Swiss stations accessibility by elevator
A traveler named RJDEW is planning a trip to Switzerland from May 26 to May 31, visiting Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, and Basel. They need advice on accessibility at train stations due to large suitcases and a walking stick, and want to know if it's feasible to travel from Montreux to Basel without multiple train changes. They prefer a relaxed schedule as seniors.
- Most major train stations in Switzerland have ramps and elevators for easy access onto platforms.
- Traveling from Montreux to Basel typically requires at least two train changes, usually at Lausanne and Bern.
- If you're considering other destinations, Neuchatel is easily reachable with no changes from Zurich Flughafen and offers a charming experience.
AI-generated summary-
Hi
We are arriving into Zurich from Australia on 26 May and have a tentative schedule of Lucerne, Interlaken, Top of the World, Montreux then to Basel on 31 May.
Before I starting analyzing passes etc I need to know if there are lifts/elevators to get onto the platforms? We will have largish suitcases and Rod uses a walking stick so carrying a suitcase up and down stairs is a bit beyond us.
Also is it feasible to travel from Montreux to Basel without having to change trains a number of times or would it be better to go from Montreux to Lucerne then Lucerne to Basel the next day. As we are seniors we don’t want a really hectic daily schedule.
Thank you in advance
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Hello RJDEW and Welcome to MySwissAlps,
Most decent size stations have lifts, escalators or ramps to get onto platforms or to switch platforms. The Swiss take accessibility seriously.
It is not feasible to travel from Montreux to Basel or Luzern without changes.
I’d suggest you have a look at this for some advice on checking timetables and connections.
Hi RJDEW,
we used to travel with a baby buggy (similar thing, you do not want to carry on stairs) and we never had any problem. The only thing is to get into the train, where sometimes (not always) you have 2-3 steps but other travelers always helped me.
According to the timetable (http://www.myswissalps.com/timetable), you need to change trains at least twice to Basel and once to Lucerne from Montreux.
Ildiko
Also see:
- Montreux: http://www.myswissalps.com/montreux
- Lucerne: http://www.myswissalps.com/lucerne
- Basel: http://www.myswissalps.com/basel
- Golden Pass: http://www.myswissalps.com/goldenpass
All main SBB stations have ramps and elevators, so there shouldn’t be a problem.
The standard route Montreux – Basel is 2h44 min with 2 changes, in Lausanne and Bern, both major stations with full facilities.
By the way, assuming you were referring to Jungfraujoch it is “Top of Europe” not Top of the World.
Thank you everyone for your responses, I now feel far more comfortable and believe we will be able to manage. Now I’m going to starting planning this very exciting but short trip, just wish there was also time to go to Ins and Neuchatel as this is where my forebears lived before coming to Australia in the 1860’s.
You’re welcome.
See http://www.myswissalps.com/forum/topic/a-week-almost-in-neuchtel-october-2019 for interest.
Everybody gets attracted to the so called ‘must do’ places in Switzerland, but there is no reason not to visit Neuchatel and Ins, as well as or even instead of other places. You can have a very rewarding holiday in Switzerland without visiting the high Alps.
Clearly it is your choice, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t omit one of the two ‘tourist trap’ areas that you mention as tentatively in your plans in order to include Neuchatel. Neuchatel is a very lovely small city on Lac Neuchatel, the third largest of the Swiss ‘big lakes’, and the Bielersee also quite large is nearby too, with Ins close by and near to both lakes. Remember that Switzerland is a small country (smaller than Tasmania) so getting to places doesn’t take all that long.
Neuchatel is only 1 hour 57 minutes from Zurich Flughafen by direct train (route IC5) with no changes. The same IC5 trains run to Lausanne so you can also go Montreux – Neuchatel with one change in Lausanne.
Neuchatel is at the foot of the Jura mountains which have their own charm, and great views of the Alps on a clear day.
Neuchatel – Basel is 1h29 minutes with one cross-platform change in Biel/Bienne
Thanks for this information I’m going to explore this opportunity.
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