Zürich: City Highlights Tour by Coach, Cable Car, and Ferry

Exploring Zurich in a Day: An Honest Look at the City Highlights Tour by Coach, Cable Car, and Ferry

If you’re trying to get a good sense of Zurich in a limited time, this City Highlights Tour might be just what you need. Offered by Best of Switzerland Tours, it promises to take you through the city’s most iconic sights, along with some scenic excursions outside the urban core—all in just four and a half hours.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances sightseeing, natural beauty, and transportation. The combination of a coach ride, a ferry across Lake Zurich, and a cable car up to Felsenegg means you’ll experience Zurich from multiple angles—and you’ll get those postcard-worthy views of the lake, the Alps, and the old city. Plus, the guide’s insights are often praised, making it feel like you’re exploring with a knowledgeable local.

One point to consider is that weather can impact the experience, especially the cable car ride—fog or rain might limit your views, as some reviews have noted. Also, since the tour involves various modes of transport and some walking, comfortable shoes are a must.

This tour suits travelers who want an immersive, scenic overview of Zurich without the hassle of planning each stop. Whether you’re short on time or just want a manageable way to see a lot, it hits the key marks.

Key Points

• Multi-modal experience: Combines bus, ferry, and cable car for a varied day out.
• Great views: Offers stunning panoramas of Lake Zurich, the city, and the Alps.
• Informative guides: Praised for knowledge and friendly attitude.
• Balanced itinerary: Mix of city highlights and natural scenery.
• Good value: At $78 per person, it provides a structured, memorable experience.
• Weather-dependent: Views can be limited if fog or rain rolls in.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Zurich City Highlights Tour

This tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Zurich, especially if you’re feeling pressed for time but still want to see the essence of the city. It’s designed to be engaging, scenic, and practical, with a variety of stops that showcase both urban charm and Swiss natural beauty.

Starting Point and Overall Flow

The adventure kicks off at Best of Switzerland Tours in Zurich’s Sihlquai Bus Station, conveniently close to Zurich Main Train Station. After a quick check-in, you’ll board a comfortable bus for the first leg of your journey. The tour is guided in English and Spanish, so clear explanations and local insights are part of the package.

First Stop: Zurich Old Town and City Highlights

Your guide will lead you through Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt)—the historic heart of the city. Expect to see St. Peters Church, famous for having the largest clock face of any European church, as well as other landmarks like Limmatquai and the Guild Houses. The Old Town’s narrow streets, old buildings, and lively atmosphere give you a real flavor of Zurich’s past and present.

Many reviewers have enjoyed the walk through the Old Town, noting it’s not too long but packed with interesting sights. One said, “The old city walk was good not too long,” which is perfect if you want a taste without feeling overwhelmed.

Scenic Drive Along the “Gold Coast”

Next, you’ll cruise along Zurich’s “Gold Coast”, a wealthy lakeside neighborhood dotted with luxurious houses and stunning views. You’ll pass through Meilen, where you’ll hop onto a ferry for a gentle cruise across Lake Zurich. This cross-lake experience is often a highlight since it provides a peaceful perspective of the city framed by water and mountains.

A common praise from travelers is the ferry ride itself, with many describing it as relaxing and scenic. One review reflects this, saying, “The ferry ride across the lake was fun.” But do keep in mind that weather can affect visibility—some travelers have noted fog limited the views, although the boat ride still added variety to the day.

More Great Tours Nearby

Aerial Cable Car to Felsenegg

Following the ferry, you’ll head to Adliswil for the cable car ride to Felsenegg, which is generally considered the tour’s standout moment. You’ll climb up to a vantage point that offers spectacular views of Zurich, Lake Zurich, and the snow-capped Alps.

According to reviews, this part of the tour is often the favorite: “The cable car to Felsenegg was a highlight with great views.” However, some travelers have encountered crowded cable cars, which can detract from the experience. Also, due to ongoing maintenance starting in March 2026, the cable car will be temporarily replaced by the Dolderbahn cogwheel train, so check the current arrangements before booking.

Scenic Overlook and Photo Opportunities

At Felsenegg, you’ll have time to take photos and soak in the scenery—an ideal moment for a picnic or simply enjoying the fresh mountain air. The views over Zurich, the lake, and the Alps are typically described as breathtaking, especially if the weather cooperates.

Return Journey and Final Stops

The tour wraps up with a bus ride back to the starting point. Along the way, your guide will fill you in on more local stories and facts. The total duration of the trip is 4.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that leaves you with plenty of time to explore on your own afterward.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers looking for an easy, guided way to see Zurich’s highlights and scenery. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy variety—mixing urban exploration with nature and panoramic views. Expect a group setting, so if you’re someone who prefers private tours, this might not be your first choice.

It’s also great for those who enjoy informative guides and value good transportation logistics. Keep in mind the tour isn’t designed for people with mobility issues, especially since it involves some walking on uneven surfaces and a cable car ride (which could be crowded).

The Value of the Zurich City Highlights Tour

At $78 per person, this tour offers a solid way to cover Zurich’s main attractions without the stress of navigating public transport or trying to organize multiple activities yourself. The inclusion of transportation, a guide, and scenic stops means a lot of the planning and logistics are taken care of. Plus, the certification of carbon-balanced operations shows some commitment to sustainable tourism.

Many reviewers have found the price reasonable, especially considering the variety of experiences packed into just a few hours. For example, one review states, “Super fun and such good value for money.” That said, you should be aware that food and drinks are not included, and you’ll need to plan accordingly if you want to grab a snack or lunch afterward.

Practical Details and Tips

• Arrive about 15 minutes early at the meeting point to avoid missing the start.
• Bring your passport or ID for identification.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s about five minutes of moderate uphill/downhill walking.
• Check the weather forecast before your tour—views are best on clear days, but fog or rain might limit what you see.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, owing to the walking involved.

User Feedback: What Real Travelers Say

The reviews highlight many positives—knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and good value. Many mention how guides like Rafael, Elizabeth, and Guillermo make the experience engaging with their stories and insights. One traveler said, “Our guide Diego knew a lot about Zurich’s sites and had many great stories.”

A common theme is how the cable car ride and ferry stand out as memorable moments, often praised as the highlights of the tour. However, a few noted that weather can impact the experience—fog or rain can obscure views, which is something to keep in mind.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically tailored for kids, the tour involves some walking and short rides, so families with children comfortable with those activities would find it manageable. Assistance dogs are allowed, but pets are generally not permitted.

How long does each part of the tour last?
The total tour lasts 4.5 hours. Specific stops include a 15-minute cable car ride, a ferry crossing, and city walks. The bus rides between stops are around 20-30 minutes each.

What kind of guides will I have?
Guides are bilingual and praised for being informative, friendly, and knowledgeable. Many reviews highlight how guides enhance the experience with stories and local insights.

Does the tour include any meals?
No, food and drinks are not included. You’ll want to bring snacks or plan to eat after the tour.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Since views rely heavily on weather conditions, fog or rain might limit your experience during the cable car or ferry rides. The tour may proceed as planned, but the scenic highlights could be less visible.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to walking involved and the nature of the transportation modes.

To sum it up, this Zurich City Highlights Tour offers a practical and scenic way to get a well-rounded taste of the city. It’s especially good for those who want a guided experience that mixes urban sights with natural panoramas—without the fuss of organizing each element themselves. The mix of transport modes, from bus to ferry to cable car, keeps things interesting, and many travelers have left glowing reviews about their guides and the views.

While weather can sometimes be a factor, many still find it to be a worthwhile, fun, and educational outing. If you’re looking for a manageable, value-packed way to see Zurich’s best in a half-day, this tour could be just the ticket.

Happy exploring, and may your Zurich trip be filled with stunning sights and new discoveries!

You can check availability for your dates here: