Switzerland is often labeled one of the most expensive countries in the world—but that doesn’t mean you need an extremely large budget to explore it with your family. After traveling Switzerland with kids in tow, we’ve found practical ways to stretch your francs while still soaking up the alpine magic.

From clever transportation strategies to smart grocery shopping habits, here are 7 tried-and-true tips to help your family save money in Switzerland:

1. Save Big with the Right Rail Pass

Switzerland’s public transportation is efficient, clean, and scenic—but also pricey. To cut costs:

• Compare passes: Look into the Swiss Travel Pass or Regional Passes (like the Berner Oberland) depending on your itinerary.
• Kids ride free: With the Swiss Family Card, kids under 16 travel free with a paying adult on most trains, buses, and boats.
• Short stay? Consider a Half Fare Card, which gives you 50% off most tickets.

Bonus: Swiss trains often double as sightseeing experiences—especially the panoramic routes!

Check out my blog post on choosing the best rail pass for your trip to Switzerland for more details!

2. Stay in Airbnbs or Family Apartments

Hotels add up quickly, especially for families. Booking an Airbnb, VRBO, or vacation apartment gives you:

• More space for the kids to spread out
• Access to a kitchen so you can cook meals
• Laundry options (essential when traveling with little ones)

Look for places just outside tourist hubs—these often offer better value and more of a local feel.

If you are looking at staying in Lauterbrunnen, check out this amazing apartment we were able to stay at two years in a row. It featured:

• A full kitchen for family meals
• A washer/dryer for convenience
• A balcony with breathtaking views of Staubbach Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Switzerland

Check out more photos and details about renting this apartment on the property’s VRBO listing for your family’s stay in Lauterbrunnen.

3. Shop at Grocery Stores Instead of Eating Out

Dining out in Switzerland is notoriously expensive. Instead, make grocery stores your best friend:

• Coop and Migros are reliable and widespread.
• Stock up on picnic items—fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and chocolate!
• Many train stations even have grocery stores open on Sundays (typically with limited hours though).
• Pro tip: Bring your own reusable bags to avoid extra charges and reduce waste. Plastic bags aren’t free in Switzerland. Stores charge for them, and it adds up over multiple trips.

Even one or two meals per day from the grocery store can save hundreds over the course of your trip.

4. Fly Into a Neighboring Country

Airfare to Switzerland can be steep. Consider flying into nearby cities like:

• Milan, Italy
• Munich, Germany
• Lyon, France

From there, you can take a train or rent a car and enjoy a scenic ride into Switzerland—often at a much lower price.

We flew into Amsterdam because it offered the most affordable flights into Europe at the time. From there, we turned our trip into a two-week road trip adventure, exploring several incredible destinations across the continent. For all the details and inspiration, check out my blog post on our 2-week Europe road trip itinerary.

5. Always Pay in Local Currency

When paying by card in shops, restaurants, or ticket kiosks, always choose to be charged in Swiss Francs (CHF)—not USD.

Why?

• Choosing USD usually means the merchant applies a poor exchange rate.
• Your credit card issuer will often give you a better rate with fewer fees (especially if you have a travel-friendly card—more on that next).

6. Use a Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees

Don’t let hidden fees eat away at your travel budget. Make sure your credit card:

• Charges 0% foreign transaction fees
• Offers solid travel protections (bonus: travel rewards!)

Some reliable options include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, or Amex Gold cards (check for acceptance in Switzerland before traveling)

7. Take Advantage of Free Attractions

Not everything in Switzerland comes with a high price tag! Many kid-friendly sights are completely free or low-cost:

• Explore lakeside towns like Luzern or Thun
• Hike family-friendly trails with free scenic views
• Visit playgrounds (they’re everywhere and often incredible)
• Wander charming old towns and local markets

Looking for free and memorable ways to experience Switzerland with kids? From scenic hikes to alpine playgrounds, the Swiss Alps are full of family-friendly adventures that won’t cost a thing. Don’t miss our ultimate guide to fun in the Swiss Alps for kids, along with our roundup of the best kid-friendly hikes, perfect for exploring the outdoors without breaking the budget.

Final Thoughts

Switzerland doesn’t have to break the bank—especially with a bit of planning. By making thoughtful choices on transportation, lodging, and day-to-day spending, your family can experience the beauty of the Alps without sacrificing your budget.

Got a question about family travel in Switzerland or want help planning your route? Drop a comment or reach out—I’m happy to help!