SBB | PolishTrains

At a glance

• SBB is Switzerland's national rail carrier, known globally for punctuality, innovation and convenience
• The network operates under three names: SBB in German, CFF in French and FFS in Italian
• SBB connects all major Swiss cities, alpine valleys and lakeside resorts with frequent services
• International trains run to Germany, Italy, France and Austria, including through the Gotthard Base Tunnel
• The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats for a set period
• Tickets can be purchased on PolishTrains without an account, delivered by email and SMS

Swiss Federal Railways, known as SBB / CFF / FFS, is not only Switzerland's national rail carrier, but also a symbol of punctuality, innovation and travel convenience. Their extensive network connects all major cities, tourist regions, charming alpine valleys and lakeside resorts, enabling easy and fast travel throughout the country.

SBB operates both regional connections, ideal for daily commutes or short trips, as well as intercity and international routes, allowing travel to

• Germany
• Italy
• France,
• Austria.

With modern trains, comfortable interiors, frequent services and reliability, SBB allows passengers to enjoy the journey instead of focusing on logistics. Whether you are planning a quick trip between Zurich and Basel or a day trip to the Alps, the SBB offers comfort and safety at the highest level, combining the tradition of Swiss railways with modern technological solutions. Check also: A foreign country for less than PLN 100.

SBB Swiss Railways has a highly diverse and modern rolling stock that is adapted to a wide range of travellers' needs, from high-speed interregional and long-distance services to local and suburban S-Bahn trains. Each train type has been designed to ensure maximum comfort, safety and reliability, even in difficult Alpine terrain.

The most important and widely used train types include:

SBB RABDe 500 ('ICN') - electric multiple-unit trainsets with a tilting design that allows faster travel on winding Alpine routes, while maintaining full passenger comfort. The maximum speed of these trainsets is 200 km/h, and the modern interior and ergonomic seats make travelling longer distances a pleasure.

SBB RABe 501 ('Giruno') - modern high-speed trains, reaching up to 250 km/h. Equipped with a low floor for easy boarding and alighting, as well as spacious, well-lit interiors with comfortable seats. These trainsets offer the highest standard of travel comfort on both domestic and international routes.

IC 2000 - two-storey push-pull trainsets, which are characterised by high capacity and comfort. These trains are the main means of transport within the InterCity network and feature carriages with seating arrangements for both individual and group travellers. Some trainsets also offer a bistro or catering car so that travellers can have a meal without leaving the train.

S-Bahn - suburban and regional trains that run with high frequency in metropolitan areas. They are particularly popular in the areas of Zurich, Basel or Bern. These trains provide amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning and disabled access, making them a convenient means of transport for both daily commutes and short trips.

SBB Switzerland is constantly investing in the development and modernisation of its rolling stock. In 2025, the operator has ordered 116 new trains from Siemens to replace older trainsets and to serve the expanding rail network in Switzerland and on international routes. The new vehicles will be more energy-efficient, comfortable and passenger-friendly, and their deployment will allow SBB to meet the growing transport demands across the country.

SBB offers an extremely wide range of routes to satisfy both short-distance travellers and passengers planning long-distance trips across Switzerland and Europe. The carrier's network includes local courses, connections between major cities and international routes, so there is something for everyone.

National connections

When travelling in Switzerland, SBB makes it easy to travel between major cities such as

• Zurich,
• Bern,
• Basel,
• Lucerne,
• Lugano.

Thanks to frequent departures, both urban centres and popular tourist regions can be reached quickly. The SBB's national network is designed to allow convenient transfers to onward connections, making even complex journeys across the country comfortable and stress-free.

Alpine routes through the Gotthard Tunnel

One of the most distinctive features of the Swiss railway is the Gotthard Base Tunnel - the longest railway tunnel in the world. This engineering giant allows for a fast north-south connection across the Alps, significantly reducing travel times between the north and south of the country. As a result, passengers can get from Zurich to Lugano or other destinations in southern Switzerland in a short period of time, while enjoying the Alpine scenery along the way. Be sure to find out what the Swiss Pre-Alpine Express panoramic railway is all about .

International connections

SBB is not limited to the borders of Switzerland. Working with other European carriers, it offers international connections that allow travel to Germany, Italy, France and Austria. From 2026, new EuroCity trains are planned in cooperation with Italy's Trenitalia, which will further facilitate cross-border travel.

What's more, with Giruno's modern high-speed trains, SBB can operate international routes at speeds of up to 250 km/h. It should be remembered that Giruno primarily serves southern Switzerland and northern Italy. The full range of routes to Germany requires transfers or cooperation with DB/ÖBB.

If you are planning to visit Switzerland, it is worth exploring the available fares and discounts to make your trip even more enjoyable and cheaper.

SBB fares

SBB offers a variety of ticket options to suit passengers' needs. From basic single tickets to flexible tickets with date changes to travel passes such as the Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex, which allow you to use trains, buses and ships for the period of your choice. At higher fares, you can expect extra comfort, more flexibility and more travel facilities.

Discounts and promotions

SBB offers many ways to save money.

A popular option is the Swiss Half Fare Card, which allows you to buy tickets for trains, buses and mountain railways at a 50% discount. Discounts also extend to children, schoolchildren and students, and for families there is the Swiss Family Card, which allows children to travel for free when accompanied by adults.

Foreigners and travel in Switzerland

SBB tourist passes, such as the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card, are specifically designed for non-Swiss travellers. They can be purchased online before you leave and make the whole trip simpler and more predictable. The discounts and fares work identically for Polish and non-Swiss citizens.

Thanks to thoughtful fares and discounts, travelling on SBB trains can be comfortable, cheap and stress-free. Whether you're planning a weekend in Zurich, a trek in the Alps or a longer trip across the country, it's worth checking fares and promotions in advance to get the most out of the Swiss railway.

Travellers from Poland can conveniently buy SBB tickets through PolishTrains - the whole process is done** in Polish, in zlotys and without any stress**. This is ideal for people who want to plan their travel in Switzerland simply and clearly, without having to navigate foreign booking systems.

If you are looking to save money and guarantee a good seat, it is best to plan your ticket purchase in advance. At SBB, tickets usually go on sale around three months before departure, so it's worth bearing this in mind when planning your trip.

Thanks to the Polish-language helpline, experienced consultants are there to help you at every stage - they can help you choose the best fare, change your itinerary, solve a problem with your ticket or advise you on luggage. So you can rest assured that even in the event of unforeseen changes, your journey will run smoothly.

This makes travelling on SBB trains not only fast and convenient, but also completely stress-free. Booking international train tickets has never been so easy and comfortable. You can arrange everything from Poland, in your language and in a currency you know.

Travelling on SBB trains is not only about speed and punctuality, but also about comfort and convenience at every stage of the journey. The modern trainsets offer spacious seating, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and work areas, making even longer journeys a pleasure.

In addition, frequent services and well-connected transfers make it easy to plan journeys throughout Switzerland, and the ability to combine domestic and international connections makes SBB the ideal choice for tourists and business travellers alike. Thanks to cooperation with carriers from neighbouring countries, passengers can easily reach Germany, Italy, France or Austria, while enjoying the high standard of travel and reliability of Swiss railways.

What cities and regions does SBB serve?

SBB connects all of Switzerland's major cities, popular tourist regions and lakeside resorts, allowing you to travel quickly and conveniently throughout the country.

What types of trains does SBB offer and how do they differ?

You can choose from the high-speed Giruno (up to 250 km/h), the ICN with its tilting structure, the double-decker IC 2000 and the local S-Bahn. Each provides comfort, Wi-Fi and modern amenities.

What fares are available on the SBB?

SBB offers single fares, flexible fares and Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass Flex. The higher fares offer more comfort, flexibility and additional facilities.

Does SBB offer discounts and who is eligible?

Yes. Children, pupils, students and families can benefit from various discounts, such as the Swiss Family Card and Half Fare Card (50% discount). The discounts also work for tourists from Poland and other countries.

Does the SBB also run internationally?

Yes, SBB trains connect Switzerland with Germany, Italy, France and Austria. The modern Giruno trainsets also enable fast journeys on international routes.