Best Switzerland Tours from London

Common Transportation Options

The most common ways of transportation to Switzerland include plane, train and bus.

Airplane: This is the fastest and most convenient option. The flight time from London airports (Heathrow LHR, Gatwick LGW, London City LCY, etc.) to the major Swiss cities (Zurich, Geneva, Basel) is usually between 1.5 and 2 hours. Round-trip airfares usually start from £100.

Train: Unfortunately, there are currently no direct trains from London to Switzerland. You need to take the Eurostar from St Pancras International in London to Paris and then transfer to a high-speed train to Switzerland. Considering the distance London to Switzerland, this usually takes 7 hours and 25 minutes. But the journey is comfortable and you can enjoy the sights of the continent, making it a great way to experience slow travel. It's a great option for travelers who aren't in a hurry and enjoy the scenery along the way. Prices usually start from £50.

Bus: If you are interested in a bus from London to Switzerland, this is usually the cheapest option, but it is also the most time-consuming way, which can take 15-20 hours or more, including multiple stops and possible border checks. European bus companies such as FlixBus offer services on this route with prices starting from £59.99, making it a viable option for backpackers on a budget.

Places to See on the Way

If you choose to travel by bus, you'll have the opportunity to travel through France and Germany, with plenty of fascinating sights to stop off at along the way:

Northern and Eastern France: You can choose to pass through the picturesque Champagne region and taste authentic champagne in Reims, or explore the charming Petite France in Strasbourg and experience the different cultures of the region.

Southern Germany: When in Germany, the fairytale-like scenery of the Black Forest and the university town atmosphere of Freiburg make great short stops and are one of the highlights of a long journey.

Famous Swiss Sights

Switzerland offers breathtaking natural beauty and unique cultural experiences, especially in its iconic regions.

Jungfrau Region: This includes Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken. Take a cogwheel train ride up Jungfrau, the 'top of Europe', to see the glacier. Visit waterfall towns in the Lauterbrunnen Valley or experience a variety of outdoor extreme sports in Interlaken.

Lucerne: A lakeside city with the iconic Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument.

Geneva: A cosmopolitan city, Geneva is home to the magnificent Lake Geneva, the iconic Jet d'Eau, and the European headquarters of the United Nations.

Zurich: The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich combines an ancient historical atmosphere with modern chic. You can shop on Bahnhofstrasse or walk along the Limmat River.

Zermatt and the Matterhorn: If you're after the ultimate Alpine experience, head to Zermatt to catch a glimpse of the world's most photogenic mountain, the Matterhorn.

Must-try cuisine in Switzerland

Switzerland has many classic dishes such as the national dish of Fondue, where the cheese is locally produced. Dipping bread cubes into melted cheese is a popular winter warmer. Raclette is a flavorful dish of melted cheese scraped onto boiled potatoes and bread. The world-famous Swiss chocolate, available in a wide range of brands and flavors, makes an excellent souvenir. The Berner Platte, a hearty meat platter with a variety of cured meats, sausages, and sauerkraut, is a quick energy boost.

We hope that we can provide you with a wonderful starting point for your Switzerland tours from London, enjoy your trip!