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Swiss train travel

Switzerland’s compact size and the versatility of its travel system make it easy to use one or two cities as a base and take day trips throughout the country. No place is too remote, because the transportation system has conquered the contours of the geography. Travelers who want to take excursions to other parts of Europe will find that many rail lines link InnerCity Express trains to Germany, TGVs to France and Pendolinos to Italy.

The most popular access points to Switzerland are the international gateway airports in Zürich, Geneva and Basel. Both the Zürich and Geneva airports feature railway stations, making the connection from plane to train fast and convenient. Geneva, along with Montreux, is nestled in the French-speaking region around Lake Geneva. Basel is the junction where Switzerland meets Germany and France. The Swiss capital, Berne, is in the German-speaking part of the nation, and nearby Interlaken and Lucerne also have much of the German character. In Zermatt, you can ski into Italy or take the leisurely rail journey to St. Moritz.

The national airline, Swissair, ranks among the world's top commercial carriers. Swissair riders can check luggage from their home airport directly to their Swiss destination, or from a rail station in Switzerland directly to their next destination. They can also pick up their boarding cards at many train stations up to 24 hours prior to departure.

To use the Swiss transit systems, you may want to purchase a Swiss Pass. It entitles you to unlimited access to Switzerland’s 9,000 miles of railroad, boat and postal bus routes, plus trams and buses in major Swiss cities. It also is good for discounts on most mountain railways and panoramic routes. The Swiss Pass can be validated for any length of time you want. The Swiss Flexi Pass allows unlimited use of the Swiss travel network for any three days of travel during a 15-day period. If you're staying in one place for long, a Swiss Card might be the answer. Travel from the border or airport station to your destination and back is free. All other train, boat or postal bus tickets during your stay are half-price. There are also reductions for mountain railways. Upon request, a Swiss Family Card will be issued free of charge to adults traveling with a Swiss Pass, Swiss Flexi Pass or Swiss Card. It allows children under 16 free train travel when accompanied by at least one parent.

The Swiss public transportation network is, of course, used primarily by the Swiss themselves. Larger train stations are like self-contained, miniature cities that provide information, banks, currency exchanges, hotel reservations, newsstands and a variety of food services. Smaller stations have the same services either in the facility or just a few steps away. Coin-operated lockers are usually available for storing small items for 24 hours. There is also a baggage check, or “left luggage” drop, where you can leave pieces not immediately required.

While there are plenty of signs showing the way and guiding you to the trains, it is helpful to be able to read and understand timetables. Arrivals and departures are prominently displayed on electronic boards in many stations. There are also printed schedule posters. White posters show arrivals; yellow posters indicate departures. Schedules are shown in military time, so 1 p.m. becomes 13:00 hours, and so on, to midnight, which is 24:00 hours.

It is important to board the proper car on your train. Second-class coaches are distinguished by a "2" on the outside, while first class has a large yellow strip at the top and a "1" on the side. Because of frequent service, reservations are not necessary on Swiss trains, with the exception of the Glacier Express and some of the other scenic trains.