3 Stunning Swiss Mountain Passes: Ultimate One Day Road Trip Guide
Driving Through Swiss Passes
Back in 2020, right in between two lockdowns, we decided to take a long drive through a few different alpine passes. We absolutely love long road trips. Because I had my official driving test coming up, it felt like the perfect opportunity to practice handling the winding mountain roads.
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Arriving in Zurich
- Via Train or Bus: Zurich is centrally located with excellent rail connections through Basel, Bern and Aargau. To check schedules and book your ticket, use the Busbud platform here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Zurich Airport and start the road trip at Zurich to experience the beauty of Swiss Passes. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Switzerland
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
Starting the Journey from Zürich
We packed a delicious lunch and started our journey from Zürich. Our route took us through the Susten Pass and the Grimsel Pass, both of which offered awesome and stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Concluding at the Historic Gotthard Pass
For our third and final stop, we drove through the Gotthard Pass, which is easily one of the most popular mountain passes in Switzerland. This journey turned into a nearly whole-day trip because we frequently stopped between the passes to walk around the local neighborhoods and explore.
Final Thoughts on Exploring the Swiss Alps
We would definitely recommend this activity to anyone looking to explore the true beauty of the Swiss mountains. This is an extremely low-budget activity especially if you have access to a car.
Found our drive through Swiss Passes insightful? We’d be happy to build a personalized itinerary just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to drive the Swiss mountain passes?
Most high-altitude Swiss passes, including Susten and Grimsel, are typically open from June to October. They close during the late autumn, winter, and early spring due to heavy snowfall. Always check current road conditions before setting out.
Can a beginner driver handle the Susten and Grimsel passes?
The roads are well-maintained and wide enough for two vehicles to pass safely, but they do feature tight switchbacks, steep inclines, and sharp bends. Practicing on these routes is excellent experience, but it requires high focus and controlled speeds.
How long does it take to drive the Susten, Grimsel, and Gotthard loop?
While the pure driving time from Zürich through these three passes is around four to five hours, you should plan for a full-day itinerary. This allows plenty of time for scenic viewpoints, lunch breaks, and walking through local lakeside spots and villages.
