Switzerland Holidays 2025: What You Can Expect in Terms of Prices

Switzerland is a fascinating travel destination with impressive nature, historic cities, and a high quality of life. But how much does a vacation in Switzerland cost in 2025? In this article, we provide you with a detailed price overview for flights, accommodations, food, and activities so that you can plan your trip optimally in advance.

Flight Prices: What does it cost to travel to Switzerland?

Flights to Switzerland are generally more expensive than to many other European countries. Direct flights from European cities to Zurich, Geneva, or Basel are the cheapest, with prices ranging from about 100 to 200 euros for round trips in the low season (November to March). During the high season, especially in summer (June to August), prices rise to 200 to 350 euros.

Zurich and Geneva are Switzerland's largest international airports and offer a wide range of international flights. If you fly into smaller cities like Bern or Lausanne, you can also find good deals; however, getting to these cities via public transport or a rental car can be somewhat more complicated.

Accommodations: How much does it cost to stay in Switzerland?

Accommodations in Switzerland are typically more expensive than in many other European countries. In large cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern, prices for a 3-star hotel are around 100 to 180 euros per night. During peak travel seasons, especially in summer and in ski hotspots in winter, prices can rise to 200 to 300 euros per night.

Outside the cities, in more rural areas or the mountains, you can find cheaper accommodations. In smaller towns, you can stay in hotels or vacation rentals starting from about 80 to 120 euros per night. For backpackers or travelers on a budget, there are also hostels and campsites starting at about 40 to 70 euros per night.

Switzerland is also known for its luxury hotels and chalets. If you choose a premium accommodation, you should budget around 300 to 500 euros per night, especially in exclusive holiday regions like Zermatt, St. Moritz, or the cities of Zurich and Geneva.

Food: What does it cost to eat in Switzerland?

Switzerland has a high cost of living, which is reflected in the prices for food and meals. A simple lunch in a café or bistro costs about 15 to 25 CHF (Swiss Francs). In restaurants and inns, dinner prices range from about 30 to 50 CHF per person. In tourist areas like Zurich or Geneva, you can expect higher prices, around 50 to 80 CHF for dinner.

If you want something a bit cheaper, you can quickly grab something from popular snacks and food trucks in many cities and towns, where snacks like sandwiches, sausages, and fries cost from 10 to 15 CHF.

Supermarkets are an affordable way to self-cater. A package of pasta costs about 1.50 CHF, and fresh vegetables are available for about 3 to 5 CHF per kilo. Switzerland also has many bakeries offering fresh croissants or sandwiches for about 3 to 6 CHF.

Activities: Admission Prices and Attractions

Switzerland offers a vast array of activities ranging from hiking to boat trips and museum visits. Admission to many attractions, such as the renowned art museum in Zurich or the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, costs between 10 and 25 CHF. Popular attractions like the Matterhorn or Jungfraujoch are a bit pricier, with access or a rack railway ride costing around 50 to 100 CHF.

Switzerland is known for its beautiful mountains, and many hiking trails are free to access. However, if you want to reach the peaks by cable car or train, you should budget between 30 and 70 CHF per ride. In winter, especially in famous ski resorts like Zermatt or Davos, prices for ski passes are about 50 to 80 CHF per day.

For a day trip in the Alps or a boat ride on Lake Geneva, expect to spend about 30 to 50 CHF, depending on the duration and type of activity.

Transportation: Rental Car or Public Transport?

Switzerland has an excellent public transport system that connects the major cities and many rural areas. A ticket for public transportation, such as buses, trams, and trains, costs about 3 to 6 CHF for a one-way trip. For longer journeys, such as from Zurich to Geneva, you can expect prices of 30 to 50 CHF for a single ticket.

For travelers seeking more flexibility, rental cars are a good option. Prices for a rental car start at about 50 CHF per day but can rise to 100 to 150 CHF per day during the high season. If you are traveling in the Alps, also be aware of additional costs for tolls or snow equipment for your car.

Switzerland is also a paradise for train travelers, as the country offers an excellent network of high-speed trains and regional trains. The Swiss Travel Pass, which is valid for unlimited travel throughout the country, costs about 75 CHF for three days.

Total Budget: What you should plan for your Swiss holiday

For a one-week trip to Switzerland in 2025, you should budget for the following costs:

• Budget vacation: From 700 euros per week (cheap accommodations, self-catering, public transport, and free activities).
• Mid-range vacation: Between 1500 and 2000 euros per week (good hotels, meals in restaurants, admission to attractions).
• Luxury vacation: From 3000 euros per week (luxury hotels, fine dining, private tours and activities).

Conclusion: Switzerland is an expensive but rewarding travel destination

Although Switzerland requires a higher budget in terms of costs than many other European countries, it offers unparalleled nature, culture, and quality of services. With careful planning, you can enjoy a fantastic trip in 2025 and make the most of your budget, whether you're planning a relaxed nature vacation or an exciting city trip.