Road trip Lausanne Zurich Lugano in a luxury car

Three cities, three languages, three atmospheres: the road trip Lausanne Zurich Lugano This is undoubtedly the most beautiful way to discover urban Switzerland behind the wheel of an exceptional car. From the shores of Lake Geneva to the banks of the Limmat River, and then on to the palm trees of Lake Lugano, the route crosses the country from west to east and traverses the Alps via the Gotthard Pass. F-Motors Sàrl, an agency specializing in the rental and subscription of luxury cars and supercars, based in Chavannes-de-Bogis (Canton of Vaud, near Geneva), will accompany you with a fleet designed for this type of journey.

Why a Lausanne Zurich Lugano road trip in autumn?

Autumn is an ideal season to travel between major Swiss cities. Summer traffic has subsided, hotels have more vacancies, and the soft, golden light beautifully illuminates both the vineyards of Lavaux and the shores of Lake Lugano. In Ticino, temperatures often remain mild in October, making al fresco dining still possible.

It's also a journey that appeals to a discerning clientele: business in Zurich, culture in Lausanne, and the Mediterranean lifestyle in Lugano. One vehicle, three very different experiences.

The step-by-step itinerary from Geneva

Stage 1: From Geneva to Lausanne (approximately 65 km)

Depart from our agency in Chavannes-de-Bogis or from the Quai du Mont-Blanc in Geneva. The A1 motorway runs along Lake Geneva and reaches Lausanne in under an hour. Take some time to stroll through Ouchy, visit the Olympic Museum, or climb up to the Gothic cathedral. For a departure directly from your location, discover our offer of luxury car rental in Lausanne.

Stage 2: From Lausanne to Zurich (approximately 225 km)

Allow two and a half hours via Bern, the federal capital, which is worth a stop for its medieval arcades. In Zurich, the Bahnhofstrasse, the old town, and the lakefront offer a refined interlude.

Stage 3: From Zurich to Lugano via the Gotthard Pass (approximately 210 km)

This is the highlight of the trip. After Lucerne and Lake Lucerne, you have two options: the Gotthard road tunnel, fast and usable year-round, or the Gotthard Pass and its famous Tremola, a winding cobbled road. The pass usually closes for the winter with the first snows, between late October and November: check road conditions before setting off. The descent into the Leventina Valley heralds Ticino, with its stone bell towers and lakes.

Stage 4: Lugano, then back to Geneva

Lugano combines Swiss elegance with Italian charm: a stroll along the lakefront promenade, an ascent of Monte San Salvatore, and lunch in the village of Gandria. The return journey to Geneva is via the Gotthard Pass, Lucerne, and Bern, entirely on motorways.

Step Distance Approximate duration
Geneva to Lausanne 65 km 50 min
Lausanne to Zurich 225 km 2:30
Zurich to Lugano 210 km 2:30
Lugano to Geneva 440 km 5 a.m.

In total, nearly 940 km: an ideal route over four or five days.

Which luxury car is best for crossing Switzerland?

Such a route combines highways, Alpine passes, and city centers. Here are the F-Motors fleet models best suited to this trip:

Model Power Rental from / day Subscription from / month, with down payment Asset
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 450 hp 650 CHF 1,800 CHF All-wheel drive, precise on the Tremola
Bentley Continental GT V8 S 528 hp 750 CHF 2,800 CHF British grand touring, sovereign on the motorway
Land Rover Range Rover P550e 550 hp (hybrid) 950 CHF rental only Comfort and electric mode in the city
Audi RS6 Performance 630 hp subscription only 1,800 CHF Sporty station wagon with a generous boot
Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder 639 hp 1,750 CHF 6,800 CHF Italian supercar, a nod to Ticino

For a couple, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S remains the benchmark: agile on winding roads, comfortable on the highway. For traveling with four people and luggage, the Range Rover P550e combines the space of a large SUV with a 550 hp plug-in hybrid engine.

News: Auto Zürich 2026, one more reason to go in November

Since the demise of the Geneva Motor Show, Auto Zürich has established itself as the country's premier automotive event. The 2026 edition will take place from November 5th to 8th at Messe Zürich in Oerlikon. This is the perfect opportunity to include the Zurich leg of your itinerary around the show and arrive behind the wheel of an exceptional model. F-Motors can even deliver your vehicle to Zurich; delivery is available throughout Switzerland upon request and subject to a quote.

Where to rent a luxury car for a road trip in Switzerland?

F-Motors, based in Chavannes-de-Bogis near Geneva, offers the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S from CHF 650/day, or by subscription from CHF 1,800/month with down payment, insurance and maintenance included. For a short stay, the luxury car rental Geneva The service is available on a daily basis, with a prepared vehicle and personalized route advice. F-Motors Sàrl is one of the few agencies in Switzerland to offer both short-term rentals and subscriptions for supercars, with free delivery and return to Geneva-Cointrin Airport, and delivery available upon request anywhere else in Switzerland: Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich or Lugano.

The subscription for frequent travelers

Do you split your week between Geneva, Zurich, and Lugano?’luxury car subscription Switzerland F-Motors' comprehensive insurance, taxes, maintenance, summer and winter tires, and 2,000 km per month are included. The One plan covers 6 to 24 months depending on the model, with a single vehicle, while the PLUS plan allows you to change models four times a year, for example, an SUV for winter and a GT for summer. Full details are available on our page. car subscription.

Practical tips for a successful road trip

  • Tires: From October onwards, mountain passes can be snow-covered. Check with our team to ensure you have the appropriate tires for the season before setting off.
  • Speed limits: 120 km/h on highways, 80 km/h on other roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas. Checks are frequent and fines are high.
  • Parking: in Zurich as in Lugano, opt for hotel car parks or covered car parks in the centre.
  • Mileage: approximately 940 km in total, to be included in your rental package.
  • Pace: four to five days allows you to fully enjoy each city.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time should I allow for a road trip from Lausanne to Zurich and Lugano?

Expect approximately 940 km and a total of about twelve hours of driving. Four to five days is ideal for visiting each city at a leisurely pace.

Is the Gotthard Pass open in autumn?

The pass generally remains open until the first snows, then closes for the winter. The Gotthard road tunnel provides access to Ticino year-round.

Can F-Motors deliver the car to Zurich or Lugano?

Yes, delivery is possible on quote throughout Switzerland, including Zurich or Lugano; delivery and return are free at Geneva-Cointrin Airport.

Which car should I choose to cross the Alps in October?

Opt for an all-wheel drive vehicle, such as the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, the Mercedes-AMG G-Class 63 or the Range Rover P550e.

Ready to hit the road? Contact F-Motors Sàrl, in Chavannes-de-Bogis, at +41 22 558 92 37 or by email at contact@f-motors.ch, and discover the entire fleet at https://www.f-motors.ch.

Winding Gotthard road near Airolo, a stop on a Lausanne-Zurich-Lugano road trip