Best Ways to Travel from Paris to Switzerland

Best Ways to Travel from Paris to Switzerland

Updated by Vanessa M in September 2023.

The thought of traveling between France and Switzerland is initially quite daunting; that is until you realize that moving between them is actually a lot easier that moving between Paris and other cities in France. 

Combining these two destinations makes for one memorable holiday. I would absolutely recommend doing it at least once in your life, especially if France is a place you happen to visit relatively often. 

While in France, why not seize the opportunity to explore the captivating streets of Paris with the assistance of a guided Paris walking tour? This historical district in the heart of Paris is conveniently accessible via a short train ride from Switzerland, making it a perfect complement to your travel itinerary.

Here’s everything you need to know about the journey.

The Journey 

The journey between Paris and Switzerland is a short one; it’s only 495km directly, but the road distance is 659km. It’s a beautiful journey to do by land because of the nature and the scenery one gets to absorb along the way. 

A lot of travelers divide the trip in half, stopping over in small French towns such as Dijon or Besancon for one night en route. 

Naturally, it depends where exactly in Switzerland you are intending to end up. Most travelers need to get to Zurich, but Burn is particularly close to the French border, too. 

Switzerland – by Patrick Robert Doyle – Unsplash

Visiting Switzerland 

Switzerland marks the point at which Western Europe becomes Central. It’s a majestic land, known for lakes, villages and the gorgeous peaks of the Alps. 

Historically, this is an old, old country, and is thus filled with monuments and architectural attractions. The Swiss are also phenomenal chocolatiers, so there’s that added bonus as well. 

Here, there is much to see, and it can be difficult to cram in all of the high points in just a few days. The longer your trip, the better! A week is a good amount of time for any major city in Switzerland. 

MILAN: ONE DAY BUS TOUR TO SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND

By Andreas M – Unsplash

Getting There

For the purpose of this travel break down, we’re going to look at moving between Paris and Zurich. This is the most popular route into and out of Switzerland, so it is a good way of understanding time and space-wise what to expect. 

You’ll have 3 main points of transport when making this journey. The best one for you will depend on how much money you have to spend, as well as how much time you have spend traveling. 

Interestingly, there are no viable bus options between Paris and Zurich. This is odd, but seemingly just a route that wasn’t proving to be profitable for bus companies. 

Luckily we still have cars, trains and planes; dive into them one by one. 

By Matt Foster – Unsplash

By Car

If you’re traveling with one or more other people, it might be a good idea to hire a car and spit the fee! This way, you can take your time and move from one country to the next and stop as many times as you’d like to along the way. 

Moving rental cars between EU zones can be slightly confusing, as companies are not always transparent about hidden costs and insurance fees. You may also be required to return the car to Paris — always read the fine print!

Traveling to Switzerland by car will take a total of about 6 hours, which is not a rough journey at al!

By Plane

If you’ve got some budget to spend, flying directly into Switzerland is a great option, particularly if you’re traveling with children. A flight into Zurich from Charles de Gaulle takes just an hour, but you need to account for transit time before and after the journey. 

From almost anywhere in Paris, it takes about 45 minutes to get to Charles de Gaulle Airport. Once there, you’re looking at another hour wait before your flight, and then an additional hour or two to get to where you need to be once you’ve arrived at Zurich airport. 

By Tran Mau Tri Tam – Unsplash

Click here for more facts about Charles de Gaulle Airport

Flights range from around €100 per person to €200 in the peak of summer. 

By Train

I love a train journey, and the trip between Zurich and Paris is not only thoroughly enjoyable, it’s always totally memorable. 

The Alps do something very tangible to the soul as you move through them from the comfit of a steam train. Personally, it’s a journey I never tire of. 

There are multiple trains per day from Paris to Zurich, and they all depart from Gare de Lyon in the city center. The journey takes just 4 hours total, and you only really need to be at the train station 15 minutes prior to departure. 

Here are some of the best European Cities to Visit by Catching a Train from Paris

5 Best Cities to Visit in Switzerland

Zurich

Zurich is much more than banks and industry. Underneath its richness lies a city steeped in history and a vibrant urban populace that loves to party. The Altstadt neighborhood is undoubtedly Zurich’s most picturesque location. There are some excellent cafés, restaurants, and stores here, as well as the biggest concentration of clubs in Switzerland.

MadGeographer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On a tour of the Old Town, it’s impossible to miss the towering trio of churches, Fraumünster’s oddly green steeple, and the St. Peter church, which features Europe’s largest clock face. In summary, you should go, if only to spend time around the Old Town.

Explore Swiss culture and history at the Swiss National Museum, learn about the history of money in one of the world’s most expensive towns, or experience an earthquake simulator. There’s something for everyone among Zurich’s 50+ museums. Among them are some of the best in Switzerland.

Geneva

Geneva, located in a valley on Switzerland’s western border, provides a tranquil location for a leisurely holiday. Its cobblestone streets are surrounded by outdoor cafes and independent stores, while the city’s more cosmopolitan parts are filled with designer labels and sophisticated restaurants.

fr:Utilisateur:Ork.ch, CC BY-SA 2.0 FR, via Wikimedia Commons

Inside Victoria Hall, plush seating cradles patrons as world-class orchestras perform. Even fine dining is considered an art form here. Despite its elegance, Geneva can make you sweat – popular sports include sailing on the lake, walking or jogging in the parks, and skiing down the adjacent slopes of Mont Blanc.

Lucerne

Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful and sought-after tourist destinations. Lucerne is recognized as Switzerland’s tiny version. History, culture, and, of course, stunning beauty combine in a perfect blend that will leave you wanting to stay longer.

W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

From exploring the history of Old Town to ascending the majestic Alps Lucerne should definitely be on your Switzerland agenda. With its rich history, adjacent mountains, magnificent lake, and diverse culture, there’s something for everyone here.

MILAN: ONE-DAY GUIDED TOUR OF THE SWISS ALPS

Bern

Bern is an ideal visit for anyone interested in both culture and nature. The city itself is brimming with ancient landmarks such as the Clock Tower, the Bern Historical Museum, and the Federal Palace of Switzerland – thus, all the historical goods!

CucombreLibre from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This region also has a plethora of restaurants where you may experience some delectable Swiss cuisine. There are several outdoor activities to enjoy in and around Bern for nature lovers.

Hiking and bike routes abound throughout the city, providing breathtaking vistas of mountains and lakes along the way. Not to mention the BearPit, which is located in the center of the city and houses an outstanding assortment of free-roaming bears.

Interlaken

Interlaken, located in the center of Switzerland between two lakes, is surrounded by natural splendor. It’s also a popular destination for adventure sports and sightseeing. Interlaken is a popular destination for thrill seekers. It’s known as Switzerland’s adventure capital, and adrenaline addicts will enjoy it.

Ank Kumar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Whether you enjoy river rafting or canyoning, skydiving, or bungee jumping, you’ll find it here. Interlaken is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails. It’s an excellent starting point for exploring the Jungfrau region. There are hikes for all levels of fitness, and you’ll have no trouble finding your way on well-marked routes.

Harder Kulm is a 50-minute climb from Interlaken that rewards you with stunning views of the town, the twin lakes, and the mountains beyond. Another highly recommended path is the Pizol 5-Lake hike, a five-hour round trip.