Swiss public transport for wheelchair users
Cheoldong Park, a wheelchair user, is traveling to Switzerland in the first week of August and is planning to buy a Swiss Travel Pass. They want to know if wheelchair users can ride cable cars and ships, and how to navigate these transports.
- Switzerland's public transport is largely wheelchair accessible, with most stations equipped with ramps and lifts.
- There is currently a 25% discount on the Swiss Travel Pass for purchases made in July, so consider buying it online.
- Wheelchair users may not have consistent free rides on public transport; discounts are more typical for non-residents.
- Always check the latest guidelines and resources for accessible travel on the SBB website.
AI-generated summary-
Good morning! I am wheelchair user and I am traveling to Switzerland in the first week of August. I am planning to buy a Swiss Travel Pass. Can a wheelchair user ride cable cars and ships? How to use these transports for wheelchair users?
Kind regards,
Cheoldong Park
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Hi Cheoldong Park,
Switzerland’s public transport is generally wheelchair and stroller friendly. Most stations have ramps or lifts leading to the platforms. Trains and buses also have low-floor coaches for easy access.
You can find more information about barrier-free travel from the SBB website here: http://www.sbb.ch/en/timetable/travel-advice/passengers-with-reduced-mobility/accessible-travel.html
There is a useful 44-page brochure on barrier-free travel that you can download from the same page: http://www.sbb.ch/content/dam/internet/sbb/en/bahnhof-services/dienstleistungen/eingeschraenkte-mobilitaet/broschuere_barrierefrei_unterwegs.pdf.sbbdownload.pdfFor more practical tips on how to travel with Swiss trains, do check out this link: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/practical/howtotravel
Just to let you know, there is currently a 25% discounts if you buy a Swiss Travel Pass between 1 and 31 July. You can buy your Swiss Travel Pass online here: http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass/price
Hope this helps you plan your trip.
Regards,
Anna
Hi Anna, thanks a lot for your guide.
Hey, For wheelchairusers trains are free. I was in Switzerland 2 years ago and I got always a free ticket. You may also ride first class on a number of panorama trains. I’m from Belgium.
Have a nice trip!
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Hi Felice57,
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I’m not aware that wheelchair users get free rides on public transport. This may not be the case for all Swiss public transport though, but you do get discounts. This link may offer some useful and current information: http://www.sbb.ch/en/help-and-contact/produkte-services/reduced-mobility/accessible-travel/reduced-mobility.html
Regards,
Anna
Hi all!
Thanks for your input Felice57. How good you were able to travel for free 2 years ago! Things seem to be different at the moment.
Swiss residents are entitled to discounts/benefits. But they need to purchase special passes first, which are generally not available to non-residents. There are fewer benefits for visitors from abroad. This is explained under “Discounts for passengers with restricted mobility from abroad” under the paragraph “International travel” at https://www.sbb.ch/en/timetable/travel-advice/passengers-with-reduced-mobility/travel-discounts.html.
I can’t verify if the EU Disability Card, displayed at Felice57’s attachment, is accepted in Switzerland for free or discounted travel by public transportation. Given the information provided by the SBB, I think it isn’t.
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