The 5 car trains in Switzerland

  1. Furka: car train between Oberwald (Valais) and Realp (near Andermatt). You only need reservations if you’re driving a vehicle heavier than 3,5 tonnes. An alternative is the Furka Pass road.
  2. Lötschberg: car train between Kandersteg (Bernese Oberland) and Goppenstein (Valais). You can’t make reservations. There is no alternative road.
  3. Simplon: car train between Brig (Valais) and Iselle (Italy). Reservations aren’t possible. An alternative is the Simplon Pass road.
  4. Lötschberg and Simplon combined: direct car train between Kandersteg (Bernese Oberland) and Iselle (Italy). Reservations are required. They can be made up to 5 hours before the train’s departure, but I recommend booking your ride earlier than that. There is no alternative pass road.
  5. Vereina: car train between Selfranga (Klosters) and Sagliains (Lower Engadine). Reservations are not necessary. An alternative is the Flüela Pass road.
  6. (Oberalp: the former car train between Andermatt and Sedrun (Graubünden) has been discontinued in 2023.)

Car trains in Switzerland: the basics

How Swiss car trains work

You drive your car on the train. It has special wagons with platforms to securely park on. Then you either stay seated in your car, or sit in a passenger’s train coach: this varies per route.

Most car trains don’t have to be booked in advance. They work like toll tunnels: you simply show up, pay (or use a pre-purchased ticket), and drive on to the train. Reservations are only obligatory for the direct Lötschberg-Simplon car train between Kandersteg and Iselle.

Why use car trains

  1. If pass roads are closed, or if you simply prefer not to drive on passes, car trains are a great way to reach the other side of the mountains.
  2. To many travelers, it’s a fun experience!
  3. It’s more eco-friendly than driving the pass road yourself.

Why avoid car trains

  1. Many car trains pass long tunnels and lights will be turned off. This can be unpleasant if you suffer from claustrophobia, fear of the dark, or fear of tunnels. You can use your car’s interior lighting or a flashlight to ease discomfort.
  2. If you’re an experienced driver, travel when the passes are open, and enjoy mountain rides, you may want to skip car trains.

How to pay for your car train ride

In most cases, you can get your car train tickets online in advance. If there are several lanes at the car train entry and if you have a pre-purchased ticket, you can choose the self-service lane.

Ticket types vary:

  • Sometimes you can register your license plate number during the purchase process. The barrier at the loading platform will then open automatically once you approach.
  • Without license plate registration, you may receive a digital ticket with a QR code. You can scan this from your mobile phone or from a printed copy to enter the platform.
  • If your ticket can’t be scanned, you can show it to personnel before entering the train.

If you can’t arrange for your ticket in advance, you can alternatively purchase it on the spot. In that case, you can’t use the quicker self-service lane if that’s available. You’ll have to pass a manned ticket desk or ticket machine first.

Is the motorway vignette useful for car trains?

The Swiss motorway vignette does not include free or discounted access to car trains. The vignette allows you to use the motorway network. Please find details here.

Is my rail pass valid for car trains?

Rail passes do not include car trains. So you’ll always need a car train ticket.

How to prepare for a trip by car train

  • Check the schedule in advance. Most car trains operate from (early) morning until (late) evening, but not at night. A reduced schedule may apply during the off-season.
  • Reservations usually aren’t required and sometimes not even possible. Check what applies to your route. You may want to make a reservation if that’s possible and if you’re traveling on busy days in the tourist high season months.
  • If you travel by van, camper, or caravan, check the size restrictions.
  • Make sure that luggage on the outside of your car, such as luggage on the roof or bikes on a rack, is well secured.

What to do when you’re on the train

  • When on the train, put your car into 1st gear or in the ‘park’ mode, apply the handbrake, and turn off the engine.
  • Closely follow the instructions displayed on signs and provided by personnel.
  • During the entire ride, it’s forbidden to leave your car (except in case of an emergency). It would be extremely dangerous to be out on the narrow platform of a speeding train.
  • Don’t ever throw cigarettes or other objects out of the window.

Other websites of interest

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Arno
Page author: ArnoI have visited Switzerland countless times since 1997. I've explored most of the country, but find myself staying in the Bernese Oberland and Graubünden most frequently. The alps and the rail network remain very impressive, even after all these years.