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Find the best day trips from zurich

Experience the best Day trips from Zurich in Switzerland. Explore Lucerne and Interlaken in the Alps during summer or winter by Train, car, or on foot. Venture to Germany, enjoy nature and culture, and find adventure or relaxation.

Find the best day trips from zurich

Why Consider Day Trips from Zurich?

lucerne trip

A day trip from Zurich is a portal to a universe of varied experiences just minutes from the city’s frenetic core. Picturesque Alpine scenery and peaceful lakes, quaint medieval towns and artistic treasures. the Zurich surroundings are filled with something for all.

Whether you’re in the mood for outdoor adventure, historical exploration, or just a quiet escape into nature, these day trips offer the ideal combination of convenience and adventure. And without the bother of overnight accommodations.

From Zurich Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Tour

From Zurich: Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Tour

Discover Lucerne’s charm, then onwards to Mount Titlis. Take in 360-degree Alpine vistas on the Rotair cable car and see an ice grotto.

From Zurich Bus Day Trip to Heidiland and Liechtenstein

From Zurich: Bus Day Trip to Heidiland and Liechtenstein

Discover Switzerland’s beautiful Alps and travel to Liechtenstein on a day trip from Zurich. Pass through Rapperswil, Vaduz, drive over Ricken Pass, and visit Maienfeld.

From Zurich Rhine Falls Morning Trip with Entry Tickets

From Zurich: Rhine Falls Morning Trip with Entry Tickets

Visit the picturesque Rhine Falls with Key Tours, where you can experience the spray of the water and take in breathtaking views from the platforms.

From Zurich Lucerne & Mount Pilatus Day Tour

From Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus Day Tour

Scenic bus trip from Zurich to Lucerne, cable car ascent up Mount Pilatus, funicular descent to Alpnachstad, and boat trip back across Lake Lucerne.

From Zurich Guided Day Trip to Jungfraujoch with Train Ride

From Zurich: Guided Day Trip to Jungfraujoch with Train Ride

Explore the Swiss Alps on a day trip to Jungfraujoch from Zurich on a guided tourincluding bus panoramic  views, the Eiger Express cable car, and scenic train travel.

From Zurich Interlaken Day Trip and Harder Kulm Viewpoint

From Zurich: Interlaken Day Trip and Harder Kulm Viewpoint

Discover Interlaken’s lakes and mountains on a day trip from Zurich, stop at Lauterbrunnen’s Staubbach Waterfall, take a cable car ride up to Harder Kulm, and snap breathtaking landscape photos.

Recommended Tour

From Zurich: Mount Titlis and Lucerne Day Tour

Discover the majesty of Lucerne and the alpine wonderland of Mount Titlis on a day tour from Zurich. Take in the 360° view from the Rotair cable car, enter the ice grotto, and soak up the grandeur of the Swiss Alps.

About this activity

Tour Itinerary

Departure from Zurich

Meet your guide at Zurich Sihlquai Bus Station. Board the coach for a scenic drive toward Lucerne, with a photo stop at Lake Lucerne.

Guided Lucerne Exploration

Stroll through Lucerne’s medieval old town with your guide. Enjoy free time to visit landmarks like the Chapel Bridge or Lion Monument.

Journey to Engelberg & Rotair Cable Car

Travel to Engelberg and ascend Mount Titlis via the Rotair revolving cable car. Marvel at 360° alpine views en route to the summit.

Titlis Alpine Adventure

Explore the Ice Grotto, cross the Cliff Walk suspension bridge, and ride the Ice Flyer chairlift (weather permitting). Soak in panoramic vistas from the Panorama Restaurant.

Return to Zurich

Descend via cable car, board the coach, and relax during the scenic 2-hour drive back to Zurich.

Departure from Zurich

Meet your guide at Zurich Sihlquai Bus Station. Board the coach for a scenic drive toward Lucerne, with a photo stop at Lake Lucerne.

Guided Lucerne Exploration

Stroll through Lucerne’s medieval old town with your guide. Enjoy free time to visit landmarks like the Chapel Bridge or Lion Monument.

Journey to Engelberg & Rotair Cable Car

Travel to Engelberg and ascend Mount Titlis via the Rotair revolving cable car. Marvel at 360° alpine views en route to the summit.

Titlis Alpine Adventure

Explore the Ice Grotto, cross the Cliff Walk suspension bridge, and ride the Ice Flyer chairlift (weather permitting). Soak in panoramic vistas from the Panorama Restaurant.

Return to Zurich

Descend via cable car, board the coach, and relax during the scenic 2-hour drive back to Zurich.

Departure from Zurich

Meet your guide at Zurich Sihlquai Bus Station. Board the coach for a scenic drive toward Lucerne, with a photo stop at Lake Lucerne.

Guided Lucerne Exploration

Stroll through Lucerne’s medieval old town with your guide. Enjoy free time to visit landmarks like the Chapel Bridge or Lion Monument.

Journey to Engelberg & Rotair Cable Car

Travel to Engelberg and ascend Mount Titlis via the Rotair revolving cable car. Marvel at 360° alpine views en route to the summit.

Titlis Alpine Adventure

Explore the Ice Grotto, cross the Cliff Walk suspension bridge, and ride the Ice Flyer chairlift (weather permitting). Soak in panoramic vistas from the Panorama Restaurant.

Return to Zurich

Descend via cable car, board the coach, and relax during the scenic 2-hour drive back to Zurich.

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Recommended Tour

From Zurich: Bus Day Trip to Heidiland and Liechtenstein

Explore some of Switzerland’s most picturesque Alpine regions and take a day trip to the small country of Liechtenstein from Zurich. Visit Rapperswil and Vaduz, cross the Ricken Pass, and stop in Maienfeld along the scenic route.

About this activity

Tour Itinerary

Departure from Zurich

Depart from Zurich’s central station with your guide. Enjoy a scenic bus ride to Rapperswil, including a photo stop at Lake Zurich.

Rapperswil Exploration

Stroll through Rapperswil’s medieval Old Town and castle with your guide. Explore cobblestone streets or relax by Lake Zurich during free time.

Ricken Pass Crossing

Cross the Ricken Pass for panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and lakes. Drive through Toggenburg Valley’s hills and meadows.

Vaduz Discovery

Discover Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s capital, with free time to explore. Visit the post office for stamps or enjoy views of Vaduz Castle.

Seasonal Activity

In summer, visit Heidi’s Village in Maienfeld with chalets and goat herds. In winter, explore Werdenberg’s medieval castle and historic houses.

Return to Zurich

Return to Zurich via Lake Walensee’s scenic shoreline. Admire the Churfirsten mountain range during the drive.

Departure from Zurich

Depart from Zurich’s central station with your guide. Enjoy a scenic bus ride to Rapperswil, including a photo stop at Lake Zurich.

Rapperswil Exploration

Stroll through Rapperswil’s medieval Old Town and castle with your guide. Explore cobblestone streets or relax by Lake Zurich during free time.

Ricken Pass Crossing

Cross the Ricken Pass for panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and lakes. Drive through Toggenburg Valley’s hills and meadows.

Vaduz Discovery

Discover Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s capital, with free time to explore. Visit the post office for stamps or enjoy views of Vaduz Castle.

Seasonal Activity

In summer, visit Heidi’s Village in Maienfeld with chalets and goat herds. In winter, explore Werdenberg’s medieval castle and historic houses.

Return to Zurich

Return to Zurich via Lake Walensee’s scenic shoreline. Admire the Churfirsten mountain range during the drive.

Departure from Zurich

Depart from Zurich’s central station with your guide. Enjoy a scenic bus ride to Rapperswil, including a photo stop at Lake Zurich.

Rapperswil Exploration

Stroll through Rapperswil’s medieval Old Town and castle with your guide. Explore cobblestone streets or relax by Lake Zurich during free time.

Ricken Pass Crossing

Cross the Ricken Pass for panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and lakes. Drive through Toggenburg Valley’s hills and meadows.

Vaduz Discovery

Discover Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s capital, with free time to explore. Visit the post office for stamps or enjoy views of Vaduz Castle.

Seasonal Activity

In summer, visit Heidi’s Village in Maienfeld with chalets and goat herds. In winter, explore Werdenberg’s medieval castle and historic houses.

Return to Zurich

Return to Zurich via Lake Walensee’s scenic shoreline. Admire the Churfirsten mountain range during the drive.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Recommended Tour

From Zurich: Rhine Falls Morning Trip with Entry Tickets

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking spectacle of the Rhine Falls by booking through Key Tours. From vantage points that bring you close enough to feel the water’s spray, you’ll witness the thunderous flow in all its unrivaled splendor.

About this activity

Tour Itinerary

Departure from Zurich

Depart from Zurich’s Central Bus Station at Ausstellungsstrasse 5. Relax in a comfortable coach as you journey through the scenic Swiss countryside toward Rhine Falls.

Rhine Falls Exploration

Arrive at Europe’s largest plain waterfall for 2.5 hours of free time. Walk along the paths, take in panoramic views from the viewing platforms, and capture stunning photos of the roaring cascades.

Optional Boat Cruise

Upgrade your experience on the day of the tour with a boat ride (ticket purchase on-site). Feel the mist on your skin and admire the falls from a unique perspective on the water.

Return to Zurich

Reboard your coach for the 45-minute drive back. Arrive at the Central Bus Station, leaving you with the rest of the day to explore Zurich at your leisure.

Departure from Zurich

Depart from Zurich’s Central Bus Station at Ausstellungsstrasse 5. Relax in a comfortable coach as you journey through the scenic Swiss countryside toward Rhine Falls.

Rhine Falls Exploration

Arrive at Europe’s largest plain waterfall for 2.5 hours of free time. Walk along the paths, take in panoramic views from the viewing platforms, and capture stunning photos of the roaring cascades.

Optional Boat Cruise

Upgrade your experience on the day of the tour with a boat ride (ticket purchase on-site). Feel the mist on your skin and admire the falls from a unique perspective on the water.

Return to Zurich

Reboard your coach for the 45-minute drive back. Arrive at the Central Bus Station, leaving you with the rest of the day to explore Zurich at your leisure.

Departure from Zurich

Depart from Zurich’s Central Bus Station at Ausstellungsstrasse 5. Relax in a comfortable coach as you journey through the scenic Swiss countryside toward Rhine Falls.

Rhine Falls Exploration

Arrive at Europe’s largest plain waterfall for 2.5 hours of free time. Walk along the paths, take in panoramic views from the viewing platforms, and capture stunning photos of the roaring cascades.

Optional Boat Cruise

Upgrade your experience on the day of the tour with a boat ride (ticket purchase on-site). Feel the mist on your skin and admire the falls from a unique perspective on the water.

Return to Zurich

Reboard your coach for the 45-minute drive back. Arrive at the Central Bus Station, leaving you with the rest of the day to explore Zurich at your leisure.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Recommended Tour

From Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus Day Tour

Set off on a picturesque coach journey from Zurich through the rolling countryside, bound for Lucerne. Ascend Mount Pilatus via cable car, descend to Alpnachstad by funicular, and cap off your adventure with a leisurely boat cruise across Lake Lucerne.

About this activity

Tour Itinerary

Departure from Zurich

Depart from Zurich Sihlquai Bus Station and travel by comfortable coach through the picturesque Swiss countryside toward Lucerne.

Lucerne Exploration

Stop in Lucerne for a brief guided tour of its main sights. Enjoy some free time to discover the charming Old Town and scenic lakeside promenade at your own pace.

Mount Pilatus Ascent

Continue to Kriens and ride the panoramic gondolas and cable car (or cogwheel train, depending on season) up to Mount Pilatus, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking alpine and lake views.

Funicular Descent and Boat Cruise

Descend on one of the world’s steepest funiculars down to Alpnachstad. Then, relax with a tranquil boat trip across Lake Lucerne (seasonal), soaking in the idyllic Swiss scenery.

Return to Zurich

After disembarking in Lucerne, reboard your coach for a comfortable drive back to Zurich, concluding your unforgettable Swiss adventure.

Departure from Zurich

Depart from Zurich Sihlquai Bus Station and travel by comfortable coach through the picturesque Swiss countryside toward Lucerne.

Lucerne Exploration

Stop in Lucerne for a brief guided tour of its main sights. Enjoy some free time to discover the charming Old Town and scenic lakeside promenade at your own pace.

Mount Pilatus Ascent

Continue to Kriens and ride the panoramic gondolas and cable car (or cogwheel train, depending on season) up to Mount Pilatus, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking alpine and lake views.

Funicular Descent and Boat Cruise

Descend on one of the world’s steepest funiculars down to Alpnachstad. Then, relax with a tranquil boat trip across Lake Lucerne (seasonal), soaking in the idyllic Swiss scenery.

Return to Zurich

After disembarking in Lucerne, reboard your coach for a comfortable drive back to Zurich, concluding your unforgettable Swiss adventure.

Departure from Zurich

Depart from Zurich Sihlquai Bus Station and travel by comfortable coach through the picturesque Swiss countryside toward Lucerne.

Lucerne Exploration

Stop in Lucerne for a brief guided tour of its main sights. Enjoy some free time to discover the charming Old Town and scenic lakeside promenade at your own pace.

Mount Pilatus Ascent

Continue to Kriens and ride the panoramic gondolas and cable car (or cogwheel train, depending on season) up to Mount Pilatus, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking alpine and lake views.

Funicular Descent and Boat Cruise

Descend on one of the world’s steepest funiculars down to Alpnachstad. Then, relax with a tranquil boat trip across Lake Lucerne (seasonal), soaking in the idyllic Swiss scenery.

Return to Zurich

After disembarking in Lucerne, reboard your coach for a comfortable drive back to Zurich, concluding your unforgettable Swiss adventure.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Key Highlights of Our Day Trips from Zurich

Breathtaking Alpine Scenery

Enjoy unmatched views of Swiss mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and picturesque landscapes—perfect for stunning photos.

Stress-Free Transportation

Whether by comfortable coach or train, our tours ensure hassle-free travel arrangements so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

Expert Local Guides

Discover fascinating insights about local history, culture, and hidden gems from knowledgeable, friendly guides.

Flexible Itineraries

Choose from a variety of routes and schedules, allowing you to select the day trip that best matches your interests and time frame.

Cultural & Culinary Delights

Explore charming old towns, historical landmarks, and savor Swiss specialties like fresh cheese or chocolate.

All-Season Adventures

Whether summer or winter, the areas around Zurich offer year-round excitement—from hiking and boat rides to skiing and festive Christmas markets.

Essential Tips Before Your Day Trip from Zurich

  • Check the Weather: Conditions in the mountains or near waterfalls can change quickly. Be sure to look up the forecast and pack accordingly.

  • Dress Comfortably: Wear sturdy footwear for city walking or alpine trails. Layer your clothing so you can easily adapt to changing temperatures.

  • Bring Valid ID: If your trip crosses the border (e.g., Liechtenstein), you’ll need a passport or government-issued ID. It can also be handy for train ticket checks.

  • Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to reach the meeting point. This way, you can start your excursion relaxed and stress-free.

  • Stay Hydrated & Bring Snacks: Consider carrying a water bottle and some light snacks, especially for longer tours or hikes in the mountains.

  • Have Your Camera Ready: The scenery is breathtaking—don’t forget extra memory and batteries to capture those picture-perfect moments.

  • Ask Away: Your guide is there to help. Feel free to ask about local culture, history, or any insider tips for the area.

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What are the best day trips from Zurich?

The top day trips from Zurich include Rhine Falls (Europe’s largest waterfall), Lucerne (medieval architecture and Lake Lucerne), Jungfraujoch (the “Top of Europe”), and Mount Titlis (glaciers and ice caves). For culture lovers, Bern (UNESCO-listed Old Town) and Stein am Rhein (painted medieval buildings) are highly recommended.

Switzerland’s efficient rail system makes Lucerne (1h), Bern (1h 15m), and Interlaken (2h) ideal for train trips. The Glacier Express route to Chur or the GoldenPass Line to Montreux offer scenic journeys. Pro tip: Use the Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited rides and discounts.

Yes! Visit Mount Titlis for snow sports and ice caves, Zermatt for Matterhorn views, or St. Moritz for luxury winter resorts. For a festive vibe, explore Christmas markets in Basel or Rapperswil (just 35 minutes by train).

Absolutely! Liechtenstein (1h 15m by car), Germany (visit Konstanz or Triberg Waterfalls), and France (Colmar or Strasbourg) are easily reachable. No border checks within the Schengen Zone make these trips hassle-free.

Affordable options include Rapperswil (“Town of Roses” on Lake Zurich), Baden (thermal baths and Roman ruins), and Uetliberg Mountain (hiking with panoramic views). Use regional train passes like the ZürichCARD for savings.

Top picks:

  • Jungfraujoch: Accessible via a scenic train ride.

  • Pilatus: Hike or take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.

  • Rigi: “Queen of the Mountains” with lake views.

Yes! Platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide offer organized tours to Rhine FallsJungfraujoch, and Liechtenstein. These often include transport, guides, and skip-the-line tickets.

Quick escapes:

  • Rheinfall (45m by train): Europe’s largest waterfall.

  • Einsiedeln Abbey (50m by car): Baroque monastery.

  • Zurich Oberland: Hike Felsenegg or explore Greifensee Lake.

Summer favorites:

  • Lake Lucerne: Boat cruises and swimming.

  • Grindelwald: Hiking and alpine slides.

  • Rhine Falls: Boat tours and cliff walks.

Yes! Jungfraujoch (3h by train) and Zermatt (3.5h by train) are iconic Alpine destinations. For closer options, Engelberg-Titlis (1h 30m) offers glacier hikes and cable car rides.