Zurich to Geneva Road Trip Itinerary
The Zurich to Geneva Road Trip is a fantastic journey through the beautiful Swiss countryside. Starting in the city of Zurich, the 414km road trip will take you through the towns of Lucerne and Thun, and end in Geneva. Along the way, you'll be able to take in stunning landscapes, visit historical sites and monuments, and enjoy the excellent road conditions.
This road trip is a great way to experience the best of Switzerland, and can be completed in just three days. The best time to drive is in the Spring or Summer months, when the weather is perfect for traveling. There are also several UNESCO Heritage monuments on the route, so you'll be able to take in some of the country's most beautiful sites.
Overall, the Zurich to Geneva Road Trip is an excellent way to experience the Swiss countryside. Although it can be managed on a budget, it is a trip that will provide you with a high level of experience and memories. It is suitable for all drivers, so why not take the wheel and start exploring today?
3
number of days
414 km
route length
extreme
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Zurich
Distance 414 km
Driving time 8.6 h
Pace: modest
107.7 kWh
Airports
ZRH
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Zurich is the ideal starting point for a road trip from Zurich to Geneva. A visit to Switzerland’s largest city is a must for any traveler. With its vibrant culture, unrivaled shopping opportunities and thriving nightlife, Zurich is the perfect place to begin an unforgettable road trip.
The most popular attractions in Zurich include the Grossmünster Church with its two distinctive towers, the Bahnhofstrasse, one of Europe’s most exclusive shopping streets, and the Limmatquai, a charming promenade lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants. A walk along the Limmat River is also a great way to take in the city’s beautiful scenery.
For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport is Zurich Airport (IATA: ZRH). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to begin your road trip to Geneva.
From Zurich, the drive to Geneva takes around three and a half hours. The route passes through some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking scenery, including snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and picturesque villages.
Zurich is the perfect starting point for a road trip from Zurich to Geneva. With its rich culture, vibrant nightlife and stunning scenery, this is a journey you will never forget.
1
Zurich
- Lucerne
Distance 65 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: modest
16.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Zurich-Lucerne road trip! This scenic route is just 65 km and can be completed in less than two hours. You will be able to admire the beautiful Swiss countryside, with its rolling hills, lush green meadows and picturesque lakes. As you drive, keep your eyes open for historical sites, such as the ruins of the old castle of Habsburg, and the ancient churches of Zurich and Lucerne. Along the way, you can also take some time to explore the countryside, for example, the quaint village of Rothenthurm or the stunning views from the summit of the Pilatus mountain. In Lucerne, make sure to visit the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument, two of the most iconic sights of the city. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" section of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Lucerne - Switzerland - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
Lucerne - Switzerland - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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2
Lucerne
- Bern
Distance 110 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: fast
33.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Lucerne to Bern? This 110 km journey will take you less than two hours, but you'll have plenty to see along the way. Start your journey in Lucerne, admiring the beautiful lake and the old city centre. Then, take the A2 highway and you'll soon reach the beautiful city of Bern. On the way, you'll find some UNESCO World Heritage sites, so don't forget to stop and explore them. Keep your eyes open for other interesting attractions, and make sure you capture the stunning views of the Swiss Alps. Once you reach Bern, you'll be amazed by its old town centre, the beautiful river Aare and the impressive Zytglogge tower. Make sure you explore all the hidden corners of the city and take plenty of pictures. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Bern - Switzerland - Europe - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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3
Bern
- Thun
Distance 29 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
8.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a magical road trip from Bern to Thun and explore the breathtaking beauty of Switzerland! The journey is only 29km long, and you can complete it in less than an hour. As you drive through the stunning Swiss countryside, be sure to take in the picturesque landscapes and visit some of the historical sites along the way.
Your first stop should be the Bern Historical Museum, where you can learn more about the city's past. You can then explore the old town of Bern and its iconic Zytglogge clock tower. From there, you can drive to Thun and visit the beautiful Thun Castle, which overlooks the lake and the city. Be sure to also check out the Kunstmuseum Thun, a modern art museum.
This is just one of the many stages of a larger tour, so don't forget to explore the rest of the journey. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Thun - Switzerland - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
Thun
- Montreux
- Lausanne
Distance 148 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: slow
34.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Thun, Switzerland and explore the most interesting places in Montreux and Lausanne. This tour, spanning 148 km and taking less than 4 hours to complete, will surely be a memorable experience for you.
Start your journey in Thun, a beautiful Swiss town, and drive through the rolling hills to Montreux. Visit the Chillon Castle, one of the most visited historical sites in Switzerland, and take in the stunning views of Lake Geneva. Visit the nearby Lavaux vineyards, enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake, and sample some of the finest wines in the region.
Continue your journey to Lausanne, the Olympic Capital of Switzerland. Take in the incredible views of the Swiss Alps, explore the Old Town and visit the Cathedrale de Lausanne. Visit the Olympic Museum to learn about the history of the Olympic Games and admire the impressive architecture of the Olympic Park.
As you drive through the countryside, take a moment to admire the rolling hills, lush meadows, and quaint villages. Keep an eye out for historical sites and take in the stunning views of the Swiss Alps.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip and have a wonderful journey!
Lausanne - Switzerland - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
Lausanne - Switzerland - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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5
Lausanne
- Nyon
- Geneva
Distance 62 km
Driving time 1.9 h
Pace: slow
14.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a beautiful road trip from Lausanne to Geneva, passing through the picturesque city of Nyon. This route will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland, and you will have the opportunity to explore the historical sites and breathtaking views of the area.
Start your journey in Lausanne, a city filled with culture and charm. From there, take a drive to Nyon, a charming city located on the banks of Lake Geneva. Here you can visit the old castle of Nyon, which dates back to the 14th century, and the beautiful lakefront promenade.
Continue your journey to Geneva, where you can explore the old town and its many attractions. Don't miss out on the opportunity to visit the famous Jet d'Eau, a fountain located on the lakefront.
This road trip is just 62 km long and should take no more than 2 hours to complete. Make sure to take the time to admire the stunning views and explore the historical sites along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please refer to the itinerary of this stage.
Geneva - Switzerland - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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Geneva
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End your Zurich to Geneva Road Trip with a visit to this stunning Swiss city. Geneva is the second largest city in the country, and a picturesque place to spend time. Situated on the banks of Lake Geneva, this city is known for its natural beauty and its many attractions.
Geneva is home to the iconic Jet d’Eau, the world’s tallest fountain, and the symbol of the city. Take a boat ride on the lake to see this impressive sight up close. You can also explore the Old Town district for a glimpse of Geneva’s past. The cobblestone streets are lined with historic buildings and shops, and the many restaurants serve up delicious local cuisine.
For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Rue du Rhone. This street is home to some of the world’s most exclusive boutiques and designer shops. Geneva also has a vibrant art and culture scene, so don’t miss the chance to visit one of the many art galleries and museums.
The closest international airport is Geneva Airport (GVA). From there, you can continue your journey by car or take the train to other destinations in Switzerland.
You’ll never forget your time in Geneva. So end your Zurich to Geneva Road Trip with a visit to this beautiful city, and you’ll be sure to create lasting memories.
Geneva - Switzerland - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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Zurich to Geneva Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Zurich
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End:
Geneva
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Distance:
414 km
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Stay:
3 days
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Getting there:
Zürich Airport (ZRH)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Hopefully, our journey idea gave you multiple inspirations for your future travels.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a foundation that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original highlights.
If car travel is the preferred travel mode for you, there are a number of essential road rules to follow and a number of things to be mindful of to turn your trip into pure pleasure.
These tips will also become useful for drivers who are interested in hiring a car or renting a camper.
When driving around Switzerland, there are a number of road regulations to be bore in mind.
Alcohol is best to be avoided at all costs when Switzerland is your travel destination.
Holidaymakers should remember that the permitted blood alcohol level is rather low and cannot exceed 0.3‰.
The maximum permissible speed inside the cities is 50km/h.
In non-build-up areas, travellers can travel at the maximum permissible speed of 80km/h.
When travelling on highways, you can drive at the speed limit of 120km/h.
We recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit to increase your safety.
The majority of holidaymakers wonder about the costs of the whole trip.
Depending on the budget option of your choice, the amount of money that you have to spend during the whole adventure may vary.
A wide range of budget possibilities is presented below.
If you go for the cheapest offer, you need to pay the maximum of 50 EUR for gasoline to cover the planned 414km across Switzerland.
Travel expenses connected with economy accommodation will cost up to approximately 319 EUR.
Holidaymakers who take advantage of this option will spend about 288 EUR on food and restaurants.
Travellers will have to pay approximately 189 EUR if they opt for the budget rental car offer as well.
Thus, going for car rental will increase the costs of the road trip from more or less 657 EUR to about 846 EUR.
Tourists who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option will pay around 75 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the trip.
Cost amounting to 550 EUR can be expected by all tourists who are searching for standard accommodation options.
For food and restaurants within the standard range of services, you will have to pay more or less 432 EUR.
Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire vehicle should expect a cost of around 243 EUR.
Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay about 1,300 EUR for the whole Zurich to Geneva Road Trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend around 1,057 EUR.
Travellers who are into the highest level of comfort will be pleased with the premium option.
When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 1,873 EUR for holidayers who are considering vehicle rental and 1,057 EUR for those who do not need a hire car.
Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of about 405 EUR.
When it comes to the top standard version of the tour, you need to spend the maximum of 100 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the trip.
Holidayers who would like to go for top services in all aspects of their road trip should expect to pay approximately 792 EUR for hotels and more or less 576 EUR for food and restaurants.
Zurich to Geneva Road Trip can be easily adjusted to the expectations of all camper enthusiasts.
If you choose this travel means, the expenses are around 675 EUR.
If you are wondering about the money that has to be spent on gasoline during the whole itinerary, it will amount to around 113 EUR.
Holidaymakers who will go for camper rental should expect to pay about 165 EUR for overnight stays and approximately 288 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the above details in a simple way.
The period between May and October is superb to explore the part of Switzerland mentioned in our road trip idea.
There are countless thrilling road adventures that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip options.
Even the most demanding of travellers will definitely be taken aback by the great diversity of options that we offer.