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Traveling around Switzerland cheaply by bike: Switzerland is considered one of the most beautiful but also most expensive countries in the world. But if you travel by bike, you will experience the country in a completely different way – and, above all, more cheaply. This 8-day bikepacking tour on the north-south route from Basel to Lugano shows you how you can get by on around 60 francs a day – including accommodation, food, and cycling fun.

Tour overview

Total distance: approx. 365 km
Recommended duration: 8 days (average 45 km/day)
Start: Basel SBB
Destination: Lugano train station
Elevation gain: approx. 4500 m

Stages & Accommodation

day	route	Accommodation (example)
1	Basel → Aarau	Youth Hostel Brugg (from 40 CHF)
2	Aarau → Luzern	Youth Hostel Luzern (from 40 CHF)
3	Lucerne → Flüelen	Camping Flüelen (from 29 CHF)
4	Flüelen → Andermatt	Airbnb oder Basecamp Andermatt (from 59 CHF)
5	Andermatt → Airolo	Airbnb Airolo (from approx. 50 CHF)
6	Airolo → Bellinzona	Bellinzona Youth Hostel (from 45 CHF)
7	Bellinzona → Lugano	Youth Hostel Lugano (from 45 CHF)

Food on the go

Low-budget breakfast

Muesli (Denner, 500g) – approx. 2.50 CHF
Milk (1 liter) – approx. 1.50 CHF
Instant coffee (single serving) – approx. 0.50 CHF
Banana (1 piece) – approx. 0.40 CHF

Total: approx. 5 CHF per breakfast

Low-budget dinner

Shopping at Migros or Denner: pasta, bread, cheese, vegetables
Price: approx. 10–12 CHF

High-class variant

Breakfast at the hostel/Airbnb buffet: 10–15 CHF
Dinner with fresh ingredients in the Airbnb kitchen: approx. 15 CHF
Restaurant visit (regional): 30–40 CHF

Daily cost overview

variant	Cost per day (CHF)	Inclusive
low budget	40–60	Accommodation, food, water
High-Class	95–145	Airbnb/hostel, restaurant

Total cost for 8 days:

Low budget: approx. 380–480 CHF
High-class: approx. 760–1160 CHF

Tour description day by day

Day 1: Basel → Aarau

Start at Basel SBB train station with your Pedalmondo bike. Follow quiet paths along the Rhine towards Aarau. You can end the day with a stroll through the old town.

Day 2: Aarau → Lucerne

You drive along the Aare River through hilly landscapes towards Lucerne. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Lake Lucerne.

Day 3: Lucerne → Flüelen

Take the ferry to avoid the busy lakeside section. A relaxing overnight stay awaits you in Flüelen.

Day 4: Flüelen → Andermatt

The climb begins as we head towards the Alps. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can take the train (bikes are allowed on board).

Day 5: Andermatt → Airolo

Gotthard Pass: You can drive along the historic Tremola Pass road or take the bike transport service (train). The descent into Ticino offers breathtaking views.

Day 6: Airolo → Bellinzona

Gentle descent into warm Ticino. Visit the famous castles of Bellinzona.

Day 7: Bellinzona → Lugano

The lake landscape beckons: palm trees, lakeshores, and Italian flair await you in Lugano.

Conclusion: Switzerland is cheaper than you think

Whether you're on a low budget with camping and supermarket shopping or prefer more comfort with Airbnb and restaurant visits, bike packing through Switzerland doesn't have to be a luxury adventure. With a rental bike from Pedalmondo You can conveniently pick up your gravel bike in Basel and return it in Lugano. If you rent the bike for 8 days, the price is only 41 CHF/day! Perfect for anyone who wants to travel light and enjoy complete freedom – even in the most expensive country in the world.