Switzerland’s public transport runs like clockwork, and choosing the right pass can save you a lot of money.
Arrival and Getting into Town
| Airport | Getting into Town | Time/Price |
|---|
| Zurich (ZRH) | Train to Zurich Hauptbahnhof | Approx. 10 minutes, approx. CHF 7 |
| Geneva (GVA) | Train to Geneva Station | Approx. 7 minutes, approx. CHF 3 |
| Basel (BSL) | Bus + train to Basel Station | Approx. 20 minutes |
| Bern (BRN) | Bus to Bern Station | Approx. 20 minutes |
Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Travel Pass is available for consecutive 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days, covering SBB national railways, post buses, and most major lake steamers, and includes free entry to the majority of museums. Most mountain cable cars and rack railways offer around 50% off, while the final section of the Jungfrau Railway typically has a 25% discount. If you’re only taking a few long-distance trips, you might consider the Half Fare Card, which gives 50% off all tickets and is suitable for longer stays with fewer journeys.
Trains and Reservations
- Trains between cities run very frequently and usually don’t require reservations—you can just hop on. Second class is comfortable enough.
- The Glacier Express and Bernina Express require mandatory reservations with an additional fee, and it’s advisable to book several weeks in advance during peak season.
- Book Supersaver tickets in advance on the official website for significant discounts compared to full fare, but these tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable.
- The SBB Mobile app lets you check timetables, platforms, buy tickets, and view real-time delays.
Mountain and Town Transport
- Post Buses (PostBus): Cover villages and mountain passes not served by trains, and are free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
- Cable Cars and Rack Railways: Used to reach places like the Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat, and Pilatus—these require separate tickets or offer discounted rates.
- Car-Free Towns: Places like Zermatt and Mürren ban fuel-powered vehicles, so you’ll need to switch to trains or cable cars at designated stations.
- City Transport: Cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern have trams and buses, often requiring you to buy a ticket before boarding—pay attention to validation rules.
Tips
- Switzerland’s public transport is extremely punctual, making even short connections easy—but missing a train may mean a long wait for the next one.
- Random ticket checks do occur on trains, so always carry a valid ticket or pass. Travelling without one can result in heavy fines.
- For mountain hikes, check the last cable car or bus times to avoid being stranded.