Switzerland: Where Trains Become Art

It is the country where trains run on time — to the second — and the views from the window are worth the price of admission.

Switzerland operates the world’s most admired railway system. The legendary Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and its private railway partners have conquered impossible Alpine terrain, creating a network where punctuality is religion and every journey is a scenic masterpiece. From the palm trees of Lugano to the glaciers of Zermatt, from the medieval streets of Bern to the lakeside elegance of Geneva, Swiss trains connect it all.

The Glacier Express crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels between Zermatt and St. Moritz. The Bernina Express climbs from Italian palm trees to Alpine glaciers — a UNESCO World Heritage journey. The GoldenPass links three linguistic regions in one panoramic sweep.

This is not just transportation. This is engineering as art, logistics as philosophy, and scenery as religion.

This is your complete guide to the Swiss railway experience.

Switzerland by Train: The Overview

Fact	Details
Total Network	~5,300 km of railway lines
Main Operator	SBB/CFF/FFS (Swiss Federal Railways)
Private Railways	50+ (Rhaetian Railway, BLS, MOB, Zentralbahn, and more)
Punctuality	~92% of trains within 3 minutes of schedule
Maximum Speed	200 km/h (limited high-speed; most lines 80-160 km/h)
UNESCO Railways	Rhaetian Railway (Albula/Bernina lines) — World Heritage
Languages	German (65%), French (23%), Italian (8%), Romansh (0.5%)
Eurail/Interrail	Valid on SBB and most private railways

Why Train Travel Works in Switzerland

Integration: Trains, buses, boats, and cable cars operate as one seamless system with unified ticketing.
Punctuality: Swiss trains are famously on time. Connections are planned to the minute — and they work.
Density: Despite being mostly mountains, Switzerland has one of Europe’s densest rail networks.
Scenery: Every route is scenic. Even “ordinary” commuter trains pass lakes, mountains, and picture-perfect villages.
The Swiss Travel Pass: One ticket covers virtually all public transport — trains, buses, boats, city trams, and many mountain railways.
Cleanliness and Comfort: Swiss trains are immaculate, modern, and well-maintained.
Multilingual Service: Announcements and signage in German, French, Italian, and often English.

The History: Conquering the Alps by Rail

Switzerland’s railway history is a story of triumph over impossible geography.

The Early Years (1847-1882)

Switzerland’s first railway opened in 1847 between Zurich and Baden — a modest 23 kilometers. But the young Swiss Confederation quickly recognized railways as essential for national unity and economic development.

The challenge was formidable. Switzerland is 70% mountains. The Alps form an impenetrable barrier between north and south, between German-speaking Switzerland and Italian-speaking Ticino.

Private companies built competing lines, but the great Alpine crossings required national vision — and engineering genius.

The Gotthard Breakthrough (1882)

The opening of the Gotthard Railway on June 1, 1882, changed everything.

The Gotthard Tunnel — 15 kilometers through solid Alpine rock — was the longest railway tunnel in the world at the time. Over 2,500 workers labored for a decade. Hundreds died from accidents, disease, and the brutal conditions.

But the result was revolutionary. For the first time, trains could cross the Alps. Zurich was connected to Milan. Switzerland became Europe’s north-south transit corridor.

Nationalization and Integration (1902-Present)

In 1902, Switzerland nationalized its main railways, creating the Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB) — known as CFF in French and FFS in Italian.

But unlike most countries, Switzerland preserved its private railways. These independent companies — the Rhaetian Railway (RhB), the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB), the Berner Oberland-Bahnen (BOB), and dozens more — continued operating, often reaching places too steep or remote for the national network.

The result is a uniquely integrated system: SBB provides the backbone, while private railways extend the network into every valley and up every mountainside.

Modern Achievements

1992: AlpTransit project launched — new base tunnels to increase capacity and speed
2007: Lötschberg Base Tunnel opens (34.6 km)
2016: Gotthard Base Tunnel opens (57.1 km) — the world’s longest railway tunnel
2020: Ceneri Base Tunnel completes the new Gotthard corridor

Today, Swiss railways carry over 1.3 million passengers daily — one of the highest per-capita rail usage rates in the world.

The Operators: A Unified System of Many Railways

Switzerland’s railway system is unique: one integrated network operated by dozens of different companies.

Rail Travel in Switzerland World-Famous Panoramic Trains Through the Alps

SBB/CFF/FFS (Swiss Federal Railways)

The national railway operates the main intercity network and most urban S-Bahn systems.

Aspect	Details
Ownership	Federal government (100% state-owned)
Network	~3,200 km (60% of Swiss railways)
Train Types	InterCity (IC), InterRegio (IR), RegioExpress (RE), S-Bahn
Key Routes	Zurich-Bern-Geneva, Zurich-Basel, Zurich-Lugano (Gotthard), Basel-Milan
Eurail/Interrail	VALID
Website	sbb.ch

SBB Strengths:

Legendary punctuality
Modern, clean trains
Excellent app and online booking
Seamless connections to private railways
Integrated ticketing with all Swiss transport

Major Private Railways

Unlike most countries, Swiss private railways are not competitors — they are partners, extending the network into regions SBB does not serve.

Rhaetian Railway (RhB)

The most famous Swiss private railway, operating in the canton of Graubünden.

Aspect	Details
Network	384 km of narrow-gauge track
Famous Routes	Bernina Express, Glacier Express (partial), Albula Line
UNESCO Status	Albula and Bernina lines are World Heritage
Gauge	Narrow gauge (1,000 mm)
Eurail/Interrail	VALID (reservation required for panoramic trains)
Website	rhb.ch

Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB)

Connects Zermatt to Disentis, including part of the Glacier Express route.

Aspect	Details
Network	144 km
Famous Routes	Glacier Express (partial), Zermatt access
Key Destinations	Zermatt, Andermatt, Disentis
Gauge	Narrow gauge (1,000 mm), rack-and-pinion sections
Eurail/Interrail	VALID (reservation required for Glacier Express)
Website	matterhorngotthardbahn.ch

BLS

Major private railway serving the Bernese Oberland and operating the Lötschberg route.

Aspect	Details
Network	420 km
Famous Routes	Lötschberg route, Bern-Interlaken, Bern-Spiez-Brig
Key Destinations	Interlaken, Spiez, Thun, Kandersteg
Gauge	Standard gauge (1,435 mm)
Eurail/Interrail	VALID
Website	bls.ch

Zentralbahn

Connects Lucerne to Interlaken via the Brünig Pass.

Aspect	Details
Network	99 km
Famous Routes	Lucerne-Interlaken Express
Key Destinations	Lucerne, Engelberg, Interlaken
Gauge	Narrow gauge (1,000 mm)
Eurail/Interrail	VALID
Website	zentralbahn.ch

MOB (Montreux-Oberland Bernois)

Operates the GoldenPass line between Montreux and the Bernese Oberland.

Aspect	Details
Network	75 km
Famous Routes	GoldenPass Express, GoldenPass Panoramic
Key Destinations	Montreux, Gstaad, Zweisimmen
Gauge	Narrow gauge (1,000 mm)
Eurail/Interrail	VALID (reservation required for panoramic trains)
Website	goldenpass.ch

Jungfrau Railways

The railways of the Jungfrau region — including the famous Jungfraujoch.

Aspect	Details
Famous Routes	Jungfraujoch (“Top of Europe”), Schynige Platte
Key Destinations	Kleine Scheidegg, Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald
Note	Jungfraujoch is NOT free with Swiss Travel Pass (25% discount only)
Website	jungfrau.ch

Other Notable Private Railways

Railway	Route	Notes
Appenzeller Bahnen (AB)	Appenzell region	Charming narrow-gauge network
Rhône-Alpes (TMR)	Martigny-Chamonix (Mont Blanc Express)	Cross-border to France
Chemin de fer Montreux-Glion-Rochers-de-Naye	Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye	Mountain panorama
Gornergrat Bahn	Zermatt to Gornergrat	Matterhorn views, highest open-air railway in Europe
Pilatus Railway	Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm	World’s steepest cogwheel railway (48% gradient)
Rigi Railways	Vitznau/Arth-Goldau to Rigi	First mountain railway in Europe (1871)

The Integration Principle

What makes Switzerland unique is how these operators work together:

Single Ticketing: One ticket covers all operators on your route
Coordinated Timetables: Connections are designed to work — trains wait for connecting services
Universal Pass Acceptance: Swiss Travel Pass works on nearly everything
Shared Information: The SBB app shows all operators’ services

You do not need to know which company operates your train. Just buy a ticket and go.

Train Types: A Complete Guide

Swiss trains are categorized by speed and stopping pattern, not by operator.

Long-Distance Trains

InterCity (IC) / EuroCity (EC)

The fastest domestic (IC) and international (EC) trains.

Feature	Details
Speed	Up to 200 km/h
Routes	Major city connections
Stops	Major stations only
Classes	1st Class, 2nd Class
Amenities	Restaurant/bistro car, power outlets, Wi-Fi
Reservation	Not required (recommended on busy routes)
Best For	Fast intercity travel

Examples:

IC1: Geneva-Bern-Zurich (hourly)
IC8: Brig-Bern-Zurich (hourly)
EC: Zurich-Milan (Gotthard route)

InterRegio (IR)

Fast trains with more stops than IC.

Feature	Details
Speed	Up to 160 km/h
Routes	Regional intercity connections
Stops	More frequent than IC
Classes	1st Class, 2nd Class
Reservation	Not required
Best For	Connections to medium-sized cities

ICE/TGV (International High-Speed)

German ICE and French TGV trains serve Switzerland.

Feature	Details
Speed	Up to 320 km/h (on foreign high-speed tracks)
Routes	Zurich-Frankfurt, Zurich-Paris, Basel-Paris
Reservation	Mandatory
Best For	International travel

Regional Trains

RegioExpress (RE)

Faster regional trains.

Feature	Details
Speed	Up to 140 km/h
Routes	Regional connections
Stops	Selected stations
Reservation	Not required
Best For	Regional exploration

Regio (R)

Local stopping trains.

Feature	Details
Speed	Up to 100 km/h
Routes	Local connections
Stops	All stations
Reservation	Not required
Best For	Reaching small towns

S-Bahn

Urban and suburban rail networks.

Feature	Details
Networks	Zurich, Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Ticino
Frequency	Every 10-30 minutes
Reservation	Not required
Best For	Urban and suburban transport

Panoramic Trains

Switzerland’s famous panoramic trains are not separate train types — they are special services with reserved seating and panoramic windows.

Train	Route	Duration	Reservation
Glacier Express	Zermatt ↔ St. Moritz	8 hours	Mandatory
Bernina Express	Chur/Davos ↔ Tirano (Italy)	4 hours	Mandatory
GoldenPass Express	Interlaken ↔ Montreux	3 hours	Mandatory
GoldenPass Panoramic	Montreux ↔ Zweisimmen	2 hours	Mandatory
Gotthard Panorama Express	Lucerne ↔ Lugano (boat + train)	5.5 hours	Mandatory
Voralpen Express	St. Gallen ↔ Lucerne	2.5 hours	Not required
Luzern-Interlaken Express	Lucerne ↔ Interlaken	2 hours	Not required

Important: You can often travel the same routes on regular trains without reservations — you just miss the panoramic windows and commentary.

The Network: Key Routes and Journey Times

Despite its small size and mountainous terrain, Switzerland’s railway network connects all major cities with remarkable efficiency.

From Zurich

Destination	Distance	Duration	Frequency
Bern	120 km	56 min	Every 30 min
Basel	87 km	53 min	Every 30 min
Geneva	280 km	2h 42min	Every 30 min
Lucerne	52 km	45 min	Every 30 min
Lugano	220 km	1h 58min (via Gotthard Base Tunnel)	Hourly
St. Gallen	85 km	1h 05min	Hourly
Interlaken	115 km	1h 55min	Hourly
Chur	120 km	1h 15min	Hourly
Zermatt	240 km	3h 20min	Every 1-2 hours

From Geneva

Destination	Distance	Duration	Frequency
Lausanne	60 km	33-44 min	Every 15 min
Bern	160 km	1h 56min	Every 30 min
Zurich	280 km	2h 42min	Every 30 min
Montreux	95 km	1h 05min	Every 30 min
Zermatt	235 km	3h 35min	Every 1-2 hours
Chamonix (France)	85 km	2h 15min	Several daily

From Bern

Destination	Distance	Duration	Frequency
Zurich	120 km	56 min	Every 30 min
Geneva	160 km	1h 56min	Every 30 min
Basel	100 km	55 min	Every 30 min
Interlaken	55 km	52 min	Every 30 min
Lucerne	90 km	1h 00min	Hourly
Brig	95 km	1h 06min	Every 30 min

Mountain Destinations

From	To	Duration	Route
Interlaken	Jungfraujoch	2h 10min	Via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen
Zermatt	Gornergrat	33 min	Gornergrat Bahn
Lucerne	Pilatus Kulm	30 min + 30 min	Boat + world’s steepest cogwheel
Montreux	Rochers-de-Naye	55 min	Rack railway
Chur	Arosa	1 hour	Arosa Line
Vitznau	Rigi Kulm	35 min	Europe’s first mountain railway

The Price: Swiss Quality, Swiss Prices

Swiss trains are expensive — among the most expensive in Europe. But they are also among the best.

Standard Ticket Prices (Examples)

Route	2nd Class	1st Class
Zurich → Bern	CHF 51	CHF 89
Zurich → Geneva	CHF 92	CHF 161
Zurich → Lugano	CHF 66	CHF 115
Zurich → Interlaken	CHF 72	CHF 126
Geneva → Zermatt	CHF 94	CHF 164
Bern → Lucerne	CHF 38	CHF 67

Supersaver Tickets

SBB offers discounted advance-purchase tickets.

Discount Level	Advance Booking	Flexibility
Supersaver	1-60 days ahead	Non-refundable, specific train
Supersaver Light	Often last-minute deals	Very limited

Example savings:

Zurich → Geneva: CHF 92 standard → CHF 29-52 Supersaver

Day Pass

Ticket	Price	Coverage
Tageskarte (Day Pass)	CHF 75 (2nd) / CHF 127 (1st)	Unlimited travel on one day
Spartageskarte	CHF 39-52 (when available)	Limited availability, advance purchase

Half-Fare Card (Halbtax)

The most popular option for frequent travelers.

Feature	Details
Price	CHF 185/year
Benefit	50% off all public transport (trains, buses, boats, most mountain railways)
Best For	Travelers spending 1+ week in Switzerland or making multiple visits

Example Value:

Zurich → Geneva round trip: CHF 184 full price → CHF 92 with Half-Fare Card
Card pays for itself in one round trip!

Supersaver + Half-Fare Combination

Yes, you can combine them:

Buy a Half-Fare Card (CHF 185)
Then buy Supersaver tickets at half price
Example: Zurich-Geneva Supersaver CHF 29 → CHF 14.50 with Half-Fare

The Swiss Travel Pass: Everything Included

The Swiss Travel Pass is the ultimate ticket for tourists — and often the best value for visitors.

What’s Included

Included	Details
All Trains	SBB, RhB, BLS, MGB, Zentralbahn, MOB, and most private railways
All Buses	PostBus network (covers areas without trains)
All Boats	Lake steamers on major lakes (Zurich, Lucerne, Geneva, Thun, Brienz, etc.)
City Transport	Trams, buses, and metros in 90+ cities
Many Mountain Railways	Free on some, 50% off on others
Museums	Free entry to 500+ museums

What’s NOT Fully Included (Discounts Apply)

Attraction	Swiss Travel Pass Discount
Jungfraujoch	25% off
Gornergrat	50% off
Schilthorn	50% off
Pilatus	50% off (free in one direction with Golden Round Trip)
Rigi	Free
Stanserhorn	50% off
Most cable cars and funiculars	50% off

Swiss Travel Pass Prices (2024)

Duration	2nd Class	1st Class
3 consecutive days	CHF 244	CHF 387
4 consecutive days	CHF 295	CHF 469
6 consecutive days	CHF 389	CHF 617
8 consecutive days	CHF 425	CHF 675
15 consecutive days	CHF 479	CHF 759

Swiss Travel Pass Flex

Non-consecutive days within one month.

Duration	2nd Class	1st Class
3 days in 1 month	CHF 281	CHF 445
4 days in 1 month	CHF 340	CHF 539
6 days in 1 month	CHF 448	CHF 710
8 days in 1 month	CHF 489	CHF 776
15 days in 1 month	CHF 549	CHF 871

Is the Swiss Travel Pass Worth It?

YES, if:

You are visiting for 4+ days
You plan to travel extensively
You will use boats and mountain railways
You want simplicity (no buying tickets)
You will visit museums

MAYBE NOT, if:

You are staying in one place
You only need 1-2 train journeys
You can book Supersaver tickets in advance
You already have a Half-Fare Card

Example Calculation (8 days):

Without pass:

Zurich → Lucerne: CHF 25
Lucerne → Interlaken (Golden Pass): CHF 38
Interlaken → Jungfraujoch: CHF 211
Interlaken → Bern: CHF 30
Bern → Montreux: CHF 45
Montreux → Zermatt: CHF 80
Zermatt → Gornergrat: CHF 98
Zermatt → Geneva: CHF 94
Various city transport, boats: CHF 60+
Museums: CHF 50+
Total: ~CHF 730+

With Swiss Travel Pass (8 days, 2nd class):

Pass: CHF 425
Jungfraujoch (25% off): CHF 158
Gornergrat (50% off): CHF 49
Total: CHF 632

The pass saves money AND provides unlimited flexibility.

Rail Passes: All Your Options

Eurail / Interrail Switzerland Pass

For non-European (Eurail) or European (Interrail) visitors.

Duration	2nd Class (Adult)
3 days	~€195
4 days	~€225
6 days	~€290
8 days	~€340

What’s Covered:

SBB and most private railways
Reservation fees extra for panoramic trains

What’s NOT Covered:

Mountain excursions (Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat, etc.) — no discount
Most cable cars
Boats (some discounts may apply)
City transport

Eurail/Interrail vs. Swiss Travel Pass

Feature	Swiss Travel Pass	Eurail/Interrail
Trains	✓ All included	✓ Most included
Buses (PostBus)	✓ Free	✗ Not included
Boats	✓ Free	✗ Limited/no coverage
City transport	✓ Free in 90+ cities	✗ Not included
Mountain railways	✓ Free or 50% off	✗ Not included
Museums	✓ 500+ free	✗ Not included
Price (8 days)	CHF 425 (~€440)	~€340

Verdict: For Switzerland-only travel, the Swiss Travel Pass offers far better value despite the higher sticker price. The boats, buses, city transport, mountain discounts, and museums add up quickly.

For multi-country travel, consider a Eurail Global Pass plus a Swiss Travel Pass for your Switzerland days, or budget separately for Swiss additions.

Eurail Global Pass

Duration	2nd Class
4 days in 1 month	~€295
5 days in 1 month	~€335
7 days in 1 month	~€410
15 days in 2 months	~€545

If Switzerland is part of a larger European trip, the Global Pass works on Swiss trains but you will pay extra for everything else the Swiss Travel Pass covers.

Scenic Routes: The World-Famous Journeys

Switzerland’s scenic trains are legendary — but understanding how they work helps you get the best value.

1. Glacier Express: Zermatt ↔ St. Moritz

The Route: “The slowest express train in the world” — 8 hours across the Swiss Alps.

Details
Distance	291 km
Duration	7h 52min
Bridges	291
Tunnels	91
Highest Point	Oberalp Pass (2,033m)
Operators	Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn + Rhaetian Railway
Train Type	Panoramic coaches with glass roofs
Scenery	★★★★★

The Journey:

Zermatt: Depart beneath the Matterhorn
Täsch-Visp: Descend through the Matter Valley
Brig: Major junction, change direction
Andermatt: Heart of the Swiss Alps
Oberalp Pass: Highest point, source of the Rhine
Disentis: Romansh-speaking Switzerland
Chur: Oldest city in Switzerland
Thusis-Filisur: Through the Albula gorge
St. Moritz: Glamorous resort arrival

Pricing:

Component	Price
Regular train ticket	CHF 153 (2nd class) / CHF 270 (1st class)
Panoramic seat reservation	CHF 49 (summer) / CHF 39 (winter)
Total without pass	CHF 202-319
With Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 0 (ticket) + CHF 49 (reservation) = CHF 49

Pro Tips:

Book months ahead for summer (June-September)
Morning departure from either end catches best light
Lunch is served at your seat (book ahead)
Sit on the RIGHT side from Zermatt for the best views
You can break the journey — the ticket allows stopovers

2. Bernina Express: Chur/Davos ↔ Tirano (Italy)

The Route: UNESCO World Heritage — from glaciers to palm trees.

Details
Distance	144 km (Chur-Tirano)
Duration	4 hours
Highest Point	Ospizio Bernina (2,253m) — highest railway crossing in the Alps
UNESCO Status	Albula and Bernina lines are World Heritage
Operators	Rhaetian Railway
Train Type	Panoramic coaches
Scenery	★★★★★

The Journey:

Chur/Davos: Depart from the Graubünden capital or ski resort
Filisur: Famous Landwasser Viaduct (the iconic curved bridge)
Albula Tunnel: Engineering marvel through the mountain
Samedan-St. Moritz: Engadin valley, glamorous resort
Bernina Pass: Alpine lakes, glaciers, 2,253m summit
Poschiavo: Italian-speaking Switzerland
Tirano: Italian border town, palm trees

Pricing:

Component	Price
Regular train ticket (Chur-Tirano)	CHF 64 (2nd class) / CHF 112 (1st class)
Panoramic seat reservation	CHF 16-22
Total without pass	CHF 80-134
With Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 0 (ticket) + CHF 16 (reservation) = CHF 16

Pro Tips:

The Bernina Express runs year-round (Glacier Express has winter closures on some sections)
Sit on the LEFT from Chur for the Landwasser Viaduct
Continue to Lugano on the connecting Bernina Express Bus (included with pass)
Regular trains cover the same route without panoramic windows — much cheaper reservation (CHF 0)

The Budget Alternative:
Ride regular RhB trains on the same route:

No panoramic windows (but windows are still large)
No reservation required
Same stunning scenery
Free with Swiss Travel Pass, no supplement

3. GoldenPass Line: Lucerne ↔ Interlaken ↔ Montreux

The Route: Three lakes, three passes, three language regions.

Details
Distance	~200 km (full route)
Duration	~5.5 hours (with change at Interlaken)
Sections	Lucerne-Interlaken (Zentralbahn) + Interlaken-Montreux (BLS/MOB)
Train Types	Luzern-Interlaken Express + GoldenPass Express
Scenery	★★★★★

Note: Since December 2022, the new GoldenPass Express runs direct from Interlaken to Montreux using gauge-changing technology — no change required.

The Journey:

Lucerne: Depart lakeside, Chapel Bridge views
Brünig Pass: Rack railway section, climb to 1,008m
Meiringen: Sherlock Holmes country, Reichenbach Falls
Lake Brienz: Stunning turquoise lake
Interlaken: Between two lakes, Jungfrau backdrop
Spiez: Thun lake views, castle
Zweisimmen: Gauge change point (GoldenPass Express)
Gstaad: Glamorous ski resort
Château-d’Oex: Balloon capital, cheese country
Montreux: Riviera elegance, Lake Geneva

Pricing:

Segment	Regular Ticket (2nd class)	With Swiss Travel Pass
Lucerne-Interlaken	CHF 37	Free
Interlaken-Montreux (GoldenPass Express)	CHF 56 + CHF 15 reservation	Free + CHF 15 reservation
Total	~CHF 108	CHF 15

Pro Tips:

The GoldenPass Express requires reservation; book ahead
Alternatively, take regular trains (no reservation, same route)
The Lucerne-Interlaken section is spectacular and requires no reservation
Combine with a lake cruise for the ultimate experience

4. Gotthard Panorama Express: Lucerne ↔ Lugano

The Route: Boat and train across the heart of Switzerland.

Details
Distance	~150 km
Duration	~5.5 hours
Components	Boat (Lucerne-Flüelen) + Train (Flüelen-Lugano)
Historic Route	The classic Gotthard Pass crossing
Scenery	★★★★★

The Journey:

Lucerne: Board the paddle steamer on Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne Cruise: 2.5 hours past Rütli Meadow (birthplace of Switzerland), Tell Chapel
Flüelen: Board the panoramic train
Gotthard Pass Route: Historic mountain line (not the new base tunnel)
Wassen: See the famous church three times at different levels
Airolo: Italian-speaking Switzerland begins
Bellinzona: Castles and palms
Lugano: Mediterranean lakeside arrival

Pricing:

Component	Price
Regular ticket	CHF 72 (2nd class)
Seat reservation	CHF 39-49
Total without pass	CHF 111-121
With Swiss Travel Pass	CHF 0 (ticket) + CHF 39 (reservation) = CHF 39

Pro Tips:

Runs summer only (May-October)
Book the first-class boat section for better views
Sit on the RIGHT from Flüelen for the best views
The historic Gotthard route is different from the regular train (which uses the base tunnel)

5. Centovalli Railway: Locarno ↔ Domodossola (Italy)

The Route: Through the “Valley of a Hundred Valleys.”

Details
Distance	52 km
Duration	2 hours
Bridges	83
Tunnels	31
Countries	Switzerland + Italy
Scenery	★★★★★

The Journey:

Locarno: Mediterranean atmosphere, palm trees
Centovalli: Wild gorges, chestnut forests, stone villages
Camedo: Swiss-Italian border
Valle Vigezzo: “Valley of Painters” in Italy
Domodossola: Italian market town

Pricing:

Component	Price
Regular ticket	CHF 38-44
With Swiss Travel Pass	Free to Swiss border, ~€15 for Italian section
With Eurail/Interrail Global	Free entire route

6. Voralpen Express: St. Gallen ↔ Lucerne

The Route: Through the Pre-Alps with lake crossings.

Details
Distance	127 km
Duration	2h 15min
Highlights	Lake Zurich crossing, Säntis views, Toggenburg valley
Scenery	★★★★
Reservation	Not required

With Swiss Travel Pass: Free, no reservation needed.

7. Other Notable Scenic Routes

Route	Highlights	Duration
Rhône Valley (Brig-Geneva via Montreux)	Vineyards, Rhône valley, Lake Geneva	2h 30min
Gotthard Base Tunnel Route (Zurich-Lugano)	Fast and efficient, less scenic	2h
Arosa Line (Chur-Arosa)	Mountain climb, viaducts	1h
Brienz Rothorn Bahn	Steam railway to summit	1h
Schynige Platte	Historic railway above Interlaken	52min

Mountain Railways: Beyond the Panoramic Trains

Switzerland’s mountain railways deserve special attention — they are integral to the Swiss experience.

Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe

Feature	Details
Summit	3,454m — highest railway station in Europe
From Interlaken	2h 10min (via Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen)
Price (from Interlaken)	CHF 211-247 (2nd class round trip)
Swiss Travel Pass	25% discount
Highlights	Aletsch Glacier, Sphinx Observatory, Ice Palace

Is It Worth the Price?
Yes — on a clear day. Check the Jungfrau webcam before going. If clouds cover the top, save your money.

Gornergrat — Matterhorn Views

Feature	Details
Summit	3,089m
From Zermatt	33 minutes
Price (round trip)	CHF 98 (2nd class)
Swiss Travel Pass	50% discount
Highlights	Matterhorn views, Monte Rosa, Gorner Glacier

Pilatus — World’s Steepest Cogwheel

Feature	Details
Summit	2,128m
From Lucerne	1.5 hours (boat + train) or cable car
Gradient	48% — steepest cogwheel railway in the world
Golden Round Trip	Boat up, cogwheel train down (or reverse)
Swiss Travel Pass	Covers boat; 50% off mountain sections

Rigi — Queen of the Mountains

Feature	Details
Summit	1,798m
From Lucerne	1.5 hours (boat + rack railway)
Historic Note	First mountain railway in Europe (1871)
Swiss Travel Pass	Fully included

Schilthorn — James Bond Location

Feature	Details
Summit	2,970m
From Interlaken	2 hours (train + cable cars)
Famous For	Piz Gloria rotating restaurant (James Bond “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”)
Price	CHF 108 (round trip from Stechelberg)
Swiss Travel Pass	50% discount

Regional Guide: Switzerland by Area

Zurich and Eastern Switzerland

The economic heart of Switzerland.

Hub	Key Connections	Notes
Zurich HB	All major Swiss cities, international to Germany/Austria	Largest station in Switzerland
Winterthur	25 min from Zurich	Industrial heritage, museums
St. Gallen	1h 05min from Zurich	Abbey (UNESCO), Appenzell gateway
Schaffhausen	40 min from Zurich	Rhine Falls nearby

Eastern Highlights:

Rhine Falls (Schaffhausen) — Europe’s largest waterfall
Appenzell — traditional Swiss culture, cheese, hiking
St. Gallen Abbey Library — one of the world’s oldest libraries

Bern and the Bernese Oberland

The postcard heart of Switzerland.

Hub	Key Connections	Notes
Bern	Geneva (2h), Zurich (1h), Interlaken (1h)	Capital, UNESCO old town
Interlaken	Bern (1h), Lucerne (2h)	Gateway to Jungfrau region
Grindelwald	Interlaken (35min)	Mountain village, Eiger views
Lauterbrunnen	Interlaken (20min)	Valley of 72 waterfalls
Wengen/Mürren	Car-free mountain villages	Stunning Jungfrau views

Bernese Oberland Highlights:

Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe
Schilthorn — James Bond panorama
Grindelwald First — adventure activities
Lauterbrunnen — waterfalls everywhere
Harder Kulm — Interlaken viewpoint

Lucerne and Central Switzerland

Lakes, mountains, and Swiss legend.

Hub	Key Connections	Notes
Lucerne	Zurich (45min), Bern (1h), Interlaken (2h)	Chapel Bridge, Mt. Pilatus
Engelberg	Lucerne (1h)	Titlis glacier
Vitznau/Weggis	Lake Lucerne	Rigi access

Central Switzerland Highlights:

Pilatus — Golden Round Trip
Rigi — Queen of the Mountains
Titlis — Year-round glacier
Lake Lucerne steamers
Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Geneva and Lake Geneva

French-speaking Switzerland with Mediterranean flair.

Hub	Key Connections	Notes
Geneva	Paris (3h TGV), Lyon (2h)	UN, CERN, lakeside elegance
Lausanne	Geneva (33min), Bern (1h)	Olympic capital, university city
Montreux	Geneva (1h)	Jazz festival, Château de Chillon
Vevey	Montreux (10min)	Chaplin’s World, Nestlé HQ

Lake Geneva Highlights:

Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO) — train along the terraces
Château de Chillon — lakeside castle
Rochers-de-Naye — mountain railway from Montreux
Geneva’s Old Town and Jet d’Eau

Valais and Zermatt

The highest Alps and the Matterhorn.

Hub	Key Connections	Notes
Brig	Bern (1h), Milan (2h)	Junction for Simplon and Matterhorn routes
Zermatt	Brig (1h 20min)	Car-free, Matterhorn village
Leukerbad	Brig (45min)	Thermal spa resort

Valais Highlights:

Zermatt and the Matterhorn
Gornergrat — best Matterhorn views
Glacier Express (starts/ends here)
Aletsch Glacier — longest in the Alps

Graubünden (Grisons)

The largest canton — Romansh culture and world-class skiing.

Hub	Key Connections	Notes
Chur	Zurich (1h 15min)	Oldest city in Switzerland
St. Moritz	Chur (2h)	Glamorous ski resort
Davos	Chur (1h 30min)	World Economic Forum, skiing
Pontresina	Near St. Moritz	Hiking base

Graubünden Highlights:

Bernina Express
Glacier Express (partial)
St. Moritz glamour
Engadin valley
Arosa and Lenzerheide skiing

Ticino (Italian Switzerland)

Mediterranean Switzerland south of the Alps.

Hub	Key Connections	Notes
Lugano	Zurich (2h Gotthard), Milan (1h)	Lakeside, palm trees
Locarno	Lugano (1h)	Piazza Grande, Centovalli
Bellinzona	Junction point	Three castles (UNESCO)

Ticino Highlights:

Centovalli Railway
Lake Lugano boat trips
Bellinzona castles
Gandria — lakeside village
Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore

Basel

Where Switzerland meets France and Germany.

Hub	Key Connections	Notes
Basel SBB	Zurich (53min), Paris (3h), Frankfurt (3h)	Swiss side
Basel Badischer Bahnhof	German side	For German trains
Basel SNCF	French side	For French TGV

Basel Highlights:

Three countries at one point (Dreiländereck)
World-class museums (Kunstmuseum, Fondation Beyeler)
Rhine swimming
Medieval Old Town

International Connections

Switzerland is superbly connected to neighboring countries.

France

Route	Duration	Operator	Frequency
Geneva → Paris	3h 05min	TGV Lyria	8+ daily
Basel → Paris	3h 03min	TGV Lyria	5+ daily
Zurich → Paris	4h 03min	TGV Lyria	5+ daily
Geneva → Lyon	1h 50min	TGV Lyria	Multiple daily

TGV Lyria Tips:

Reservation mandatory
Swiss Travel Pass holders get passholder fares (supplement required)
Book early for best prices

Germany

Route	Duration	Operator	Frequency
Zurich → Munich	4h 30min	EC	4+ daily
Zurich → Frankfurt	4h	ICE	5+ daily
Zurich → Stuttgart	2h 45min	ICE	Multiple daily
Basel → Frankfurt	3h	ICE	Hourly
Basel → Freiburg	45min	Regional	Very frequent

Germany Tips:

ICE trains from Frankfurt/Stuttgart/Munich
Reservations recommended but not always mandatory
Swiss Travel Pass valid to Swiss border, then German ticket needed (or Eurail)

Italy

Route	Duration	Operator	Frequency
Zurich → Milan	3h 20min	EC	Hourly
Bern → Milan	3h	EC	Multiple daily
Geneva → Milan	4h	EC	Multiple daily
Lugano → Milan	1h 10min	EC/Regional	Very frequent

Italy Tips:

Gotthard Base Tunnel route is fastest
Ceneri Base Tunnel (2020) improved Ticino connections
Book cross-border tickets early for best prices

Austria

Route	Duration	Operator	Frequency
Zurich → Innsbruck	3h 15min	Railjet	5+ daily
Zurich → Vienna	7h 30min	Railjet	3+ daily
Zurich → Salzburg	5h 15min	EC/Railjet	4+ daily

Liechtenstein

Route	Duration	Notes
Sargans → Vaduz	25min bus	No railway in Liechtenstein
Buchs → Vaduz	20min bus	Bus covered by Swiss Travel Pass

Night Trains

Switzerland connects to Europe’s night train network, primarily via Austrian ÖBB Nightjet.

Nightjet Routes from Switzerland

Route	Departure	Arrival	Accommodation
Zurich → Vienna	Evening	Morning	Seats, couchettes, sleepers
Zurich → Berlin	Evening	Morning	Seats, couchettes, sleepers
Zurich → Hamburg	Evening	Morning	Seats, couchettes, sleepers
Zurich → Amsterdam	Evening	Morning	Couchettes, sleepers
Basel → Berlin	Evening	Morning	Various

Swiss Travel Pass and Night Trains

Swiss section of the journey is covered
Night train supplement and accommodation fees apply
Book through ÖBB (nightjet.com) or SBB

Practical Tips for Swiss Train Travel

Buying Tickets

SBB Website and App (Recommended):

sbb.ch — excellent English version
SBB Mobile app — best in class, real-time info, mobile tickets
Tickets can be bought minutes before departure
Supersaver tickets available up to 60 days ahead

At the Station:

Ticket machines (excellent English interface)
Ticket counters (service charge may apply)
Accept cash (CHF) and cards

Pro Tips:

Download SBB Mobile — it is essential
Buy Supersaver tickets early for long journeys
Day of travel: use the app for last-minute tickets

The Taktfahrplan (Regular-Interval Timetable)

Swiss trains run on a Taktfahrplan — regular-interval timetable. Key principle:

Trains depart at the same minutes past the hour, every hour
Example: Zurich-Bern departs at :02 and :32 every hour
Connections are designed to work at junction stations
You rarely need to check timetables — just go to the station

Station Navigation

Swiss stations are clean, well-organized, and multilingual.

Key Terms:

“Abfahrt/Départ/Partenza” = Departure
“Ankunft/Arrivée/Arrivo” = Arrival
“Gleis/Voie/Binario” = Platform
“Ausgang/Sortie/Uscita” = Exit
“Billette/Billets/Biglietti” = Tickets

Major Station Notes:

Zurich HB:

Largest station in Switzerland
Underground shopping mall (ShopVille)
Trains depart from multiple levels
Allow 5-10 minutes to find your platform

Bern:

Central location in old town
Well-organized, easy to navigate

Geneva:

Cornavin station, city center
French influence — TGV departures here

On the Train

Finding Your Seat:

Car and seat numbers displayed on reservation
Displays in cars show reservations by segment
Unreserved seating is plentiful on most trains

Classes:

2nd Class: Comfortable, often 2+2 seating
1st Class: More space, usually 2+1 seating, quieter

Amenities:

Power outlets at most seats
Wi-Fi on most long-distance trains
Restaurant/bistro car on IC/EC trains
Clean toilets

Luggage:

Overhead racks and end-of-car storage
No weight limits
Bikes require reservation on some trains

Punctuality

Swiss punctuality is legendary — and real.

Metric	Performance
Within 3 minutes of schedule	~92%
Within 5 minutes	~97%
Cancellation rate	<1%

If Delays Happen:

Announcements in German/French/Italian (and often English)
SBB app shows real-time delays
Connections usually wait for delayed feeder trains
Staff will help rebooking if you miss connections

Weather Considerations

Winter (December-March):

Mountain lines may close temporarily (avalanche danger, snow)
Glacier Express: Some sections may close in winter
Gornergrat, Jungfraujoch: Operate year-round but check conditions
Delays more likely during heavy snowfall

Summer (June-August):

Peak tourist season — book panoramic trains early
All routes fully operational
Best weather for mountain excursions

Language

Four national languages, but English is widely understood.

Region	Language	Notes
Zurich, Bern, Lucerne	German (Swiss German)	Announcements in German
Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux	French	Announcements in French
Lugano, Locarno	Italian	Announcements in Italian
Engadin, Surselva	Romansh + German	Bilingual signage

Station staff and train conductors almost always speak English.

Currency

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), not the Euro.

Credit cards accepted almost everywhere
ATMs widely available
Some tourist areas accept Euros (at poor exchange rates)
Mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) works well

Classes of Service: What to Choose

2nd Class vs. 1st Class

Feature	2nd Class	1st Class
Seating	2+2 (4 across)	2+1 (3 across)
Legroom	Good	More
Noise Level	Busier	Quieter
Crowd Level	More crowded	Less crowded
Price	Standard	~70% more

Is 1st Class Worth It?

For short trips (under 1 hour): Probably not — 2nd class is comfortable.

For longer journeys (2+ hours): 1st class offers noticeably more peace and space.

For panoramic trains: 1st class panoramic coaches often have better views (larger windows, sometimes glass roofs).

Pro Tip: If traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass in peak season, 1st class is worthwhile — 2nd class can be crowded.

Panoramic Train Classes

Train	2nd Class	1st Class	Excellence Class
Glacier Express	Panoramic	Panoramic + meal	Private cabin, gourmet meal, champagne
Bernina Express	Panoramic	Panoramic, more space	N/A
GoldenPass	Panoramic	Panoramic, Prestige seats	N/A

Excellence Class (Glacier Express): Costs CHF 420+ but includes private cabin, gourmet meal, champagne, and dedicated service. A true luxury experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Buying the Swiss Travel Pass

For most tourists (4+ days), the Swiss Travel Pass offers extraordinary value. Calculate your likely trips before buying individual tickets.

2. Forgetting Panoramic Train Reservations

The Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Express require reservations. Swiss Travel Pass covers the journey but not the reservation fee.

3. Skipping the Regular Trains on Panoramic Routes

You can ride the Bernina or Glacier Express route on regular trains — same scenery, no reservation fee, and more flexibility. Consider mixing panoramic and regular services.

4. Not Checking Mountain Weather

Jungfraujoch costs CHF 200+ for a ticket. If it is cloudy, you see nothing. Check webcams before buying.

5. Underestimating Swiss Prices

Switzerland is expensive. Budget accordingly. The Swiss Travel Pass helps but Switzerland still costs more than neighboring countries.

6. Missing the Half-Fare Card Opportunity

If staying 1+ week and not buying a Swiss Travel Pass, the Half-Fare Card (CHF 185) pays for itself quickly and provides 50% off everything.

7. Not Using the SBB App

The SBB Mobile app is one of the best railway apps in the world. Download it before arriving.

8. Ignoring the Boats

Swiss boats are not just transport — they are experiences. Lake Lucerne steamers, Lake Geneva cruises, and Lake Thun boats are all included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

9. Assuming All Mountain Railways Are Free with Passes

Some mountain railways are fully covered by Swiss Travel Pass (Rigi), some are 50% off (Gornergrat, Pilatus), and some are only 25% off (Jungfraujoch). Check before you go.

10. Rushing

Swiss trains are so efficient that it is tempting to pack in too much. Slow down. Stop in small villages. Take the scenic routes. Switzerland rewards lingering.

Traveling with Bikes

Switzerland is very bike-friendly, and trains accommodate cyclists.

Bike Policies

Train Type	Bikes Allowed?	Reservation?	Cost
IC/EC	Yes	Required	CHF 14 (day pass)
IR/RE	Yes	Not required	CHF 14 (day pass)
S-Bahn	Yes (off-peak)	Not required	CHF 14 or local fare
Narrow-gauge (RhB, etc.)	Yes	Varies	Check locally
Panoramic trains	Limited/No	Check	Varies

Bike Day Pass

CHF 14 for all public transport on one day
Must be used with a valid passenger ticket
Folding bikes in bags travel free

Beyond Trains: The Integrated System

Swiss public transport is not just trains — it is a fully integrated system.

PostBus (Die Post)

Bright yellow PostBuses reach villages without railway stations.

Feature	Details
Network	900+ routes, 2,400+ km
Coverage	Mountain passes, remote valleys, everything trains miss
Swiss Travel Pass	Fully included
Famous Routes	Gotthard Pass, Julier Pass, Simplon Pass

Lake Steamers

Historic paddle steamers and modern boats on all major lakes.

Lake	Highlights	Swiss Travel Pass
Lake Lucerne	Paddle steamers, mountain views, Rütli Meadow	Free
Lake Geneva	Largest lake, French Alps views	Free
Lake Zurich	City to countryside	Free
Lake Thun & Brienz	Bernese Oberland scenery	Free
Lake Lugano	Italian atmosphere	Free
Lake Constance	Three countries	Free

Cable Cars and Funiculars

Over 60 mountain railways, funiculars, and cable cars are included or discounted with Swiss Travel Pass.

The Best Swiss Train Journeys: A Summary

Journey	Why It’s Special
Glacier Express	8 hours across the Alps, 291 bridges, 91 tunnels
Bernina Express	UNESCO World Heritage, glaciers to palm trees
GoldenPass	Three language regions, three passes, three lakes
Gotthard Panorama Express	Boat and train, historic route, Italian Switzerland
Luzern-Interlaken Express	Two stunning lakes, Brünig Pass
Centovalli	Wild gorges, Italy crossing, hidden gem
Jungfraujoch	Top of Europe, highest station in the Alps
Gornergrat	Best Matterhorn views, year-round snow
Rhine Falls	Europe’s largest waterfall, boat access
Lake Lucerne Steamer	Historic paddle steamer, mountain theater

Summary

Swiss railways are not just a transportation network. They are a national philosophy made manifest.

When a Swiss train departs at 07:32, it departs at 07:32. When the timetable says you have 4 minutes to change trains in Olten, you have 4 minutes — and it works. When the panoramic window frames a glacier, a lake, or a medieval village, it feels intentional, as if the entire railway were designed to be beautiful.

Because it was.

Switzerland invested in railways when other countries invested in highways. The result is a system where a car is genuinely unnecessary — where trains, buses, boats, and cable cars integrate so seamlessly that a single ticket can take you from Zurich airport to the Matterhorn, from the shore of Lake Geneva to the summit of the Jungfrau.

Yes, it is expensive. Swiss quality has Swiss prices. But the Swiss Travel Pass transforms the equation, turning what seems unaffordable into remarkable value. For CHF 425, you get eight days of unlimited travel on one of the world’s great railway networks — plus boats, buses, trams, and mountain railway discounts.

The Glacier Express takes 8 hours to cover 291 kilometers. It is called the “slowest express train in the world” — and that is the point. Speed is not the only value. Sometimes the journey matters as much as the destination.

The Bernina Express climbs from 436 meters to 2,253 meters, from Italian palm trees to Alpine glaciers, crossing the highest railway pass in the Alps. UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage site not because it was fast, but because it was beautiful.

Even the ordinary trains are extraordinary. The commuter train from Bern to Thun passes a lake so perfect it seems painted. The S-Bahn from Zurich to the airport skirts the edge of the Alps. The regional train from Montreux to Martigny traverses vineyard terraces that are themselves a World Heritage site.

This is a country that built railways as if they were art, that ran them as if they were hospitals, and that priced them as if they were luxury goods (which, in a sense, they are).

And when the train rounds the curve and the Matterhorn appears, or the lake turns from blue to turquoise, or the village below looks exactly like the picture on the chocolate box — you understand why the Swiss built all of this, and why the world comes to ride it.

Ready to explore?