Car or Train in Switzerland? My Honest Verdict
- Stefan Schwarzer
- Aug 25
- 4 min read
When you plan a trip through Switzerland, one of the biggest questions is: should you travel by car or train? Both have their advantages, and Switzerland is probably one of the few countries in the world where this choice is genuinely difficult. With one of the best rail networks in the world and picture-perfect mountain roads, both options can be amazing. But after years of exploring, here’s my personal verdict.
Why I Often Choose the Car in Switzerland
In my opinion, it’s slightly easier to travel Switzerland by car—especially when you have a lot of luggage or a bigger family. I know many of my fellow Swiss people—especially on Facebook—would disagree with me and say trains are always the better choice. And I get that. The Swiss rail system is one of the best in the world. But for me personally, the car just makes life easier in certain situations, while the train is unbeatable in others.
Many of the charming mountain villages are quite hilly, and dragging suitcases up and down cobblestone streets after getting off a train or bus can be exhausting.
Another reason is flexibility. With a car, I can drive straight from A to B without changing trains or buses, which is particularly handy when travelling from Zürich Airport to destinations like Interlaken or Lucerne. Trains and buses in those areas can be very crowded in summer.
And flexibility doesn’t just mean convenience. Travelling by car gives me the freedom to stop anywhere I want. If I see a lake, a mountain view, or a pretty village, I can simply pull over, take a quick photo, stretch my legs, and continue the journey. That’s something you just can’t do when traveling by train.
I also find driving in Switzerland very straightforward. Pretty much every city and town is well-connected by road, and the streets are usually wide and easy to navigate. There are only a handful of tiny mountain villages where roads are narrow, but it’s nothing like Italy or Lake Como where maneuvering through tight streets can be stressful. In Switzerland, most villages and towns are easily accessible by car.
Since I own a car, it’s also cheaper for me compared to buying three or four train passes for the family. And there are some extra perks—like crossing the border to France, Germany, or Italy for shopping, then loading up the car and heading back without worrying about train schedules.
If you travel with young kids, the car can also save a lot of stress. Leaving the house always takes longer than planned, and if you miss a train, you might be stuck waiting 30 minutes or more. With a car, you just go when you’re ready.
Why Switzerland’s Trains Still Win in Many Cases
That said, Switzerland’s trains are world-class. They are punctual, clean, and the network is extremely well-connected. Between major cities, trains run every 15 to 30 minutes. Smaller towns usually have connections every half hour, and buses are timed to meet the trains—often leaving just two or three minutes after the train arrives.
The trains are also fast. Instead of winding around mountains, they cut straight through via tunnels. So while driving from Zurich to Ticino can mean sitting in traffic around the Gotthard tunnel, the train just zips through without delay.
And there’s the parking problem. In tourist spots like Zermatt, Interlaken, or Lucerne, parking can easily cost CHF 15–25 per day. Add that on top of fuel, and suddenly the car doesn’t look so cheap anymore.
The main downside of the train, in my opinion, is luggage. There often isn’t a dedicated space for large suitcases, and when commuters and tourists squeeze into the same train, it can feel stressful.
My Hybrid Method: The Best of Both Worlds
Personally, I often use a hybrid method. I drive to my main destination by car because I like the flexibility and space. Once I’m there, I switch to public transport. Many regions in Switzerland—such as Lucerne, Ticino, and the Engadine—offer summer cards for visitors. These cards often include free or discounted rides on local buses, cable cars, and gondolas, which makes exploring super easy without the hassle of parking.
My Recommendation
Arriving by plane? If you’ve packed light and maybe have older children (or no kids), then trains and buses are perfect. They’ll take you almost everywhere, often faster than by car.
Traveling as a big family with lots of luggage? A car might be more practical and even cheaper.
Want the most flexibility? Do what I do: drive to your main location, then use public transport once you’re there.
Car vs. Train in Switzerland: Quick Pros & Cons
Car Travel
Pros:
Maximum flexibility – stop anywhere for photos or detours.
Easier with kids or lots of luggage.
Roads are well-maintained, wide, and most villages are accessible.
Crossing borders for shopping is simple.
Cheaper if you already own a car or share costs.
Car trains (e.g., Lötschberg) make mountain crossings easier.
Cons:
Traffic jams around Zurich, Bern, and Gotthard tunnel.
Parking in tourist spots (CHF 15–25/day).
Some areas (Zermatt, Wengen, Mürren) are car-free.
Driving times can be longer than trains due to traffic or detours.
Train Travel
Pros:
Extremely punctual and reliable.
Dense network with great bus/boat/cable car connections.
Often faster through tunnels than driving around mountains.
Scenic journeys without stress.
Swiss Travel Pass offers good value with extras (museums, boats).
Environmentally friendly.
Cons:
Less flexible – you can’t just stop at random viewpoints.
Luggage space can be limited, especially at peak times.
For families, multiple tickets/passes add up.
Still need buses or cable cars for some destinations.
In the end, the choice between car or train in Switzerland really depends on your travel style. For me, the car just makes life easier in certain situations, but I’d never give up the chance to hop on a Swiss train and enjoy those effortless journeys through the mountains.
✅ Tip for travelers: If you decide to rent a car, book early—especially in summer. And if you’re taking trains, look into Swiss Travel Passes or check if your hotel offers a guest card with free transport.
Interested in some of the best train trips in Switzerland? Here’s my guide to the most scenic Swiss train journeys.
Or if you’re curious about saving money, check out my article on the best Swiss train passes.
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