Trains are the backbone of Switzerland's mobility. 1.25 Million people are using the trains every day (population of Switzerland is 8.6 Million), and they have a good reason to do so:

• 1672 railway stations

• 3303 miles of rails (5317 km)

• the densest rail network in the world

• at least half-hourly service between large cities

• at least an hourly service on the rural lines

There is no need to be stuck in traffic and having to concentrate on driving instead of enjoying the views or using the time to be productive.

From entire school classes enjoying their field trip in the second class coaches to business people using the comfortable first-class coaches to work during their commute. Traveling by train is deeply rooted in Swiss society.

Video - Impressions

Take here four-minute virtual holiday in Switzerland and see the beauty of our country and traveling by train.

First-class vs. second class

On my tours, we travel for your comfort in the 1st class.

First-class carriages are available on all regular trains.

It may be a little bummer, but no, there will be no free-flowing champagne, like in first-class on an airplane.

The benefit of the 1st class on Swiss trains is that you get more space and comfort. You will have more legroom, a broader, and a more comfortable seat.

When traveling with regular flexible tickets, the ticket price for 1st class is almost the double price of a second class ticket. As a result, the occupancy rate in this class is lower.

Please note that mountain railways and aerial cable cars don’t have a class separation.

Seat configuration

In 1st class, the seat configuration is mostly three seats across the carriage, with one four-passenger compartment and an adjacent two-person compartment. So can even a bit larger groups sit next to each other. Regional trains and trains on panoramic routes have four seats across the carriage (2x four passenger compartments).

In the second class, the standard seat configuration is four seats across.

Eat and drink

On all regular trains, you are allowed to eat and drink — another benefit over bus tours, where food and drink are often not permitted.

The food does not need to be purchased on-board. You can buy a snack and sandwiches at the station or a take-away breakfast from your Hotel, and eat it on-board.

Here you can enjoy your sandwich with a one of a kind scenery and arrive free from hunger at the destination. This flexibility is a significant benefit, especially when you are traveling with children.

On a group tour, you may need to use their already short stops to buy and eat snacks, since you will not be able to eat again once you are on the bus.

On the mountain railways and aerial cable cars to the peak, food is often not allowed;
however, the travel time is short (15-45 minutes).

One train - two destinations

Space is limited in Switzerland, and so are the tracks for the train. To reduce the in- and outbound frequency, some trains have two sections, each of them going to another destination. At some point during the journey, the sections will get detached, and they travel on a different route to their final destination. Listen to the announcements and the information displayed on the departure board to find the correct sector.

On some trains, not all the carriages go all the way to the final destination. Listen as well to the announcements and check the departure board.

Occupancy rate

On weekends the occupancy rate is usually pretty low. Train lines to popular hiking or skiing places can be pretty busy.

On weekdays the train lines between the cities can be bustling during the rush-hours.
(6.30 AM - 8.30 AM and 4.30 PM to 7 PM).

If you travel during the rush hour, a first-class ticket is a good investment, especially when you have luggage.

Particularly busy is the train line between Zurich and Bern, the capital of Switzerland.

On the busiest routes, there are often relief trains or trains which take a slightly different route but offer much more space. I'm happy to assist my customers with schedules, travel- and ticket recommendations for other train journeys.

Trains to mountain peaks are often jam-packed, especially on sunny days
during the peak travel time summer and winter months.

The lowest occupancy rate has the Gornergrat railway in Zermatt since this village is far away from Zurich, car-free, and does not focus on mass tourism.

The highest occupancy rate has the Jungfraujoch railway.

Peak travel time:

Summer season: Beginning of May to the beginning of September
Winter season: December & January

Traveling with dogs

Dogs are welcome on Swiss Trains and mountain railways. However, they require as well a train ticket at the half-fare rate (children’s ticket). For longer distances, there is a dog pass available for CHF 35.- which allows unlimited travel on the trains (excluding mountain railways and aerial cable cars). 

There is one exception; small dogs with a wither height of 30 cm (11.8 inches) or less can travel with you free of charge, provided that they are in a carrier, basket, or another suitable container that does not occupy a seat. 

If the dog has a train ticket, they can move freely; however, they can only be placed on a seat when they are in a suitable container. 

SWISSDAYTOURS with dogs

Most of my tours are not suitable when traveling with a dog as the travel distance is too long. However, I do have a few suitable tours. Please get in touch so that we can find the perfect tour for you and your dog. 

Swiss Travel Pass (STP)

The Swiss Travel Pass is a special ticket for visitors and only available to people who are not a resident of Switzerland or Liechtenstein.

It allows you to travel unlimited on all regular trains, boats, and local transportation. Three mountain railways are included. These are currently the Mt. Rigi railway, the Cabrio cable car to Stanserhorn, and the Stoos funicular.

On other mountain railways and aerial cable cars, you get between 20-50% discount on the ticket with the STP. The STP is also valid on special trains, like the Bernina Express; however, there is a seat reservation fee, which needs to be paid additionally and purchased in advance.

The STP is available for 3, 4, 6, 8, and 15 days.

There are two different versions:

• the regular Swiss Travel Pass = the travel days are consecutive

• the Swiss Travel Pass Flex = you can choose your travel days within 30 days.

Travelers up to the age of 24 can purchase the STP youth and youth Flex, which costs a bit less.

You can purchase the Swiss Travel Pass at any staffed train station or only on the website of the Swiss Federal Railways.

Since all online purchases are not refundable, the Pass is sold in unlimited quantities, and as the prices are fixed, I recommend getting the STP upon arrival.

To purchase your Swiss Travel Pass, you will need your Passport. The Passport number will get noted on the Swiss Travel Pass and is only valid in conjunction with your ID. Therefore you will need to carry your Passport with you while traveling with the STP.

If you plan to travel only for a day on the trains, then the STP will not bring you any savings. Should you plan to use the trains and other public transport frequently and on multiple days, the Swiss Travel Pass can save you a lot of money.

Swiss Travel Pass
(adults from 26 years of age, consecutive days)

1st class

• 3 days: CHF 389

• 4 days: CHF 469

• 6 days: CHF 602

• 8 days: CHF 665

• 15 days: CHF 723

2nd class

• 3 days: CHF 244

• 4 days: CHF 295

• 6 days: CHF 379

• 8 days: CHF 419

• 15 days: CHF 459

Flexible Swiss Travel Pass
(adults from 26 years of age, use within 30 days)

1st class

• 3 days: CHF 445

• 4 days: CHF 539

• 6 days: CHF 644

• 8 days: CHF 697

• 15 days: CHF 755
  
  2nd class

• 3 days: CHF 279

• 4 days: CHF 339

• 6 days: CHF 405

• 8 days: CHF 439

• 15 days: CHF 479

Youth Swiss Travel Pass
(16-25 years of age, consecutive days)

1st class

• 3 days: CHF 274

• 4 days: CHF 330

• 6 days: CHF 424

• 8 days: CHF 469

• 15 days: CHF 512

2nd class

• 3 days: CHF 172

• 4 days: CHF 209

• 6 days: CHF 268

• 8 days: CHF 297

• 15 days: CHF 328

Flexible Youth Swiss Travel Pass
(16-25 years of age, use within 30 days)

1st class

• 3 days: CHF 314

• 4 days: CHF 379

• 6 days: CHF 454

• 8 days: CHF 492

• 15 days: CHF 535

  
  2nd class

• 3 days: CHF 197

• 4 days: CHF 240

• 6 days: CHF 287

• 8 days: CHF 311

• 15 days: CHF 342

Swiss Family Card
The free add-on to the Swiss Travel Pass for families

If you are purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass, you can get the Swiss Family Card for free. With this card, your children can accompany you for free. This also applies to mountain railways. For special trains (like the Bernina Express), there is still a seat reservation fee if the child requires an own seat.

The Swiss Family card is valid for all children who have not had their 16th birthday at the time of travel.

Children who have not reached the age of six yet, generally travel for free, even without this card.