Switzerland by Train
Trains - Tickets - RoutesA Travel Guide For Train Travel In Switzerland.
Here you will find information for Switzerland about trains, routes, tours, connections, where to buy train tickets, and more.
Book a train tour in Switzerland at Switzerlandtravelcenter and get 5% discount by using this code: AFF_RAILWAYHERO
Useful Information
Population: 8.57 million
Currency: Swiss Franc
Language: German, French, Italian, Romanch
Capital: Bern
Country Code: +41
Time Zone: Central European Standard Time
Train Companies Switzerland
Most of the country’s trains are operated by SBB; however, there is an abundance of smaller, private train operators around Switzerland. Some other well-known companies are listed below:
- Appenzeller Bahn
- Rhaetian Railway (RhB)
- Matterhorn Gotthard Railway (MGB)
- Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway (MOB)
Rail Map Switzerland
The rail network in Switzerland is considered one of the best and most efficient in the world. It covers about 5,100 kilometers and offers an extensive network of train connections, allowing both domestic and international travel.
In addition, the rail network in Switzerland offers spectacular scenery and panoramic views during train rides. Travelers have the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking alpine scenery, including majestic mountains, sparkling lakes and picturesque valleys.
Switzerland is also known for its international rail connections. High-speed trains such as the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express connect Switzerland with neighboring countries and offer unforgettable travel experiences.
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Buy your train tickets for Switzerland online on the SBB official homepage.
Buy your train tickets online at OMIO and compare trains, buses & flights.
Rail Pass Switzerland
Switzerland offers a variety of rail passes that allow you to travel flexibly by train throughout the country.
Interrail / Eurail Switzerland Pass
The Interrail / Eurail Switzerland Pass is a travel ticket designed for exploring Switzerland by train. It offers unlimited train travel within Switzerland for a set duration of time, allowing travelers to visit various cities and regions across the country. With the pass, you can enjoy the convenience of hopping on and off trains.
Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Travel Pass is a comprehensive all-in-one travel ticket that grants unlimited access to the Swiss public transportation system. It enables travelers to explore Switzerland by train, bus, boat, and even some mountain railways. With the pass, visitors can effortlessly navigate the country, from picturesque cities to stunning alpine regions. Additionally, the Swiss Travel Pass offers free admission to numerous museums and discounts on various attractions, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice for experiencing the best of Switzerland.
Berner Oberland Pass
With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can use trains, buses, and ships throughout Switzerland. Travel with as many means of transport as you would like up to 15 consecutive days.
The Tell Pass – Central Switzerland
With the Swiss Travel Pass, you can use trains, buses, and ships throughout Switzerland. Travel with as many means of transport as you would like up to 15 consecutive days.
TrAINs Switzerland
The major rail network in Switzerland is composed of the following trains:
S-Bahn (suburban trains) is a train network operating in larger cities
Regio (R) trains link local towns.
RegioExpress (RE) connect regional cities with bigger Swiss cities
InterRegio (IR) connect Geneva and Zurich with cities across the whole of Switzerland. These trains stop more often than InterCity trains.
- Offering 1st and 2nd Class
- Trains are equipped with power sockets and air-conditioning.
- Bicycles are allowed on trains; however, the bike needs an additional ticket
- Reservation cost: 5 CHF
InterCity (IC) trains connect big Swiss cities Bern and Geneva.
- 1st Class: Rows of three seats (2+1), offering more legroom
- 2nd Class: Rows of four seats (2+2)
- Trains are equipped with power sockets and air-conditioning. Most trains are equipped with a dining car offering a range of food and drinks.
- Bicycles are allowed on trains; however, may need an additional ticket.
- Reservation cost: 5 CHF
High-Speed Trains
Domestic high-speed trains In Switzerland.
InterCity Neigezug (ICN) offers comfortable and timely transport across the country.
- 1st Class: Rows of three seats (2+1), offering more legroom
- 2nd Class: Rows of four seats (2+2)
- Trains are equipped with power sockets, WiFi (on several routes), and air-conditioning. Trains are equipped with a dining car offering a range of food and drinks.
- Bicycles are allowed on trains; however, the bike needs an additional ticket.
- Reservation cost: 5 CHF
ICE is operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) and links Switzerland to Germany and also to the Netherlands.
- 1st Class: Rows of three seats (2+1), offering more legroom
- 2nd Class: Rows of four seats (2+2)
- Reservations are not necessary, but optional:
- 2nd Class €4,50
- 1st Class €5,90
- Trains are equipped with power sockets, free WiFi, and air-conditioning. Trains are equipped with a dining car offering a range of food and drinks.
- Bicycles are allowed on trains only in a special bike bag and the bike needs an additional ticket.
Railjet is operated by Österreichische Bundesbahn (ÖBB) and links Zurich to Vienna, Austria.
- 1st Class: Rows of three seats (2+1), offering more legroom, Business Class is also offered. Purchase of a 1st Class ticket is required to be able to upgrade to the Business Class.
- 2nd Class: Rows of four seats (2+2)
- Reservations are not necessary, but optional:
- 2nd Class €4,50
- 1st Class €5,90
- Trains are equipped with power sockets, free WiFi, and air-conditioning. Trains are equipped with a dining car offering a range of food and drinks.
- Bicycles are allowed on trains; however, reservations for the bicycle are mandatory (online cost €3) and the bike needs an additional ticket.
Euroocity links Basel, Zurich, and Geneva to Milan, Italy.
- 1st & 2nd Classes offered
- Reservations are not necessary*, but optional:
- 2nd Class €4 or 5 CHF
- 1st Class €4 or 5 CHF
*unless traveling to and from Italy then reservations are required at €10.
- Trains are equipped with the bike needs an additional ticket. Trains are equipped with a dining car offering a range of food and drinks.
- Bicycles are allowed on trains; however, the bike needs an additional ticket.
TGV connects Basel, Zurich, and Geneva to Paris, France.
- 1st and 2nd Classes offered
- Reservations required:
- 2nd Class €13
- 1st Class €30
- Trains are equipped with the bike needs an additional ticket. Trains are equipped with a dining car offering a range of food and drinks.
- Bicycles are allowed on trains, but the bike needs an additional ticket (€10)
ÖBB Nightjet
- Routes:
- Zurich – Basel – Berlin – Hamburg
- Zurich – Basel – Hamburg
- Carriage:
- Standard cabin includes your own bed, washbasin, and breakfast in the morning
- Deluxe cabin includes your own bed, shower, toilet, washbasin, and breakfast in the morning
- Couchette Carriage:
- 4 and 6 berth couchettes, as well as private compartments, are offered
- Bathrooms are located in the coach carriage
- Breakfast is included in the ticket price
- Sitting Carriage:
- 2nd Class offered, no 1st Class
- Bathrooms are located in the coach carriage
- Food cart offering a selected variety of drinks and food pass through the carriages.
- Reservations are included in the ticket price
Euro-Night
- See ÖBB Nightjet for carriage and sleeping arrangements
- Some trains have the possibility for vehicle transportation
- Routes
- Zurich – Vienna, Austria – Budapest, Hungary
- Zurich – Innsbruck, Austria – Ljubljana, Slovenia – Zagreb, Croatia
- Zurich – Innsbruck, Austria – Salzburg, Austria – Prague, Czech Republic
Bernina Express: Chur – Lugano via Tirano (Italy)
Glacier Express: Davos/St. Moritz – Zermatt
Centovalli Railway: Locarno (Switzerland) – Domodossola (Italy)
Gotthard Panorama Express: Luzern – Domodossola (Italy)
Chocolate Train: Montreux – Broc-Chocolat
Golden Pass: Luzern – Interlaken – Montreux
Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn: Visp – Zermatt
Gornergrat Bahn: Zermatt – Gornergratt
Jungfrau Express: Kleine Scheidgg – Jungfraujoch
Schynige Platte Railway
Routes
Frequently Traveled Routes In Switzerland By Train
National
| From > To |
Duration (h) | Changes | Transport |
| Zurich to Basel | 0:54 | Direct | ICE |
| Zurich to Bern | 0:56 | Direct | IC |
| Zurich to Lausanne | 2:16 | Direct | IC |
| Geneva to Zurich | 2:43 | Direct | IC |
| Bern to Lausanne | 1:16 | Direct | IC |
| Basel to Lucern | 1:02 | Direct | IR |
| Interlaken to Zurich | 1:56 | 1 | IC |
International
| From > To |
Duration (h) | Changes | Transport |
| Zurich to Paris, France | 4:04 | Direct | TGV |
| Zurich to Vienna, Austria | 7:50 | Direct | RJ |
| Zurich to Munich, Germany | 5:04 | Direct | EC |
| Bern to Milan, Italy | 3:06 | Direct | EC |
| Basel to Hamburg, Germany | 6:30 | Direct | ICE |
Switzerland Itinerarys
Switzerland & France: Calling All Cheese And Chocolate Lovers
Switzerland: Magnificent Cities, Mountains, and Lakes
Train Tours in Switzerland
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Main Train Stations
- Zurich
- Geneva
- Basel
- Bern
- Chur
- Luzern
- Fribourg
- St. Gallen
- Lausanne
- Fribourg
- Schaffhausen
- Lugano
- Interlaken
- Montreux
- Yverden-les-Bains
- Zermatt
- St. Moritz
- Solothurn
- Biel/Bienne
- Kreuzlingen
- Romanshorn
- Buchs
- Bellinzona
- Martigny, Gare
Best time to travel to Switzerland
We recommend traveling anytime between April – June, and September – October because of it being the shoulder seasons, you will see fewer tourists and the weather is still great. During summertime, popular destinations see an increase in tourists as well as prices.
There is plenty of hiking and skiing to be done, a plethora of cheese and chocolate to be eaten, and countless quaint Swiss villages to visit on your trip to the beautiful country of Switzerland.
- High Season: July – August
- Low Season: October – March
Accommodation In Switzerland
Booking
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Hostelworld
If you are looking for a low budget accommodation, then go on www.hostelworld.com. They have the best choice of cheap hostels for backpackers and low budget travelers. > BOOK HERE
Guidebooks For Switzerland
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