One night in Grindelwald and Zurich airport- or - 2 nights in Bern?

I would always choose Grindelwald! We spent an amazing week there, beautiful views, nice restaurants, hotels.

Since Bellagio to Luzern is going to be mostly a travel day (what route are you planning on?), spend the extra 2 1/2 hours and go to Grindelwald for 2 nights, then go to Luzern for 2 nights, then to Zurich airport the following morning.

I think you will find that Grindelwald to Bern - station to station by train - is about 96 minutes, not an hour.

If you are driving, from personal experience I'd say an hour is ambitious.

What time is your flight? Bern is just on the edge of my comfort zone for flights at Zurich.

I just spent most of a week at the Holiday Inn Express at the airport. They have a free shuttle but they are very busy at the moment, mostly with overseas passengers and tour groups (5 coaches one night). Nice folks, decent rates, nice rooms (including Smart TV) but deskstaff are often overwhelmed. Breakfast gets busy but manageable. I'd stay there again.

It isn't clear if you will have a car to return or if you are on the train. If you are on the train you should know that the station close by isn't on the line to the airport, they are on the opposite side of the airport. By the way, no aircraft noise at all. Ever.

We are in Switzerland now and are going to spend our last 2 nights in Bern- then take a train from Bern to the Zurich airport. We don't like staying places a single night. But we saw Berner Oberland earlier in the trip, so depends on how many different things you want to see vs how much you want to move accomodation.

Thanks for all the advice! We will not have a car on this trip. I did think of switching our reservations around Sam, and I might just do that. I do want to spend a bit of time in the Grindelwald area, but just want to be closer to airport last night, our flights leaves at 11:00am...so not extremely early. We were only planning on 2 nights in Lucerne, but after looking at many videos on YouTube...I was struck with the beauty of the area. We're not retired yet, and 15 days away is all we can swing right now. Love the adventure, would love to return when we retire and really take our time.

Renee

From Luzern, there is a 6:35 am direct train to Zurich airport that will get you there by 7:44 am. You still have back up with a 7:09 train to Zurich HB with a connection to get you to the airport by 8:12 am.

Luzern is a good choice for an 11 am flight.

Also, love the idea of going to Grindelwald first, two nights...then 2 in Lucerne... will check that out too. I'm looking at the trains as an excursion in themselves...should be beautiful scenery along our way. Will be traveling light as possible. My Husband Steve said he'll believe that when he sees it! :)