Switzerland is something of a traveller’s dream when it comes to getting around. Its transport network is a masterpiece of efficiency, connecting the nation’s cities, and even making travel to smaller towns and alpine landscapes relatively easy. Whether you’re winding through snow-capped valleys on a scenic train or cruising across pristine lakes by boat, you’ll often find that the journeys in Switzerland are as enjoyable as the destinations!
This short guide aims to explore the travel options at your disposal, ensuring you make the most of Switzerland’s world-class infrastructure while getting to where you need to be. Of course, we also encourage readers to consider booking one of our own Switzerland Day Tours from Lucerne — see Switzerland through the eyes of a local as you visit breathtaking attractions with an expert guide.
Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Travel Pass is a versatile ticket that grants international visitors unlimited access to Switzerland’s public transport network, encompassing trains, buses, and boats. Available for durations of 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days, it simplifies travel across the country.
Key Benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass:
- Unlimited Travel: Enjoy unrestricted journeys on the Swiss Travel System network, including premium panoramic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
- Urban Mobility: Benefit from free use of public transportation in over 90 towns and cities, facilitating seamless urban exploration.
- Cultural Access: Gain complimentary entry to more than 500 museums nationwide, enriching your Swiss experience.
- Mountain Excursions: Ascend to peaks like Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Stoos at no extra cost and receive up to 50% discounts on numerous other mountain railways and cable cars.
- Family-Friendly: With the free Swiss Family Card, children aged 6 to under 16 travel without charge when accompanied by a parent holding a valid Swiss Travel Pass.
Swiss Travel Pass Purchasing Options:
The Swiss Travel Pass can be conveniently purchased online or at staffed public transport sales points across Switzerland. For online purchases, select the “guest” option; no login is required. Upon purchase, a QR code will be emailed to you, which must be presented during ticket inspections.
Considerations:
- Seat Reservations: While most trains operate hop-on, certain panoramic trains, such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, require seat reservations. It’s advisable to book these in advance to secure your spot.
- Validity: The pass is intended for tourists residing outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Ensure you carry your passport as proof of residence when travelling.
Train Travel in Switzerland
Switzerland’s railway network is a testament to efficiency, seamlessly connecting urban centres with remote rural villages. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) operates most train services, ensuring punctual and frequent connections nationwide.
Types of Swiss Train Services:
- InterCity (IC): Links major cities with minimal stops, offering swift and comfortable journeys.
- InterRegio (IR): Connects regions with more frequent stops, balancing speed and accessibility.
- RegioExpress (RE): Serves regional routes, stopping at key towns and smaller communities.
- S-Bahn: Commuter trains operating within metropolitan areas, ideal for short-distance travel.
Scenic Train Routes in Switzerland:
- Glacier Express: An eight-hour journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt, traversing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, offering panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.
- Bernina Express: Connects Chur to Tirano, Italy, crossing the iconic Landwasser Viaduct and the spiral Brusio Viaduct, showcasing diverse landscapes from glaciers to palm-lined valleys.
- GoldenPass Line: Runs between Lucerne and Montreux, passing through the picturesque Simmental and offering views of Lake Geneva.
Ticketing and Reservations:
- Tickets: Available at stations, online, or via the SBB Mobile app. While standard fares are flexible, booking in advance can yield savings through Supersaver tickets.
- Reservations: Generally not required for regular trains. However, panoramic trains like the Glacier Express necessitate seat reservations due to high demand.
Luggage Services:
SBB offers a convenient luggage transport service, allowing travellers to send their bags ahead to their destination and making journeys more comfortable.
Bus and Tram Services in Switzerland
Switzerland’s public transport extends beyond trains, with an extensive network of buses and trams ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Urban Transport:
- Trams: Cities like Zurich, Basel, Geneva, and Bern boast efficient tram systems, providing frequent services throughout urban areas.
- Buses: Complement tram services, reaching areas beyond tram lines and operating in cities without tram networks.
PostBus:
Recognizable by their distinctive yellow colour, PostBuses serve rural and mountainous regions, connecting remote villages and tourist destinations not accessible by train.
Tickets and Passes for Swiss Buses and Trams:
- Integrated Ticketing: Most urban areas operate on a zone-based system, allowing a single ticket to be valid across trams, buses, and even certain train services within the designated zones.
- Swiss Travel Pass: Grants unlimited travel on public transport nationwide, including buses and trams, making it a convenient option for tourists.
Timetables and Frequency:
Urban transport services typically run from early morning until midnight, with peak hours offering higher frequencies. In rural areas, services may be less frequent, so consulting timetables in advance is advisable.
Accessibility:
Swiss public transport is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring low-floor trams and buses, as well as facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.
For detailed schedules, ticket purchases, and real-time updates, the SBB website and mobile app are invaluable resources for navigating Switzerland’s public transport system.
Boat Travel
Switzerland’s lakes and rivers offer serene and scenic avenues for exploration, with boat cruises providing unique perspectives of the country’s natural beauty.
Major Swiss Lakes and Their Services:
- Lake Lucerne: Embark on cruises that navigate idyllic bays and fjord-like rocky slopes, with snow-covered mountain peaks as a backdrop. The Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV) offers a variety of cruises, including lunch cruises on modern vessels and romantic sunset trips on antique paddle steamers.
Lake Geneva: Experience cruises that connect cities like Geneva, Lausanne, and Montreux, offering views of the surrounding vineyards and the Alps. The Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman (CGN) operates these services, with options ranging from short trips to full-day excursions. - Lake Zurich: The Lake Zurich Navigation Company (ZSG) provides regular round trips from Zurich to Rapperswil, with stops at various towns along the lake. Shorter cruises are also available, offering flexibility for travellers.
Integration with Public Transport:
Boat services are well-coordinated with Switzerland’s public transport system, ensuring seamless connections with trains and buses. Timetables are synchronized to minimize waiting times, allowing for efficient travel planning.
Swiss Travel Pass Benefits:
Holders of the Swiss Travel Pass enjoy unlimited travel on most boat services, making it a cost-effective way to explore Switzerland’s waterways. This pass also covers trains and buses, offering comprehensive nationwide mobility.
Seasonal Considerations:
While boat services operate year-round, schedules may vary with the seasons. Summer months typically offer more frequent departures and a wider range of themed cruises, while winter schedules may be reduced. It’s advisable to check current timetables before planning your trip.
Car Rentals and Driving
Exploring Switzerland by car offers the freedom to travel at your own pace, uncover remote villages, and tackle scenic mountain passes. It is an excellent way to venture off the beaten path and explore areas less accessible by public transportation, making it ideal for those seeking a personalized travel experience.
To rent a car in Switzerland, certain requirements must be met. The minimum age is generally 20 years, and drivers must have at least one year of driving experience. Some rental companies may impose higher age restrictions or additional fees for drivers under 25. A valid driver’s license is essential, and if your license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Additionally, most rental agencies require a major credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit, as debit cards are often not accepted.
Driving regulations in Switzerland are straightforward but important to follow. A motorway vignette is mandatory for using highways, and rental cars typically come equipped with this sticker. If it is not provided, you can purchase one at gas stations, post offices, or online. Speed limits are strictly enforced: 120 km/h on highways, 80 km/h on secondary roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas. Vehicles must also carry a warning triangle, and it is advisable to have reflective vests and a first-aid kit on board for safety.
Parking can vary depending on your location. In many cities, ‘blue zones’ allow free parking for a limited time when a parking disc is displayed. These discs can be obtained from police stations, tourist offices, or online. For more extended stays, urban centres offer metered parking and parking garages, with fees and time limits that vary by location.
Seasonal considerations are crucial for winter driving. From November to March, winter tyres are strongly recommended, and snow chains may be required in mountainous regions. Many rental companies provide winter equipment, but it’s wise to confirm availability when booking to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Cycling in Switzerland
The country features an extensive network of national and regional cycling routes that are clearly signposted and often separated from motor traffic. These paths wind through scenic areas, including vineyards, forests, and mountain passes, catering to various skill levels. For detailed maps and route planning, websites such as SwitzerlandMobility offer comprehensive resources.
In urban centres like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, bike-sharing programs allow for convenient access to bicycles. Services like Publibike enable users to rent and return bikes at numerous stations throughout the city, making short-distance travel easy.
For those wishing to explore rural areas or embark on long-distance journeys, renting a bike is simple. Many train stations provide rental services, and companies like Rent a Bike offer a variety of options, including e-bikes, to accommodate different preferences.
Cyclists can bring their bikes on most trains, but a bicycle ticket is required. Some trains feature designated bike compartments, especially during peak travel seasons. It is advisable to check specific train policies in advance.
Swiss Air Travel
Switzerland’s compact size and efficient ground transportation mean that domestic air travel is minimal. The major cities – Zurich, Geneva, and Basel – are well-connected by trains, making flights often unnecessary.
For international travellers, however, Switzerland’s airports serve as important gateways. Zurich Airport, Geneva Airport, and EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg offer numerous connections to destinations worldwide. Airlines like SWISS and EasyJet Switzerland provide extensive networks from these hubs.
General Travel Tips for Travellers in Switzerland
Navigating Switzerland’s transportation system is quite straightforward, but a few tips can enhance your experience. Swiss public transport is renowned for its punctuality. Arriving at stations a few minutes before departure will help ensure a stress-free boarding process.
While many Swiss residents are multilingual, learning a few basic greetings in German, French, or Italian can enrich your interactions, especially in areas where English is less common. Switzerland’s public transport operates on a trust-based system, but random inspections do occur. Always ensure you have a valid ticket before boarding to avoid fines.
Many Swiss cities offer free Wi-Fi at train stations and on certain public transport services, allowing you to stay connected and access travel information while on the go.
Enjoy the Beauty of Switzerland with Riccardi Travel
We hope you have found this guide to getting around in Switzerland helpful. With one of the best public transportation systems in Europe, we’re sure you will find your time in Switzerland comfortable. If you are visiting Lucerne, please consider joining us for a Day Tour from Lucerne. Or, if you’re looking for a longer guided experience, you may wish to use our customisable Multi-Day Tour of Switzerland option.
