Public Transport in Switzerland – Complete Guide for Travelers

Upon arrival in a new country, you obtain the seal in your passport, retrieve your luggage, and successfully navigate customs control. You then attempt to ascertain the operation of the public transportation system in the area in order to navigate to the metropolis.

However, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, and you may have a million concerns that you are unable to answer.

Is it advisable to reserve your train ticket in advance? Are railroads a viable option in this region, or are buses more prevalent? Should you purchase tickets as you travel, or would a travel pass be more cost-effective? Alternatively, would a road journey have been a more advantageous alternative?

That’s where this guide comes in. Upon completion of this section, you will possess an understanding of the public transportation system in Switzerland that is equivalent to or greater than that of the average Swiss individual.

Swiss Public Transport:

1. The public transport system of Switzerland

Public transportation in Switzerland is widespread, punctual, and efficient. The total length of the railway tracks that traverse this diminutive nation exceeds 5,300 kilometers (3,300 miles). That is a substantial amount.

That is the distance between Vancouver and Halifax. Alternatively, from Ushuaia to São Paulo. Alternatively, from Sydney to Cairns. Return. It is quite remarkable for a nation that is half the size of Lake Superior, is it not?

The network is approximately 29,000 kilometers (18,000 miles) in length and is comprised of all public transportation modes, including buses, railroads, and Postauto lines.

Check Also: Best Swiss Mountain Lakes – Stunning Alpine Gems

2. Means of public transport in Switzerland

1. Trains in Switzerland

A nation of superlatives in the realm of railroads is Switzerland. We are the only European nation that traverses as much ground on the railway tracks. We traversed an impressive 2.200 kilometers (1.360 miles) by train.

Furthermore, we have been the fortunate proprietors of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest railway tunnel, since summer 2016. It is 57 kilometers (35 miles) in length and has reduced the travel time between Zurich and the Canton of Ticino by 30 minutes, or 20%.

Trains are the most efficient and expedient method of transportation in Switzerland, as you may have already surmised. The crimson lines that traverse the country will be visible upon opening this map. They are the railway lines that are served by Intercity, Interregio, Regio, suburban trains, and mountain railways.

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), also known as CFF in French and FFS in Italian, is the primary train corporation. This complex network is completed by over 70 additional railway companies in addition to SBB. Switzerland boasts one of the most densely packed railway networks in the world.

2. Long distance buses in Switzerland

Switzerland does not have a significant number of long-distance transportation. The Swiss are a nation that is (proud) of its train ridership.

Nevertheless, bus companies have been expanding throughout Europe in recent years, and it is now feasible to travel within Switzerland by bus. To locate your connection, consult the websites of Eurobus or Flixbus.

Although long-distance buses are undoubtedly more cost-effective than trains, they are not without their drawbacks.

• Trains operate at a frequency of several times per hour between main cities, while buses operate only a few times per day.
• Buses require significantly more time to arrive at their destinations than railroads due to their tendency to travel at a slower pace and become ensnared in traffic.
• A ticket for a transit service binds you to a particular service. This implies that it is not feasible to travel at an arbitrary hour, as is feasible via train.

3. Postauto buses in Switzerland

One of those iconic, yellow Postauto vehicles is capable of traversing any remote region of the nation. The yellow lines on this map do not even begin to encompass the entirety of their territory. To further explore this extensive network, please refer to the regional section of the Postauto website.

Although Postauto buses are prevalent and well-received in rural areas and villages, they are also utilized in the majority of urban areas and their surrounding areas.

Originally, they were employed to convey mail, as their name implies. However, Postauto progressively transitioned to the transportation of individuals, which is their sole focus today.

The Postauto vehicles, which are a bright yellow color, provide transportation throughout Switzerland.

4. City buses in Switzerland

In addition to Postautos, cities and certain larger municipalities also have their own local bus network. City transportation operate on a reasonably frequent basis. Particularly in urban areas that are considerably larger. The duration of the intervals will vary depending on the scale of the city and the time of day, ranging from 30 minutes to two minutes.

5. Trams in Switzerland

Zurich, Basel, Bern, and Geneva are the only cities in Switzerland with significant tram networks, and they are not broadly distributed.

Trams are responsible for connecting the central area of cities and their surrounding suburbs. Typically, they operate at a high frequency, with some instances occurring every two minutes. There is even a tram that runs across the border to Weil am Rhein in Germany in Basel.

A word of caution from a country girl: Trams are a species that can be aggressive. If you wish to ensure your physical well-being, be on the lookout for them in the city centers. They have a propensity to prioritize blasting over breaking.

6. Passenger ships in Switzerland

Passenger ships are an additional convenient mode of transportation in Switzerland due to the abundance of lakes and rivers. A passenger ship or ferry is indicated by a blue line on this map.

Commuters do not frequently utilize these vessels due to their relatively sluggish speeds in comparison to other modes of public transportation. Therefore, if you are in a haste to travel from one location to another, it may be advisable to forgo this one.

Nevertheless, if you have the opportunity and are interested in experiencing some breathtaking vistas or even boarding a steamboat, please visit this website to learn more about the available options.

Please be advised that on a sunny day during the summer, the area may become quite congested. Although I have never encountered a situation in which they ceased to allow passengers to embark, it may be advantageous to arrive at the pier a few minutes prior to departure.

Additionally, it is important to mention that the schedule for services is not consistent throughout the year. Prior to embarking on your cruise, verify the departure time.

7. Cable cars in Switzerland

Cable cars are not technically considered part of the public transportation system, and the majority of them do not receive any financial support from the government. However, they continue to warrant their designation as black lines on this map.

Typically, an additional pass is required to utilize a cable car. Additionally, these items are seldom inexpensive.

Nevertheless, the majority of cable cars are compatible with the most prevalent travel permits, which I will elaborate on in the subsequent sections of this post. Therefore, ensure that you present any existing tickets or travel passes. Probably the most impressive cable car ever: The CabriO at Stanserhorn, located near Lake Lucerne.

3. Tickets on Swiss public transport in general

1. One journey = one ticket

The company or mode of transportation with which you travel is irrelevant in Switzerland. The price will remain constant. Regardless of the operator, you are responsible for the cost of your transportation from one location to another.

For instance, in order to travel from Zurich to Zermatt, it is necessary to transfer trains in Visp. SBB operates the initial portion of your journey, while MGB (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn) operates the subsequent portion. However, your ticket from Zurich to Zermatt includes both transportation options.

The same applies if a portion of your voyage is conducted using a different mode of transportation. Assume that you are traveling from Zurich to Stein in the Appenzell region. Upon exiting the train in St. Gallen, it is necessary to transfer to a Postauto vehicle. The entire voyage from Zurich to Stein is included in your ticket.

2. Tickets are flexible and never sell out

Tickets are effective for a specific period of time and are not associated with a particular service. If you purchase a ticket from Bern to Zurich, you are permitted to board any train departing from Bern to Zurich on the day of your journey. Additionally, you have the option to disembark and resume your voyage at a later time.

Consequently, reservations are unnecessary and permits are not restricted. You will be charged the same price regardless of whether you purchase it two days or two minutes in advance. This does not apply to Supersaver Tickets; however, we will address this matter at a later time.

3. Have your ticket when you get on

Upon boarding the train, it is imperative that you possess a valid ticket. On specific trains, it is possible to purchase a ticket from the ticket collector; however, I recommend doing so only in the event of an emergency, as it incurs an additional fee.

If the sign below is visible, it indicates that it is not possible to purchase a ticket on the train. If you are caught without a ticket, you will be charged 100 CHF.

The situation is distinct when it comes to buses and Postautos. You have the choice of purchasing a ticket on board, either directly with the driver or at the ticket dispenser.

You are prohibited from purchasing a ticket from the ticket collector if you observe this sign.

4. Your ticket options

1. Point-to-point

What is it?

A point-to-point is necessary when traveling between cities that are not part of the same fare system (more on that later). This enables you to board any train that is scheduled to travel between your origin and destination, whether it is a one-way or round-trip.

You are not required to utilize it for a specific train, and you are free to disembark at any point during your voyage.

If you are…, the point-to-point ticket is the most suitable option for you.

• travelling between cities
• not using public transport on a regular basis
• only in Switzerland for a short amount of time

Example

With a ticket from St. Gallen to Bern, you can get off in Zurich and hop back on whenever you’re ready.

You’re free to add on as many stops as you like. As long as you don’t miss that last train to Bern because one-way tickets are only valid for one day.

Where can you buy it?

At the ticket counter: The most convenient location to purchase your ticket is at the counter. They provide answers to inquiries regarding public transportation and sell any ticket that is conceivable.

At the vending machine: Alternatively, select one of the numerous SBB vending machines that are located at each train station.

Online: The SBB website allows users to purchase tickets without the need to create an account. Your ticket may be printed or displayed in the SBB app. However, the application will request that you create an account.

I recommend the SBB program to anyone traveling through Switzerland. It provides a comprehensive timetable feature, allows you to purchase tickets online, and displays your online tickets.

2. Zone Ticket

What is it?

Switzerland is divided into more than 20 tariff networks. If you are traveling within one of these networks, you require a Zone Ticket rather than a point-to-point ticket, as each network is comprised of multiple zones.

The Zone Ticket is best for you if you are…

• utilizing local transportation within a fare system
• only for a brief period in Switzerland
• remaining within the same vicinity and refraining from traveling to any destinations that are not included in the fare system

Example

You will be traveling within the transport network of ZVV to reach the city from Zurich airport. In this scenario, a ticket is required for all zones between the airport and the main station.

Depending on the number of zones included in your ticket, you have a time limit of one to two hours to utilize it on any mode of transportation within such zones.

Where can you buy it?

Zone tickets are accessible at the same locations as point-to-point tickets. You have the option of accessing the SBB website, the SBB app, the vending machines, or the counter.

However, there are additional alternatives available to you.

Postauto and municipal buses: Select one of the following options to obtain your Postauto or transit ticket:

• Vending machine at the bus stop (in and around cities)
• Vending machine inside the bus (in and around cities)
• Pay the driver (in more remote places)

If you are unable to locate a vending machine upon the arrival of your bus and do not possess a ticket, simply enter through the front door and request a ticket.

Trams: Due to the fact that the driver is unable to sell tickets, vending machines are installed at each tram stop.

Ships: While not all companies are affiliated with a fare network, specific Zone Tickets are also applicable for ships. I recommend purchasing the appropriate ticket at the counter by the pier or on board to ensure that you receive the correct one.

Present all of your local tickets to ensure that they provide you with the most cost-effective option.

ZVV commercial advertising a single ticket that can be used for all modes of transportation, including trains, trams, buses, and ships

3. City Ticket

What is it?

The City Ticket is a combination of the two tickets mentioned above and is exclusively available in specific participating cities. It is beneficial when an intercity travel is combined with a local journey.

The City Ticket is best for you if you are…

• combining local and intercity transportation in a single voyage
• neglecting to utilize public transportation on a consistent basis
• only for a brief period in Switzerland

Example

For the initial leg of your voyage from Lausanne to a location within the city of Bern, you will board an intercity train. Upon arrival in Bern, you may transfer to either the local municipal bus or tram. Both trips are included in the City Ticket.

It also functions in the reverse direction, allowing you to utilize local public transportation exclusively in Lausanne and subsequently purchase a point-to-point ticket for Bern. The former City-City Ticket is an alternative variant of the City Ticket. This is quite a load, I understand.

Some time ago, this item was included in the City Ticket selection. This option allows you to incorporate your local transportation into your intercity journey at both your beginning and ending points.

What is the location where it can be purchased?

The City Ticket can be purchased at the counter, at the majority of vending machines at the train station, on the SBB website, or through the SBB app, similar to the point-to-point ticket.

Purchasing a City Ticket is marginally more cost-effective than purchasing two separate tickets. The total savings for the entire voyage are between 2 and 3 CHF.

4. Supersaver Ticket

What is it?

There is no doubt that this item is valuable. A restricted number of Supersaver Tickets are included with the majority of long-distance connections. Sometimes, discounts can be as high as 70%.

What is the catch? The Supersaver Ticket is associated with a particular train. The ability to board any train is forfeited, and there is no opportunity to disembark during the journey. They also sell out at some point due to their immense popularity. It is advantageous to verify the availability of Supersaver Tickets immediately after determining your precise travel dates. They are accessible 60 days in advance.

For those who are interested in reducing their travel expenses, the Supersaver Ticket is an extremely useful invention.

If you are unable to make your connecting train as a result of a delay on your previous train, inform the ticket collector. Preferably prior to exiting the terminal. He will verify the train’s delay and provide you with a piece of paper, which you can present along with your Supersaver Ticket on the subsequent train.

A refund is available if you decide to board a different train at the last minute. Nevertheless, the procedure is somewhat cumbersome and incurs a fee of 10 CHF. Therefore, I suggest purchasing a Supersaver Ticket only if you are certain that you will be traveling on that specific day and at that time.

The Supersaver Ticket is best for you if you…

• are traversing between locations
• be aware of your travel plans in advance
• I am not concerned with the loss of the ability to board any train that interests me.
• are not consistent users of public transportation
• are only in Switzerland for a brief period

Where can you buy it?

You can only buy Supersaver Tickets through the SBB website or the SBB app. With both options, you have to go pretty far into the buying process to see if special offers are still available.

5. Swiss Half Fare Card

What is it?

In a strict sense, the Swiss Half Fare Card is not a ticket. It is a card that, as its name implies, provides a 50% discount on each journey. One is owned by each individual in Switzerland who frequently utilizes public transportation.

While the traditional Half Fare Card is effective for an entire year, visitors have the option to purchase the Swiss Half Fare Card for a single month. It appears to be an excessive amount for a discount certificate, costing 120 CHF. Nevertheless, the return on investment is relatively rapid in Switzerland, as ticket prices are not inexpensive.

If you are…, the Swiss Half Fare Card is the optimal choice for you.

• regularly employing point-to-point tickets, zone tickets, city tickets, city-city tickets, or day passes
• only for a brief period in Switzerland

Where can you buy it?

You can buy the Swiss Half Fare card online or at any ticket counter. All you need is your passport or your identity card.

5. Travel Passes

1. SBB Day Pass for Swiss Half Fare Card holders

If you do not possess a Swiss Travel Pass, there are numerous SBB Day Passes that will significantly simplify your life. A more comprehensive article regarding SBB Day Passes is available in my distinct article on the subject.

What is it?

The SBB Day Pass is great if you’re covering a lot of ground in one day. It costs 75 CHF and is only available for Swiss Half Fare Card holders.

To make most of this pass, you really have to travel far, though. Unless you cut across the whole country in a day, you’re better off buying a normal ticket.

With the National Day Pass, you have access to every means of public transport in Switzerland.

The National Day Pass is best for you if you are…

• in terms of Swiss relations, traveling great distances within a single day
• a holder of the Swiss Half Fare Card
• neglecting to utilize public transportation on a consistent basis
• a multi-day travel pass would not be beneficial, as I will be in Switzerland for a brief period.

Where can you buy it?

You can buy the SBB Day Pass online or at any ticket counter.

2. Saver Day Pass

What is it?

The National Day Pass’s supersaver iteration was introduced in September 2017. Prices fluctuate; however, the Saver Day Pass is priced between 29 CHF and 59 CHF if you possess a Half Fare Card. Expect to pay between 52 CHF and 106 CHF if you do not possess a Swiss Half Fare Card.

Sales are available six months in advance, and the most affordable options are rapidly sold out due to the high demand for this pass.

If you are…, the Saver Day Pass is the optimal choice for you.

• traveling between cities
• organized and have a clear understanding of the date on which you will be traveling in advance
• neglecting to utilize public transportation on a consistent basis
• only for a brief period in Switzerland

Where can you buy it?

You can only buy the Saver Day Pass online or through the app, but not through any ticket machines or at the counter. Please note that this ticket is stictly non-refundable.

3. Regional Day Pass

What is it?

The Regional Day Pass is essentially a Zone Ticket that is applicable for an entire day. The Swiss Half Fare Card provides a 50% discount, as is customary.

If you depart after 9:00 a.m., the majority of transportation networks offer a discount on your Regional Day Pass. To determine which network offers a 9 o’clock pass, consult their website.

Where can you buy it?

The Regional Day Pass, similar to the Zone Tickets, can be purchased online, at the counter, vending machines (located at the train station, inside buses, or at the tram stop), directly from the bus driver, the SBB website, or the SBB app.

The Regional Day Pass is best for you if you are…

• several times a day, utilizing public transportation within a single fare system
• only for a brief period in Switzerland
• remaining within the same vicinity and refraining from traveling to any destinations that are not included in the fare system

4. Swiss Travel Pass

What is it?

In addition to covering all public transportation options in Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass also functions as a ticket to more than 500 institutions. This pass is available for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days, and a Half Fare Card is not required to obtain it. A 30% discount is available to individuals under the age of 25.

If you require assistance in determining whether or not to acquire the Swiss Travel Pass, I have composed an article on the subject.

I advise against utilizing the Swiss Travel Pass immediately after purchasing it, unless you intend to travel a significant distance. Upon its validation, each subsequent day is considered. A Zone Ticket is a more cost-effective option than utilizing your Swiss Travel Pass from the moment you arrive in Zurich and spend your initial days in the city.

Swiss Travel Pass provides unfettered travel throughout Switzerland.

The Swiss Travel Pass is best for you if you are…

• are consistent users of public transportation
• are intending to explore every nook and cranny of Switzerland without the need to purchase tickets
• are spending multiple days on the road one after another
• such as museums

Where can you buy it?

The Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased online or at the counter.

5, Swiss Travel Pass Flex

What is it?

The Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Travel Pass Flex are identical, the only distinction being that the latter is slightly more expensive and does not necessitate consecutive use. Instead, you have the option to travel for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days within a month.

It is also valid as a museum ticket on the days of your travel and offers a 30% discount for individuals under the age of 25. I am delighted to provide you with my travel pass calculator service in order to determine whether or not this pass is suitable for you.

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is best for you if you…

• are consistent users of public transportation
• are intending to explore every nook and cranny of Switzerland without the need to purchase tickets
• I prefer to maintain a flexible itinerary rather than traveling on a daily basis.
• such as museums

Where can you buy it?

You can buy the Swiss Travel Pass Flex either at the counter or directly here online.

6. Interrail Pass

What is it?

The Global Pass and the One Country Pass are the two versions of this popular rail pass for Europeans. Both permit the utilization of all SBB trains and those of numerous other corporations. However, certain private enterprises, such as the BOB between Interlaken and Grindelwald, are not included. However, permit holders are eligible for a 25% to 50% discount.

You are responsible for arranging local transportation, as the Interrail is a highly sought-after train ticket. Buses, carriages, and the majority of ships are not included.

Interrail offers numerous advantages. For instance, a complimentary bus journey from Munich to Zurich, a 15% discount on 43 Swiss Youth Hostels, and much more.

The Interrail Pass is best for you if you are…

• European
• not remaining for an extended period of time to justify the purchase of a Swiss Travel Pass
• primarily employing the largest railway corporations
• I intend to visit every corner of Switzerland that is accessible by train without the need to purchase tickets.

Where can you buy it?

You have the option of purchasing an Interrail Pass through your local travel agency, at ticket counters throughout Europe, or directly online.

Interrail is 40% to 50% less expensive than Swiss Travel Passes, contingent upon the specific pass purchased and the associated restrictions.

7. Eurail Pass

What is it?

Eurail is the equivalent of Interrail for individuals who are not European. Eurail does not provide a One Country Pass for Switzerland, which is a notable distinction. Alternatively, you may obtain a Global Pass for your Swiss excursion.

The Global Pass is valid for varying durations in 33 European countries. Commencing with four consecutive days within a month and concluding with three consecutive months.

Similar to Interrail, there are a few limitations and certain private companies, such as the BOB between Interlaken and Grindelwald, are not included. However, permit holders are eligible for a 25% to 50% discount.

The Eurail Pass is best for you if you are…

• not of European descent
• not remaining for an extended period of time to justify the purchase of a Swiss Travel Pass
• primarily employing the largest railway corporations
• I intend to visit every corner of Switzerland that is accessible by train without the need to purchase tickets.

Where can you buy it?

You can buy your Eurail Pass through your travel agency at home, ticket counters across Europe or online.

6. Decision time

Congratulations. You now know just as much, if not more, than the average Swiss about your ticket options in Switzerland. The only thing that’s left to do is pick your best match.

My recommendation to get this process started is to make a rough outline of your itinerary, figure out where you want to go and use the SBB timetable to calculate prices for each leg of your journey. That way, you’ll soon see which travel pass best suits you or if you’re better off buying tickets as you go.

Frequently Asked Questions: