Planning Switzerland itinerary for 7 days? This guide shows Indian travelers how to explore Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, and Geneva in one week by train, on budget. You will get full 7-day Switzerland travel plan, tips on using the Swiss Travel Pass, Switzerland trip cost from India, and best ways to see Jungfraujoch, Matterhorn, and Lake Lucerne. Whether you want a romantic trip, family holiday, or winter adventure, this Switzerland itinerary by train covers everything step by step.
Switzerland travel itinerary
Switzerland is a beautiful travel destination known for its amazing scenery, from the majestic Alps and quiet lakes to charming villages and historic towns. It is a great place for outdoor adventures such as skiing, hiking and cycling. It offers an excellent quality of life with efficient public transport, a clean environment with a rich cultural heritage. The well-planned Switzerland travel itinerary can help you to explore and experience this beauty of Switzerland to the fullest.
Best time to visit Switzerland
The best time to visit Switzerland depends on your interests:
- Winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing and winter sports in the Alps.
- Spring (March to May) offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds, perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
- Summer (June to August) is a warm time for active recreation, including exploring the lakes and mountains.
- Fall (September to November) offers beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures, making it the perfect time for scenic drives and hikes.
Getting around Switzerland
Arrival and Main Location
The main starting point in Switzerland to reach top attractions is often considered to be Zurich. It is so because it is Switzerland’s largest city and a major transport hub. Therefore, Zurich offers excellent connectivity to various parts of the country.
Zurich has a well-connected international airport and a central train station (Zurich Hauptbahnhof), providing easy access to other Swiss cities and attractions. From Zurich, you can easily reach popular destinations such as Lucerne, Interlaken, the Swiss Alps, and Lake Geneva.
Main modes of transportation:
1. Trains: The most popular mode of transport for long-distance travels between cities and regions. The average cost of train tickets will be around CHF 30-70 for a one-hour journey, depending on distance and class.
2. Buses: It can be used for regional and local travel. The prices generally ranging from CHF 2-10 for short trips within cities or nearby areas.
3. Boats: It’s commonly used on lakes and rivers. The fares are generally between CHF 10-30 for short to medium distance travels.
4. Trams and Buses: Public transport is efficient and well-connected, specially in cities like Geneva. It costs about CHF 2-5 for single tickets.
Switzerland Itinerary 7 days
Day 1: Explore Zurich
1. Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse has many luxury boutiques, department stores, and charming cafés. It’s a must-visit for shopping-lovers and those wanting to enjoy Zurich’s sophisticated atmosphere.
2. Old Town (Altstadt)
Zurich’s historic Old Town is a blend of narrow old streets filled with historical buildings, old-fashioned shops, and cosy eateries. You can visit Grossmünster Church and the Lindenhof hill for its beautiful views.
3. Lake Zurich
You may wander or take a boat ride along Lake Zurich. It offers beautiful views of the Alps and is perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
4. Swiss National Museum
This museum showcases Swiss cultural history, with artefacts ranging from medieval artefacts to contemporary art.
Day 2: Day Trip to Lucerne
1. Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke)
This scenic, wooden bridge is lined with historical paintings and offers amazing views of the Reuss River.
How to Get There: You may take a direct train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Lucerne. It takes about 50 minutes.
2. Lion Monument
The Lion Monument is a tribute to the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. The sculpture there depicts a dying lion carved into a rock face.
3. Old Town of Lucerne
You can wander through the charming streets of Lucerne’s Old Town. It has colourful medieval buildings, vibrant markets, and historical landmarks.
Day 3: Day Trip to Interlaken
1. Harder Kulm
You may visit Harder Kulm for scenic views of Interlaken, Lake Thun, and the surrounding Alps. It’s a fantastic spot for relaxing in greenery and taking photos.
How to Get There: You must take a train from Zurich to Interlaken Ost (about 2 hours) and then the funicular from Interlaken Harderbahn.
2. Lake Thun or Lake Brienz
You may enjoy a boat cruise on one of these impressive alpine lakes. The cruises offer impressive views of the lakes and surrounding mountains.
Day 4: Day Trip to Bern
1. Zytglogge (Clock Tower)
This iconic medieval clock tower has an astronomical clock and a charming astronomical display every hour. It’s a key symbol of the Bern’s history.
How to Get There: You should take a direct train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Bern. It takes about 1 hour.
2. Bear Park
This park provides a natural habitat for the bear. It’s a great place to see these big animals up close while enjoying beautiful views of the Aare River.
Day 5: Day Trip to Zermatt
Board a train during the early hours for Zermatt because the mountain village serves as a gateway to the captivating Matterhorn lookouts. Spend your time visiting these attractions before returning to Zurich City for supper.
1. Gornergrat
Travelers need to ride the train at Gornergrat to enjoy breathtaking views of Matterhorn as well as other mountain peaks. People consider this area among the top locations to take mountain photos.
Travelers need to board the Gornergrat Railway after taking a 3.5-hour ride from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Zermatt.
2. Matterhorn Museum
This museum showcases the history of Zermatt and the legendary climbs of the Matterhorn. The facility serves as an ideal location to discover the history of local mountaineering activities. A short walk from the train station.
3. Sunnegga Viewpoint
A great spot for an easy hike or a relaxing break with spectacular views of the Matterhorn. A lake lies in proximity to the viewpoint where visitors can experience nature. Take the funicular from Zermatt to Sunnegga (about 5 minutes).
Day 6: Day Trip to Geneva
Start early and take a direct train to Geneva City from Zurich City. You can spend the day sightseeing at the following places and return to Zurich City for dinner.
1. Jet d’Eau
People recognize the Jet d’Eau as Geneva’s iconic presence as it propels water 140 meters above ground. People enjoy visiting the spot both for picture-taking and waterfront observation. Take a direct train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Geneva (about 3 hours) and walk to the lake from the station.
2. Palais des Nations (United Nations Headquarters)
This building established in the past functions as the United Nations’ European headquarters. Tour guides share valuable information about international diplomacy along with historical details during their walking services. It is located a short tram ride from Geneva’s city centre.
3. Old Town (Vieille Ville):The Old Town segment of Geneva presents visitors with historical architecture and several lovely squares alongside its charming coffee shops. Walk to St. Pierre Cathedral to reach the top portion where you can admire scenic views across the entire city.
How to Get There: A short walk from the city centre or accessible by tram.
Day 7: Return to Zurich
On the last day, please stay at Zurich City and enjoy the following natural beauties.
1. Uetliberg Mountain
The destination provides two options to admire Zurich views together with lake views alongside Alpine mountain peaks through hiking or train service to Uetliberg. The location provides perfect vantage points to observe the city layout together with its environment. Take a train from Zurich Hauptbahnhof to Uetliberg (about 20 minutes).
2. Kunsthaus Zurich
As the leading art museum in Zurich the Kunsthaus exhibits both Swiss national art treasures alongside international masterpieces including artwork by Alberto Giacometti and Marc Chagall.
The site is reachable through either the city tram system or by walking.
Switzerland Itinerary 7 Days: Travel by Train & Swiss Pass Guide
If you’re planning a Switzerland itinerary 7 days, the best way to explore Switzerland is by train. You can travel smart and save money with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Let me show you why it’s the #1 tool for Indian travelers — and how it makes your 7-day Switzerland trip easy, scenic, and affordable.
Swiss Travel Pass
For most visitors, especially on 7-day trip, the Swiss Travel Pass is the most convenient option. It offers:
- Unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats across Switzerland.
- Free entry to over 500 museums.
- Discounts up to 50% on mountain excursions such as Jungfraujoch or Gornergrat.
- Valid for 3, 4, 8, or 15 consecutive days.
For 7-day itinerary, the 8-day Swiss Travel Pass works best. It saves money compared to buying single tickets for every train and boat trip, especially since your plan covers long routes (Zurich–Zermatt, Zurich–Geneva).
Scenic Train Routes to Try
While following this itinerary, you can enjoy some of Switzerland’s most famous panoramic trains:
- GoldenPass Line (Lucerne – Interlaken – Montreux) – mountains, lakes, and vineyards.
- Glacier Express (Zermatt – St. Moritz) – “slowest express train in the world” with epic Alpine views.
- Bernina Express (Chur – Tirano, Italy) – glaciers to palm trees in one day.
Even if you don’t take all of them, your regular train journeys in this plan (Zurich–Lucerne, Zurich–Interlaken, Zurich–Zermatt, Zurich–Geneva) are already scenic enough to feel like experiences in themselves.
Departure to India from Switzerland
The flight schedule check along with necessary item preparation starts your journey from Zurich airport to India. The travel route to Zurich Airport starts with a train journey lasting 10–15 minutes from Hauptbahnhof or incorporates a taxi trip that will take 20–30 minutes or driving directly to the airport. A flight to India from point of departure requires eight to nine hours.
The Zurich Airport provides direct flights that reach New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru in India. Indian airports are accessible through flights that need stopovers at places such as Dubai and Doha and Frankfurt offering combined durations between 8–14 hours.
5-Day Plan for Switzerland
You can also enjoy your trip to Switzerland within 5 days if you eliminate Zermatt and Geneva trips. In the 5-day trip, you will be able to see only the best of Zurich and best few cities of Switzerland. A 10-day itinerary allows you to complete both the complete 7-day itinerary and adds hiking experiences as well as rural village exploration of Switzerland.
Get your Switzerland visa with Itzeazy
It is necessary to get Switzerland Schengen visa to travel and explore the country. Itzeazy is here to help you. Itzeazy is India’s no.1 visa service provider. It helps to get guaranteed Switzerland visa from India in quick time.
Itzeazy provides visa consultancy and end-to-end assistance in documentation support to the clients in all scenarios to ensure a hassle-free experience for visa in India.
Swiss Visa Processing Time India
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