RIDE SWISS TRAINS LIKE A PRO: Top 20 tips to master Switzerland's rail system in 2024

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

If you need more personalized help, from a detailed itinerary to a 1:1 call - head to our website to learn more: www.thetravelingswiss.com

[@buske328]

Hi, since WiFi doesn’t work in Switserland, do you need to buy a prepaid phone or what do you recommend ?

[@JanPBtest]

One _generic_ tip I have for travellers from the US or any other place that involves loooong flights: buy the 1st class train ticket (you can buy the HalfFare with it and use it immediately) for your _initial ride away from the airport._ The reason is that you're going to be really tired AND jet-lagged AND airport trains CAN get quite busy. Like Alexis says, there is very little difference between the 1st and 2nd class "hardware", but 1st class won't be crowded. Last but not least, don't be afraid to buy a drink or a snack if there is a food cart or a bistro on the train, unlike in the US those things are not trying to fleece you, their prices are about the same as in a corner cafe (e.g. a cappuccino on the GoldenPass Express delivered to our seat was about 5 CHF).

[@TeacherClau]

This is genius! You are right! That also calm my anxiety for using the train for the first time! Thank you! Thank you!

[@JanPBtest]

@@TeacherClau You're welcome! Yes, trains are _the_ standard mode of transportation and do remember to get that HalfFare card (it's valid for 1 month and costs IIRC 120 CHF and it pays for itself within a few days of typical visiting use, in fact just one trip to e.g. the Jungfraujoch will pay for it). And an unrelated generic hint (which Alexis and Louis also talked about): whenever using your credit card anywhere in Europe, the message will pop up: do you want to charge in local currency (CHF) or in US dollars? Always select the local currency, because this forces the use of the interbank conversion rate which always better than the local exchange bureau's. Of course, the "US dollars" selection is always the default, so you have to look a bit more closely and push the "CHF" selection. One of those mini-tourist-ripoff idiocies 🙂

[@The_Waddler_ugh_gross]

My tip is that if the actual panoramic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express etc) aren't working for you as an option (cost, time of departure etc) then all the panoramic routes have local or regional train services on them. The scenery is exactly the same, youre maybe more likely to meet local people along the way. Depending on your ticket type, you can hop off and explore that interesting looking village, maybe have lunch then hop back on another train later. At least worth knowing there are options for those journeys other than the branded trains.

[@GaryKarr]

My wife and I love your channel, helpful to us as we are about to move from the US to Geneva for job reasons (I have a new job with a division of the UN.) We also would love an Alexis-Louis origin story video. :-)

[@johndornoff]

Love the Swiss Rail network. I was nervous the first time I came to Switzerland from America and our horrible rail system and seeing all these tight 4 to 7-minute connections, and after a whole week of riding Swiss trains, I never missed a connection.

[@jijiwaiwai6747]

i am looking at these 3min or 5min connections right now, feeling stressed out, until i saw your comment;)

[@jijiwaiwai6747]

@@Fan652w thanks a lot for your reassurance.

[@Aurirang]

@@jijiwaiwai6747 I think the only time i missed a connection (I'm Swiss myself) was in Zurich and only because i got lost at the trainstation. It's a bit a labyrinth there if you encounter it the first time. But otherwhise trains arive almost always (meaning like 99.9% of the time) on their designated platform and section of said platform. so if you keep to the instructions on the app, you'llbe golden. :) Basel used to have some latency issues caused by the deutsche bahn until last year where there were a few train- and platform changes due to the DB being notoriously late until the SBB decided they had enough of this and pretty much told the DB to stick it and carry on with their own trains from Basel SBB onwards. It's been smooth ever since.

[@jijiwaiwai6747]

@@Aurirang really appreciate your reply and input. We just came back 2 weeks ago. Wow you guys are right. We are very impressed by the train system:smooth, accurate, easy, clean. We never missed one train, even with the connections with only 5min's gap. Great experience overall. so looking forward to going back again.

[@annaburch3200]

We've just started to plan a possible trip to Switzerland and I discovered your videos - the BEST and most informative videos I've seen on Swiss travel. As a detail-oriented traveler (former travel agent), I really appreciate all the advice!! So helpful. Thank you. Danke. Merci. Grazie. ☺️

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

thank you so much for the kind comment! so glad you're finding the content helpful

[@KWGlovestravel]

We were just in Switzerland for 12 days at the beginning of September. I watched a number of your videos; they were so helpful in preparing us for riding trains, knowing what to expect in different towns, explaining typical food, suggesting good souvenirs, and many more things! Thank you so much for this valuable information. It really made us feel more confident in our planning and in knowing what to do. We had an absolutely wonderful trip, thanks in part to your guidance!

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Thank you so much for the comment! I'm so glad to hear jt was helpful :)

[@JanPBtest]

6:08 You can get on the GoldenPass Express without reservation if there are seats available (you can check the seat occupancy diagram online beforehand for the given date and time). Last mid-January, for example, entire cars were empty on the diagram the day before so we bought the tickets (no reservations which are expensive) from Interlaken to Montreux for just... 22 CHF (with the HalfFare card) and away we went! Of course this is a bit risky but if you are somewhat flexible in your plans, esp. off-season, you can save a lot of money.

[@ItsPrincessK]

Your videos are so informative and helpful! The structure of the video is really well thought out. I really liked tip #9 about the luggage. Thank you ☺️

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Glad it was helpful! ☺️

[@katyhartTV]

Always appreciate these train videos from you guys! Thank you!

[@mystemo1980]

One of the best videos you've done! Super concise and clear to reinforce what we've learnt already and filled in any gaps.

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Thank you so much for the feedback. Glad it was helpful!

[@JS-gt5bh]

We were in Europe in May/June. German trains, Austrian trains, Czech trains, French trains and Swiss rail. The Duetschland Pass is super for Germany!❤️Bought tickets on the other trains at their websites. Had 2 Swiss Rail passes for 8 days adult youth. If you are on the rails everyday it is worth it and just easier.😊

[@mikemasse7987]

You guys are the absolute best! My wife and I have found your vidoes so helpful. I appreciate all the energy you put into your videos

[@seanvic0912]

Love your videos so much.

[@florenceminjoot5475]

❤️ All your informative videos 👍

[@ElrosTar-Minyatur]

Jeeeeej! A new video! I love your videos!

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Glad you like them!

[@maryrenshaw8265]

Thanks

[@segoh4578]

Hi Alexis & Louis, very good sharing but it would be better to cover train ticket booking and seat reservation. Different between SBB trains and Benina Express and Glacier Express. Thanks

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

We have a whole playlist about Swiss transportation with tons of different videos, can’t cover everything in one vid

[@JMeVee94]

Thanks for this very helpful video😊

[@cls7155]

Very good information thank you !!!

[@eelannalosarim9479]

Hi Guys, new to your channel and I love it, very informative. We are planning to visit Switzerland coming summer, we are staying for 5 days. Is it worth buying the half fare card? We are going to Lucerne and Interlaken.

[@buske328]

Since WiFi is not available in Switserland, do you need a prepaid phone or what do you recommend please ?😮

[@catherineb2595]

Is Hfc useful on transportation in the city of Zurich or just on intercity trains? I loved your video! Very helpful!

[@GrizzYMariana]

Thank you so much

[@cathymagdirila3316]

Hello Louis & Alexis. I have been watching your videos for almost a year now and I love them all! They are very informative and you both explains everything clearly. My husband and I are traveling to Switzerland this September. I am planning to buy the half fare card and the Berber Oberland Pass. But I just have a quick questions in regards to buying train tickets in Switzerland, do I need to buy them ahead of time? or can I buy them when I arrived?

[@chellybobby]

So just to confirm? Your Swiss travel pass is your train ticket? Is this available on your phone? Great video guys thank you so much❤

[@Aurirang]

Yes. You can get it as a card (called Swiss-pass), on your phone (part of the SBB-App. it has a QR-code you can show) or as a print-out. It's commonly called 'GA' or 'General-Abonement' in Switzerland. There's also cheaper local versions, like the area around Basel has the 'U-Abo' which allows you to travel Basel and Basel-land freely. There's a plethora of possiblities. SBB also has some combined tickets for trips once in a while, as example a trip to the Europa-Parc in germany (including entrance and travel-fees). As much as we Swiss like to rant about the SBB, it does have good services, is punctual and clean.

[@BobTelcu]

Should have also mentioned about Fairtiq (SBB EasyRide)

[@josepinard30]

Bonjour l ma question porte davantage sur le paiement en Suisse. Est-ce que les cartes sont assez bien acceptées ou faut-il de l’argent papier pour payer?

[@janemurphy9969]

Can we talk with each other on the quiet cars?

[@oresteduarte2427]

Do you need book in advanced to travel between cities? Or it’s safe book the same day?

[@HollieNguyen]

We are landing in Zurich and then take the train to Basel then coming back to Zurich. We are looking to go from Basel to Zurich on either Christmas day or day after Christmas. Do you know if the trains operate on Christmas day?

[@JS-ph9ee]

Question: if I bought a ticket from Airport to Wengen, and I miss the train I’m supposed to transfer to. 1) Do I have to buy another ticket, or just catch the next train? 2) will the next train on that track be going to the same place? Thank you!

[@benedictmoreno4729]

Do you need a Half Fare card for each person in our party? Or just 1 per app?

[@catherineim2431]

How is the wifi in the train stations?

[@kargerstreet9687]

Hi Alexis and Louis, We will be traveling to Switzerland in July for 21 days. I was thinking of our first 2 days, arriving Geneva at 1pm and then to the train going to Zurich to stay 2 nights. Do you think I will buy point to point ticket upon our arrival? Or use our 15 day swiss travel pass .I need your excellent advice. Thank you.

[@florencepascual8735]

Hi, is it easy to travel from st gallen to st moritz. Thanks in advance

[@mfqm]

Hi, Thank you for your helpful channel. I just got swiss travel pass and when trying to purchase train ticket it’s show 0.0 as price and can not proceed any farther. So no need to purchase ticket and just use my pass ?

[@JS-gt5bh]

My understanding is that their are LOCAL trains covering the same route of the Bernina Express from Tirano to Chur but is this true of the Glacier Express from Zermat to St. Moritz or Chur? Or just the Glacier Express goes down that line?🤔

[@MendingWall]

I'm staying in Lugano for six days with a rental car. Are there any scenic train rides from Lugano coming back to Lugano on the same day?

[@erha007mail]

This video is gold. Thanks. Love your videos. We are going to Switzerland in a few weeks and your videos have helped me a lot for planning and comfort. Greetings from Sweden!

[@nella1]

How do I purchase the Half Fare card? Maybe I am missing it, but I only see a link for the Swiss Travel Pass.

[@shaivalchokshi3424]

I recently purchased a Swiss Travel Pass (second class) and have a few questions about using it: 1. For travel within major stations, like going from Lucerne to Kriens, do I need to purchase a separate ticket through the SBB app or at the station, or can I hop on the train with my Swiss Travel Pass? 2. When booking through the SBB app, do I select “GA Travelcard, 2nd class” under the "Travelcards for Switzerland" section in the passenger info? Is that the correct option for the Swiss Travel Pass? 3. For journeys where reservations are mandatory, like the Glacier Express, do I need to buy the ticket separately in advance? And if my reservation is in first class but my Swiss Travel Pass is for second class, can I upgrade to first class through the app or at the boarding station? I’d appreciate any insights or advice from those who have experience with this! Thanks!

[@fuchurZero]

The STP covers almost every mean of public transportation in Switzerland: trains, buses and tramways in every city and boats. The mountain cable cars aren’t included, but the STP becomes the Swiss Half fare pass. If you are not sure if the STP covers your train ride ( there are some exceptions) google swiss travel pass map. I can’t answer the second question. For the reservations you have to book them in advance. You can buy the upgrade to first class on the app. Look for the train ride and then click on the button „ purchase ticket“. Then you can click on „ Klassenwechsel“ or „Sparklassenwechsel“. You can link any mean of payment with your STP, either directly in the app or online

[@ilyaaspro]

So after i bought a Swiss travel pass, i need to book a reservation seat on the SBB app to board the train am i right? Which cost 5chf. Or it is not needed.

[@catherineim2431]

Thanks for your video! Can I purchase all my train tickets selecting the half fare card option, 3 months in advance using the SBB app? I do not have a half fare card but I will purchase it in 3 months when I get to the train station. OR do I need to have already purchased the HFC before purchasing trading tickets at the HFC price?

[@Himawari-p4j]

Hi, thanks for the great tips. I have a question about buying tickets with half fare cards using SBB apps. Since I can’t link my hfc to the app, how do I buy a half fare ticket using the app? There is no option to choose for hfc. Please help 😢

[@jamescc2010]

We will regional trains from Zurich to Tirano via UNESCO route. Will we have problem with internet or cellular signals?

[@AndyRichards-b9n]

I tried your Train Selector and it doesn't work for me. We will arrive in Zurich (by air) and stay for 4 nights. We will then take a train (we already have tickets) to Munich. We would only use the train for day trips - probably only one day trip to Lucerne

[@vivianw4702]

Hi, Our itinerary includes 1 day in Zurich, 1 day in Bern, 5 days in the Grindelwald, and 2 days in Geneva. Is worth it to buy a Swiss pass? or a price card? thanks!

[@JS-gt5bh]

Probably a half price card if you will not be on trains everyday but the Swiss Pass includes many museums and boat rides. Switzerland is not a big country. It is 7 hours from St. Gallen on the German border to Geneva next to France. You can train easily from Grindewald to Lauterbrunnen. A few cable cars are free near Lucerne with the Swiss Pass. Most are 50 pc off with the Swiss Pass. You can do day trips on Swiss rail as we did from Bern to Lucerne. Bern to Zurich is like 1 hour 45 minutes. If you love trains Switzerland is for you.😊

[@sujatadang2704]

Hi...do u hv a video explaining diff areas of Zurich main station....as in which area is for long distance train, one for short distance and what r they called?

[@markusf58]

That‘s pretty easy, there is an announcement board in the main station’s central hall where alle the trains are shown with departure times an track numbers. The tracks are easy to find (in my opinion at least…). Apart from that, don‘t hesitate to ask someone!

[@sujatadang2704]

@@markusf58 thanks🙏

[@acnn2]

Best way to get from Montreux to Lauterbrunnen?

[@LeaDesigner]

Question: If you are just purchasing point to point tickets how in advance do you recommend purchasing? Does it affect cost or availability? Example - Zurich HB to Lucerne

[@andrea2274]

The Swiss railway network (incl. buses, ships etc.) have standard prices for the whole year. And Swiss people don't make reservations, either. For a connection from Zurich to Lucerne there is one exception: If the train continues through the Gotthard tunnel to the south (i.e. to Lugano, Locarno, Italy) SBB recommends a seat reservation. Due to higher safety instruction everybody has to have a seat through the tunnel. As you leave the train before the tunnel, you can be on the train, but could have difficulties to find an empty seat (only on weekends, during school holidays). For rather touristy trains (i.e. Glacier Express, Bernina Express) a reservatuon is recommended. But you see how occupied 1st and 2nd class are in the SBB app. The range is from 1-3 men (pictogramm), with 1 beeing the lowest and 3 the highest occupancy. And decide, if it's worth a try without reservation or not.

[@Aurirang]

You can buy the tickets early and get some money off the tickets. But in general the prices are, as the other commentor said, stable. The SBB once thought about making dynamic pricing (meaning different prices depending on the time of the day)but was met with such a huge backlash from the Swiss people that they immediately dropped the idea. At least towards the public front.

[@stephanefavre3224]

Half fare pass vs half fare travel card?

[@JanPBtest]

AFAIK there is only the HalfFare (aka. HalbTax) card which gives you 50% off of all transportation (almost all).

[@josephrusso2645]

Quick question can I buy a 15 day Swiss pass from the US before I travel or is it better to buy it once I get to switzerland?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Better to buy it before you travel to make sure you have it all ready to go and loaded in your phone etc before you arrive. We have links to purchase in the video description

[@josephrusso2645]

@@TheTravelingSwiss thank you both

[@romanryczkowycz851]

Does anyone know whether Alexis or Louis provide personal guiding services in the Interlaken area?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Hi! Unfortunately we don’t offer guided tours at the moment!

[@sapphirebhs]

The half fare card costs 168 CHF not 120 CHF

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

The tourist half fare card (not for residents) is 120 CHF for one month www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/guests-abroad/swiss-halffare-card.html#:~:text=Would%20you%20like%20to%20go,railways%20at%20half%20price%20(%3F)