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Trains in Switzerland

 

Climb on board Swiss trains and travel through the snow-capped Alps, alongside beautiful mountain lakes and across rolling green hills. Visit Switzerland's most famous cities, Bern, Basel, Geneva and Zurich, by rail and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the train window along the way.

 

Train types in Switzerland

You can enjoy a large choice of Swiss trains, each type ready to transport you across the country as well as to and from other European countries. Switzerland's national railway company is the SBB (Schweizerische BundesBahn). Use the Interrail train timetable or SBB timetable to check times for trains in Switzerland.

 

Click here to download a more detailed map of the Swiss train network with all trains included (2 MB).

Map with main train connections in Switzerland
Map with main train connections in Switzerland
There's an international regional train connection between Chiasso and Milan (Italy). This connection is a great option if you want to avoid reservation fees. On the Interrail timetable RegioExpress trains are listed as "RE", and Regio trains as "R". InterCity trains are listed as "IC", and InterRegio trains as "IR". Regional and Intercity trains do not require seat reservations. Reservations are however recommended for Intercity trains during high season (May-September) and public holidays.

 

Popular connections

Route Travel time
Basel to Bern 55m
Basel to Interlaken 2h
Basel to Lucerne 1h
Basel to Zurich 55m
Bern to Geneva 1h 45m
Bern to Interlaken 55m
Bern to Zurich 55m
Geneva to Zurich 2h 45m
Zurich to Lugano 1h 55m
Bern to Brig 1h 05m

 

Reservations

How to make reservations for Swiss trains

 

Interrail reservation self-service system

Administration costs when booking through Interrail self-service

  • € 2,- p.p.per train
  • Additional € 9,- per order (for paper tickets)

With railway carriers

Other platforms

  • Rail Europe: TGV (Lyria), Eurocity to Italy, Bernina Express

By calling the SBB (Swiss railways) booking centre

  • +41 0848 44 66 88 (open 24/7). 
  • You will get a direct connection when calling this booking centre. The Swiss SBB booking centre can deliver your reservations to all European countries. Delivery costs are CHF8 (approx. €6.50). This call centre may charge a booking fee. You can also pick up your reservations at main Swiss train stations. Just go to the ticket office with your order number. This call centre can make reservations for the majority of European high-speed and night trains.

Locally at the train station in Switzerland

 

An explanation of how each booking platform works can be found here: How do I book my reservations

 

Get your Pass for Switzerland

Interrail Switzerland Pass

 
  • Spend your time discovering all of Switzerland's beauty.

  • Benefits include discounted rates on special scenic train routes.

  • Youth, senior and family discounts available.

  • Prices from € 144

 

View Switzerland Passes 

Interrail Global Pass

 
  • Offers you rail travel in Switzerland and 32 more European countries.

  • Youth, senior and family discounts available.

  • Prices from € 212

 

View Global Passes →

 

Tips and tricks for Switzerland

Swiss main train stations

Switzerland has several hub stations:

  • Basel SBB

  • Bern

  • Geneva

  • Lausanne

  • Luzern

  • Zürich HB

 

These stations have excellent facilities:

  • Lockers

  • Cash machines and a foreign exchange desk

  • Restaurants, cafés and shops

  • Tourist information

  • Elevators, escalators and access for disabled passengers

Spelling of city names

There might be some minor differences between the local spelling of city names and what you're used to.

  • Genève = Geneva
  • Luzern = Lucerne

Pass Benefits for Switzerland

Boat trips

Interrail Pass Holders experience boat cruises on Swiss lakes and rivers for free or at a discount.

 

Scenic routes

The following special scenic train routes are also discounted for Interrailers:

 

See all Pass benefits in Switzerland

 

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