How to buy train tickets in Switzerland

One of the best ways to see Switzerland is by train. The idyllic landscapes, comfortable trains and efficient railway make this a great option for exploration.

To help you fully enjoy your trip, we've created a guide that explains how to purchase train tickets in Switzerland. We’ll also include information on checking train fares and timetables, answers to common questions and step-by-step instructions for buying tickets.

And if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to spend in Switzerland, including buying train tickets online, check out the Wise international debit card. It lets you pay like a local with low fees*, while converting your pounds at the mid-market exchange rate.

Find out more about the Wise card

Trains in Switzerland¹

There are four main types of trains in Switzerland: regional, high-speed, scenic and night trains. This variety offers you multiple options when travelling either around Switzerland or across its borders.

SBB is the main railway company in the country. Other important train operators include BLS, Rhaetian Railway, Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, Montreux–Oberland Bernois Railway and TGV Lyria. There are only two seat categories available: standard and first class.

Some of the most popular train routes in Switzerland are Zurich to Lucerne, Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken to Grindelwald, and Geneva to Zermatt. Each route has over 30 trains per day.

What is the best way to buy train tickets in Switzerland?¹

If you want to save money and secure a good seat, it’s best to buy train tickets in advance. SBB tickets typically go on sale about three months before departure, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. In short, the most affordable way to buy train tickets in Switzerland is online.

There are six types of train tickets in Switzerland: Supersaver ticket, City ticket, Saver Day Pass, Standard ticket, Multiple-journey ticket and the Swiss Travel Pass. Prices vary depending on the route and whether the ticket is for single use or multiple journeys. Supersaver tickets are limited and are the best option for budget travelers, while the Saver Day Pass offers unlimited travel for one day.

Certainly, the easiest way to purchase train tickets in Switzerland is via the Trainline app. This is particularly helpful if you don’t speak any of the local languages. With just a few simple steps, you can reserve your seat and relax knowing your travel is all set. The app also lets you compare all available train operators across Switzerland in one place and choose the best option.

How to buy train tickets online using Trainline¹

We’ll now show you how to buy train tickets in Switzerland with Trainline and go through all the steps:

Download the Trainline app

The best way to book and have access to train tickets is through the Trainline app, available on both the App Store and Google Play. You can also buy your tickets on Trainline’s official website using the Journey Planner located at the top of the page.

Choose your destination

Begin by selecting your travel destinations and entering the departure and arrival stations. If you don’t know what the stations are called, you can search by city instead. This step is also an excellent opportunity to discover new destinations and potentially find more affordable tickets.

Enter travel details

You’ll be asked to provide the usual travel details, including the number of passengers and travel dates. If you don’t want to buy a return ticket right away, you can select your departure date only.

If you have any railcards or loyalty cards that offer discounts, now is the time to use them. If you plan to rely on trains as your primary mode of transportation during your holiday, consider choosing one of the Swiss train passes. Some options include the Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, Swiss Half Fare Card and Tell-Pass for Central Switzerland.

Choose the best option

Once you tap 'Find times and prices,' you'll see search results based on the details you've entered. You can then select your preferred train time and ticket class and move on to choosing your seat.

Provide personal information

If you're booking on the Trainline website, you'll need to provide an email address for your ticket confirmation. However, if you're using the app, you’ll only need to enter the names of all passengers. Make sure the names match those on your IDs to avoid any issues.

Continue to checkout

After entering the necessary details, you'll be taken to the checkout page. Make sure you double-check the dates, prices and passenger names before paying. Once you're satisfied with everything, proceed to book your tickets.

How to check train fares in Switzerland

There are several ways to find out the cost of train tickets in Switzerland. If you prefer speaking in person, you can visit the nearest train station and ask about the route you're interested in. However, this is more useful if you already have your travel dates, rather than simply browsing fares.

Another option is to visit the website of the train operator you've chosen. Be sure to pay attention to the ticket type, as the price difference can be significant. For example, Supersaver tickets can cost up to 70% less than regular tickets.¹

However, the easiest way to search for fares is through the Trainline app. It allows you to compare multiple operators in one place, without needing to visit each of their websites individually. This can also help you find a more affordable ticket option, as Trainline also displays available discounts.²

How to check train times in Switzerland²

You can also check train times in the Trainline app, which provides timetable information, including real-time updates. Just enter your travel details, and you'll get the schedule. You can even view schedules in advance.

Step by step guide to buying train tickets on Trainline

Let’s go over the ticket purchase process once again:

• Download the Trainline app
• Enter your departure and arrival stations
• Select your departure date and, if applicable, the return date
• Add any relevant railcard or loyalty card information
• Specify the number of passengers
• Tap ‘Find times and prices’ and look through the available options
• Choose your preferred time, class option and seat
• Enter passenger information
• Proceed to checkout

FAQs about buying train tickets in Switzerland

Here are the answers to some common questions about train tickets in Switzerland:

Should I book train tickets in advance?

You don't have to, but it's a good way to save money and try to book one of the limited Supersaver tickets.

Can I get train tickets on my phone?

Yes, you can download the Trainline app and buy train tickets directly on your phone.

Should I buy a pass?¹

Swiss rail passes are a great way to save money. The cheapest option is the Swiss Half Fare Card, which offers 50% off tickets for one month.

Do I need to pay for a seat reservation on Swiss trains?¹

There’s usually no need for that, unless you’re travelling on one of the scenic trains.

Do children pay for trains in Switzerland?¹

Children up to 6 years of age travel for free, unless they have their own seat. Children between 6 and 16 years old pay half the price.

Travelling by train in Switzerland? Use Wise to save money on train fees

In this guide, we’ve shown you how to buy train tickets in Switzerland. Now you have instructions for the Trainline app, information on ticket categories and popular routes across the country.

Let's discuss the most convenient and cost-effective way to buy train tickets online in Switzerland.

The Wise account is a great option for a train trip to Switzerland, as it allows you to spend in the local currency in 150+ countries. Whenever you pay, including for train tickets online, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate, without any margins or mark-ups. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee*, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

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Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 25-Nov-2024