Independent Travel
How expensive is Switzerland? How much money do I need for Switzerland?
How much does a trip to Switzerland cost? Is Switzerland cheap or expensive? The average Switzerland trip cost is broken down by category here for Independent travelers. All of these Switzerland prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers to find the price of travel.
Accommodation Budget in Switzerland
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Switzerland is Sfr153. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Switzerland is Sfr305. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Switzerland? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Transportation Budget in Switzerland
Calculated from travelers like you
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The cost of a taxi ride in Switzerland is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent Sfr35 per person, per day, on local transportation in Switzerland.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
Sfr35
Typical prices for Transportation in Switzerland are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Transportation prices in Switzerland, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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City Pass (2)
Sfr26
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Cable Cars (for 2)
Sfr60
Intercity Transportation Budget in Switzerland
Calculated from travelers like you
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Transportation between cities and towns in Switzerland costs an average of Sfr110, based on spending from travelers. Naturally, prices vary by the length of the route, the type of transportation used, and the date.
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Intercity Transportation1
Travel between cities
Sfr110
How much does it cost to go to Switzerland? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Switzerland will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Switzerland
Calculated from travelers like you
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While meal prices in Switzerland can vary, the average cost of food in Switzerland is Sfr57 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Switzerland should cost around Sfr23 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Switzerland is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food2
Meals for one day
Sfr57
Typical prices for Food in Switzerland are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Switzerland, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
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Breakfast for 2
Sfr12
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Tea at Interlaken
Sfr30
Entertainment Budget in Switzerland
Calculated from travelers like you
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Entertainment and activities in Switzerland typically cost an average of Sfr51 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
Sfr51
Typical prices for Entertainment in Switzerland are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Switzerland, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Tips and Handouts Budget in Switzerland
Calculated from travelers like you
Alcohol Budget in Switzerland
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about Sfr24 on alcoholic beverages in Switzerland per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
Sfr24
Water Budget in Switzerland
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, people spend Sfr3.88 on bottled water in Switzerland per day. The public water in Switzerland is considered safe to drink.
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Water2
Bottled water for one day
Sfr3.88
Last Updated: Mar 13, 2023
Switzerland On a Budget
Bern, Switzerland
Most people who visit Switzerland go there to see the very impressive and breathtaking Alps. They're dramatic, they're beautiful, and they're unlike anywhere else on earth. The highest peak in the country is Dufourspitze, which stands 4,634 meters high. If you head to this area in the winter, it has some of the best skiing and winter sports in the world. If you're not a winter sport enthusiast, you can head here in the summer months and enjoy some wonderful hiking or simply hop from charming village to village on the train or bus.
While the Alps are easily the biggest draw to the area, there are definitely some less famous attractions that are still worth visiting. Switzerland has some absolutely beautiful lakes, as well as rolling hills and flat plains. If time allows, definitely make sure you venture out to some of the less visited parts of the country, as they can be quite charming and enjoyable as well.
Whenever you visit, it's important to realize that this can be an expensive destination. Come prepared, and accept that it will cost you more than you'd like. If you know what to expect, you can enjoy it none the less. There are a few handy tips to help keep costs down. In particular, skip activities like the cable cars. They are a fun way to see parts of the country, but they're also one of the most expensive ways. If you're planning to travel by train, book your tickets well in advance as this will save you a good amount of money. Also consider cooking your own meals as restaurants in Switzerland can be shockingly expensive and can really make a dent in your budget. Definitely give yourself a day or two to enjoy the skiing and snowboarding in the area, but realize that if you make this a daily occurrence it will quickly eat through most of your budget. Also consider couchsurfing if at all possible. Accommodation can be expensive and finding a free place to crash will save you a fortune. Many people speak English and are eager to show you their country. It's a fun way to meet and experience a new country and culture.
Related:
Are you a student or backpacker headed to
Switzerland or
Austria?
Need a hostel in
Zurich or
Vienna?
Find a
Contiki tour to Europe.
Top Tourist Attractions
Chateau de Chillon: A wonderfully preserved medieval castle dating back to the 11th century. This castle is beautifully situated on the shore of Lake Geneva. It is made from over one hundred free standing buildings that have gradually be connected into the structure that is there today.
The Gruyere Region: A beautiful region with rolling green hills. Its the best place to sample some fondue, made with the Gruyere cheese that originated in this area.
Rhine Falls: The largest waterfall in Europe, it's in northern Switzerland on the Upper Rhine. You can catch a boat to the middle of the river to get perfect views of the falls.
Popular Foods
Zurcher Geschnetzeltes: This is a dish that includes thin strips of veal served with mushrooms and a cream sauce along side a potato side dish. It's most popular in and around the city of Zurich, and in some variations includes a bit of veal kidney.
Cervelat: The national sausage of Switzerland, cervelat is made from beef, bacon, and pork rind. It is usually prepared by either smoking it or boiling it.
Fondue: A Swiss cooking style where cheese is melted in a pot on the table and served with bread or potatoes. Some variations use a broth or oil to cook small pieces of meat. There is usually a flavored dipping sauce and vegetables on the side.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.