Best 2, 3, 4, 5 Days Switzerland Tours

How Many Days to Visit?

So, how long should you stay? A 2 days tour works if you just want a quick Zurich + Lucerne loop. But for a richer visit, 3 day Switzerland itinerary gives you time for mountains like Jungfraujoch or Pilatus.

With 4 days, you can add Interlaken or even Zermatt. If you’ve got 5 days, you can cover Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken and maybe Geneva or Montreux comfortably.

Must-Visit Destinations in Switzerland

Switzerland is packed with incredible places to visit. Here are a few that should be on your radar:

Zurich: As Switzerland's largest city, Zurich is a vibrant hub of culture, nightlife, and shopping. But it's not all urban; you can also enjoy a refreshing swim in Lake Zurich or a hike up the Uetliberg mountain for stunning city views.

Lucerne: Nestled on the shores of its namesake lake, Lucerne is the quintessential Swiss town. With its iconic Chapel Bridge, charming Old Town, and proximity to mountains like Pilatus and Rigi, it's a perfect base for exploring central Switzerland.

Interlaken: The adventure capital of Switzerland, Interlaken is a playground for thrill-seekers. From paragliding and skydiving to hiking and kayaking, there's no shortage of heart-pumping activities here. It's also the gateway to the magnificent Jungfrau region.

Zermatt: Home to the majestic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a car-free village that will steal your heart. Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or just want to enjoy the view, Zermatt is a must-visit for its sheer natural beauty.

Getting Around: Your Transport Options

One of the best things about traveling in Switzerland is how easy it is to get around. The entire country runs like clockwork thanks to an integrated transport system - trains, buses, boats, cable cars, and more - all often included in one pass. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main options and how to choose what’s best for your trip:

Trains: The backbone of Swiss travel. They’re fast, clean, scenic, and connect even small mountain towns. Major routes like Zurich-Lucerne, Interlaken-Bern, and Geneva-Zermatt run frequently. Most scenic trains like the Glacier Express or Bernina Express also operate on standard tracks, with panoramic windows and pre-booked seats. For most 2-5 day trips, the train will be your primary mode of transport.

Buses (PostBus & regional): Buses cover places where trains don’t go - like alpine villages, trailheads, or remote areas. PostBuses are iconic yellow buses that operate across the country with synchronized schedules connected to trains. If you're going to smaller towns, hiking spots, or want flexibility, buses can help.

Boats & ferries: Switzerland isn’t just mountains, its lakes are stunning. In Lucerne, Geneva, Thun, or Lake Zurich, ferries are part of public transport and a great way to slow down and take in the views. For instance, you can combine a boat ride and cogwheel train on Lake Lucerne + Mt. Rigi.

Cable cars & cogwheel trains: If your itinerary includes mountains (and it probably should), you’ll need to hop on a few cable cars or cogwheel trains to reach places like Jungfraujoch, Mt. Pilatus, or Mt. Titlis. These usually require separate tickets, though some are discounted or fully covered by Swiss passes.

City transport (trams, buses, e-scooters): Cities like Zurich, Basel, Bern, and Geneva have excellent tram and bus systems. You can buy individual tickets or use a day pass (some hotels even offer free local transport cards). E-scooters and bike shares are also popular for short distances.

If you're planning a classic 3 day Switzerland itinerary or up to 5 days, the Swiss Travel Pass is usually your best bet. It includes unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, plus discounts or full access to many mountain lifts. If you’re not traveling every day, consider the Half Fare Card, which gives 50% off most routes and is valid for a month.

Sample Switzerland Itineraries

Here are a few sample itineraries to inspire your Swiss adventure:

2 Days in Switzerland

Day 1: Zurich and Lucerne

Arrive in Zurich, explore the Old Town, and then take a short train ride to Lucerne. Spend the afternoon strolling across the Chapel Bridge and getting lost in the charming streets of the Old Town.

Day 2: Mountain Adventures

Take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne and then ascend Mount Rigi or Pilatus for breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. In the evening, head back to Zurich for your departure.

3 Days in Switzerland

Day 1: Arrival in Geneva and exploring the city

Fly into Geneva and spend the day exploring this cosmopolitan city. Visit the Jet d'Eau, the United Nations headquarters, and the charming Old Town.

Day 2: The Heart of the Alps

Take a scenic train ride to Interlaken. Spend the day hiking, paragliding, or simply enjoying the stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. For a great value, consider a 3-day Switzerland tour from Zurich to Geneva.

Day 3: A Fairytale Finale in Zermatt

Travel to Zermatt and witness the iconic Matterhorn. Take the Gornergrat railway for the best views, and enjoy a delicious Swiss fondue before you depart.

4-Day Switzerland Tour

Your 3 Day Itinerary + Bern

Follow the 3-day itinerary above, and on day 4, take a day trip to the Swiss capital, Bern. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, visit the Zytglogge clock tower, and meet the city's famous bears at the Bear Park.

The Italian Side of Switzerland

From Bern, travel to Lugano in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino. Enjoy the Mediterranean flair, stroll along the lake, and savor some delicious Italian cuisine.

5-Day Switzerland Itinerary

Your 4 Day Itinerary + St. Moritz

After your time in Ticino, take the famous Bernina Express scenic train to St. Moritz, the glamorous alpine resort town. This is a great addition to your 5-day Switzerland itinerary.

Departure from Zurich

Enjoy a final Swiss breakfast in St. Moritz before taking a train back to Zurich for your departure.

Experiences You Can Have

• Alpine panoramas at Jungfraujoch, Mt Titlis (ice cave, Cliff Walk), Mt Pilatus or First Cliff Walk above Grindelwald.

• Scenic boat rides on Lake Lucerne or Lake Thun/Brienz.

• Historic city culture in Lucerne, Bern, Basel or Zurich, with museums, old‑town charm and local cafés.

• Chocolate, cheese fondue, mountain produce markets, and trophy Swiss chocolate.

• Train highlights like the Gotthard Panorama Express (Lucerne to Lugano) or Bernina Express across UNESCO routes.

Insider Advice & Pro Tips

To make the most of your trip, here are a few insider tips:

• To avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices, consider visiting in the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October).

• The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, even in the summer.

• Buy the Swiss Travel Pass if you're using trains, boats, buses on consecutive days. Otherwise the Half-Fare Card may be better for a mix.

• For mountain excursions, buy tickets early or reserve seats on panorama trains like Glacier, GoldenPass, Gotthard Express. Some surcharges apply even with a pass.

• Book accommodation early in peak months (June-September).

• Check local weather forecasts before planning alpine days. Rain or fog can limit views.

• Use city transit apps (SBB App, municipal apps) to plan last-mile routes.

• If you prefer less touristy experiences, opt for Lucerne over heavier Interlaken crowds or look at off-beat places like Appenzell or Ticino regions.