How to get to Switzerland

With 180,000 tons of chocolate produced annually (and 185,000 tons of cheese per year as well), it’s no wonder why this country is a popular destination. If you’re wondering how to get to Switzerland, you have lots of options.

How to get to Switzerland

If you're planning a trip to Switzerland, flying is the fastest and most convenient option, with major airlines like Swiss International Air Lines, United Airlines, Delta, and easyJet offering regular flights.

For a more scenic approach, you can also take a train or drive from neighboring European countries. Switzerland’s efficient rail network connects seamlessly with France, Germany, Italy, and Austria, making overland travel a great alternative.

Where to fly into Switzerland?

When flying into Switzerland, the main international airports are:

• Zurich Airport (ZRH), 
• Geneva Airport (GVA)
• Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL)

Zurich Airport, the largest, serves as a major hub for international flights. Geneva Airport, located near the French border, is another key entry point. 

The most affordable time to book tickets is generally in the spring — after the winter ski season ends and before the peak summer tourist season begins.

How to get to Switzerland from the US?

The best way to travel to Switzerland from the US is to fly directly to Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA). Major airlines offering direct flights include Swiss International Air Lines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

Indirect flights with one stopover are also available via European hubs such as London, Paris, or Frankfurt, and these are a bit cheaper.

• On average, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,200 or more for an economy class ticket. 
• Direct flight from New York to Zurich takes around 8 hours
• Direct flight from Los Angeles to Zurich takes around 10 hours

How to get to Switzerland from Canada

The best way to travel to Switzerland from Canada is to fly directly to Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA). Major airlines offering direct flights include Air Canada and Swiss International Air Lines. 

Indirect flights with one stopover are also available, typically via European hubs such as London, Frankfurt, or Paris. Airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, and British Airways offer these options.

• The cost of a round-trip ticket ranges from CAD 800 to CAD 1,500, depending on the season and how far in advance you book.
• The flight duration from Toronto or Montreal to Zurich is approximately 7 to 8 hours. The flight from Vancouver to Zürich is around 10 to 11 hours.

How to get to Switzerland from the UK?

You can catch flights to Switzerland from the UK at most major airports in the UK, with more direct flights landing in Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA), or Basel (BSL). Airlines offering direct flights include British Airways, easyJet, and Swiss International Air Lines. 

• The flight duration is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. 
• The cost of a round-trip ticket ranges from £50 to £150, depending on the season.

Driving to Switzerland from the UK

To drive to Switzerland from the UK, you have two primary options: taking the Eurotunnel or a ferry to Calais, France, and continuing your road trip from there.

The drive from Calais to Zurich takes approximately 8 to 10 hours, covering around 800 kilometers (500 miles). 

Eurotunnel

The Eurotunnel is quick and efficient way to cross the English Channel in a car, with the journey from Folkestone to Calais taking approximately 35 minutes. You drive your car onto the train, and upon arrival in Calais, you can continue your journey towards Switzerland. The cost ranges from £75 to £150 one way for a car and passengers.

Ferry

Several ferry operators, such as P&O Ferries and DFDS, provide services from Dover to Calais. The ferry journey takes about 90 minutes and the costs ranges from £45 to £90 one way for a car and passengers.

Travel to Switzerland from the UK by train

Traveling by train from the UK to Switzerland involves taking the Eurostar from London to Paris, followed by a high-speed train (TGV Lyria) from Paris to Zurich, Geneva, or Basel. 

The total journey time is approximately 6 to 8 hours, including transfer time in Paris. Booking in advance can secure lower fares, typically ranging from £100 to £200 for a one-way ticket. This option is relatively hassle-free and the views from the train are lovely.

Rough Guides tip: To increase your chances of a great holiday, read how many days you need to spend in Switzerland.

How to get to Switzerland from other parts of Europe

Traveling from Europe to Switzerland is straightforward. Flying is usually quick and relatively quick, though taking a train is often cheaper — especially if you are booking last minute.

• From West Europe: Direct flights are available from major cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Airlines such as British Airways, Air France, and KLM offer these flights, typically lasting 1 to 2 hours. Alternatively, high-speed trains like the TGV Lyria connect Paris to Zurich in around 4 hours.
• From East Europe:  Direct flights from cities like Budapest, and Prague are available through airlines like Swiss International Air Lines, and easyJet, with flight durations ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Train travel is also an option, though it may require transfers and take significantly longer.
• From Northern Europe: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Swiss International Air Lines offer direct flights from cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo, with flight times around 2 to 3 hours. Train travel is possible but typically involves multiple transfers and longer journey times.
• From Southern Europe: Direct flights from cities like Rome, Madrid, and Barcelona are provided by airlines such as Alitalia, Iberia, and Swiss International Air Lines, with flight durations of 1.5 to 2 hours. High-speed trains are also available from Italy, with routes like Milan to Zurich taking around 3 hours.

Lake cruises

A unique a truly scenic way to get to Switzerland is via boat on one of its lakes. Lake Geneva and Lake Constance have regular boat services connecting Swiss towns with destinations in France, Germany, and Austria.

Lake cruises in Switzerland vary in cost depending on the route and duration, generally ranging from approximately 20 CHF for shorter trips to over 100 CHF for longer or specialty cruises.

International busses

Long-distance buses operated by companies like FlixBus and Eurolines connect Swiss cities with major European cities. This option is especially great for those on a budget. Just be sure to bring a nice pair of noise cancelling headphones or ear plugs.

Do you need a visa?

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, so travelers from most EU countries, the US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa for short visits (up to 90 days). Just be sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

Want more information? Check out our detailed guide on how to plan an unforgettable trip to Switzerland.