Traveling by train in Switzerland is efficient, fast, and relaxing. Trains are clean, punctual, and scenic. It is possible to take a train just about anywhere. Trains connect airports with major cities and remote mountain villages. Board a train at Geneva airport, and within a couple of hours you will find yourself in the middle of the mountains. Most destinations are serviced by a train every 30 minutes. The plethora of trains and routes gives travelers freedom and flexibility---and makes for a worry-free vacation.
Tips & Warnings
Tips
• There are four different categories of trains.IC (InterCity) and ICN trains are faster and more luxurious than the RE (Regio Express) and IR (InterRegio) trains.
• Most trains offer first and second class. First class is typically about 50 percent more expensive and offers more leg room and comfortable seats.
• A knife and fork symbol on a timetable or on a departure board indicates that a dining car is available. Most other trains will have a RailBar (a rolling cart) which offers sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
• Bikes can be hired at many train stations. When you are tired of cycling, you can simply hand them into the closest train station.
• Dogs are welcome on Swiss trains. If they are over 30cm tall and can't fit in a basket, then you will need to buy them their own ticket. This will cost half the price of a second-class ticket.
• IC (InterCity) double decker trains typically include a family wagon in the second-class carriages. This is indicated by the symbol FA in the timetable. A family wagon offers a play area for kids.
• If traveling with your own bike, check whether bikes are allowed on the train. This is indicated by a picture of a bike on the timetable or departure board.As of August 2009, a charge of 10CHF applies when loading your own bike.
Tips
• There are four different categories of trains.IC (InterCity) and ICN trains are faster and more luxurious than the RE (Regio Express) and IR (InterRegio) trains.
• Most trains offer first and second class. First class is typically about 50 percent more expensive and offers more leg room and comfortable seats.
• A knife and fork symbol on a timetable or on a departure board indicates that a dining car is available. Most other trains will have a RailBar (a rolling cart) which offers sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
• Bikes can be hired at many train stations. When you are tired of cycling, you can simply hand them into the closest train station.
• Dogs are welcome on Swiss trains. If they are over 30cm tall and can't fit in a basket, then you will need to buy them their own ticket. This will cost half the price of a second-class ticket.
• IC (InterCity) double decker trains typically include a family wagon in the second-class carriages. This is indicated by the symbol FA in the timetable. A family wagon offers a play area for kids.
• If traveling with your own bike, check whether bikes are allowed on the train. This is indicated by a picture of a bike on the timetable or departure board.As of August 2009, a charge of 10CHF applies when loading your own bike.
Article Written By Alexandra Pallut
Alexandra Pallut is a travel, health and fitness writer based in Steamboat Springs, Colo. She has been writing her way around the world since 2008 and currently works with Ruba.com. Pallut graduated with a degree in English literature and French language from Lancaster University in Great Britain.
