Discover how to explore Switzerland on a budget. Get insider tips on trains, hotels, passes, and hidden gems—without missing the must-see highlights.

Yes, you can afford Switzerland. Switzerland is often seen as one of the most expensive countries to visit. But what if you could enjoy the Alps, lakes, chocolate, and scenic trains — without spending a fortune? In this guide, we’ll show you how to travel smarter and save money.

Choose the Right Travel Pass

Public transport is one of the best things about Switzerland—clean, scenic, and always on time. But it’s not cheap. That’s why choosing the right pass is essential.

• Swiss Travel Pass: Great for multi-city trips, includes boats, museums, and most trains.
• Half Fare Card: Best for longer stays or if you travel less intensively—gets you 50% off almost everything.
• Regionale passes: Like the Ticino Ticket or Berner Oberland Pass, ideal for staying in one area (often included in hotel price - even with HotelCard).
• Tip: Buy in advance online to get early-bird deals and skip queues.

Regional tickets often give you a discount or even free use of the mountain railways

Sleep Smart – Membership Cards

Accommodation is usually the biggest expense. You can save big here without compromising comfort:

• Avoid tourist hotspots for overnights—stay nearby (e.g. Thun instead of Interlaken).
• Look for family-run boutique hotels with character and value.
• Use HotelCard: This membership gives up to 50% off in over 500 Swiss hotels.

Travel Off-Peak & Avoid Pricey Tourist Traps

Timing matters in Switzerland.

• Visit in shoulder seasons: May–June and September–October offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
• Eat like a local: Supermarkets (Migros, Coop) have great hot food bars.
• Avoid souvenir shops and touristy restaurants—they often double the price for less quality.
• Guest cards: Many hotels offer free local transport cards and they are even included when booking with HotelCard — ask before booking.

Plan Free & Scenic Activities

Not everything amazing in Switzerland comes with a price tag.

• Hikes: Almost all Hikes, even in world-famous regions like Lauterbrunnen or the Aletsch-Gletscher are for free.
• City walking tours: (sometimes free or tip-based) in Bern, Zurich, Geneva.
• Museums and Boat trips: With a guest or travel pass, many museums and boats are included.

6-Day Low-Budget Itinerary

Explore Switzerland in 6 unforgettable days—scenic train rides, historic cities, alpine villages and boutique hotels with up to 50% off through your HotelCard membership.

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich 

Arrive, relax, and explore Zurich’s charming Old Town. Stroll along the Limmat River or enjoy a view from Lindenhof Hill

Hotel Suggestion: With the HotelCard you can book hotels in Zurich with up to 50% discount.

Hotels in Zurich

Tag 2: Lucerne

Short and scenic train ride (about 50 minutes). Explore Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge, the famous Old Town and Lake Lucerne promenade - stunning!

Hotel Suggestion: Lucerne is a HotelCard hotspot: you’ll find numerous boutique hotels in and around Lucerne, many right by the lake, offering up to 50% discount with your HotelCard membership.

Hotels in Lucerne

Day 3 – Day Trip to Mount Rigi or Pilatus 

Combine boat, cogwheel railway, and mountaintop views. Both trips are discounted with Half Fare Card or local guest passes. Mount Rigi is a little bit less touristy than Pilatus.

Day 4 – Scenic Train to Interlaken (recommendation: GoldenPass Line) 

Ride through the Alps via Brünig Pass and Lake Brienz. Walk along the Aare or take the funicular to Harder Kulm

Hotel Suggestion: With the HotelCard you'll find lots of great offers - lots of them with mountain view up to 50% off.

Hotels in Interlaken

Day 5 - Lauterbrunnen valley & Staubbach falls 

Day trip to the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley, home to 72 waterfalls, including the famous Staubbachfall, which plunges nearly 300 meters over a vertical cliff

Hotel Suggestion: The Bernese Oberland is full of HotelCard gems – from the Lauterbrunnen Valley to Grindelwald, Adelboden and other alpine villages, you'll find charming hotels with up to 50% off. Ideal for mountain lovers, hikers, and nature seekers.

Hotels in Bernese Oberland

Day 6 – Return via Bern or directly to Zurich 

(Total cost for overnight stays for two people with HotelCard : ~CHF 500–700).

Final Tips to Save Even More

• Book trains in advance if not using passes
• Bring a refillable water bottle (Swiss tap water = 💎)
• Always ask hotels about free public transport cards
• Follow hotel deal platforms (like Hotelcard.ch )

Want to save up to 50% on Swiss hotels?

Join HotelCard and get access to exclusive member deals across 500+ hotels in Switzerland.