Part of our Switzerland guide.
2 places and guides from our Switzerland coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: What It Costs In New Zealand.
How Much Is A Vacation To Switzerland
A typical vacation to Switzerland costs between CHF 150 and CHF 400 per person per day, depending on your travel style and season. Budget travelers can get by on CHF 100–150 per day by staying in hostels, cooking some meals, and using regional trains or buses.
Accommodation is the biggest expense. A dorm bed in a hostel costs CHF 30–60 per night, while a mid-range double room in a hotel runs CHF 120–250. A three-course meal with a drink in a standard restaurant costs CHF 50–70, but a supermarket meal (sandwich, drink, fruit) can be as low as CHF 10–15. A single ticket on a city tram or bus costs CHF 2.50–4.00, and a one-day Swiss Travel Pass (covering trains, buses, boats, and many mountain railways) costs CHF 232 for adults in second class as of 2024.
Just How Expensive Is Switzerland?
Switzerland consistently ranks among the most expensive countries in the world, but costs vary widely by region and activity. In cities like Zurich and Geneva, a coffee costs CHF 4–6, a beer CHF 6–8, and a McDonald’s meal CHF 14–18. In smaller towns or mountain villages, prices can be similar or slightly higher for groceries, while restaurant prices are often the same.
Mountain excursions add significant cost. A return cable car ticket to Jungfraujoch costs CHF 236.80, while a day pass for a ski resort (e.g., Zermatt) costs around CHF 100–120 in peak season. For detailed numbers on ski trips, see the related page on skiing costs in Switzerland: a detailed breakdown. If you are planning a trip to the Bernese Oberland, the Grindelwald hiking guide: 12 epic hikes near Grindelwald lists free trails, and the Murren hiking guide: 7 awesome hikes near Murren covers low-cost options. For a budget-conscious visit to the Matterhorn region, the article How To Visit Zermatt, Switzerland On A Budget provides specific tips.
Transport between cities is efficient but pricey. A one-way train ticket from Zurich to Geneva costs CHF 80–120 (2h45min), while the same journey on a Swiss Travel Pass is covered. A half-fare card (CHF 120 for one month) halves all train, bus, and boat tickets. For longer stays, a Swiss Travel Pass (3, 4, 6, or 8 days) or a Swiss Half Fare Card usually saves money if you take more than two long-distance trips.
