Switzerland

Best day trips from Zurich for 2024

November 13, 2019 (Last Updated: November 15, 2023)
by Carolyn
Lucerne and chapel bridge

Visitors to Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, will find plenty of sights and attractions to fill their days. With its perfect location in the heart of Europe, Zurich is also a great base from which to explore other parts of the country.

In this post I share some of the best, and most popular, day trips from Zurich.

[This post may contain compensated links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.]

Summary of Day Trips from Zurich

Day TripsDurationBook Now
Day trip from Zurich to Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus9.5 hours> Check prices and information
Schaffhausen, Stein am Rhein and Rhine Falls day trip from Zurich8.5 hours> Get a quote
Zurich to Interlaken day trip with Grindelwald visit12 hours> Check prices and information
Zurich to Jungfraujoch day trip12 hours> Check prices and information
Bern day trip from Zurich9.5 – 10.5 hours> Check prices and information
Zurich to Appenzell day tour11 hours> Check prices and information
Zurich day tours to Basel and Colmar8 hours> Check prices and information
Glacier Express day trip from Zurich12 hours> Get a quote
Zurich to Liechtenstein7.5 hours> Check prices and information

Best Day Trips from Zurich [2024]

If you’re wondering where to go from Zurich for a day out, look no further! This guide includes details on the following Zurich day trips:

It’s also possible to go from Zurich to Liechtenstein in a day.

No matter how you prefer to travel, there are Zurich day tours to suit all interests.  Below you’ll find details on the best day trips from Zurich by train, car and organised tour and a map to show you the location of each destination.


Day trip to Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus from Zurich

View over lake Lucerne from Pilatus bahn The views over lake Lucerne from the Mount Pilatus cable car are spectacular. Photo: swiss-image.ch/Urs Wyss

As is so often the case when you visit Switzerland, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to excursions. 

On a Zurich to Lucerne day trip like this one, you don’t have to choose between the city and the mountains – you can enjoy both as this tour includes an excursion to Mt. Pilatus.

Allow time to wander around Lucerne’s historic old town with its many attractive buildings, cross the famous Chapel bridge, visit the Jesuit Church and pause in front of the moving Dying Lion statue.

This will just give you a glimpse of the city as there are enough things to do in Lucerne to fill a whole day or two.

Next up on your Zurich day trip to Lucerne is an excursion to Mt. Pilatus for spectacular panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps.

The summit can be reached by either cable car (from Kriens) or on the steepest cog railway in the world, with connections by train and boat from Lucerne.

Mt. Pilatus can be accessed year round so this is one of the best day trips from Zurich in winter.


How to get from Zurich to Lucerne

By train – Frequent trains connect Zurich and Lucerne in around 50 minutes.

By car – If you prefer to travel by car on your Lucerne day trip from Zurich, allow around 40 minutes to drive between the two cities (distance 53 kilometres).


How to get from Lucerne to Mt. Pilatus

By train/bus/cable car – Seamless connections allow you to reach Pilatus Kulm in just over 1 hour via a combination of train, bus and cable cars.

By car – Pilatus is just 26 kilometres from Lucerne and can be reached by car in just 50 minutes.

On an organised day tour – If you’d rather join an organised tour, below you’ll find details of some of the most popular day trips from Zurich to Lucerne and the mountains:


Day trip from Zurich to Schaffhausen, Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein

Haus zum Ritter Schaffhausen Frescoes and oriel window are a feature of Schaffhausen’s Old Town.

The pretty town of Schaffhausen, on the River Rhine, is one of the best-preserved cities from the Middle Ages and is less than an hour from Zurich, making it one of the most popular Zurich day tours. 

Many of the Old Town’s buildings are adorned with oriel windows and beautiful frescoes and a wander along the cobbled streets is a feast for the eyes.

Not far from the town centre are the thundering Rhine Falls (Rheinfall in German), Europe’s largest waterfall. The sheer power and volume of the water flowing downstream is astonishing.

The best views of the falls are from Schloss Laufen but you can get close to the falls by taking a boat ride to a viewing platform that has been erected on a large rock beside the falls.


How to get from Zurich to Schaffhausen

By train – As Schaffhausen is just a short distance away, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Zurich by train. There are multiple trains per hour from Zurich’s main station to Schaffhausen with the fastest service taking just 38 minutes.

By car – The drive to Schaffhausen from Zurich (52 kilometres) takes around 40 minutes.

On an organised day tour – A number of different day tours from Zurich to Schaffhausen and Rhine Falls are available. Popular tours include:


How to get from Schaffhausen to Rhine Falls

From Schaffhausen you can reach the Rhine Falls by taking a train to Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall (5 minute journey). Then it’s just a two minute walk to the Falls.

After visiting Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls, you could also include a visit to the pretty town of Stein am Rhein in your day trip.

Much smaller than Schaffhausen, Stein am Rhein also boasts a lovely town centre.

Built alongside the Rhine where it flows out of Lake Constance, the intricately painted facades of the medieval houses reflect off the river, giving the town a real fairytale feel.

Stein am Rhein is also home to the Monastery of St. Georgen and the Hohenklingen Castle and there are also plenty of activities available on Lake Constance.

Stein am Rhein Switzerland The pretty medieval town of Stein am Rhein.

How to get from Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein

By train – Twice-hourly trains run from Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein on the St. Gallen line.  Journey time is just 24 minutes.

By car – It’s just 19 kilometres, and a 20 minute drive, from Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein.

By private tour – You can also book a private driver guide to take you on a day trip from Zurich to Schaffhausen, Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein. Enquire here.

Further reading: A guide to visiting the Rhine Falls


Day trip from Zurich to Interlaken and Grindelwald

Two Lakes Bridge Interlaken Two Lakes Bridge above Interlaken is just one of the many attractions in the town.

If you’d love to visit the beautiful Jungfrau region but don’t fancy an excursion to the Jungfraujoch, Interlaken and Grindelwald both make great alternatives for a day trip.

Interlaken is situated at the foot of the Bernese Alps between two lakes – Brienz and Thun – and is renowned as the adventure capital of Switzerland.  

Activities on offer range from gentle pursuits like lake cruises and shopping to the more adventurous – think paragliding, canyoning, river rafting and bungee jumping!

Grindelwald, too, has its share of fun things to do.  

A luge track, zip line, and mountain cart and scooter rides are just some of the ways you can spend your time in Grindelwald, but do allow time to wander the streets of this pretty Swiss alpine village.


How to get from Zurich to Interlaken

By trainThere are at least two Zurich to Interlaken trains per hour (change of trains required at Bern).  Journey time is around 2 hours when travelling by train from Zurich to Interlaken.

By car – The 123-kilometre drive from Zurich to Interlaken takes around 1 hour 35 minutes.

On an organised day tour – See the best of both Interlaken and Grindelwald on a full day tour like this one:


How to get from Interlaken to Grindelwald

By train – Trains depart half-hourly for the 33-minute journey from Interlaken to Grindelwald.

By car – Grindelwald is located 21 kilometres from Interlaken. It takes around 25 minutes to reach by car.

On an organised day tour – as above


Further reading:


Day trip to Jungfraujoch from Zurich

Jungfraubahn The train excursion to the Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular daytrips from Zurich. Photo: swiss-image.ch

Many visitors agree that the best day trip from Zurich is the one to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe. It’s a long day but the spectacular views from Europe’s highest railway station make it well worth it. 

First, you’ll need to travel to Interlaken – around 1 hour 45 minutes by car or 2 hours 15 by train. Then you board a train for the two-hour journey from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch.  There is also an option to travel part of the way to Jungfrajuoch by cable car.

The journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself, with the train passing lush alpine meadows, snow capped peaks and then tunnelling through the mountain before emerging at 3,454 metres above sea level.

At the summit there are an enormous range of activities to enjoy all year round, including an observatory, Lindt Chocolate shop, sledding and snow tubing and a flying fox – but the highlight for me is always the view.


How to get from Zurich to Jungfraujoch

By train – The train trip from Zurich to Jungfraujoch takes just over 4 hours with a change of trains required at Bern, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg. 

By car – If you prefer to travel by car, allow around 1 hour 45 minutes to drive to Interlaken from Zurich, where you can connect with the train to Jungfraujoch (as above).  Car parking (charges apply) is available close to Interlaken station.

On an organised day tour – The Jungfraujoch is one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist attractions and the following tour will get you there with ease:


Note that this is one of the available day trips from Zurich in winter.

Further reading: How to buy the best Jungfraujoch tickets for your visit to Top of Europe


Day trip from Zurich to Bern

Bern street with clock tower Bern’s astronomical clock dates back to the 16th century. Photo © pulpitis17 / Adobe Stock Photo

It might be Switzerland’s capital but with a population of less than 500,000, Bern feels more like a big, friendly town and a Zurich to Bern day trip is an excellent choice.

The heart of the city, the Old Town, is built on a bend of the River Aare and features cobbled streets, colourful fountains, pretty arcades and red-roofed buildings.

Pick up a city map from the Tourist Office when you arrive as there’s plenty to see in Bern.

The Zytglogge, with its astronomical clock dating back to 1530, is one of the city’s landmarks. Every hour, mechanical figures perform before the clock strikes the hour.

You can also visit the house in which Albert Einstein lived when he developed the theory of relativity, watch the city’s symbol, the Brown Bear, in a specially-built riverside enclosure, or indulge in some retail therapy.


How to get from Zurich to Bern

By train – Multiple trains per hour connect Zurich with the capital, Bern.  Journey time is just over 1 hour.

By car – If you plan to travel by car on your day trip to Bern from Zurich, the journey, via the A1 motorway, should take you around 1 hour 20 minutes (distance 123 kilometres).

On an organised day tour – See the best of the Swiss capital on a small group tour like this one:

Further reading: Best things to do in Bern, Switzerland


Day trip from Zurich to Appenzell

 
Appenzell Colourful houses line a street in Appenzell.

One of the lesser-known regions of Switzerland, Appenzell and its capital of the same name, is an idyllic area worthy of a one-day trip from Zurich.

Strong farming traditions are still practiced in the region and it’s here that the delicious Appenzeller cheese originates.

The town of Appenzell is lined with brightly coloured buildings, many adorned with frescoes and wrought iron signs.

Surrounding the town are lush green fields and rolling hills – and lots of Swiss Brown cows, with bells, of course!

You can visit the Schaukaserei at Stein (about 10 kilometres from Appenzell) for cheese tastings and sales.


How to get from Zurich to Appenzell

By train – To travel from Zurich to Appenzell by train allow a journey time of just under two hours. There are at least two trains per hour on this route.

By car – Appenzell is 93 kilometres from Zurich and can be reached in around 1 hour 10 minutes by car.

On an organised day tour – Visit the picturesque Appenzell region and learn more about the traditions of this beautiful part of Switzerland. Enjoy a visit to a Lindt Chocolate shop, learn how Appenzeller cheese is made and visit a traditional bakery on the:

Further reading: 6 reasons to visit Appenzell


** Bonus day trip from Zurich suggestions **

Still not sure which Zurich day trip to take? Here are some more options to consider.

Day trip from Zurich to Basel and Colmar

Basel The city of Basel straddles the River Rhine. Photo: Switzerland Tourism

For a day trip with a French flavour, why not visit Basel and Colmar? 

As the two cities are so close, if you were considering a Zurich to Colmar day trip, why not include a visit to Basel, too?

The city of Basel dates back to Roman times and has been part of both France and Germany in the past.

Now proudly Swiss, it is home to some worthy sites including the Gothic gate, Spalentor, the medieval cathedral (Münster), the Historiches Museum, which traces the city’s history, and the elaborately painted Town Hall.


How to get from Zurich to Basel

By train – The journey by train from Zurich to Basel takes around 55 minutes and there are multiple services per hour.

By car – it takes just 1 hour to reach Basel from Zurich by car.

Less than an hour from Basel is the pretty French town of Colmar.

This is widely regarded as one of the prettiest cities in France and a stroll through the Old Town, past its shuttered and half-timbered buildings, will leave you with no doubt why.

Enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at one of the restaurants and cafes along Rue de la Poissonerie and the Tanneurs Quartiers.

Or hop aboard a gondola for a gentle cruise along the canal to admire the beautiful architecture from another angle.

 
Colmar street Brightly painted, half-timbered houses are just one of the many things that draws visitors to Colmar.

How to get from Basel to Colmar (France)

By train – At least two trains per hour connect Basel with Colmar with the travel time around 50 minutes.

By car – Colmar is just 64 kilometres from Basel and it takes around 40 minutes to reach by car.

On an organised day tour –  Sample the delights of both France and Switzerland on this Zurich to Colmar day trip which also includes a visit to Basel:


Glacier Express day trip from Zurich

Glacier Express Switzerland The Glacier Express journey offers an incredible array of stunning scenery.

Like to experience a ride on one of Switzerland’s most famous trains, the Glacier Express?  It is possible to enjoy this incredible train ride on a day trip from Zurich.

The full journey on the Glacier Express – from Chur to Zermatt – takes 8.5 hours and the train is nicknamed ‘the slowest express train in the world’, however just experiencing part of the route will still leave you with lasting memories.

Passing through a variety of landscapes, you’ll have wonderful views from the train’s panoramic windows.

We recommend the following route from Zurich:

  • Zurich to Chur by intercity train at least two services per hour
  • Chur to Brig on the Glacier Express – one departure daily at 11.25am approx.  (Journey time: 4.25 hours)
  • Brig to Zurich by intercity train – at least two services per hour

You can either book the tickets for each sector separately or book a private tour. Your private driver guide can transport you to Chur where you board the Glacier Express, and then meet you at Brig before transferring you back to Zurich. Enquire here.


Day trip from Zurich to Lake Constance

Lindau

Lindau Germany The lakeside town of Lindau has a pretty harbour and a lovely medieval Old Town.

If the idea of a Zurich to Germany day trip appeals, I highly recommend a visit to the pretty town of Lindau on Lake Constance.

This medieval town has many highlights including an attractive port, a cobblestoned Old Town that features beautifully frescoed buildings and lots of opportunities to get out on the lake, either on a relaxing cruise or by partaking in some watersports.

It’s also a great destination to enjoy the local produce. 

Wine and apple juice are two of the local specialties here and you’ll have ample chance to try them at one of the many restaurants and cafes on the lakeside promenade.



How to get from Zurich to Lindau:

You won’t have to travel too far to enjoy one of the best day trips from Zurich to Germany.

By train: The journey from Zurich main station to Lindau takes 2 hours. There are at least two services per hour

By car: Allow just under 2 hours (1h:45) to reach Lindau by car.


Bregenz

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to enjoy a day trips from Zurich to Austria, Bregenz is a great option. 

Another of the towns built on the shores of Lake Constance, Bregenz is the largest Austrian city on the lake. (Three countries share Lake Constance – Germany, Austria and Switzerland).

The lakeside promenade in Bregenz is really pretty and it’s here you’ll find a huge stage over the lake. This is the home of the world famous Bregenzer Festspiele where an opera is performed every July and August.

A 15-minute walk from the lake promenade takes you to the Pfander cable car station.  Catch the cable car up the mountain for spectacular views over Bregenz and Lake Constance. 

The 360 degree panorama is incredible – you can see over 200 peaks from here.



How to get from Zurich to Bregenz:

By train: It’s only a one hour ride from Zurich to Bregenz.  There are numerous services every hour.

By car: If you prefer to travel by road, it should take you around 1 hour 40 minutes to reach Bregenz. (Note: An Austrian vignette – road tax sticker – is required for all vehicles travelling on Austrian motorways.)


Final Thoughts

Which of these Zurich day trips will you choose?

With such a vast array of Zurich tours available there are plenty of beautiful destinations to visit.

Whether you prefer to visit other cities near Zurich, a charming town like Appenzell, enjoy an excursion to a mountain peak or hop over the border into France, the options listed in this guide should help you to plan the perfect Zurich day trip based on your interests.


Where to stay in Zurich

Zurich offers a wide range of accommodation styles to suit all budgets. I have stayed at numerous hotels in the city (you can read my reviews here) and loved my stay at Sorrell Hotel Zurichberg (Click here to check current prices).


This article was originally written in conjunction with Switzerland Tourism but all words and opinions are my own.

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