Trains 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.

Regional trains in Switzerland

The main rail network in Switzerland is made up of the following regional and intercity trains:

• RegioExpress trains link regional destinations with larger Swiss cities.

• Regio trains connect local towns. 

• InterCity trains link major Swiss cities like Basel and Geneva.

• InterRegio trains connect Zurich and Geneva with cities across the whole of Switzerland. These trains make more stops than InterCity trains.

• S-Bahn (suburban trains) is a network of trains that operate within most big cities. Your Interrail Pass is valid for the S-bahn.

High-speed trains in Switzerland

International high-speed trains in Switzerland 

These high-speed trains operate to and from Switzerland:

• ICE connects Switzerland to Germany and the Netherlands.

• RailJet connects Zurich with Vienna (Austria).

• EuroCity connects Zurich, Basel and Geneva to Milan (Italy).

• TGV connects Zurich, Basel and Geneva to Paris (France).

Domestic high-speed trains in Switzerland

Domestic high-speed Swiss trains are called InterCity Neigezug (ICN). ICN trains transport passengers quickly and in comfort from one side of the country to the other.

Night trains in and between Switzerland

International night trains

The following night trains connect Switzerland with Austria, Germany, Hungary, Croatia and Serbia.

• ÖBB Nightjet:
  Zurich – Basel - Berlin - Hamburg
  Zurich - Linz - Vienna

• EuroNight:
  Zurich – Graz (Austria)
  Zurich – Vienna (Austria) – Budapest (Hungary)

• D-train:
  Zurich – Villach (Austria) – Ljubljana (Slovenia) – Zagreb (Croatia) – Belgrade (Serbia)

Scenic train routes in Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for its beautiful scenic landscapes. The following scenic train routes offer special conditions for Interrail Pass Holders:

• Bernina Express: Chur - Lugano via Tirano (Italy)

• Chocolate train: Montreux - Broc-Chocolat

• Centovalli Railway: Locarno (Switzerland) - Domodossola (Italy) 

• Golden Pass: Luzern - Interlaken - Montreux

• Glacier Express: Davos/St. Moritz - Zermatt

• Gotthard Panorama Express: Luzern - Domodossola (Italy)
   

Private railway companies in Switzerland

The Swiss railway network is operated not only by the SBB. There are a lot of private railway companies as well. Some of these companies are included in your Interrail Pass while other companies offer discounted travel. 

With 1 rail pass you can enjoy travelling on Swiss trains without having to buy separate train tickets.

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 € 127

View Switzerland Passes

Interrail Global Pass

• Offers you rail travel in Switzerland and 30 more European countries.

• Youth, senior and family discounts available.

• Prices from € 208

View Global Passes

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

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:

• Bernina Express: Chur to Lugano via Tirano (Italy)

• Centovalli Railway: Locarno to Domodossola (Italy)

• Golden Pass: Lucerne to Interlaken then Montreux

See all Pass benefits in Switzerland

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

• Genève = Geneva

• Luzern = Lucerne

Route

Geneva > Golden Pass scenic route > Interlaken > Lucerne > Zurich > Glacier Express scenic route > Brig

1. Geneva: One of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities with French and Swiss influences.

2. Golden Pass scenic route: Be whisked along the glistening waters of Lake Geneva and through picturesque mountain towns in the heart of Switzerland.

3. Interlaken: A mountain paradise – visit the underground waterfalls or try outdoor activities like hiking, whitewater rafting or skiing.

4. Lucerne: Surrounded by breathtaking mountain sights and filled with medieval treasures.

5. Zurich: Switzerland's trendiest and most vibrant city and home to the hugely popular Street Parade.

6. Glacier Express scenic route: Weave through beautiful valleys and shiny mountain lakes with stops along the way at luxurious spa towns - experience the best of Switzerland from just one train!

7. Brig: A wonderful holiday hideout - go to the beautiful Stockalper Palace and the open-air thermal baths.

Pass suggestion

• Interrail Switzerland Pass

• Travel days needed: 6 days within 1 month

• Prices from € 189

View Interrail Switzerland Passes