15 Best Day Trips from Zurich (By Train)

Zurich is perfectly positioned as a base for exploring Switzerland by train. Every destination on this list is reachable in under 3 hours, and most in under 90 minutes. Here are the **15 best day trips**, organized by travel time.

Under 1 Hour

1. Rapperswil (40 min, CHF 18 return)

Known as the "Town of Roses," Rapperswil's medieval castle, lakeside promenade, and 15,000-rose garden make it a perfect half-day escape. Walk across the wooden footbridge over Lake Zurich.

2. Baden (18 min, CHF 14 return)

A charming spa town with Roman-era hot springs, a picturesque old town, and the new Fortyseven thermal bath complex. The Limmat river gorge running through town is dramatic.

3. Winterthur (25 min, CHF 14 return)

Home to the Oskar Reinhart Collection and Technorama science museum. The old town is compact and beautiful, with excellent cafés and the sprawling Eulachpark.

4. Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen (50 min, CHF 26 return)

Europe's largest waterfall by volume is thundering and spectacular. Take the boat to the rock in the middle of the falls (CHF 7). The adjacent Laufen Castle has a good viewpoint platform.

5. Einsiedeln (45 min, CHF 22 return)

A pilgrimage town home to a magnificent Baroque abbey. The dark Madonna inside the church has drawn visitors for over a thousand years. Peaceful and atmospheric.

1-2 Hours

6. Lucerne (45 min, CHF 50 return / CHF 25 with Half-Fare)

The Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and the stunning lake setting make Lucerne an essential day trip. Take the boat across the lake or ride the cogwheel train up Mount Pilatus (CHF 72 return, 50% off with Swiss Travel Pass).

7. Bern (55 min, CHF 51 return / CHF 25 with Half-Fare)

The UNESCO-listed capital with its 6km of arcades, the Zytglogge clock tower, and the BärenPark bear enclosure. Don't miss a dip in the Aare River in summer.

8. Stein am Rhein (55 min, CHF 30 return)

One of Switzerland's most photogenic villages. The half-timbered houses with painted facades are straight out of a fairy tale. Tiny, walkable, and perfect for photography.

9. Mount Rigi (1h 15min, CHF 72 return from Zurich incl. boat and cogwheel)

The "Queen of Mountains" offers panoramic views of 13 lakes and the Alpine chain. The boat ride across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau and the cogwheel train up are half the experience.

10. Appenzell (1h 40min, CHF 50 return)

A deeply traditional village with colourful painted houses and strong local culture. Try Appenzeller cheese and Biberli gingerbread. The surrounding hills offer gentle walks.

2-3 Hours

11. Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe (2h 40min, from CHF 210 return)

At 3,454m, this is the highest railway station in Europe. The ice palace, Sphinx observation deck, and Aletsch Glacier views are extraordinary. Expensive but unforgettable.

12. Grindelwald-First (2h 20min, CHF 118 return incl. gondola)

The First Cliff Walk, First Flyer zipline, and mountain cart rides make this an adventure lover's paradise. The views of the Eiger are stunning from every angle.

13. Interlaken (1h 50min, CHF 66 return / CHF 33 with Half-Fare)

The adventure capital of Switzerland, wedged between two lakes beneath the Jungfrau massif. Paragliding, canyoning, and boat cruises — or just enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery.

14. Basel (55 min, CHF 36 return)

Switzerland's cultural capital with 40 museums, a picturesque Rhine riverfront, and the charming old town. Float down the Rhine in a Wickelfisch bag in summer.

15. Mount Titlis (2h 15min, CHF 92 return incl. cable car)

The revolving cable car to 3,238m offers glacier views and a cliff walk suspension bridge. Snow is guaranteed year-round.

Planning Tips

**Pro tip:** The Saver Day Pass (from CHF 52) gives you unlimited travel across all of Switzerland for a day. If you're making a long trip like Zurich to Interlaken, this is almost always cheaper than a regular ticket.