Episode 181: Switzerland Day Trips By Train: The Secret to a More Relaxed Swiss Itinerary

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Are you dreaming of exploring Switzerland by train, bus, or boat but want to do it at your own relaxed pace? In this episode, we explore the fantastic Swiss public transportation network and discover how to embrace slow travel in Switzerland for a relaxing, stress-free adventure.

I’m joined by Andy Nef, market manager for Swiss Travel System, to uncover how the legendary Swiss train network makes it effortless to enjoy Switzerland day trips without the stress of packing and unpacking each day. 

We discuss the growing trend of Day Discoveries – setting up in one or two hubs and venturing out to popular attractions, hidden gems, mountains, lakes, and vibrant cities via public transport.

You’ll learn how the Swiss Travel Pass opens up a world of unlimited travel and even includes admission to over 500 museums! 

You’ll discover some of the best places to stay in Switzerland and learn how making Lausanne, Interlaken, or Lucerne your home base lets you easily access the best cities to visit in Switzerland and the most breathtaking routes.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and are searching for the best base for day trips in Switzerland whilst still including a ride on a panoramic train (Switzerland has so many to choose from), this episode is your ultimate guide. 

Andy chats not only about the highlights and benefits of this style of travel, he also shares insider tips – how to book, when to go, what not to miss, and how to travel with confidence even if you’ve never used public transport before.

If you want a flexible Swiss itinerary, incredible scenery, local culture, and the freedom to make every day in Switzerland truly your own, tune in. We’ll inspire your trip planning and help you discover why Day Discoveries are quickly becoming the smartest (and most enjoyable) way to experience all that Switzerland has to offer!

Show Notes

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• How Day Discoveries differ from the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and why this relaxed travel style is becoming more popular
• The benefits of using just one or two central bases for your Swiss trip instead of changing hotels every night
• Which destinations make the best hubs for day trips and what makes a location well connected
• The advantages of traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass and what is included – such as unlimited public transport and free entry to over 500 museums
• Inspiring day trip itineraries from bases like Lausanne and Interlaken, including mountain excursions, scenic boat rides, and cultural highlights
• Insider tips for planning seamless journeys and avoiding common mistakes when using public transport in Switzerland

Our Guest

The 8-day itinerary mentioned in this episode

Base: Lausanne – 3 nights

>> Day 1 – Arrival in Switzerland. Travel by train to Lausanne. Afternoon sightseeing.

>> Day 2 – Excursion to Rochers-de-Naye, visit Chateau Chillon at Montreux, dinner at Montreux before returning to Lausanne.

>> Day 3 – Excursion to Bern. Visit Old Town and Paul Klee Museum. Return to Lausanne via Biel/Bienne, with the option to stop off at one of the wine villages.

Base: Interlaken – 3 nights

>> Day 4 – Depart Lausanne. Train to Montreux and then the GoldenPass Express to Interlaken. Afternoon sightseeing. Possibility to visit Harder Kulm (seasonal) for dinner and sunset views.

>> Day 5 – Excursion to the Schilthorn. Visit Trümmelbach Falls near Stechelberg, and Lauterbrunnen before returning to Interlaken.

>> Day 6 – Excursion by boat to Thun. Visit Old Town and Thun Castle and enjoy dinner in Thun before returning to Interlaken by train.

>> Day 7 – Take the Luzern-Interlaken Express for a day trip to Lucerne. Wander the Old Town and lakeside promenade. Visit the Picasso Museum or Swiss Transport Museum. Return to Interlaken via a different route and, if time permits, stop off at the Kambly Experience in Trubschachen.

>> Day 8 – Departure from Interlaken. Make your way to Zurich Airport (or departure point) and if time allows, stop along the way for more sightseeing.

Swiss Travel Pass Benefits

The Swiss Travel Pass includes unlimited travel on all public transport in Switzerland (trains, buses, boats and trams) as well as admission to over 500 museums (including castles), and three free mountain excursions. In addition, pass holders also receive up to 50% discount on most other mountain excursions, including the following which are mentioned in this episode:

• Rochers-de-Naye – 50% discount
• Schilthorn – free from Stechelberg to Mürren, 50% discount from Mürren to Schilthorn
• Admission to the Swiss Museum of Transport is 50% off for pass holders, too.

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Useful resources

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> You can read a full transcript of this episode here.