What is the fastest way to get from Venice to Zurich?
The fastest way to reach Zurich is by car, with 5 hours and 50 minutes of driving. This is several hours faster than the direct trains or flights between Venice and Zurich once you account for airport security and the taxis to and from the departure points.
What is the cheapest way to get from Venice to Zurich?
Direct bus tickets can cost as little as тВм45, however, it is a long distance to be sitting on a bus. The bus ride takes 9 hours and can be very bumpy (but scenic!) as it winds up and down the Alpine roads.
Will Switzerland check my passport?
Yes and no. You will most likely have a stop at the border of Italy and Switzerland, but wonтАЩt have your passport stamped. Switzerland has an agreement to allow free movement of people between its borders and the EU, but they may ask about large amounts of alcohol and cigarettes.
Can I use euros in Switzerland?
No, Switzerland uses its own currency, the Swiss Franc. It almost has parity with the Euro, but does tend to be slightly stronger. Any cash euros you bring to Switzerland will need to be exchanged for Francs (or saved for later if youтАЩre going back to the Eurozone).
What is the easiest way to get from Venice to Zurich?
A private car transfer with daytrip offers the ultimate convenience with door-to-door service and the ability to make your own schedule. It is the perfect middle ground between driving a rental car yourself and taking mass transit with strict timetables and limited options.
Is there a direct train from Venice to Switzerland?
Yes, northern Italy and Switzerland have a strong rail network and direct trains between their countries, with even some high-speed rail options. The trains are modern and passengers can expect comfortable seats, wifi, meal cars, bike racks, and luggage storage.
For your drive from Venice to Zurich, the only obstacle in your way is EuropeтАЩs highest mountain range: the Alps. These mountains are what give northern Italy and Switzerland their amazing skiing slopes, large freshwater lakes, and breathtaking views from both the peaks and the valleys.
For a foreign visitor, this drive can be intimidating with its many tunnels, hairpin turns, and blind curves, but for locals, it's second nature. When you book with Daytrip, your local, English-speaking driver will take you and your family across the Alps with ease.
At just under 6 hours, this journey has plenty of opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime photo ops and access to smaller towns youтАЩd otherwise miss on mass transit, like the тАЬtortellini townтАЭ of Borghetto sul Mincio. YouтАЩll pass small Swiss villages and romantic castles perched atop cliffs before finally reaching SwitzerlandтАЩs largest city: Zurich.
When you arrive in Zurich, your driver will take you straight to your accommodation and you wonтАЩt need to worry about parking or returning a rental car. Welcome to Switzerland!
About Zurich
Four million people visit Zurich each year for its skiing, hiking, luxury shopping, and the well-preserved Medieval buildings in the Altstadt. As SwitzerlandтАЩs largest city and the economic center of the country, Zurich is an excellent next stop for your European vacation. A drive from Venice to Zurich is an excellent sample of the wild landscapes and fortresses in the countryside, but what exactly is Zurich?
ItтАЩs not the capital
Zurich may be SwitzerlandтАЩs largest and most recognizable city, but it isn't the capital. In fact, Switzerland does not even have a capital. In the spirit of neutrality and decentralization, SwitzerlandтАЩs governmental duties are divided among several cities. Bern is technically the legislative capital, but Zurich has the heartbeat of the nation.
Zurich as an international crossroad
Zurich has always been an economic center of trade. As a Roman customs post and fort, Zurich (or Turicum) controlled the flow of goods on ancient trading routes through the mountains and around Lake Zurich. Italian, French, Romansch, and German-speaking people influenced the makeup of Swiss society, and today it is a fascinating blend of languages all under one flag.
Through the centuries, Swiss culture and its stance on privacy and neutrality put it in a unique position as the bank of choice for international companies and individuals. Many companies choose Zurich for their headquarters and store their money in Swiss banks. Zurich has an international allure and many foreign residents but still retains its reserved Swiss spirit.
From Venice to Zurich: travel tips
With a little bit of preparation, elevate your Venice to Zurich transfer with these travel tips.
Plan exciting pit stops
The drive from Venice to Zurich is about 6 hours, so plan at least one stop for lunch and a walk after sitting for so long. Instead of pulling over for a quick bite of fast food and an uninspiring view of the highway, go to Bellinzona for an authentic experience in a fortified Alpine city and amazing food.
Leave Venice early in the day
DonтАЩt let traffic get in the way of having an enjoyable trip! Aim for an early departure from the floating city so you can arrive in Zurich before dark.
How to get from Venice to Zurich
Out of all the available options to travel from Venice to Zurich, you are sure to find one that fits your timeframe, budget, and vacation expectations.
Daytrip private car transfer from Venice to Zurich
Opting for a door-to-door transfer with Daytrip is the fastest and easiest way to travel from Venice to Zurich. Your driver will meet you as close as possible to your address in Venice (given VeniceтАЩs unique car-free infrastructure) and whisk you away over the Alps.
YouтАЩll be able to travel in comfort and leave on your own time, not according to a train or flight timetable. Sightseeing stops at nearby castles and towns are much easier when you arenтАЩt beholden to the local bus schedule, and youтАЩll still make it to Zurich in time for dinner. Prices start at тВм178 per passenger.
Trains from Venice to Zurich
Trenitalia has one daily departure from VeniceтАЩs Santa Lucia station to Zurich. It leaves at 3:18 PM and arrives in Zurich at 10:27 PM every day. Tickets start at тВм87 and are as high as тВм192 for the best seats and most flexible tickets. The cheapest tickets sell out weeks ahead of time.
Flights from Venice to Zurich
SWISS operates several daily direct flights from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to Zurich Airport (ZRH) starting at тВм172. The flight is 1 hour and 5 minutes, but after accounting for the transportation to and from the airports, the pre-boarding airport process, and deplaning, flying takes as much as 7 hours.
Buses from Venice to Zurich
Flixbus has one direct bus per day between VeniceтАЩs Mestre station and Zurich. It takes just over 9 hours and leaves Venice at 11:35 AM. Once you arrive in Zurich at 8:40 PM, youтАЩll need a taxi or public transportation to your hotel. Tickets cost around $54 (тВм50), though prices vary based on demand. This is the cheapest way to travel, but is the most unpleasant, given the long distance and mountainous terrain.
Things to do when you get to Zurich
Having a good nightтАЩs rest is the first thing youтАЩll do after the drive from Venice to Zurich, but the next day you have these exciting places to look forward to:
The great outdoors: SwitzerlandтАЩs national treasures
Switzerland is a country of unspoiled natural beauty. The Swiss are very respectful of the forests, mountains, lakes, and wildlife around them and have strict laws regarding air quality and land development. In return, they get to enjoy the best the Alps have to offer (and now so can you!).
### Swimming
Lake Zurich is the center of attention during the short Swiss summers. This large lake has a promenade for walking and biking, beaches for suntanning, and the best breezes off of the mountains. Rent jet skis and paddle boards, or take a boat tour of the many mansions that sit along the shores.
### Hiking
We hope you packed your sturdy hiking boots! The trailheads on the outskirts of Zurich will lead you into the Alpine forests with their many hills, streams, and panoramic vistas. The best seasons for hiking are in the spring after the snow has mostly melted and the signs of new life are all around, or in the autumn when the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange.
### Skiing
ZurichтАЩs year-round appeal stems from its close proximity to ski resorts. While other European destinations see declines in visitors during the winter, this is when Zurich thrives. Purchase a day pass to one of the many ski slopes within one hour of the city, or book a few nights at a luxury ski resort.
### National Museum Zurich (Landesmuseum Zurich)
Located in ZurichтАЩs Altstadt (Old Town), the National Museum Zurich takes visitors on a journey through Swiss history, culture, and contributions from the prehistoric era to today.
### Kunsthaus Zurich
To see a wide collection of European sculptures, paintings, and contemporary art, donтАЩt miss Kunsthaus Zurich. It is among SwitzerlandтАЩs premier art museums and features masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso.
When is the best time to visit Zurich
The best time to visit Zurich isтАж anytime? The nature in Switzerland is incredibly scenic and accessible all year round! Most people make the journey from Venice to Zurich for the impressive views of nature and the pristine lakes, hiking trails, and ski slopes.
Zurich has several ski resorts nearby in the winter for cozy evenings by the fireplace and exciting downhill fun on the Alps. Hiking trails start at the edge of the city and are open in the spring, summer, and fall. Within the city, Lake Zurich is popular in the summer for swimming, paddleboarding, and suntanning.
The quaint, medieval village of Borghetto sul Mincio remains hidden from mainstream tourism and evokes a feeling of Italian rural peace and serenity.┬аOne of ItalyтАЩs most beautiful villages┬а
Brescia Castle
Standing at the top of Cidneo Hill lies the Castle of Brescia, one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses of Northern Italy.┬аThe falcon of Italy┬а
Alfa Romeo Museum
This historic car makerтАЩs museum in its former factory is a delight for car lovers, and those who appreciate a slice of Italian culture.┬аFirst Love┬а
Bellinzona
Strategically positioned and heavily fortified, this scenic valley city has been enthralling visitors for centuries.┬аKey to the Alps┬а
Devil's Bridge over Sch├╢llenen Gorge
According to legend, building a bridge over the Sch├╢llenen Gorge was so difficult, it took the Devil himself to make it.┬аYou Shall Not Pass┬а
Mount Rigi
EuropeтАЩs oldest alpine railroad take visitors up this massive massif, which provides panoramic views all the way into France and Germany.┬а Queen of the Mountains┬а
