Traveling Switzerland: Trains, Buses, Or Self-Drive?

Switzerland is known for its stunning scenery, delicious food, and efficient, easy-to-use public transport. The country has a well-developed public transportation system, including trains, buses, cable cars, and boats. The trains are particularly popular, with efficient, modern, eco-friendly services connecting major cities. Tickets can be purchased at stations or online, with significant discounts available for supersaver tickets booked in advance. Buses are useful for reaching smaller communities not served by rail, and the country's PostBus service is synchronised with train arrivals. Switzerland also has an extensive network of cable cars, funiculars, and cogwheel railways, which provide access to its highest Alpine reaches. In addition, passenger boats operate on several lakes, offering a slow and scenic way to travel. For those who prefer to drive, Switzerland's roads are well-maintained and scenic, and the country is entirely navigable by electric car. Overall, Switzerland offers a range of convenient and enjoyable transportation options for visitors.

Travel by train

Switzerland has an extensive and efficient railway network, making train travel a popular and convenient option for visitors. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) is the main operator, offering comfortable and modern trains that connect most towns and cities. With

Travel by bus

Switzerland's extensive bus network connects almost every town, village, and hamlet in the country, making it a convenient option for travellers. The buses are generally comfortable, punctual, and offer stunning views of the Swiss landscape. Here's everything you need to know about travelling by bus in Switzerland.

Finding Bus Information

The best way to find bus schedules and route information is by visiting the websites of Switzerland's major bus operators, such as PostAuto, SBB, and Autobus. These websites provide up-to-date timetables, route maps, and even allow you to purchase tickets online.

Travel by car

Switzerland's excellent public transport system makes it easy to get around without a car. However, travelling by car can be the best option if you plan to visit remote areas and small villages with limited public transportation, want to travel on backroads and mountain passes, or have a lot of luggage.

If you do decide to travel by car, there are a few things you should know. Switzerland has a high-quality road network, including scenic pass roads, but driving in the Alps requires special skills and knowledge of the rules. Driving in Switzerland requires experience and caution, and you must be aware of the traffic rules and the expected behaviour on pass roads. Most drivers benefit from a Swiss Half Fare Card.

If you plan to drive on Swiss motorways, you need to buy a motorway vignette, which shows that you have paid the motorway tax. Vignettes cost 40 CHF each (about $40 USD) and can be purchased at the border, online, or at most gas stations. You must also display the vignette on the inside of your windshield, or you could be fined.

When driving in Switzerland, you must have your headlights on at all times, day and night. The speed limit is 120kph (75mph) on motorways, 80kph (50mph) on main roads, 50kph (30mph) in urban areas, and 30kph (18mph) or less on residential streets. The minimum driving age is 18, and third-party insurance is compulsory. You must carry a red warning triangle and the vehicle registration documents. Random alcohol testing is common, and the blood alcohol limit is 0.5—lower than in the US and most European countries. The fines for speeding are steep, and there are hidden speed cameras located throughout the country.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein drive on the right, and seatbelts are compulsory for all. Penalties for drink driving are tough—one glass of beer will put you over the limit. There are also hundreds of road tunnels, so it's important to be aware of the reduced visibility when driving through them.

Travel by boat

Switzerland's public transport system is one of the best in the world, and it includes an extensive ferry service that covers the country's many lakes. All Swiss travel passes grant free travel by boat everywhere except on Lake Maggiore, which is mostly in Italy.

You can take boat trips on the following lakes:

• Lake Lucerne
• Lake Thun
• Lake Brienz
• Lake Geneva
• Lake Zurich
• Lake Lugano
• Lake Maggiore
• Lake Como

Reservations aren't necessary for normal boat rides, and you can just hop on and off with your rail pass or ticket. Tickets can be bought online, at larger rail stations, at the boat docks, and sometimes on board. Boat schedules can be found online or in the general Swiss timetable.

• Lake Lucerne 1-hour catamaran cruise
• Lake Geneva cruise with wine and an aperitif
• Lake Zurich tour with a Lindt chocolate factory visit
• Lake Brienz boat trips, available from spring to fall

Travel by plane

Switzerland is a small country, but it has quite a few airports. The biggest airport in the country is Zurich Airport (ZRH), located in the German-speaking part of the country. It is also the busiest airport in Switzerland, with flights to and from numerous destinations worldwide. Many low-cost carriers also operate from Zurich Airport, making it a convenient and often affordable option for travellers. Geneva Airport (GVA) is another major hub, located in the French-speaking region of Switzerland. It is the country's second-largest airport and serves as a focus city for Swiss International Air Lines. Many ski resorts are easily accessible from Geneva Airport, making it a popular choice for winter sports enthusiasts.

Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (BSL/MLH/ EAP) is unique in that it serves three countries: Switzerland, France, and Germany. The airport is located in France, but it has Swiss and French customs and exits to both countries. This airport is a good option for those planning to visit multiple countries during their trip. While not as large as Zurich or Geneva, Basel Airport still offers a variety of international connections. For travellers planning to visit the southern part of Switzerland, Lugano Airport (LUG) could be a convenient option. This small airport is located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino and offers flights to a few select destinations, including Geneva and Zurich.

When travelling by plane within Switzerland, it is worth noting that the country has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. All the airports mentioned above are well-connected to their respective regional transport networks. Travellers can easily reach city centres and other destinations by train, bus, or tram. For example, Zurich Airport is just a short train ride away from Zurich main station, while Geneva Airport provides a quick connection to the city centre via a direct train. So, while air travel may not be the most common way to get around within Switzerland, the convenience and speed of the country's public transportation system make it a viable option for certain journeys.

It is also worth considering the environmental impact of air travel. Switzerland has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable tourism. Travellers can contribute to these efforts by considering alternative modes of transportation, such as train or bus, especially for shorter distances or when exploring a specific region. In conclusion, while travelling by plane can be a convenient and efficient way to get to and from Switzerland, it is important to weigh the benefits against the environmental impact and consider the range of transportation options available within the country.

Frequently asked questions