Switzerland known as expensive? Discover our tips for visiting Switzerland on a budget: transport, accommodation, meals, free activities and good deals.
Switzerland has a reputation for being an expensive destination, but it is entirely possible to travel on a budget with a few tricks. Smart transport, affordable accommodation, cheap meals and plenty of free activities: this guide gathers our best tips for visiting Switzerland without breaking the bank.
Our budget tips at a glance
- Transport: day passes, discounted tickets and the Half Fare travelcard.
- Accommodation: youth hostels, campsites and rooms with locals.
- Meals: supermarket picnics, drinking fountains, lunch menus.
- Activities: hiking, lake swimming and cities to explore for free.
Getting around for less
The train is comfortable but can be costly at full price. To save, look out for discounted tickets (Supersaver), bought in advance for specific journeys. The Half Fare travelcard halves ticket prices and quickly pays for itself. Day passes let you travel all day at a fixed price. In the city, public transport is sometimes included with a hotel stay (a free transport card).
Sleeping without breaking the bank
Beyond hotels, consider youth hostels (often very central), campsites by the lakes, rooms with locals and mountain dormitories. Booking early, travelling outside school holidays and choosing secondary towns (rather than ultra-touristy centres) cuts the bill significantly.
Eating cheaply
Dining is one of the biggest expenses. A few reflexes:
- Picnic: supermarkets offer affordable salads, sandwiches and ready meals.
- Use lunch menus: often much cheaper than in the evening.
- Drink tap water: drinkable everywhere, including at the many public fountains.
- Seek out good addresses: canteens, food trucks and friendly tables.
To spot a good deal, explore the dining category, compare businesses by city and book a table via the Reservation page.
Free or low-cost activities
Switzerland's finest asset — its landscapes — is free. Marked hiking trails, lake swimming, walks through old towns, markets and many municipal museums with free entry can fill a stay without spending. Panoramas from passes reachable by public transport offer spectacular views at little cost.
When to go to pay less?
Avoid the high season (July-August and the year-end holidays): the shoulder season (May-June, September-October) offers gentler prices, fewer crowds and beautiful light. Accommodation and some activities are then more affordable.
Plan a smart trip with TOP SUISSE
With TOP SUISSE, find all these businesses right near you: affordable addresses, friendly tables and good deals are easy to find by browsing the categories or running a search by city or budget. To go further, also read our guides what to do in Switzerland and a weekend in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Is Switzerland really too expensive for a small budget?
It is expensive, but not out of reach. By picnicking, staying in hostels or campsites, using discounted train tickets and favouring free activities (hiking, lakes, towns), you can visit Switzerland on a controlled budget.
How do you save on transport in Switzerland?
Buy discounted tickets (Supersaver) in advance, consider the Half Fare travelcard or day passes, and take advantage of the transport cards offered by some hotels for urban transport.
How do you eat cheaply in Switzerland?
Picnic with supermarket products, favour lunch menus, drink tap water (drinkable, including at public fountains) and seek out affordable canteens and food trucks.
What is the best time for a budget trip?
The shoulder season (May-June and September-October) offers gentler prices, fewer crowds and beautiful light, avoiding the summer high season and the year-end holidays.
