Keystone/Leander Duggan
Switzerland has one of the best developed public transportation networks in the world. Almost any part of the country can be reached by bus or train – even remote mountainous areas.
Switzerland is one of the countries where people use public transportation the most, especially the train. However, two-thirds of trips are still made by private car.
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How to behave on the Swiss train
This content was published on
May 20, 2019
Hop on, ride to your stop, then get off – without offending anyone. It may seem easy, but it’s not, warns a Swiss transport etiquette expert.
Read more: How to behave on the Swiss train
Regional bus, tram and train networks are generally well developed in urban areas. People also like to get around on foot or by bike.
Trains
Switzerland has one of the largest and most extensive railway networks in Europe, with a total length of approximately 5,100 kilometers (3,189 miles). Most of the lines (about 3,200 km) are operated by the Swiss Federal Railways (CFF/SBB). The company was founded in 1902 and was owned by the government, but became a public limited company in 1999.
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Are Swiss trains becoming less punctual, more expensive and more dangerous?
This content was published on
September 16, 2019
Critics say service on the Swiss Federal Railways, long known for its efficiency, is deteriorating. Do they have a point?
Read more: Are Swiss trains becoming less punctual, more expensive and more dangerous?
Swiss trains are known for their frequent, safe and punctual service. Tickets may seem expensive to tourists or expats, but once exchange rates and purchasing power are taken into account, they fall within the European average. Trains generally have two classes.
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The Swiss remain European champions in rail transport
This content was published on
December 10, 2019
The Swiss took the train an average of 71 times last year, traveling 2,398 kilometers by rail, according to the latest figures from the European statistics office, Eurostat. Switzerland is the leader in Europe, measured by the distance traveled per capita. The average train distance traveled by train passengers in Switzerland last year far exceeded its nearest competitor.
Read more: The Swiss remain European champions in rail mobility
There are two types of season tickets, which cover trains and most other public transport in Switzerland: the Half-Fare Travel Card (which reduces all ticket prices by half) and the General Travel Card (which grants unlimited use of the entire network, including trains, buses, trams and boat services scheduled).
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With the opening of the tunnel, the transportation project of the century becomes a reality
This content was published on
September 4, 2020
The Chenery Tunnel puts the finishing touches on the most massive infrastructure project in modern Swiss history.
Read more: With the opening of the tunnel, the transportation project of the century becomes a reality
bus
Before the advent of railways, Swiss mail cars also carried passengers, as in other countries. The Swiss horse-drawn postal network was founded in 1849. The first scheduled postal bus service began in 1906, between Bern and the nearby town of Detligen. In 1919, the Simplon Railway was opened, connecting Lausanne in Switzerland and Domodossola in Italy.
The vast majority of postal routes are now operated by PostBus, operated by the Swiss Post. Other companies can now obtain an operating license when the roads are put out to tender. In addition to connecting towns and cities, postal buses also run to remote alpine areas and rural areas not served by railways.
In urban areas, regional bus networks complement the rail service. There are also scheduled boating services on the lakes and rivers. These sometimes only work in the summer.
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How Geneva Airport helped the international city take off
This content was published on
May 16, 2020
This photo essay highlights the main stages of Geneva Airport’s development over the past 100 years.
Read more: How Geneva Airport helped the international city take off
Planes
Switzerland has three international airports: Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Smaller regional airports also offer national and international flights. Due to the size of the country, air travel within Switzerland is very limited.
For more information on this topic, see:
– Highlights by train, bus and boat (Swiss Tourism)External link;
– Mobility and transport (Federal Statistical Office)External link;
– International transport comparisons (World Bank website);External link
– Swiss Federal Railways (CFF/SBB);External link
– Mail bus.External link
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