Updated 2026
The Rail Network at a Glance
Train travel in Switzerland is among the best in the world. SBB runs a precise, scenic network that covers the entire country, and the views from the window justify the higher prices. We think Switzerland's rail system is worth experiencing even if it costs more than neighboring countries.
How Eurail Works in Switzerland
The Eurail Pass covers all SBB trains and most scenic mountain trains fully (Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass Line now have Eurail coverage). Reservations are required on Glacier Express and some premium routes but are included with Eurail. The Global Pass provides complete coverage.
Popular City-Pair Routes
Zurich to Bern1 hour, IC, every 30 minutes, no reservation. €20-35 (~$22-38). Switzerland's most frequently traveled business route. Bern's federal parliament and medieval old town make it worth a full day.
Zurich to Geneva2.75 hours, IC, every 30 minutes, no reservation. €25-45 (~$27-49). Connects Switzerland's two largest cities across the country's north-south axis. The landscape shifts from urban to Alpine as you go south.
Zurich to Lucerne45 minutes, IC, every 30 minutes, no reservation. €15-28 (~$16-30). Reaches the country's most picturesque city on a lake surrounded by mountains. It's close enough for a half-day trip from Zurich.
Bern to Interlaken50 minutes, regional, every 30 minutes, no reservation. €15-25 (~$16-27). Heads directly into Switzerland's Alpine heartland. Interlaken is the gateway to Jungfrau and dozens of mountain hiking trails.
Geneva to Lausanne40 minutes, IC, every 30 minutes, no reservation. €12-22 (~$13-24). Hugs Lake Geneva's eastern shore with water views for most of the journey. Lausanne's terraced vineyards and Olympic museum justify the stop.
Zurich to Basel55 minutes, IC, every 30 minutes, no reservation. €18-32 (~$20-35). Reaches Switzerland's Rhine Valley entrance and border with France and Germany. Basel's art museums are world-class.
Bern to Basel55 minutes, IC, every 30 minutes, no reservation. €18-32 (~$20-35). Diagonal journey across Switzerland's north toward the German-French border. Basel has more edge and less polish than most Swiss cities.
Scenic Routes and Day Trips by Rail
The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz (8 hours) is one of world's most famous train journeys, climbing 2,000+ meters while crossing multiple valleys. Eurail now covers this premium train, making it accessible to pass holders.
The Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano (Italy, 4 hours) features the famous red viaduct and dramatic mountain landscapes. It's a narrow-gauge railway that feels more intimate than standard tracks.
The GoldenPass Line from Zurich to Montreux combines multiple historic railways and offers one of Switzerland's best value scenic routes. It's now Eurail-covered and should be on every traveler's list.
Practical Tips for Switzerland
Swiss train stations are marvels of efficiency and design. Ticket machines are multilingual and accept credit cards. Staff speak English throughout the country, and schedules are posted with precision.
Platform numbers are posted early and clearly. Trains run exactly on time (we've never seen a delay longer than 1 minute). Eurail Pass holders should visit a ticket office to exchange their pass for documentation.
Switzerland is expensive, but train travel is a relative bargain compared to hotels and restaurants. A week with a Eurail Pass covers a lot of ground and provides excellent value for the scenic access.
Cross-Border Connections
Zurich connects to Milan, Munich, and other Alpine destinations. Geneva connects to Paris. Basel connects to Strasbourg and Freiburg. See our Austria page, Germany page, or France page for details.
FAQ
Yes, but Eurail Pass coverage of scenic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express) now makes it more worthwhile. Point-to-point tickets are pricey, but a 7-day pass pays for itself quickly if you're doing scenic routes.
Rarely. Even express trains don't require reservations. Glacier Express and some mountain trains require reservations, but these are included if you have a Eurail Pass.
Both are iconic scenic railways crossing mountains with dramatic views. Glacier Express is slower (8 hours for ~290km) because it prioritizes scenery. Bernina features a famous red viaduct and narrow-gauge tracks.
Yes. Eurail now covers Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Line fully (though you should reserve ahead for Glacier Express). These were previously expensive add-ons, so this is a major shift in value.
We'd suggest Zurich (1 day), Bernese Oberland/Interlaken (2 days), Geneva or Lausanne (1 day), and use 2-3 days for scenic trains and mountain exploration. The compact size means you're never far from amazing scenery.
Limited. Some Nightjet trains from ÖBB run Vienna-Switzerland routes, but most travelers use daytime trains. The country's small size means few overnight journeys are necessary.