Save money in Switzerland - 33 tips for your trip

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. The stronger the Swiss Franc, the more expensive it gets for visitors from abroad. Occasionally, the Swiss price level reaches double the global average.

The internationally recognized “Big Mac Index” provides a tangible comparison.

• US Dollar vs. Swiss Franc: The Big Mac costs 30% more in Switzerland: in the USA USD 5.15|in Switzerland USD 6.71
• EURO vs. Swiss Franc: The Big Mac costs 40% more in Switzerland: in the Eurozone EURO 4.77|in Switzerland EURO 6.55
• YUAN vs. Swiss Franc: The Big Mac costs 90% more in Switzerland: in China YUAN 24.00|in Switzerland YUAN 45.29

(*Values from July 2022 adjusted for purchasing power)

This might deter some people from visiting Switzerland. Which is a real pity: because despite the generally high prices, there are numerous tricks you can use to save money on your trip to Switzerland. We’ll show you valuable tips on how to do this in this article.

Focus on free activities

Many attractions and activities in Switzerland are free. This includes various zoos, theme trails, churches, numerous museums, and much more. Additionally, visiting natural attractions like lakes, waterfalls, and gorges is usually free of charge. And of course, hiking or swimming in a lake is also very gentle on your budget. Find out more in our article about 100 free things to do in Switzerland.

Take advantage of good exchange rates and low fees

In Switzerland, you can pay almost everywhere with a card. If you use Revolut, you can settle your bills directly in Swiss Francs without suffering any exchange rate loss. Through your app, you exchange your currency for CHF at the daily rate and pay in Switzerland as if you had a local debit card. This way, you ensure that your fees and losses remain minimal.

Choose the right travel time

If you time your trip wisely and avoid peak tourist seasons, you can save money on your journey. Learn more about the best travel time for Switzerland.

• Avoid skiing around Christmas and in January and February.
• Visit the mountains especially in April and June or in late summer/early autumn.
• Steer clear of the high summer months of July and August for hiking.
• Use spring or autumn for your excursions and hiking plans.
• Avoid Ticino between June and October, as many places are booked up.

Steer clear of winter sports hotspots

Tourist magnets are expensive. It gets significantly cheaper off the beaten path. By avoiding typical tourist destinations, you save the most in Switzerland.

If you choose one of the famous winter sports resorts like Zermatt, Gstaad, or St. Moritz, it can get pricey. The saving formula is: Look for lesser-known ski areas, of which there are over 200 available in the country. You can find a more detailed overview of ski areas in Switzerland in our article on the subject. ## Look for destinations off the tourist trails A trip to the highest railway station in Europe at Jungfraujoch is a unique experience, but can be quite costly. Areas beyond the tourist paths offer cheaper yet still extremely attractive outing options. Rural or sparsely populated regions are more affordable than cities or trendy hotspots.

You can find memorable and budget-friendly travel experiences all over Switzerland, such as in the Jura Mountains, the Appenzellerland, the Aargau landscape, or at hidden magical spots in Graubünden, Ticino, or Valais.

Clean up your budget with food highlights

Switzerland is known for its fine chocolates and delicious cheese varieties. Want to know more about it? Take advantage of the numerous offers to visit our chocolate factories, cheese dairies, and other culinary workshops at a low cost or even for free. Who knows, you might uncover one or two secrets.

Save on free city tours

Thanks to their compact size, you can easily explore Swiss cities on foot. Many offer free city tours, known as Free Walking Tours. Since Switzerland has survived two world wars largely unharmed, the historic old towns are mostly well-preserved today. This uniqueness is not a given in Europe and is appreciated by tourists from around the globe.

Castles, museums, bridges, and libraries preserve your budget

Even today, castles and palaces can be hard to access because you have to pay an entrance fee. But from the outside, they are always impressive for free. Bridges are free to walk on anyway, and in Swiss museums, you can often enter for free or at a reduced price. Memberships at Raiffeisen, museum passes, the Swiss Travel Pass, various special tickets for public transport, or a student ID can help.

Many libraries are not just free for students. Besides free Wi-Fi, they provide a cozy refuge in stimulating, beautiful reading rooms. Plus, you get a taste of local everyday life.

Explore Swiss cultural heritage

Switzerland has countless cultural assets that are publicly accessible. Here are some examples for you to save money while in Switzerland.

• The Collège Calvin, founded in 1559 in Geneva, still functions as a secondary school and is open to the public.
• Low entrance fees invite you to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Castello di Montebello in Bellinzona.
• Like all churches in the country, the baroque cathedrals of the monastery of Einsiedeln and the St. Gallen abbey district are free to enter.

These and another 13,400 historical buildings with a unique charm are part of Switzerland's cultural heritage list. They can be visited freely or at a low cost throughout the country. For your personal selection, you can find a detailed listing of all cultural assets in Switzerland in the federal geoportal.

Discover Switzerland aboard a panoramic train

Enjoy your train journey with breathtaking views through large, tall windows. In these special trains, you can stylishly explore the most beautiful parts of Switzerland. Indulge in delicious culinary treats as stunning landscapes pass by.

If you need to buy a ticket, panoramic trains won't save you money. However, if you have a Swiss Travel Pass, Interrail, or Eurail, you're in for unforgettable rides at budget prices. This way, the journey becomes the destination without having to spend much beyond your travel pass.

Book early or very last minute

The more available rooms there are, the lower the price per night. Many hotels now offer changing deals flexibly based on current demand. The same goes for trains, flights, and the entire tourism sector. It often pays off to book well in advance for lower prices. However, it also means keeping an eye on last-minute deals to check for savings.

Book the right flight

Booking a flight is simple today. Finding the best and cheapest flight online is more challenging. Here are a few tips:

• Use comparison sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Momondo, Kiwi, or Kayak to find the best deal.
• Double-check recommended flights on the respective airline's website, as they might be cheaper there. This is especially true for checked baggage, which is often not included on booking portals.
• Avoid peak travel times, as high demand leads to higher prices.
• Book early and save up to 50%. Last-minute bargains for flights are rare.
• Try to stay flexible. Sometimes leaving a day earlier or two days later can make a huge difference.
• Big airports and EU hubs offer cheaper flight rates to Switzerland.
• Direct flights are more expensive. Layovers can lower prices.

Take advantage of discounted train tickets

If you're traveling through Switzerland for a few days and using public transport frequently, buying a tourist pass for your train journey in Switzerland is often worthwhile.

If your primary residence is in Europe, Interrail allows unlimited train travel in 33 countries, including Switzerland. If your main residence is outside Europe, Eurail offers the same benefits and opportunities. By the way, the Swiss Travel Pass can also save you a lot of money if you're covering longer distances during your trip.

There are also discounted tickets, like the SBB Saver ticket. Learn more about train tickets in Switzerland and discover new ways to save.

• With the SBB Day Pass, you can travel around Switzerland for as low as 29 CHF per day if you book early enough.
• With the Swiss Half Fare Card, you can explore Switzerland at half price.

Travel Cheaply by Car

The more people you have in your car, the cheaper the trip becomes. If the passengers chip in, the ride becomes especially affordable.

Once you're in Switzerland, you benefit from flexibility and can go anywhere at any time. You don’t need to worry about schedules. Another advantage is that you can eat and sleep in the car if necessary.

Rental cars are also an option. The websites of major car rental companies often have great deals. Many comparison platforms can help you search online.

Long-Distance Buses Get You to Switzerland Affordably

Compared to flying, driving, or taking the train, traveling by long-distance bus is often more affordable. During peak times, buses can get crowded. Seat guarantees and Wi-Fi still offer some comfort. Besides the low ticket price, there are other arguments in favor of bus travel. The baggage regulations are more generous than airlines, and the options for rescheduling and cancellations are more flexible.

However, it’s important to note that long-distance buses like Flixbus are only good for getting to Switzerland, not for traveling around within the country.

Save with Carsharing

Low rental costs with a small ecological footprint. Carsharing is the idealistic alternative to traditional car rentals. Here are two Swiss providers for comparison:

• 2EM is a community that dreams of a better world. On their app, individuals share their vehicle for a small fee. The 2EM community takes a small commission to cover app expenses.

• Founded in 1997, the Mobility cooperative is a pioneer in carsharing. About 250,000 users share 3,000 cars at 1,500 locations. Here too, you enjoy the convenience of self-service for spontaneous and short-term use available 24/7. At many train stations in Switzerland, you’ll find red Mobility (electric) cars as an optimal combination of road and rail. ## Uber and Vertt are Sometimes Affordable In direct comparison to traditional taxi services, the ride-sharing service Uber is particularly cheaper for short distances. The Uber app automatically determines the route, calculates the price, charges your credit card, and pays the driver.

If you know Uber, you’re familiar with Vertt. This Zurich startup also uses algorithms for ride-sharing but offers lower prices. Drivers pay less commission, which you definitely feel at the end of the ride. You’ll know the fare upfront.

Rent a Bicycle

Switzerland has a well-developed bike network. Although there’s still room for improvement in the infrastructure, you can get around Switzerland wonderfully by bike. You can either borrow one for free or rent it cheaply. About 20 bike-sharing networks are available for you to choose from in Switzerland.

• Velospot operates in several Swiss cities.
• RentABike is a leading Swiss bike rental service with 150 rental locations, many of which are at major train stations.
• CargoVelo2Go rents electric cargo bikes by the hour.
• Publibike is an environmentally-friendly bike-sharing app.
• You can get free bikes from Schweiz Rollt in cities like Zürich and Genf.

Book Hotels with Special Offers and Discounts

Did you know that package holidays are a Swiss invention? Almost a hundred years ago, posters advertised "7 days of sun, snow, and sports from 50 CHF." Hundreds of Swiss hotels offered "all-inclusive" packages, appealing to cost-conscious travelers.

Even today, many hotel websites feature low-cost or all-inclusive deals. These are targeted at families with children, wellness enthusiasts, or city travelers. Sometimes, you can find overnight stays for as low as 30 CHF per person, including a hearty breakfast or half board.

The greater the number of available rooms, the lower the overnight rate. Many hotels today adjust their changing offers quickly and flexibly according to current demand. Therefore, it's worth getting an online quote from your chosen hotel for the desired period. Planning well in advance or reacting quickly can pay off.

Stay in Hostels

How about spending the night in a castle or in a unique new building? And all for a low price with a sustainable vibe? Then one of the over 50 Swiss youth hostels is right for you. From beds in a dormitory to double or single rooms with a bath and WC, there’s something for everyone.

Budget travelers benefit from free Wi-Fi and luggage storage, bedding and breakfast, as well as communal areas and self-service restaurants. Affordable annual passes and the free hostel app offer benefits and discounts such as:

• simple booking or check-in
• annual pass on your smartphone
• hostel discounts
• reduced entry to museums and leisure facilities
• partner and family-friendly offers
• discounts on public transport

## Sleep in Farms and Guesthouses

Off the beaten paths along country roads, you’ll find them: country inns and farms with their moderate room rates. These traditional family-run establishments can be found throughout rural Switzerland. Classics of Swiss cuisine based on grandma’s recipes or newly interpreted grace the menus. To find your ideal accommodation, we recommend the platform MyFarm by Agrotourismus Schweiz.

You can also find affordable overnight and meal options in many guesthouses, inns, lodgings, and hotel garni. Throughout Switzerland, they offer comfortable stays at advantageous rates, leaving you with money for other delightful things during your trip. You can view over 400 host offerings in this guesthouse directory.

Sleep in Straw

Sleeping in straw is a farmhouse adventure for the whole family. You're lying in fragrant straw and looking forward to a hearty breakfast. Fresh milk and farm-produced goods are a unique treat. On specific websites, you’ll find farms offering straw sleeping from as little as 10 CHF per person. But be careful; not all are that cheap. Check out MyFarm to find the suitable farm for you.

Swiss Activities Tip: Although sleeping in straw is a fantastic experience, it may not be for everyone. If you suffer from allergies and have issues with hay, straw, or dust, it's better to pass on this.

Book a holiday apartment or a house

Are you traveling with family or friends? Booking a holiday apartment or house can really help with the travel budget. The more travel companions you have, the lower the overnight costs per person. If you want to save on meals, your holiday apartment is the perfect fit. Cooking for yourself is usually cheaper. You can find offers on these platforms:

• HomeToGo is a meta-search engine with a redirect function. If you like the accommodation, it will take you to the right booking portal.
• Atraveo is great for offers starting from a week.
• Airbnb is ideal for accommodations in the city.
• Casamundo offers a handy map view for orientation.
• HomeAway is useful for short stays in city apartments.
• Holidu provides holiday apartments all over Switzerland.

Discover attractive campsites and bungalows

Want to save money on accommodation while traveling conveniently? Camping has become more popular than ever. Many Swiss campsites offer high-quality facilities with nature-oriented relaxation.

Traveling without gear and want to arrive spontaneously? Book a fully equipped accommodation at the campsite. The trend is called “Glamping,” which combines glamour with camping. You'll stay in comfortable bungalows, romantic yurts, or nostalgic circus wagons.

TCS Camping is the largest provider in Switzerland. As a member, you get up to 20% off at TCS campsites. Depending on your route, it might be worth it. On the TCS or Camping.info portals, you can find the right campsite in Switzerland.

Use Park4night and Roadsurfer Spots

What could be better than discovering new places and people on a spontaneous road trip? Are you on a journey through Switzerland with your car, caravan, or motorhome? Apps like park4night and roadsurfer spots make it easier for you to find a place to park each day.

They show you where you can park for the night or just for a break without any hassle. Park4night documents suitable public parking spots. In safe Switzerland, this is totally worry-free. On the other hand, roadsurfer spots leads you to natural spots on private, sometimes fee-based properties.

Find affordable lunch menus

Eating at Swiss restaurants doesn’t always have to be expensive. Affordable lunch menus allow for budget-friendly enjoyment. So, look for restaurants, taverns, and bistros between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Check for signs with daily menus and prices at the entrance. Often, you can choose from three or more different menus and pay much less than you would in the evening or if you ordered à la carte.

Look for large schools

Near high schools, vocational schools, or universities, there’s often a high concentration of restaurants and take-out places offering budget meals. Since they compete for the attention of students, prices are usually lower than in other areas.

Save at self-service restaurants

Cheap doesn’t always mean bad. This also applies to self-service restaurants. They serve affordable yet quality dishes. In Switzerland, you'll find them in shopping centers or at large supermarkets like Migros and Coop. School, university, and company canteens welcome outside visitors. Places like museums, swimming pools, or youth hostels sometimes also operate restaurants.

Fight against food waste

There are many initiatives aimed at reducing food waste. These include Ässbar and TooGoodToGo.

At Ässbar, which you can find in eight cities in Switzerland, delicious baked goods from the previous day are offered. With the slogan “fresh from yesterday,” you can get delightful creations from local bakeries. Perfect for a budget meal or a picnic on your next hike in Switzerland. By the way, Ässbar also occasionally offers entire menus that were cooked and packed the day before but weren’t sold.

With the TooGoodToGo App, you can see where you can rescue food from going to waste nearby. Restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and even drugstores sell their food at greatly reduced prices, which is fantastic for keeping your travel budget in check.

Enjoy a Picnic

Grab your food at the counter and find a nice spot for a picnic. By skipping a set table with service, you can save quite a bit of money. Promenades by lakes, public fire pits, viewpoints, and park benches are perfect for a cozy picnic. In Switzerland, takeaway stands are booming, and you'll find them everywhere:

• at train station concourses
• in shopping centers
• in pedestrian zones
• in large stores like Migros, Coop, Manor, Jelmoli, or Globus
• in restaurants with takeaway options
• along lake and riverside promenades
• at mobile counters on streets and squares
• at markets
• and near schools and universities

Shop for Yourself and Be Your Own Chef

The shopping options in Switzerland are vast, and the selection is enormous. So buy your own ingredients and cook your own meals to save money on dining out. Here are some tips for good bargains:

• The big providers Migros and Coop offer affordable budget products under their private labels. At Migros, the packaging is white and green striped and marked with "M-Budget." Coop labels them with "Prix-Garantie" in pink on a white background.
• Discounter stores like Denner, Lidl, or Aldi are great for low-cost shopping.
• Products marked with the label "Action" promise interesting discounts.
• Just before closing time, orange discount stickers on perishable goods can offer up to 75% off.

Shop at Farm Stores

At farms, you can find a great selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products, eggs, and homemade jams. Fresh from the farm, you'll also find meats like sausages, lamb, turkey, pork, and other types of meat. By buying directly from the farmer, you often pay less than in stores. With over 3000 farm stores in Switzerland, the websites Hoflädeli and MyFarm can help you find them.

Save on Drinks

In Switzerland, drinks can add up when paying at the table or counter. So take advantage of the readily available free fountain or tap water. You'll find drinking water fountains everywhere, especially in cities. Self-service restaurants and cafeterias sometimes offer free tap water as well. Often, the taps are discreetly placed and not immediately visible.

Did you know that in Switzerland, you're allowed to drink alcohol in public? So grab a cold beer and enjoy it by the lakeside or in a nice park. Another insider tip for thirsty budget travelers: look out for the many happy hour deals.

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. However, thanks to good travel planning, it is also an affordable destination for budget travelers. Now you know the ways and ways to save money in Switzerland.