Fair prices in Switzerland — what things really cost

Direct or one-change trains run from Zurich Airport to Interlaken Ost in about two hours, with the scenery part of the fun. Second class is comfortable; a Swiss rail pass or Half Fare Card can cut the cost if you are travelling more.

If you plan several train, boat and bus journeys, a multi-day Swiss Travel Pass covers most public transport and many museums and gives discounts on mountain railways. Do the maths against individual tickets and a Half Fare Card for your exact route.

The return funicular ticket to Harder Kulm is fixed and non-negotiable; rail passes usually give a discount. It is the best-value big view in Interlaken, far cheaper than Jungfraujoch, so save it for a clear evening.

The round trip to the Top of Europe is one of the most expensive rail excursions in the country. A Half Fare Card or early-morning ticket cuts the price; only go on a clear day, as clouds can hide the whole view.

Eating out in Interlaken is expensive; a mid-range main course alone can be steep. Look for lunchtime menus, order tap water rather than bottled, and consider a bakery, supermarket or self-catering for some meals to save money.

Boat fares on Lakes Thun and Brienz depend on distance, and a full-lake day is dearer than a short hop. Rail passes often include the boats; check before buying, and a one-way sail with a train back is a good-value combination.

A beer from the local Rugenbräu brewery or a coffee costs more than in most countries, and a lakeside or terrace table costs the most. It is normal Swiss pricing, not a scam; a supermarket bottle is far cheaper for the same beer.

A direct train links Zurich Airport with Lucerne in about an hour, far better value than a taxi. Buy from the SBB app or station machines, and check whether a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card suits your trip before paying single fares.

Lucerne's centre is walkable, but VBL buses cover the hills and outer sights on a simple zone fare. Buy from the machine at the stop or the app, and note that many hotels give a guest card with free or discounted local transport.

The combined boat, cog railway and cable-car loop up Mount Pilatus has a fixed published fare. Book directly with Pilatus or through the SBB app rather than a marked-up reseller, and check for Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare discounts.

Fares depend on distance and whether you take a modern boat or a historic paddle steamer. Buy from the official SGV desk on the quay or the SBB app; a Swiss Travel Pass usually covers the standard cruises in full.

Switzerland is expensive, and a sit-down main in a mid-range restaurant is not cheap. Lunch menus (Mittagsmenü) offer the best value, and a supermarket picnic by the lake is a fine, far cheaper option on a budget.

A pot of fondue is a Swiss classic but pricey on the waterfront. Restaurants a street or two back from the Reuss quays often charge noticeably less for the same dish; check the per-person price before ordering.

A coffee in the Old Town costs more than most travellers expect; a lakeside terrace is dearer still. This is normal Swiss pricing rather than a scam, and paying in francs beats letting a shop convert to euros.

Frequent S-Bahn and mainline trains link Zurich Airport with the main station (HB) in about 12 minutes for a single-zone fare of around 7 francs. Buy from any machine before boarding; it is far cheaper and faster than a taxi.

If you plan to use trams and boats and visit a few museums, the 24-hour or 72-hour Zürich Card covers city transport plus free or discounted museum entry and can quickly pay for itself. Buy it at the airport or station.

A single city-zone ticket covers trams, buses and S-Bahn for a set time with transfers. For a full day of travel a day pass is better value, and the Zürich Card is better still if you also visit museums.

Zurich is one of Europe's most expensive cities to eat out; a main course at a normal restaurant is not cheap. Lunch menus, takeaway from bakeries and supermarkets, and the daily specials board offer the best value.

A coffee costs noticeably more than in most of Europe, and a seat on a famous square costs the most. This is normal Swiss pricing, not a scam; standing or a neighbourhood cafe is a little cheaper.

A metered taxi from the airport into the centre is expensive and much dearer than the train. Use it mainly for late arrivals, heavy luggage or groups, and expect the fare to climb quickly in traffic.

The tiny, feather-light macarons from Sprüngli are a classic Zurich treat and souvenir. A small mixed box is an affordable indulgence in an otherwise pricey city; buy them fresh and eat them within a day or two.