Zurich to Bern Day Trip: The Best Itinerary for a Day in Bern

How to Get from Zurich to Bern

Several options are available to get from Zurich to Bern:
 

🚗 From Zurich to Bern by Car

Traveling from Switzerland’s cultural capital Zurich to Bern is easy and quick. The distance from Zurich to Bern is 121 kilometers / 75.2 miles, which can be done in just a 1.5-hour drive using the A1 freeway.

Tip: In Switzerland, there are no freeway tolls. However, a vignette costing CHF 40 (42€) is required to drive on Swiss roads. Don’t forget it, or you might end up with a fine! You can buy it at any gas station, post office or border customs office. You can also buy it in advance on the Swiss Post website.

Bern is a compact and walkable city with lots of pedestrian zones. So I recommend parking your car in one of the town’s parking lots before entering the city center.
 

🚆From Zurich to Bern by Train

From Zurich main train station, there are about 87 trains per day to Bern, starting from 5 am to midnight.

Expect the entire journey to take between 56 minutes and 1.17 hours, depending on whether you take a fast train or one that makes multiple stops.

Train tickets from Zurich to Bern cost between 15€ and 60€ depending on how far in advance you purchase them. So, it’s a good idea to plan ahead!

You’ll arrive at Bern’s main train station, which is close to the city center. Swiss transit is incredibly well integrated so a variety of busses and trams to whisk you around Bern will be right there.

Consider buying a Saver Day Pass in advance for CHF 29 (30€) or individual bus and tram tickets at the vending machines or within the SBB app.

Tip: If you haven’t already, make sure you download the SBB App. This is the main transit app for the entire country of Switzerland, where you can plan your itinerary, check train times and platforms, and purchase and download tickets.

🚌 From Zurich to Bern by Bus & Alternatives

I couldn’t find any bus connecting the 2 cities. So basically, you can choose either the car or the train to travel from Zurich to Bern.

There’s an alternative though, which is also the cheapest option: Blablacar. In case you’re not familiar with it, Blablacar is a carpooling service. There are always a lot of hours available ranging between 5 to 16€.

Seriously, Blablacar is the most cost-effective option, so if you don’t mind traveling with a stranger, then go for it!
 

 

Itinerary for a Day Trip to Bern from Zurich

Here’s my suggested itinerary for spending one day in Bern from Zurich. Depending on your pace and travel style, this itinerary may or may not seem busy, so feel free to delete or add stops as you see fit.

In a hurry? Choose this group tour: From Zurich: Berne Capital and Countryside Day-Trip

1. Discover the Zytglogge

This medieval clock tower at the center of Bern’s old city is one of Switzerland’s best landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has lived many lives as a guard tower, clock tower, and prison.
 

 
Originally built in the 13th century, the Zytglogge is both an hourly timekeeping device and a 15th-century astronomical clock showing the calendar, days of the week, cycles of the moon, and a zodiac calendar.

As one of the most recognizable symbols of the city, the Zytglogge (Swiss German for ‘time bell’) is the perfect first stop on your day trip to Bern. If you are keen to see the moving figures of the Zytlogge come to life, make sure you’re there at about 5 minutes before the hour to enjoy the show.

Can’t get enough of this marvel of Swiss engineering? You can book a guided tour of the inside of the clock tower!
 

2. Step into Bern Minster

This soaring cathedral has the highest spire in Switzerland. If you’re not afraid of heights, try climbing the 344 steps to the top for a bird’s eye view of the city.
 

 
This late Gothic cathedral took over 150 years to complete. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of this fascinating UNESCO site, you can book a tour.

Visiting Bern Minster with a guide will allow you to get a closer look at the church bells or perhaps even get a night view of Bern’s rooftops.
 

3. Cross the Parliament Square

The home of the Swiss Parliament, this stately 180 square meter outdoor plaza features 26 fountains that shoot water straight up into the air. The Square often hosts meetings, political events, concerts, festivals, and more.
 

 
If you’re keen to find out more about how the Swiss government works, you should visit Bern’s Parliament building. When parliament is in session you cannot reserve tickets ahead of time but all you need is a valid ID to enter.

When Parliament is not in session, there are free guided tours from Tuesday-Saturday which do need to be booked in advance. You can find all the information you need to plan your visit on the Swiss Parliament’s website.
 

4. Hunt for the city’s fountains

Bern Old City is dotted with dozens of beautiful historic fountains. Often draped with geraniums and flanked by ornate statues, the fountains were once centers of medieval life. Why not take yourself on a tour of Bern’s 11 most iconic fountains, sculpted by Hans Gieng in the 1540s?
 

 
Each fountain has its own unique story and to this day, they are as useful as ever. Water in public fountains in Switzerland is usually potable, and you can use them to top up your water bottle with cool, glacial Swiss water.

If you’re keen to learn more about the fascinating history of Bern’s fountains, you’re in luck! Guided tours of Len Fountain are available where you can discover how this medieval reservoir carried enough water for all of the city’s residents.
 

5. Enjoy shopping while strolling through the Old Town

The Old Town is dotted with markets and boutiques offering everything from produce to flowers and baked goods. If you love vintage treasures, keep your eyes peeled for one of Bern’s many flea markets.
 

 
Looking for something a little more upscale? Bern’s Old Town features countless boutiques offering everything from leather goods to housewares to artisanal Swiss handicrafts.

Some spots to keep an eye on for weekly markets are: Parliament Square for fresh breads, flowers, and cheeses; Münstergasse for meat, cheese, fish, and baked goods; Gurtengasse and Bundesgasse for fresh veggies and seasonal flowers and Orphanage Square for handcrafts, jewelry, leather goods, toys and more.
 

6. Visit the Bärengraben

Bern and Bears have a long and storied history. As the legend goes, the city was founded by a bear! The first Bern bear pit opened around 1880.
 

 
In 2009 it was expanded to a 6,000 square meter sloping riverbank park where the bears can frolic and play in a natural environment including caves and a ‘bear bath’ in the Aare River. Tourists can observe the bears from a respectful distance behind glass walls at various points in the bear park.

It can be a truly surreal experience to watch bears strolling through an open park in the middle of a city and a do not miss on your day trip to Bern if you enjoy animals.
 

7. Climb the Gurten

The Gurten is known as Bern’s local mountain. Boasting a breathtaking view of the city with the spectacular Bernese Oberland mountains in the distance, the Gurten is well worth a visit on your day trip to Bern from Zurich.
 

 
You can reach the top by taking the Gurtenbahn Funicular, which in and of itself is a very Swiss form of transportation. The summit features a beautifully manicured park with hiking trails a toboggan run and a café serving everything from bunch to Gourmet dinners.

Depending on what time of year you visit the Gurten, it may be hosting BMX bike races, music festivals, or star gazing events. In the winter, the Gurten is also a popular place for skiing and sledding, making it a wonderful stop on your day trip to Bern any time of year.
 

8. Spend the evening in Breitenrain

Head to Bern’s hipster neighborhood Brietenrain for the evening, only a 15-minute streetcar ride from the city center. This trendy district offers something a little offbeat compared to the stately Old City.
 

 
Cozy, welcoming cafes and laid-back beer gardens featuring casual bites and microbrews are the vibe here. I recommend trying Barbière, a fun bar offering home-brewed beer and a rotating menu of tasty snacks including everything from vegetarian options to ethically raised meats.

You owe it to yourself to take some time off of your hardcore sightseeing to kick back and watch the world go by in a relaxed outdoor café.
 

Where to Stay in Bern

If you have to spend the night in Bern, then don’t look further. I’ve handpicked the best accommodations for 1 night in Bern by budget:

✅ Best Hotel – Best Western Plus Hotel Bern: this is the best middle-range hotel in Bern! Located only 5 min walk from the train station, this hotel provides beautiful and comfy rooms with great service and a 24/7 reception.

💰 Best Budget Hotel – Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke: Housed in a historical building, this is one of the cheapest places in Bern. Located in the old town, this hostel provides dorms and private rooms with well-equipped shared areas including a kitchen.

✨ Best Luxury Hotel – Hotel Bellevue Palace Bern: You can’t find a better place than this 5-star palace located in the heart of the old town. Elegantly decorated with luxurious amenities, this hotel even had as guests famous people such as Nelson Mandela or Bruce Springsteen.
 

 

Bern Day Trip from Zurich: FAQ

Find below the answers to the most frequently asked questions by people going on a day trip from Zurich to Bern:
 

Is a day trip to Bern worth it?

Yes, Bern is an ideal destination for a day trip. Berne’s entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to understand why: the architecture is outstanding and there are some lovely monuments to visit. It’s a must-see in Switzerland!

So you definitely won’t get bored on a day trip there, but you won’t leave frustrated either because the city is small. You’ll have time to see more than the essentials in 1 day in Bern!
 

When is the best time for a day trip to Bern?

For me, Bern is a city that can be visited all year round. While the warm season from May to September offers the most comfortable weather for strolling, the cold season transforms the city into a magical winter wonderland, with snow-capped peaks and a fairytale atmosphere in the old town. So whatever the season, just go for it!
 

How many days in Bern?

While I personally think a day is enough, I’d say 2 days are ideal to have time for a guided tour and a few museum visits. You’ll have time to browse, sample local food and enjoy Bern’s nightlife, if you fancy it.
 

Where to eat in Bern?

Like many Swiss cities, Bern’s culinary scene can be a delightful departure from stereotypical Swiss food. Here are a few fun places to stop to refuel on your day trip to Bern:

• Röschtigrabe: Located on Bärenplatz right around the corner from the Swiss Parliament, this is the best place if craving traditional Swiss cuisine. There, you can try Rösti for example, a dish featuring grated potatoes, eggs, bacon, cheese, and other toppings.
• Café Marta: Tucked beneath the streets of Bern’s busy shopping district, this is the perfect place to take a pause in your day. Offering a variety of coffees, teas, and cakes, Café Marata even offers vegan and lactose-free treats!
• Barbière: Located in the hipster district of Breitenrain, this bar provides crafted beer and a rotating menu of delicious snacks. Veggie options are available!
• Gelateria di Berna: This iconic gelateria has several outlets across Bern. Keep your eyes peeled for the distinctive pink neon sign and get ready to chill out with a variety of flavors including lactose-free and vegan options.
• Café-Bar Turnhalle: this place has tons of ambiance and an unusual location: an old-fashioned gym in the heart of the city! The open-air courtyard is a lively place to grab a drink before you head to the train station and back to Zürich, although you may have difficulty tearing yourself away with this kind of atmosphere! They even have a full calendar of live entertainment.

Final Thoughts

Although Zürich may have a reputation as Switzerland’s coolest city, now you can see Bern has a style all her own that is more than worth discovering for a day, or maybe even more.

We hope you have an amazing Bern day trip from Zurich. If you’re looking for more amazing getaways from Zürich, I’d recommend a getaway to Locarno, in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland.