Switzerland has the best railway system in the world. The trains are clean, punctual to the second, and run like clockwork.
But tickets are expensive. So, tourists often ask: “Should I pay extra for First Class?”
In countries like the UK or Italy, First Class is a huge upgrade. In Switzerland? It’s complicated.
Here is the brutal truth about 1st vs 2nd Class on Swiss Federal Railways (SBB).
The Main Differences (At a Glance)
| Feature | 2nd Class | 1st Class |
| Seat Configuration | 2-2 (4 seats across) | 2-1 (3 seats across) |
| Legroom | Excellent | Extensive |
| Crowds | Can be busy | Usually quiet/empty |
| Outlets | Most trains | Every seat |
| Price | Expensive | Very Expensive (+75%) |
Argument FOR 2nd Class (Why Save Money?)
Honestly, Swiss 2nd Class is better than 1st Class in most other countries.
- Cleanliness: It is spotless.
- Comfort: The seats are fabric, well-padded, and have plenty of legroom.
- Views: The windows are exactly the same size. The mountains look the same.
- Verdict: For 90% of travelers, 2nd Class is absolutely sufficient. Spend the saved money on fondue.
Argument FOR 1st Class (When to Upgrade?)
There are specific situations where upgrading is worth it:
1. You Hate Crowds (Commuter Hours)
If you are traveling between Zurich, Bern, and Geneva during rush hour (7-9 AM or 5-7 PM), 2nd Class gets packed with commuters. You might have to stand.
- 1st Class is almost always empty. It is a “Quiet Zone” where business people work silently on laptops. If you value silence and personal space, pay up.
2. Panoramic Trains (Glacier/Bernina Express)
On the tourist trains, 1st Class often has bigger windows (stretching higher into the roof) and better angles for photography because there are fewer seats in the row (1 seat on one side, 2 on the other).
3. Boat Rides (The Secret Perk)
If you buy a Swiss Travel Pass in 1st Class, it allows you access to the upper deck of Swiss lake boats (Lake Lucerne, Lake Geneva).
- Why it matters: The upper deck has far better views and an open-air terrace. 2nd Class passengers are stuck on the lower deck. This is the #1 reason to upgrade a Swiss Travel Pass.
If you plan to take boat cruises, we HIGHLY recommend the Swiss Travel Pass 1st Class for upper deck access.”
The Price Difference
A 1st Class ticket typically costs 75% more than a 2nd Class ticket.
- Example (Zurich to Bern): CHF 51 (1st) vs CHF 29 (2nd).
However: Look for “Saver Class Upgrades“ in the SBB app. Sometimes you can upgrade a specific trip for just CHF 10-15 if you book early.
Summary
- Stick to 2nd Class for normal intercity travel. It’s perfect.
- Upgrade to 1st Class if you have a Swiss Travel Pass (for the boats!) or if you are traveling on the Glacier Express.
Checking prices? Compare both classes on Omio or see Swiss Travel Pass options on GetYourGuide.
