Railway and postcar seat reservations and surcharges in Switzerland

Trains

For most regular trains in Switzerland, it is not necessary and not possible to book seats, unless you are travelling in a group of 10 or more. If you like, however, you can book seats in some InterCity trains and dining cars. Guaranteed seats can be convenient for long journeys or in case you travel with a lot of luggage (using a luggage service is even more convenient, please find the details below). It is obligatory to obtain seat reservations in many panoramic trains like the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. Often, the seat reservation includes a surcharge for extra services like panoramic windows (mostly in first class) and multi language explanation of the scenery and route on the intercom system. You can purchase seat reservations at your local railway station in Switzerland or make an online purchase prior to your departure to Switzerland if you have already planned your trip. You can make last minute seat reservations at the railway station, but you are adviced to book as early as possible as the availability of seats is not guaranteed. The Swiss timetable shows whether seat reservations are obligatory for your particular train.

The coach number, seat number and departure time of the train can be found on your reservation ticket. Many train stations have information boards indicating the train composition, allowing you to walk to the right section of the platform (e.g. platform 5, section C) before arrival of the train. Seat numbers can be found in the train, near the window or on the seats.

Postcars

Most postcars can be used without booking seats. Some popular routes across the mountains do require a seat reservation though (it is either recommended or obligatory). The Swiss timetable shows whether seat reservations are obligatory for your particular postcar. Some Alpine routes require you to pay an additional surcharge: the Alpine Ticket. You need to pay this additional amount regardless if you posses a Swiss Pass or other rail pass.

Rail passes and seat reservations

If you have planned to travel on a train that requires a seat reservation, it is good to know that rail passes do not include seat reservations. Reservations can either be purchased along with your rail pass, or through any other reseller before or after purchasing your rail pass. As long as you have all travel documents at hand when boarding the train, all is fine. Travel documents for a train (or bus) consist of 1 to 3 items:

• On trains that do not require seat reservations:
• either: a rail pass for free traveling;
• or: a rail pass that grants discounted traveling, plus a discounted ticket;
• or: a regular ticket.
• On trains that do require seat reservations:
  • either: a rail pass for free traveling, plus a seat reservation
  • or: a rail pass that grants discounted traveling, plus a discounted ticket, plus a seat reservation
  • or: a regular ticket, plus a seat reservation.

Additional information

• Rail passes for the whole of Switzerland
• Regional Swiss rail passes
• Rail passes for Europe
• Swiss timetable
• Post cars with compulsory seat reservation
• Post car routes with a surcharge (Alpine Ticket) © Die Post

How to purchase railway seat reservations

Purchase options for seat reservations can be found in the upper right corner of this page.

Other ways to arrange for seat reservations

• For seats in trains of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB): call Rail Service from Switzerland: 0900 300 300;
• Glacier Express;
• Bernina Express;
• William Tell Express: please request for seats via ;
• Dining car in the Glacier Express;
• Dining car in the trains between Chur and St. Moritz/Tirano;
• For seats in trains of the Jungfrau Railways: send an e-mail in German or English to or call +41 (0)33 828 72 33;
• For seats in dining cars of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB): send an e-mail in German or English to or call Rail Service from Switzerland: 0900 300 300. More information: Elvetino;
• Golden Pass and Chocolate Train.

How to purchase postcar seat reservations

• Reservations for postcars can be purchased at most manned railway and bus stations in Switzerland.

Other ways to arrange for seat reservations

• Online booking of postcar seats

How to book your (Fly) Rail luggage service

Travelling without your luggage allows you to enjoy your trip and the views along the way even more. If you hand in your luggage before 9h00 you can collect it from 18h00 the same day. Please note that your luggage can only be transported from larger train stations to larger train stations. The Fly Rail Luggage Service allows your luggage to be transported directly from and to your airplane. Please click the links below for details.

• You can purchase your ticket for the luggage service online, along with your rail pass or as a separate order.
  Online purchase for Canadian travelers, through Rail Europe
  Online purchase for US travelers, through Rail Europe
  Overview of the train stations which offer luggage services © SBB
  Overview of the train stations which offer Fly Rail luggage services © Rail Europe
  
• You may arrange for your luggage to be transported from one Swiss train station to the other as well.
  Online purchase for Canadian travelers, through Rail Europe
  Online purchase for US travelers, through Rail Europe
  

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