Switzerland via milan

Just to clarify, we'll be doing this in August and my kids are ages 11, 9 and 4

Where are you going in Switzerland?
Just you and the 3 kids?

To rent a car in one country and return it in another country will be very expensive. We are flying into Zurich and out of Amsterdam and we are pleased with the prices we are seeing - must depend on the time of year. If you are dead set against flying into Zurich, then I'd imagine the TRAIN will be your best and easiest way

We are flying round trip Milan. So we’d be returning the car to the same place we’d rent it from.

I’m open for Switzerland but I want to do some great hikes and the cable cars with the kids!

I’m trying to figure out the best route. Seems car may make sense given our Milan start and end point

How many days do you have? And does that include the days you fly in and out of Milan?

There is an hourly direct train from Malpenensa to Lugano (actually continues on to Bellinzona and Biasca). Cost is 23.40 CHF per adult and reduced fare for kids 6 to 15. Under 6 are free.

If you do rent a car at Malpensa and return it there, remember to purchase a Swiss Vignette (toll sticker) and attach it in the right spot on the windshield at the Swiss border. Cost is 40 CHF.

I think were realizing it makes. more sense to just use rail...

Any thoughts?

Again, where do you want to go in Switzerland? Is this still in the initial planning stage? How long in Switzerland? Are you looking for suggestions for your itinerary? Suggestions, we got lots.

We just booked this and have no real set plans except I would ideally not spend so much time traveling day after day.

I want to hike and to have my kids see amazing sites. I have been looking at luzern and Ive read about grindewald but trying to see how ti make it all manageable.

Again, is it just you and the kids? And how many days? You bought the tickets, so what day do you arrive at Malpensa and what day do you depart?

Luzern and the Berner Oberland are good spots to stay for a while. I think you can do better than Grindelwald (not that there is anything wrong with it).

If you get either a Half Fare Card for 120 CHF, or a Swiss Travel Pass, then you can get a free Family Card and the kids travel free with you in Switzerland.

Is me, my husband, the kids and my parents.
So we have a whole crew!!

We have ten days to work with.

Lodging in Europe this year is expensive and getting scarcer each day, so I suggest booking asap. Not sure you need the car, as the Swiss train system is so user- friendly and efficient.
Safe travels.

Try for a 1 week rental of a 3-bedroom apartment in Wengen. Saturday to Saturday is pretty standard. Food is expensive in Switzerland as far as restaurants go, but with an apartment with a kitchen, you can buy groceries at the local co-op store and they are not that much more than the States. Wengen is a village without cars, spectacular views, and lots of hiking options. Muerren would be a good second choice across the valley from Wengen. Also car-free.

So you could go Malpensa to Lugano to Luzern on your arrival day. All adults get Half Fare Cards Then buy 8-day Berner Oberland Pass for the adults. The reduction with a Half Fare Card is more than the cost of the Half Fare Card. With the Berner Oberland Pass, you can travel freely throughout the region, ith a few exceptions, like half price for the Schilthornbahn above Muerren and the Jungfraujochbahn above Eigergletch. Includes Luzern to Wengen (or Muerren or Grindelwald).

I would suggest return to Malpensa the day before your flight home and stay in an airport hotel at Malpensa.

Ok I have done some research and would love to know thoughts on this. What if we went from Milan to Lucerne. Stayed closeby (I am not sure if its worth it to stay in the actual city or one of those cute airbnbs that are on lakes nearby. I saw one in Sachseln.)
Then we would leave Lucerne and go to Grindenwald or Lautterbraunen? Or perhaps Lugano instead?
Then back to Milan before we leave for home.

That would work. Keep the Berner Oberland in the itinerary as it is indeed special. You can return to Milan via Spiez and the Simplon Tunnel.