Claiming a route to be the world's most beautiful road trip is a bold statement. But you can bet your last dollar that the drive from Bellagio to Interlaken will exceed your highest expectations.
Scenic vistas of Lake Como's colorful villages and Lake Lugano's glimmering emerald waters kick-start your voyage with a bang. There's just a short dash to the Italian and Swiss borders, with the soaring Alps acting as a natural frontier.
Alpine forests clinging to cliffs and traditional towns like that from a Pixar movie are constant companions until you turn off the smooth A2 highway. Then, the narrowing roads glide alongside the snow-capped mounts, offering surreal views of the jaw-dropping v-shaped valleys below.
Every tunnel propels you into a postcard image until views of an idyllic town trapped between two lakes emerge into sight. Interlaken's old-timbered houses serve as the finish line of the captivating journey and the beginning of your Swiss staycation.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you need the best mode of transport with comfortable seating, panoramic views, and the flexibility to stop and admire sights en route. To help you uncover this travel method, we created this comprehensive travel guide from Bellagio to Interlaken!
About Interlaken
After traveling from Bellagio to Interlaken, you'll arrive at one of Switzerland's most picturesque destinations. The charming town, sandwiched between two lakes (Lake Thun and Lake Brienz), has a population of under 6,000 residents.
Interlaken can thank its position in Bern canton in central Switzerland for the surrounding natural beauty. The Bernese Highlands encircling the town have transformed this once-tiny village into a sought-after stop for outdoor enthusiasts.
### Early Interlaken
Archeologists unearthed weapons and artifacts from Interlaken dating back to the Bronze Age. However, religious groups were the first to establish a permanent settlement here. In the 1130s, they built Interlaken Monastery, where the village stems from today.
Despite having a population of only about 400 people, the area thrived financially. The monastery controlled a bridge over the River Aare and charged anyone utilizing the waterways a hefty toll fee.
Interlaken was a tiny religious settlement for centuries until the villages forming on either side of the monastery combined in 1838. Almost 50 years later, the town officially changed its name to Interlaken, translating to "between lakes."
### Modern Interlaken
Interlaken is a flourishing tourist destination but still retains its traditional charms. Its unspoiled natural beauty and slower pace of life are a breath of fresh air in the 21st century, where bustling metropolises take center stage. The relaxed lifestyle inspires you to unwind, and the great outdoors encourages you to participate in a digital detox.
Interlaken's half-timbered buildings and chalet-lined lanes blend harmoniously with the breathtaking natural wonders. Views of majestic mountains peaking over the town are everywhere you turn. Taking a stroll down any of its walkways will guide you to the pristine waters of Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, both symbols of Interlaken!
Language: German, French, Italian, and Romansh
Currency: Swiss franc (CHF)
Climate: humid continental
Time zone: GMT+1
* Plug types: C and J
From Bellagio to Interlaken: Travel tips
The jagged European Alps stand on the scenic road from Bellagio to Interlaken. Therefore, you'll need some insider tips and tricks to overcome the hurdles you may encounter en route!
Prepare for changes
Bellagio and Interlaken are two picture-perfect towns under towering mountains and along tranquil lakes. However, you'll experience several changes after traveling from Switzerland to Italy.
For example, you'll switch from Italian to German when communicating and from Euro to Swiss franc when paying. But you'll also witness cultural changes, such as a rise in the price of goods and a switch from pizzas to dairy-based dishes in the dining scene.
### Enjoy the scenery
The drive from Bellagio to Interlaken is a scenic adventure through the European Alps. While many tourists treat a transfer as a way to get from A to B, you should prepare for the vistas and create lifelong memories.
Firstly, ensure you fully charge your camera, then reserve a seat on the right side of the carriage for the best views. Finally, search for a spot with unobstructed window views so that no pillars will spoil your photos!
### Snap some memories
Few places will get you more Instagram likes than the drive from Bellagio to Interlaken. Natural and man-made wonders litter the unspoiled terrain ahead. So ensure your transportation stops at attractions so you can dive into the action rather than speeding by from afar.
You can feel like a real-life Indiana Jones by venturing underground at Sasso San Gottardo and exploring a secret military base, or stop at Lugano, a lakeside town as pretty as Bellagio but without the tourists. But if you're brave enough, why not embark on the rollercoaster ride that is the Devil Bridge?
How to get from Bellagio to Interlaken
Due to the distance, duration, and rocky landscape lining the road from Bellagio to Interlaken, traveling on this route requires planning. But fear not, because two transportation methods are safe and available this year!
The train from Bellagio to Interlaken
The train is the most popular and cheapest way to travel from Bellagio to Interlaken. However, no direct services are available, and the first section of the journey requires traveling by ferry.
Firstly, you'll travel from Bellagio to Como via the Navigazione Laghi public ferry service. After departing, you can board a Trenitalia carriage at Como San Giovanni Station to Zurich HB. Then, you'll swap to a direct train to Interlaken Ost Station with Schweizerische Bundesbahnen, taking under two hours.
Traveling by train requires multiple changes and modes of transport. So you must book tickets online and at least 30 days before departing for the best offers. Ferries on the demanding Bellagio-to-Como route can also sell out if you wait until the last minute during the busy period.
Cheapest overall cost: $57.50 (€52.50)
Average overall cost: $95.50 (€87.50)
Quickest journey: 6 hours and 29 minutes
Longest journey: 9 hours and 17 minutes
First train departure: 5:11 AM
Last train departure: 5:23 PM
### Daytrip from Bellagio to Interlaken
Daytrip is the fastest, most comfortable, and most convenient transportation method from Bellagio to Interlaken. A door-to-door service is the only way to travel directly between the towns, ideal when traveling as a group or family.
You'll travel between the cities in 3 hours and 50 minutes. Additionally, a professional driver will pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at the doorstep of your new one in Switzerland. They'll manage your luggage, so you don't have to worry about dragging cases through narrow streets from public transport stations.
Daytrip is also perfect if you're searching for adventure and flexibility. As you cruise along in your clean and quiet vehicle, you can stop to discover fascinating sites and cities en route.
Bellinzona has the characteristics of a traditional Italian city, with the addition of an impressive fortress to explore. Como City has one of the world's most beautiful backdrops as an urban center, while the Glasi Hergiswil Museum gives a fascinating insight into glassmaking!
Seats from: $98 (€90)
English-speaking driver
Clean, sanitized, smoke-free car
Complimentary bottled water
Equipped for pets, kids, groups, or those with limited mobility
24/7 responsive customer service
* Free cancellation 24 hours before departing
Things to do when you get to Interlaken
When visiting a town with less than 6,000 residents, you may be concerned about being bored. However, there's no need to worry, as we'll show that you'll have various things to see and do after your Bellagio to Interlaken transfer!
Climb to the top of Europe
Visiting Jungfraujoch, or the "Top of Europe", is an unforgettable experience. Accessible via a scenic train ride through the mountains, Jungfraujoch offers panoramic views from its observation deck at over 11,330 feet.
Some highlights to watch out for are the Aletsch Glacier, the Ice Palace with its stunning ice sculptures, and snow activities like sledding and snow tubing. The journey, through tunnels and past glaciers, is as spectacular as the destination!
### Drink through Rugenbrau
If you're visiting Interlaken on a rainy day or searching for a unique experience, then a trip to Rugenbrau should be first on your travel schedule. The brewery has the most extensive collection of beers and wines nationwide, with over 6,000 delicious products!
You can pick up some souvenirs, and if you need some inspiration for your pallet, the friendly employees will be more than happy to assist you. Brewery tours are available in English from Monday to Thursday if you visit in the summer.
### Soak up the scenery in Hohematte Park
Hohematte Park is one of the most beloved spots for locals in town. During the warmer months, you'll find friends and family gathering on the freshly cut grass to enjoy picnics while soaking up views of the towering peaks in the background.
But Hohematte Park will also appeal to all you adrenaline junkies. You can get the best views of Interlaken over 2,600 feet above the surface by participating in a tandem paragliding flight. Simply watching people land and take off is enough to stand the hair on your neck!
### Hit Lake Brienz and Lake Thun
No trip to Interlaken is complete without a refreshing dip in either Lake Brienz or Lake Thun. The latter is unquestionably more popular and arguably has the most captivating views. From its shores or on a relaxing cruise, you can admire the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains.
However, you shouldn't overlook Lake Brienz. The waters are a richer blue, which appears magical in photos. Also, you'll find a water playground where you can splash about with your kids and create priceless memories!
When is the best time to visit Interlaken?
Because of the breathtaking scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, the warmer months of the year are the best time to travel from Bellagio to Interlaken. But which month is best depends on your travel preferences.
If you prefer fewer crowds, the shoulder months from April to May and September to October are ideal. You can grab your own slice of heaven along one of the lakes while still soaking up the sunshine. Prices are also significantly lower at this time, which is ideal when traveling as a family or on a budget.
The summer is perfect if you want to witness Interlaken at its liveliest. Locals and international tourists flock to the town to create an upbeat atmosphere through the picturesque streets and stylish bars. Finally, June, July, and August are the hottest months when temperatures reach a daily high of 75° F.
Interlaken is expensive to live in and visit by European standards. It's one of the most costly destinations in Switzerland. However, the high-quality hotels, restaurants, and public transport make it worth its value. The easiest way to save cash when visiting the town is to travel outside the peak summer months, from mid-June to early September.
Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the fastest way to travel from Bellagio to Interlaken. A professional can transport you from your hotel in Italy to your new one in Switzerland in only 3 hours and 50 minutes. However, traveling in winter can take an extra 20-30 minutes due to the weather conditions in the European Alps.
It's possible to travel from Bellagio to Interlaken by train, but no direct services are available. Since Bellagio has no train station, you must first reach Como San Giovanni via ferry. Then you can board a Trenitalia service to Zurich HB before changing to a Schweizerische Bundesbahnen train to Interlaken Ost Station. Overall, expect to pay between $57.50 and $95.50.
The shortest road distance from Bellagio to Interlaken is 137 miles, which can take as little as 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete. However, countless stations and cities are en route, so you might want to add more time to your schedule. Also, traveling in winter could increase the duration due to the Alp's harsh weather conditions.
As of 2024, only two modes of transportation are available when traveling from Bellagio to Interlaken. The best one depends on your needs, budget, and travel preferences. The train is best if you're traveling on a budget, while Daytrip is ideal if speed, comfort, or convenience are your priorities.
The amount of time you need in Interlaken depends on your travel preferences. One night is enough if you only want to see the town and admire the views of the lakes. However, 3-5 nights are ideal when hiking to the mountain trails, taking day trips to nearby villages, or participating in other outdoor activities.
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"Jan our driver was excellent!! He knew so much about the area and we really enjoyed the ride. Would definitely book again. He was on time and so friendly. Thanks again!"
Donna S.
United States
2023年9月11日
"Our trip with Comstantine was fantastic! He was a pleasure to talk with and enjoyed his company for the long drive. The car was clean and comfortable. Would highly recommend!
"
Lisa G.
United States
2023年7月18日
"Luis was awesome! He was the best driver we had on our extensive vacation and we appreciated his positive attitude and added effort of taking us thru the alps instead of driving on the high ways. It was an incredible way to see the country and he provided some interesting facts along the way! We would highly recommend him to others. :)"
amanda t.
United States
2019年8月5日
"Stefan’s P is a very professional driver. The drive made our trip so much easier.We did have an excursion to Devils Bridge and didn’t know exactly what to do once we were there.
The weather was very rainy and windy so we probably wouldn’t have crossed the bridge anyways.
We felt very safe in his presence.
Thank you Daytrip,
And Stefano
The Fishers"
