenontours