The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat
Zurich, Switzerland

The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat

Outty Ranking 50 3.2 · 106 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $77
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Outty Ranking

50/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.2/5

Based on 106 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat worth booking?

The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat is a 5-hour experience in Zurich, Switzerland, from $77 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.2/5 rating across 106 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
50 / 100
Rating
3.2/5 (106)
Duration
5 hours
From
$77 per person

See all the main sights of Switzerland's cultural capital as your delxue motor coach takes you for a drive around Zurich. Enjoy spectacular views of the Alps on your way to visit the rose gardens, deer park and castle in the village of Rapperswil, before enjoying a leisurely 2.25 hour boat cruise (unescorted) on Lake Zurich.

What you get

    About this experience

    See all the main sights of Switzerland's cultural capital as your delxue motor coach takes you for a drive around Zurich. Enjoy spectacular views of the Alps on your way to visit the rose gardens, deer park and castle in the village of Rapperswil, before enjoying a leisurely 2.25 hour boat cruise (unescorted) on Lake Zurich.

    What's included

    Included

    • 2.25 hour cruise on lake Zurich
    • Local guide
    • On-board WiFi
    • Sightseeing Tour by Bus
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Food & Drinks
    • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

    What you'll see and do

    1. Zurich

      Check in for your tour at the bus parking Sihlquai and board the luxury coach.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Old Town

      This tour shows you the most interesting sights of Zurich and its surroundings! Start with a guided city tour of Zurich which shows you the commercial center, a section of the Old Town, Fraumuenster Church from the outside, historical Limmatquai and the university district.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Rapperswil

      Drive along the Hoehenstrasse which offers spectacular views into the Alps, we then drive to Rapperswil which is named the 'City of Roses'.

      75 minutes here

    4. Schloss Rapperswil

      The charming little town of Rapperswil offers unique attractions for visitors - the Rose Gardens, the Castle, the deer park on the Lindenhof and the picturesque Old Town.

      15 minutes here

    5. Lake Zurich

      After a guided orientation tour and some time at leisure in Rapperswil, enjoy a 2-hour cruise on the Lake of Zurich (unescorted). There is a restaurant on board for your convenience. First possible boat back is scheduled to arrive at 3:25pm at Zurich Buerkliplatz Pier.

      120 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Zurich

    The Sihlquai bus station is located 200 meters behind Zurich main station (HB). IMPORTANT: If you are using GPS, please enter 'Limmatstrasse 4, 8005 Zürich'. At the bus station there is a wooden/green building where we have a check-in counter marked 'Meier Tours - Gray Line Sightseeing’.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    After the cruise, the tour will finish at 'Bürkliplatz pier'

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 20 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Hans Meier Tourist AG - Gray Line Zurich

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    See Fraumuenster Church on your city tour of Zurich, The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and BoatRapperswil - Castle, The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and BoatZurich - historical Limmatstrasse, The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and BoatRapperswil Old Town ' City of Roses', The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and BoatRapperswil on a peninsula on Lake of Zurich, The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and BoatCruise on Lake of Zurich from April - October, The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 106 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    106 verified traveler reviews for The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    27
    4 star
    23
    3 star
    23
    2 star
    15
    1 star
    18
    Sort
    Janine_S · October 2026

    Beautiful place

    It would have been nicer I think to see more of Zurich the town instead of seeing so much of Rapperswil.It would have been nice to have seen Tina Turner's home there or other noteworthy persons. It was fun though as it was nice seeing the hillsides and the stories etc. The boat ride was fun too and was more enjoyable as we were able to order lunch while enjoying the beauty around us.

    via Viator

    Nancy_F · October 2025

    Disappointing

    The town was quaint but the rose garden was no better than my own garden. The tour boat coming home was not a tour boat but the local ferry that stopped in ten towns to drop off and pick up passengers going to Zurich. It was very deceptive to pretend it was a boat tour.

    Response from the operator: We regret that we did not meet your expectations, but would like to clarify the following: After the city tour of Zurich with explanations of the most important sights, we drive along Lake Zurich on the Höhenstrasse, which offers a panoramic view of Lake Zurich, then over the dam and bridge to Rapperswil, a small town with a picturesque old town with a castle, deer park and rose gardens, which have given Rapperswil the name ‘City of Roses’. Nature is dependent on the weather, and in fact we have had a drop in temperature and rain over the last 10 days, which has not been good for the rose gardens as we move into the autumn season. The weather would also affect the roses in your garden. The 2 1/4 hour boat trip included in the tour takes you from the upper end of Lake Zurich down to Bürkliplatz in the city of Zurich. Yes, it is a course boat that stops at several stops along the lake, which has the advantage of bringing you closer to the small villages and giving you a good view of the wine-growing areas on the right side of Lake Zurich, known as the Gold Coast.

    via Viator

    Maurice_C · October 2025

    The boat and bus tour was...

    The boat and bus tour was divine! Jeanine our tour guide was a delight! The old town was interesting and had many shopping and dining options. The scenery during the boat ride was incredible. Just a note, you are on your own during the boat ride. Jeanine and the others continue on another tour.

    via Viator

    Wafa_A · September 2025

    Not a positive experience

    Was not up to expectations although the tour guide lady was sweet but the tour office people were not as helpful. However I don’t recommend it

    via Viator

    John_H · September 2025

    The guide needed better...

    The guide needed better English language skillls and the Zürich tour was very limited for interesting information. The overall experience was disappointing

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    37
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Hans Meier Tourist AG - Gray Line Zurich, who run 6 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.4.

    See everything Hans Meier Tourist AG - Gray Line Zurich runs

    Why this scores 50

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)0
    Review evidence (18% weight)76
    Booking momentum (14% weight)71
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)66
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zurich.

    How much does The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat cost?

    +

    Prices start at $77 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zurich usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat take?

    +

    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zurich is not rushed.

    Is The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.2/5 across 106 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Zurich, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat?

    +

    Around 37 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zurich can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zurich and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zurich within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Zurich?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Zurich experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates, Private, excellent guided tour of Zurich (from CHF 21/pers.), Zurich Historic District Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Zurich?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Zurich?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat?

    +

    Included: 2.25 hour cruise on lake Zurich; Local guide; On-board WiFi; Sightseeing Tour by Bus; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Food & Drinks; and Hotel pick-up and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat?

    +

    The Sihlquai bus station is located 200 meters behind Zurich main station (HB). IMPORTANT: If you are using GPS, please enter 'Limmatstrasse 4, 8005 Zürich'. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat offered in?

    +

    It is offered in German, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Zurich. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about The Great Tour of Zurich by Bus and Boat?

    +

    Across 106 reviews averaging 3.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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