Switzerland Train Travel Tips

Seeing Switzerland by train is easy and hassle free. Most of the time, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. The scenic Swiss landscape keeps your nose glued to the window most of the time.

So many factors speak for discovering Switzerland on public transport. It is by far the most ecological way to explore the country. Environmentally conscious Switzerland runs its trains mostly on hydroelectricity. The extensive Swiss Travel System connects the big city with the smallest mountain village by train and bus – smoke free and on time.

Arriving in Switzerland

Arriving at the Airport

Zürich and Geneva Airports are connected to the Swiss Rail System. Trains take you straight and quickly to the city or to your destination. The Airport Train Station is conveniently located ‘underground’. Timetables are prominently placed and signs lead you to the train.

If you arrive at the Airports Euroairport Basel or Bern-Belpmoos, the airport bus will bring you to the city center or closest train station.

Buying rail passes, cards and single tickets

• Zürich: Follow the signs to the Railway Center/Bahnreisezentrum at Check-In 3 (main level). You could buy all Swiss Travel Passes here but there can be long waiting times during the tourist season. Consider buying them online before you leave home. If you only need a Zürich Card, you can purchase it online or upon arrival at the information booth;
• Geneva: follow the signs to CFF Level G at Geneva Airport. If you only need a ticket from the airport to any of the Geneva Hotels, you can get a free visitor’s card at the information booth or if that is closed, show your hotel reservation to the control person in the train.

Arriving in Switzerland by Train

Switzerland is well connected to train lines arriving from neighboring countries. Full service at all major train stations.

Luggage

Fly Rail Baggage – Sending Luggage from Overseas

You can send your baggage directly from your home airport to a Swiss railway station or directly to your hotel with the “Fly Rail Baggage Service”. Upon arrival in Switzerland, you don’t have to wait at the carousel for your luggage. You can immediately breeze through the airport directly to the station to catch your train.

Each piece of luggage can’t exceed 32 kg (70.5 lb), but of course, ultimately, the weight depends on the airline you choose. You also can send ski equipment and strollers, but not bicycles.

On your way back home verify with your airline if they let you check-in your luggage at the train station directly. Unfortunately (for security reasons), not every airline lets you use this service. If that’s the case, you still can send your luggage expedited to the airport by train. You must check in your baggage the day before your departure flight.

Luggage within Switzerland

It’s not a problem taking your luggage into the train. For larger pieces use the storage space right at the beginning of a coach; smaller pieces fit between, under or above your seats.

If you don’t want to schlepp your luggage, you can send it by train from any of the 480 staffed train stations. You will need a valid ticket for yourself. The suitcase should not exceed 25 kg (55lb) or you would have to pay an extra fee.

You also can send bicycles, skis and snowboards mounted with shoes (protective coverage provided by SBB – free of charge). If you are a group and want to send ski dresses, shoes, hiking boots and similar items to the next destination, you can rent a box (approx. CHF 15) at the train station.

Switzerland Train stations

No train station in Switzerland is that big that you can get lost, except maybe at Zürich Hauptbahnhof (main train station). There, it can be a little difficult to find out where your train is leaving. Luckily, everything is well signed and if you know what you are looking for it shouldn’t be a problem.

Larger train stations are small shopping malls. You can shop even after normal closing hours and on weekends. At the ticket counter, you can change money or send/receive money with Western Union and you can even buy event tickets.

Free Wireless internet access at larger train stations available.

Swiss Train Schedule and Time Tables

Timetables (electronic and print posters) are everywhere in stations. All trains, buses, and boats depart and arrive on regular intervals, so it’s easy to remember arriving and departure times.

You can get printed pocket timetables for regions free of charge, or download them as a pdf file from the SBB website.

Also, when you buy a ticket at the railway station ask that they print out the schedule for your specific route. It will show you not only departure and arrival times but also where you have to change trains and from which track your connection will leave.

You can use the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) timetable no matter if you travel by train (national, regional or private), bus, boat or cable cars – even for city transportation (if you know the street or Hotel Address you are headed to).

Seasonal train schedule changes: 

There are different schedules for winter (beginning mid December) and summer (beginning mid June). Although changes are marginal, and main routes stay pretty much the same, do recheck your schedules if you planned your vacation well ahead of your departure date. Trains can run on a different schedule on nationwide public holidays: 1 and 2 January, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension, Whit Monday, August 1st, December 25th and 26st.

Timetable SBB App for your Smartphone

For quick and easy reference, download the timetable as a mobile app. This is probably the most useful app for travel in Switzerland. You can quickly check for connections wherever you are, even buy paperless tickets.

Train Service Identification

How do I know which train to board?

• S-Bahn (S) and S-Bahn Nightline (SN), (RER in the French part of Switzerland) is a network of trains in cities and the surrounding conglomerates (local commuter trains). They are unstaffed but controllers can show up any time. You have to validate your ticket to avoid a penalty. Bicycle transport possible.
• Regional (R) trains stop at all stations in an area, but sometimes only on request (press the red button next to your seat). Not staffed as well. Make sure to validate your ticket before you board the train. No seat reservations possible. Bicycle transport possible.
• RegioExpress (RE) are express trains within a region. As above, but only in some stations (cannot be stopped on request). No seat reservation possible. There’s room for bicycles.
• InterRegion (IR) runs throughout Switzerland from region to region. Similar to Regio but, as the name implies, runs between regions. Bicycles must be loaded onto dedicated specially market coaches, but not all IR trains offer opportunity. Look out for the bicycle pictograms on the timetable.
• InterCity tilting trains (ICN) are air conditioned, have a restaurant coach (no class difference) and minibar. Special wheelchair spaces in both classes, as well as business sections in first class.
• InterCity trains (IC) are air-conditioned express trains between cities with restaurants and mini bars. Business and quiet zones in first class. Unless otherwise stated, bicycles may be loaded in specially marked luggage or bicycle compartments.
• InterCityExpress (ICE), high speed, air-conditioned restaurant (same for both classes) and snack bar. Seat reservation is not necessary, but recommended during commuter times. Wheelchair reservations possible in second class. Bicycle transport is not possible.
• EuroCity (EC). International air-conditioned trains, usually with restaurants. Seat reservation for passengers with or without a wheelchair possible in second class (but not mandatory). Bicycles can be transported if not marked otherwise.
• CityNightLine (CNL). International trains with sleepers, couchettes and reclining-seats. Breakfast included according to the sleeper category. This is the regular ticket price plus the price of the selected mode of transport. Compulsory seat reservations. Bicycle transport possible with reservation.
• EuroNight (EN). These are international trains for night travelers only, breakfast included in selected categories. Reservation is compulsory. No bicycle transport possible.
• RailJets (RJ) are air-conditioned high speed trains that offer an additional class – the so-called Premium Class. With a bistro. Onboard service at your seat is possible in first and premium class. Quiet and family areas (with theater). Wheelchair passengers can book 1st class with a 2nd class ticket. No bicycle transport.
• TGV is a French high speed train. Seat reservation is compulsory when traveling internationally. Wheelchair reservation possible in first class. You can bring your bike, but reservations are required.

Does this sound too complicated?

Don’t worry. Getting around by train is easy. All you really need to know is the destination, departure time and track from where your train is leaving, and you are good to go. For quick reference, there are additional timetables on the platform and in the planning panel along the platform. Make sure the departure track did not changed. It happens not very often, but it can be due to repair or extra scheduled trains.

Attention when you board an express train

Express train stops can differ. If your destination is not marked on timetable posters (or on the express train itself), the train will not stop. Example: You want to go to Ziegelbrücke; you can either board the EuroCity or InterRegio Express to Chur, but make sure Ziegelbrücke is marked as a stop.

Buying Tickets

If you have a pre-purchased ticket without a specific departure date or a booklet of tickets make sure you validate them at the ticket canceling machine BEFORE you enter the train to avoid a penalty.

Point-to-point tickets can be purchased right before departure at ticket machines and counters – quick and easy. Or purchase them online from the Swiss Federal Railway (SBB/CFF/FSS) (print out).

The most convenient way of purchasing most tickets is by mobile phone. Download the SBB Mobile App for checking the timetable and buying tickets paperless. However, if you purchase via the SBB mobile app, please make sure to purchase in advance. You need the confirmation on your mobile app before you enter the train or you risk getting a fine because you travel without a ticket.

What kind of tickets should I buy?

First or second class tickets?

• That’s the question! Second class can be as comfortable as first, especially in the newer trains. Newer trains also have plug-ins for cell phones and computers.
• In first class, you have a little more leg room, have a bit more space for luggage and you find quiet (no phone conversations) and business sections. On certain routes, SBB and Swisscom now offer Internet Access.
• It can get crowded in second class during rush hour and the tourist season. On winter weekends, trains to ski resorts fill up quickly, even though there are extra trains scheduled. Consider an upgrade to first class if you can’t avoid Friday and Sunday late afternoon travel, especially to ski resorts in the Bernese Oberland, Graubünden and Valais. You can buy class upgrades at the ticket machines, the ticket counter or the conductor will sell you one directly in the train (as long as you have a valid second class ticket).
• Lately, trains on main connections are overfilled no matter when you travel. If you can afford it, I recommend buying first class rail passes or tickets. After all, you are on a holiday and maybe want to spoil yourself a little.

Is it cheaper to buy tickets in advance?

Regular tickets cost the same no matter if you travel on the same day of purchase, three weeks or three months in advance. However, check out the options for discounted tickets right below.

SuperSaver Tickets

Limited offers of SuperSaver Tickets are only available online. You receive a discount of up to 50% on regular tickets and up to 30% for Half Fare Card holders.

The small print: Once you select the date, the route, the time of travel, and the class (no upgrade possible) you won’t be able to change it. SuperSaver Tickets are limited and offers can change daily. They are not available on all routes and can be bought not more than up to 14 days in advance.

City-to-City tickets

If you have decided to buy single tickets rather than getting one of the Swiss Travel Passes, take advantage of free city transport by choosing a City Ticket. There’s a small additional fee you pay on top of the normal point-to-point ticket price which allows for free city transport (in a number of larger Swiss cities) until midnight the same day. You can buy this ticket at the ticket counter, ticket machines or online from the SBB.

1-Day Travel Pass

• If you have purchased a Half-Fare-Card and the regular point-to-point ticket is more expensive than a 1-Day Travel Pass, then this would be an option. You travel for a flat fee (first or second class) for a whole day on the entire Swiss Travel System Network, no matter if you choose to travel by train, bus or/and boat. It acts like one of the Swiss Travel Passes, trams and buses in most cities and agglos are included.
• You can buy the 1-Day Travel Pass for adults, children, dogs and bikes (single ticket or multipack) online through the SBB ticket shop.

Saver Day Pass

• A Saver Day Pass could be a great deal if you only need a ticket for a certain day;
• Unlimited travel for one day on the Swiss Transport system – the same as one of the Swiss Travel Passes offers – including city transportation. Do check the validity map to see where you would have to pay extra – for example up to the Jungfraujoch, Mount Pilatus, Rothorn (from Brienz), etc. – same discounts apply – 50% with a Half Fare Card – full price if you don’t have one;
• Available for first and second class – with or without a Half Fare Card;
• The earlier you buy before you travel, the better the savings! Not more than 60 days ahead of travel tough;
• Has to be bought at least a day before you travel;
• Only valid for the day you purchase the ticket;
• If you have bought a Saver Day Pass in second class, but want an upgrade to first class, then you have to pay the full price if you don’t have a Half Fare Card;
• The Family Card is not valid if you buy a Saver Day Pass. But you can purchase a Junior Card in case you travel with children;
• Can only be refunded if certain conditions apply. Do read the small print before you buy.
• Saver Day Passes can also be purchased for children;
• The Saver Day Pass can only be purchased online from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS).

Seat Reservation

Seat reservation on regular trains within Switzerland is not necessary but of course, if you travel in a group and want to stay together or travel during busy hours, then consider making a reservation.

However, seat reservation on some of the Classic Scenic Trains is mandatory. Reservations can be made from 3 months in advance to the day before departure. The busier the season, the earlier I recommend you make the reservation.

Commuter times early morning and late afternoon are busier than the rest of the day. If you can, avoid them as well as busy Friday and Sunday evenings during ski season – it can get a bit crowded when weekenders are heading up to the Alps with their ski equipment. If you can’t avoid traveling during these times and the second class coaches are full, consider an upgrade to first class.

Seat reservation is not compulsory for IC and ICE (regular international trains), although it’s always a good idea to reserve your seat for international travel, especially during the touristy season.

A seat reservation is mandatory if you want to use the CityNightline (CNL), EuroNight (EN) as well as RailJet and TGV if you travel internationally.

If you wish, you can make a seat reservation for dining in the rolling SBB restaurant coach. It’s convenient if you travel as a group and want to make sure you can sit at the same table. You can reserve your seat up to one day before departure at the ticket counter or by calling 0900 300 300 (CHF 1.19 per minute). The supplement you pay for seat reservation will be deducted from your meal bill.

Changing Trains

The great thing about traveling by train is that they are very reliable. Even if you only have 5 minutes to change trains or catch a bus, you can count on punctuality. In most trains, connections (tracks and schedules) are announced in English.

Although Swiss trains are reliable, delays can happen and I strongly recommend staying near the airport before your return flight home.

Family Travel

Children up to the age of 6 travel for free. Between the ages of 6 and 15 (one day short of their 16th birthday) they get a discount of 50%.

If you purchase a Swiss Travel Pass you are eligible for a complementary Family Card with which your children travel for free.

Junior Card and Children’s Co-Travelcard

• If you don’t have one of the Swiss Travel Passes and therefore are not eligible for the free Family Card, you always can purchase a Junior or Children’s Co-Travelcard;
• The main difference between the two options is the person who travels with the children: If you buy a Junior Card, one of the parents has to accompany the child; if you buy a Children’s Co-Travelcard, any person over the age of 16 can travel with the child;
• Valid for a year;
• Can be purchased at the ticket counters or online from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS).

Faily Coaches

All InterCity (IC) double decker trains have a themed coach for kids, either at the beginning or at the end of the train with enough space for strollers and pushchairs. Playgrounds can be found upstairs in the same coaches. Game boards are fitted into tables, though you have to buy the pieces from the SBB Minibar (in the train) to play the games. It’s easier to bring your own games with you.

On timetables, trains with family coaches are marked with a pictogram. Check the train configuration posters on the platform to see where they are located.

Wheelchair or walking impaired; blind, sight or hearing impaired

The SBB Handicap Call Center is useful when you need help getting on and off. If you need a mobile lift to get on the train, please plan in enough time to change trains.

SBB Call Center Handicap | Toll-free in Switzerland (from 6 to 22) 0800 007 102 | Direct dial from abroad: +41 (0)51 225 78 44

Traveling with your Dog

Any size of dog can travel with you. Small dogs up to 30cm (1 foot) at the top of their shoulder blades travel free if you carry them in a suitable bag.

All other dogs pay second-class half fare (even for travel in first class). Depending on the length of the trip, buying a one-day travel pass for them might be a better option.

Taking your Bike with you

Lots of train stations offer bicycles for rent. Should you bring your own bike and want to take your bicycle on the train, you can purchase a ticket for self-service loading online, at the ticket machine, the ticket counter or by mobile phone. Trains that carry bikes are marked with a bike pictogram on timetables, and on some trains a reservation is needed. Refer to the train schedule.

• Space in Post buses is limited, so even though a reservation is only required for groups, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance. Bicycle carry on by the Post bus service check here.
• E-bikes can only be transported in Post buses if they don’t have a yellow sticker. Advance reservation necessary.
• Don’t mind dismantling your bike? Get a bag at the train station and you can carry it free of charge with you.
• The same way you can send luggage you can also send your bike, if you have a valid train ticket or pass. It takes two days to arrive at your destination.
• No matter if you travel by train, bus or boat, the price is the same. You can choose between a one day bike pass, multipack passes or local tickets.
• If you plan to transport your bike on Intercity tilting trains (ICN), you will have to make a reservation.

On time of publication the information on this page was correct, however, prices can change without notice.