Public transport in Switzerland

What forms of public transport are available in Switzerland?

Switzerland has a highly developed public transport network with several options:

Trains play a central role: the Swiss are European champions in terms of kilometres travelled per capita.
Trams and buses also play an important role, especially in urban and regional traffic.
Ski lifts are an essential asset for tourism in mountain regions.
Lake and river boats complete the public transport system.

There are over 250 public transport companies in Switzerland and 20 fare networks. The Confederation, cantons and communes subsidise public transport. The transport companies set their own fares for travelcards and tickets through the Alliance SwissPass organisation (website available in German, French and Italian).

How do you travel using public transport?

1 trip = 1 ticket

In Switzerland you can purchase one ticket for an entire journey, right up to your final destination, even if you use several different transport companies, and if your journey combines train, bus, tram and boat.

Where can I buy a ticket?

You can buy your ticket from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), another public transport company or a fare network:

at the counter,
at a ticket machine,
on the internet
on a mobile application (e.g. SBB or FAIRTIQ).

Are there travel discounts?

There are several travelcards for public transport, including the half fare travelcard , which gives you a 50% discount on tickets and day cards.

Reduced fares are also available if you purchase your ticket online (internet, mobile app) and in advance:

supersaver tickets on certain routes. Please note that these tickets are only valid on train for which you purchase them.
saver day passes.

There are a number of other special offers, especially for young people and groups.

With or without a reservation?

You do not need a reservation on Swiss trains, even on the major rail lines. However, you do need a reservation for sightseeing trains, such as the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express.

A ticket for your bike?

Find out more here if you plan to take your bike on a train. In addition to a ticket for your bike, you’ll need a reservation on certain routes. If you want to travel light, you can also register your luggage.

A ticket for your dog?

If you are travelling with a dog less than 30cm tall, it can travel free of charge in a basket or a crate. Larger dogs require a 2^nd class, half-fare train ticket. Day, monthly or annual passes are also available for dogs.

Some transport companies offer free transport for all dogs. Find out more before you travel.

Travelling with children

Children under the age of six travel free of charge on Swiss public transport.

With the Junior Travelcard (for parents) or the Children's Co-Travelcard (for anyone 16+), an accompanying child aged 6 to 15 can travel free of charge. You can purchase these travel cards at any railway station counter. They cost CHF 30 a year.

Some of the SBB’s major rail lines have trains with a family car and play area. New trains are equipped with changing tables.

Hassle-free travel

Access to public transport for persons with reduced mobility is limited. People with disabilities have the option of booking free assistance for boarding or disembarking or for a shuttle service to the nearest stop or station.

You can book free assistance services with the Contact Center Handicap online or at the toll-free number 0800 007 102 (from 5am to 12pm). The Contact Center Handicap also coordinates assistance for travel abroad. Make sure you book the services early enough.

You can check the accessibility of Swiss train stations and bus stops on the map for persons with reduced mobility.

What about traffic disruptions?

Disruptions to the rail network are announced in real time on the SBB online timetable, on public transport applications and at railway stations. You can check operations & disruptions to the rail network on the SBB website or on the SBB mobile app.

Strikes are very rare in Switzerland. However, your journey may be affected by a strike in neighbouring countries. For cross-border traffic, the SBB usually provides replacement trains on the Swiss section.

If you are at least one hour late on arrival, you are entitled to compensation. Alliance Swiss Pass explains your rights in the event of a delay (web page available in German, French and Italian) and how to claim your money back.

Further information

What about traffic disYou can check timetables, buy tickets (including supersaver tickets) and find out about any network disruptions on the SBB website or mobile app.ruptions?
Find out about saver day passes.
There is a wide selection of travelcards for public transport.
Find out more about the Junior Travelcard (for parents) and the Children's Co-Travelcard.
If you plan to travel with your bike.
Find out about how to register your luggage.
Different ticket options are available for travelling with dogs.
On getting a reimbursement in the event of a delay.
Contact the Public Transport Mediation Service (web page available in German and French) if you have a dispute with a transport company.
If you need assistance on public transport, contact the Contact Center Handicap.
You can check the accessibility of Swiss train stations and bus stops on the map for persons with reduced mobility.

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