Trains in Switzerland | PolishTrains

At a glance

• SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) is the main Swiss rail operator, renowned for legendary punctuality
• Major Swiss cities such as Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne and Lugano are connected by frequent SBB services
• SBB cooperates with regional operators like RhB, BLS and MGB, forming one of the most integrated rail networks in Europe
• The Glacier Express and Bernina Express are world-famous scenic routes operated by Rhatische Bahn
• Swiss Travel Pass covers unlimited travel on trains, trams, buses and ferries, plus museum entry
• Seat reservations on panoramic trains are compulsory and subject to a surcharge, even for pass holders

SBB CFF FFS, or Swiss Federal Railways, is the leading and most important rail operator in Switzerland, operating the vast majority of passenger services and providing the highest standard of travel thanks to such assets as:

legendary punctuality, which has placed the operator among the European leaders for years;

a modern fleet equipped with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, ergonomic seats and quiet and ecological vehicle units;

an exceptionally dense network of connections, enabling trains to depart from major cities every 5-10 minutes;

extensive transport integration, allowing trains, trams, buses and even ferries to be used with a single ticket;

a high frequency, so that even small towns have access to regular services - usually every hour.

When travelling in Switzerland, SBB makes it easy to travel between major cities such as Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne and Lugano.

SBB also cooperates with local operators such as RhB, BLS, Zentralbahn or MGB, creating one of the most fully integrated networks in Europe. ** SBB operates both regional** connections, ideal for daily commutes or short trips, *as well asintercity and international* routes for travel to Germany, Italy, France, Austria.

Although the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) operates most national and international services, the rail network in Switzerland is much richer and diverse. In addition to the main SBB trains, there are a number of regional operators that provide efficient connections between smaller towns and cities, operate scenic routes in the mountains and make it possible to reach places that SBB trains do not reach.

BLS

The second largest carrier, operating mainly in the Bern and Bernese Alps region. Offers regional and panoramic connections, including the Lötschberg route, with scenic views of valleys and lakes.

Rhätische Bahn (RhB)

A narrow-gauge network in Grisons, serving the famous Glacier Express and Bernina Express routes. Ideal for tourists who want to enjoy alpine peaks, glaciers and spectacular viaducts.

Zentralbahn (ZB)

Operator of central Switzerland, including the Lucerne-Interlaken and Lucerne-Engelberg lines. Trains offer views of lakes, valleys and mountain ranges, and routes are often panoramic.

Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB)

Narrow-gauge mountain railway in the Valais and Urseren region, part of the Glacier Express route. Provides views of the Matterhorn, glaciers and alpine villages.

MOB (Montreux-Oberland Bernois)

Operator of the famous GoldenPass Line, connecting Lucerne and Interlaken to Montreux. Panoramic trains pass through valleys, pastures and vineyards on Lake Geneva.

TILO

A joint venture between SBB and Trenord, serving the canton of Ticino and routes to Italy. Modern trains facilitate travel between Lugano, Locarno and Milan.

Appenzeller Bahnen (AB)

Local narrow-gauge services in the Appenzell-St. Gallen region. Picturesque routes through the hills and valleys, ideal for exploring peaceful Switzerland.

The picturesque railway routes in Switzerland are a real feast for the eyes. Here, every ride becomes a little journey through postcard-perfect landscapes. Just take the train and in a few moments you will find yourself amid monumental Alps, turquoise lakes and green valleys, where small wooden houses look like something out of a fairy tale.

Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is a true legend among panoramic train services, often referred to as "the world's slowest express". The eight-hour route between Zermatt and St. Moritz takes you through the heart of the Alps, passing over 290 bridges and 90 tunnels, while huge panoramic windows create the impression as if the mountains were at your fingertips. Passengers can admire the mighty Matterhorn massif, the deep Rhine Valley, known as the "Grand Canyon of Switzerland", and the highest pass on the route, the Oberalp Pass, where the train climbs more than 2,000 metres.

Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is a true masterpiece of engineering and at the same time one of the most scenic railway routes in the world - so unique that it has been listed by UNESCO. The train connects the Swiss towns of Chur and St Moritz with Tirano in Italy, offering views that change like a kaleidoscope: glaciers, Alpine lakes, rugged mountain passes and sunny Italian towns. During the journey, the train climbs to an altitude of more than 2,250 metres above sea level at the Bernina Pass, right next to the glittering Lago Bianco, and then descends serpentines all the way to the palm trees growing in Tirano. The most famous point on the route is the spectacular Brusio spiral viaduct, a structure that looks like it was made for photography enthusiasts.

GoldenPass Line

The GoldenPass Line is one of the most diverse panoramic routes in Switzerland, ideal for travellers who want to see several views of the country in one day. The route starts in charming Lucerne, surrounded by mountains and a lake, before passing through Interlaken, where the Jungfrau massif is visible. Further on, the train enters the Saanenland region, full of green pastures, traditional wooden houses and peaceful Alpine meadows. The journey culminates in Montreux, a town full of palm trees and vineyards on Lake Geneva, which offers a completely different, almost Mediterranean climate. The GoldenPass Line also features a variety of trains - from classic carriages to futuristic trainsets with panoramic windows and even Belle Époque styled versions.

Gotthard Panorama Express

The Gotthard Panorama Express is an unusual combination of rail travel and boat cruise, allowing you to discover Switzerland from two completely different perspectives. The tour begins in Lucerne, where passengers board a historic steam ship cruising on the picturesque Lake of the Four Cantons, surrounded by steep cliffs and mountain peaks. After arriving in Flüelen, the journey continues on a panoramic train that follows the historic line through the Gotthard massif. It is here that the famous spiral tunnels are located, allowing the train to overcome the huge differences in altitude in a way that seems almost impossible.

Travelling by train in Switzerland can be comfortable and cost-effective at the same time if you take advantage of the right fares and discounts.

The most convenient for tourists is the Swiss Travel Pass, which provides unlimited travel on trains, buses and ships, as well as free or reduced-price admission to many museums.

If you don't plan to travel continuously, a great choice is the Swiss Travel Pass Flex, allowing you to choose only specific days of travel.

For those looking to save money, the Swiss Half Fare Card, which gives a 50% discount on almost all transport in Switzerland, including mountain railways and trams, is ideal.

The Saver Day Pass allows unlimited rides on a specific day.

Supersaver Tickets allow you to buy tickets with steep discounts for a specific train and time.

Families travelling with children will benefit from the Swiss Family Card - children under 16 travel for free if they travel with an adult holding a valid ticket.

These options make Swiss rail travel easy to plan, comfortable and fully adaptable to different needs and budgets.

Travelling by train in Switzerland has never been so easy and comfortable. Thanks to PolishTrains, travellers from Poland can buy train tickets in Switzerland completely in Polish and in zlotys, without having to find out about foreign booking systems themselves.

In Switzerland, standard SBB tickets for domestic connections can even be purchased on the day of travel, as they are valid for any train on the selected day. However, if you want Supersaver promotional tickets, it is best to book them in advance - usually between 30 days and six months before departure, depending on the type of ticket. As far as regional railways are concerned, the rules are similar: most connections allow you to buy your ticket immediately before departure, but with special promotions it is worth booking in advance to be guaranteed a comfortable journey. This gives you the flexibility to plan your journey and take advantage of the best prices, both on national and local routes.

Whether you're planning a quick trip between major cities or boarding a train in Switzerland to explore picturesque valleys, mountains and lakes, the process of buying Swiss rail tickets is simple, transparent and completely stress-free.

In addition, thanks to a Polish-speaking helpline, experienced consultants will help you choose the best fare, advise you on luggage, change your itinerary or solve a ticket problem. So you can rest assured that even in the event of unforeseen changes, your rail journey in Switzerland will run smoothly and comfortably.

Are trains in Switzerland really that punctual?

Yes. Statistically, they are among the most punctual in the world, and delays are rare.

What are the most cost-effective train tickets for tourists in Switzerland?

The most popular choices are: Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card and Saver Day Pass.

Do seats need to be booked for panoramic routes?

It is advisable to reserve seats for the panoramic routes - on the Glacier Express it is compulsory, and on the Bernina Express and GoldenPass it is recommended, especially in high season.

Are trains in Switzerland expensive?

Standard Swiss train fares can be high, but with discounts and promotions you can save a lot.

Is it possible to buy train tickets in advance in Switzerland?

For many connections, especially discounted ones, it is worth doing so even a few weeks before your journey.