When travelling abroad, the Swiss travel by car as much as by plane.
KEYSTONE/ VALENTIN FLAURAUD
Each Swiss resident went on 3.3 overnight trips on average last year, compared to 2.8 five years ago, according to figures released on Thursday by the Federal Statistical Office.
According to the reportExternal link, the average number of trips per person rose by 10% from 2016 to 2017, with a significant increase among women, who now take as many trips as men.
Overall, in 2017 nine out of ten Swiss took at least one journey with an overnight stay, for a total of 24.9 million such trips. Of those, a third were within Switzerland, while 40% took travellers to neighbouring countries. France was the most popular destination with over three million trips – a 68% increase over 2016. Italy and Germany followed with 2.9 and 2.8 million trips, respectively.
Some 70% of those travelling within Switzerland prefer to drive. For those going abroad, the car and the plane are equally popular. Just 25% of Swiss use public transport when taking a holiday trip in Switzerland, and the figure drops to 10% for trips across the border.
Over half of Swiss say their travels are for holidays and relaxation. One-third travel to visit friends or relatives, while just 6% travel for professional reasons.
While an overnight trip within Switzerland cost an average of CHF146 ($148) per day in 2016, the figure was down to CHF139 in 2017. However, at CHF152 per day, trips abroad last year cost eight francs more than they did in 2016.
In addition to overnight travel, the Swiss also take on average ten day-trips every year, mostly within Switzerland.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Switzerland testing AI tools to make scarecrows more effective
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural research centre Agroscope is testing an AI system to more effectively prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by crows and rooks.
UN in Geneva calls for reform of tariffs on plastics
This content was published on
The United Nations is calling for a reform of customs tariffs on plastics, which are lower than those imposed on alternatives, ahead of negotiations for a treaty to limit plastic pollution.
Two robots play hide-and-seek in space with Swiss help
This content was published on
Robots developed separately have worked together at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time, helped in part by a control centre in Switzerland.
Giant Swiss flag torn by the wind at the foot of mountain
This content was published on
A giant Swiss flag tore as it was rolled out on a grassy slope at the foot of a mountain ahead of August 1 National Day celebrations.
Swiss scientists reveal the complex craft of prehistoric tattooing
This content was published on
An international research team led by the University of Bern has analysed tattoos on a Siberian glacial mummy that is over 2,000 years old.
Swiss National Bank posts CHF15 billion loss in first half of the year
This content was published on
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) slipped into the red in the first half of 2025 due in particular to the weakening US dollar.
Exiled Russians criticise visit of sanctioned Russian politicians to Geneva
This content was published on
Around 200 Russian opposition figures have sent an open letter protesting the presence of sanctioned Russian politicians in Geneva.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.