Switzerland is expensive. There’s no way around that. But it doesn’t have to destroy your budget if you plan it right. The truth is, there are plenty of ways to save money here without missing out on what makes the country so special.
In this post, I’ll show you 17 simple and proven hacks to cut costs while traveling in Switzerland. We’re talking about smarter ways to get around, affordable places to stay, and free activities that are actually worth your time. Let’s get started—you’ll be surprised how much you can save.
1. Don’t blindly buy the Swiss Travel Pass
A lot of travelers assume the Swiss Travel Pass is the only way to save money on transportation in Switzerland, but that’s not true. Depending on your itinerary, it might not be the best option.
There are alternatives like point-to-point tickets, the Swiss Half Fare Card, or Saver Day Passes, which can be much cheaper. Before buying the Swiss Travel Pass, take a good look at your plans and compare the options. If you’re not traveling long distances every day or planning to take a lot of mountain excursions, it might not be worth the cost.
2. Use Supersaver Tickets or the Saver Day Pass
One of the easiest ways to save on transport in Switzerland is by using Supersaver Tickets or the Saver Day Pass. Supersaver Tickets can be booked in advance on the SBB website and offer discounts of up to 50% compared to regular prices. The catch? They’re non-refundable and only available for specific routes and times.
If your travel plans are flexible and you can book ahead, they’re a great option. Similar to the Supersaver Ticket is the Saver Day Pass, but it’s valid for the entire day. This pass gives you unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats across the country, starting as low as 29 CHF in second class if booked early. It’s especially worth it if you’re planning to cover a lot of ground in a single day.
3. Renting a Car Might Be Cheaper Than You Think
Most people assume public transportation is always the cheapest way to get around Switzerland. While that’s usually true, renting a car can sometimes be surprisingly affordable—especially in the off-season when prices drop so much it feels like they’re paying you to take one.
However, rental cars only make sense in certain situations. If you’re sticking to one region, public transportation is easier and more cost-effective. But if you’re traveling with a group or planning a road trip across multiple regions, splitting the cost of a rental car can save you money and give you more flexibility. Just remember to factor in fuel, tolls, and parking fees when deciding.
4. Travel in the Off-Season
Visiting Switzerland during the off-season can be a huge money saver. If you travel in the shoulder seasons, like late spring—around April to early June—or in autumn, from September to early November, you’ll find much cheaper hotels and discounted rental cars. Even mountain excursions and scenic train routes are less busy during these times, which also gives you a much better experience.
Not only that, but some attractions even drop their prices in the off-season, which is another big win for your wallet.
5. Don’t Visit During Christmas Holidays
If you’re thinking of visiting Switzerland around Christmas, you might want to rethink that—especially if you’re on a budget. Sure, it’s a magical time, but from a cost perspective, it’s a complete nightmare. The mountains are jam-packed with tourists and locals, and everything—hotels, transportation, and mountain excursions—is at its absolute maximum price.
Also, late January and February are Swiss school holiday periods, so the mountains fill up again with locals, and prices stay high. If you want to visit during the winter, a better time is early to mid-January, early December, or mid-March. You’ll still get the winter vibe, but with fewer crowds and more reasonable prices.
6. Stay in Hostels, B&Bs, or on a Farm
Accommodation in Switzerland can be one of the biggest expenses, but there are plenty of ways to save. Hostels here aren’t just for young backpackers—they often offer private rooms and are much cheaper than hotels. Bed and breakfasts and guesthouses are also great alternatives that can give you a more local experience at a lower price.
And if you want something really unique, consider staying on a farm. Farm stays are becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. They’re affordable, offer a genuine countryside experience, and sometimes you even get to help out on the farm. Plus, you’ll usually be served fresh local food, which is a nice bonus.
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7. Book Accommodation Outside City Centers
Staying in the city center might sound convenient, but it’s almost always more expensive. If you’re on a budget, consider booking accommodation in nearby towns, quieter neighborhoods, or suburbs. Public transportation in Switzerland is so reliable and well-connected that you can easily reach the main city or tourist hub in 10 to 20 minutes.
For example, if you’re visiting Interlaken, check out surrounding areas like Wilderswil, Matten, Unterseen, or Ringgenberg. These places are close enough to enjoy everything Interlaken has to offer but at a much lower price—and often with a more authentic Swiss feel. If you’re staying in Zurich, airport hotels are also a good budget-friendly option.
Why Choose this Guide?
✅ Insider Knowledge: Written by a Swiss local who shares personal recommendations, cultural insights and tips tailored for all kinds of travelers.
✅ Flexible Itineraries: Features 5 unique 1-day plans that adapt to your travel style, schedule and interests, making it easy to explore Zurich and the surrounding region your way.
✅ Restaurant and Accommodation Guide: Includes a CHF 10 guide with handpicked recommendations for the best dining and lodging options, free with your purchase.
✅ Designed for YOU: Whether you’re traveling with family, a partner, or solo, this guide offers simple, adaptable plans and plenty of inspiration to suit your needs.
✅ Ease of Use: Clean layout and clear instructions make planning and exploring a breeze, saving you time and effort.
✅ Practical Travel Info: Get clear advice on transportation, train passes, how to navigate Zurich and what to expect in every season.
8. Check Your Airfare and Arrival Airport
Flights to Switzerland can vary a lot in price depending on which airport you choose. Most travelers fly into Zurich, but it’s worth checking prices for Geneva, Basel, or even Milan in Italy if you’re heading to southern Switzerland. Munich in Germany is also a good option. Sometimes, flights to these alternative airports are much cheaper.
Once you land, Switzerland’s train system can easily take you to any region, so don’t worry too much about where you arrive. Switzerland is a small country, and getting around is simple and efficient with public transport.
9. Travel with a Group for Apartment Rentals
If you’re traveling with family or friends, renting an apartment can be much cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have access to a kitchen, which helps cut food costs even further.
Websites like Airbnb and Interhome offer plenty of options, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Splitting the cost among a group can turn what seems like an expensive stay into something far more budget-friendly. Plus, you’ll get more space and privacy while living like a local.
10. Be Aware of Marketing
Big names like the Glacier Express are heavily promoted—and rightly so, as it’s a beautiful train route—but it’s not always the best option for your budget. The good news is, you don’t need to commit to the entire ride.
You can take shorter train trips along the same route using regular regional trains and enjoy the same stunning views without paying extra for the panoramic windows or mandatory seat reservations. These local trains give you more flexibility and cost far less while still offering incredible scenery.
11. Skip the Highlights, Visit Lesser-Known Attractions
Switzerland’s big-name destinations like Jungfraujoch and Zermatt are iconic, but they come with high prices and big crowds. For a more budget-friendly and equally amazing experience, check out some lesser-known alternatives.
Instead of Zermatt, head to Saas-Fee, a beautiful mountain village just one valley over. It’s got fewer crowds, more affordable prices, and you still get stunning Alpine views—just without the Matterhorn.
Instead of Jungfraujoch, check out Mount Titlis near Lucerne. It offers year-round snow, incredible views, and the price is about half of what you’d pay at Jungfraujoch.
There are also plenty of other hidden gems worth exploring, like Oeschinensee—a stunning turquoise mountain lake surrounded by peaks, perfect for a day hike. Nearby, Blausee is a small, magical lake that’s much cheaper than some of the bigger attractions. If you want epic views without breaking the bank, head to Klewenalp or the Stoos Ridge Hike in the Lake Lucerne region.
12. Prioritize Mountain Excursions
Mountain excursions are one of the highlights of traveling in Switzerland, but they can get expensive fast. Instead of trying to visit every single peak, it’s smarter to prioritize one or two top experiences that fit your trip.
For example, if you’re in the Lucerne area, focus on Mount Titlis or Pilatus. If you’re in the Jungfrau region, pick Schynige Platte or First and skip the more expensive peaks. You’ll save money and have more time to enjoy the experience without rushing from one mountain to the next.
Some mountain excursions, like Rigi and Stanserhorn, are fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Others, like Pilatus, offer discounts with the Swiss Half Fare Card, which can significantly cut your costs.
13. Hike Up Mountains Instead of Taking Cable Cars
Cable cars and mountain trains can be expensive, but hiking up instead is not only free—it’s also an incredible way to experience Swiss nature. Just keep in mind that some hikes can be quite challenging.
For example, the hike up to Harder Kulm in Interlaken is steep and tough, but the views at the top over Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are absolutely worth it. In Grindelwald, you can hike up to First for stunning mountain panoramas, but it’s a long trek that requires good fitness.
If a full uphill hike sounds like too much, you can always hike one way—either up or down—and take the cable car for the other leg. It’s a perfect compromise that saves you money and still gives you the adventure experience.
14. Take Advantage of Free Activities
Not everything in Switzerland comes with a price tag. There are plenty of free activities that let you experience the country’s beauty without spending a single franc.
Hiking is the most obvious one—Switzerland has thousands of well-maintained trails with breathtaking views. You can take peaceful lake walks or challenging ridge hikes. But there’s so much more.
Walking through authentic Swiss villages, watching cows graze in alpine meadows, or swimming in lakes and rivers during the summer are all completely free. You can also explore cities like Bern, Zurich, and Lucerne on foot, checking out public parks, historical sites, and lively markets without spending a cent.
- Insider Tips from a Local: Get the inside scoop on Lucerne from someone who knows the city inside and out. Avoid tourist traps and discover hidden gems!
- Practical Information: Covering everything from transportation and weather to safety tips, this guide ensures a smooth and stress-free trip.
- 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour: Short on time? This tour covers all the essential spots with a handy digital map.
- Digital Map: Navigate like a pro with a custom digital map that highlights must-see spots, the best restaurants and more.
- 5x 1-Day Itineraries: Whether you have just one day or more, maximize your time with ready-to-go itineraries.
- Local Experiences: Dive deep into the real Lucerne with activities that let you live like a local.
- Hidden Gems: Discover places that even many locals don’t even know about!
- Restaurant Guide: Swiss food and international taste!
- Accommodation Guide: For all budgets!
15. Make Use of Guest Cards
In some regions of Switzerland, you’ll be handed a guest card when you check into your accommodation. These cards are often overlooked, but they can save you a lot of money. Depending on the region, they offer free public transport, discounts on mountain excursions, and reduced entry to local attractions.
For example, in Grindelwald, the guest card gives you a discount on the Männlichen cable car. In Lucerne, it offers free travel on city buses. In Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, the guest card is even more generous—it gives you free public transport across the entire canton.
These cards are usually included with your stay at hotels, B&Bs, and even some campsites. Make sure to ask for it at check-in and take full advantage of the benefits.
16. Choose Lunchtime Deals at Restaurants
Eating out in Switzerland can be expensive, especially if you’re having full dinners at restaurants every night. But here’s a great tip—many restaurants offer lunchtime specials that are much cheaper than their dinner menus.
These deals usually include a main course, a drink, and sometimes even a dessert, all for a fraction of the dinner price. Another way to save is by visiting bakeries or supermarkets. You can grab fresh sandwiches, salads, or even put together your own picnic with local ingredients for much less.
Combine this with a lakeside spot or a park, and you’ve got a memorable Swiss dining experience on a budget.
17. Be Informed Before You Travel
One of the easiest ways to avoid overspending in Switzerland is to plan ahead and be well-informed. Take time to research the regions you’re visiting, check what’s included in local passes, and compare transportation and activity options before you arrive.
To make things easier, I’ve created detailed travel guides available online. These guides include everything from transportation tips to hidden gems, along with restaurant and accommodation recommendations—including plenty of budget-friendly options. You’ll find the guides linked below, along with a special discount code. Make sure to check them out—they’ll help you plan smarter and save more on your trip.
Conclusion
Traveling in Switzerland doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With the right approach, you can explore this beautiful country and still stay on budget. By planning ahead, taking advantage of deals, and thinking outside the box for transportation, accommodation, and activities, you can experience the best of Switzerland without overspending.
Thanks for reading! Enjoy your trip, and see you around Switzerland!
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