Must-knows about the online Swiss timetable

  • The SBB timetable belongs to the Swiss Federal Railways. It’s the best journey planner for your trips in, to, and from Switzerland.
  • The timetable shows all modes of public transport: trains, buses, boats, trams, and mountain transport.
  • It includes routes that are operated by the SBB and by all the other Swiss public transport companies.
  • It shows the quickest connections from A to B. You can enter via-stations to find alternative routes.
  • The prices displayed in the timetable are 50% discounted by default. This is often not what you’ll be paying as a tourist.

SBB timetable

Use this timetable for an advanced search to all destinations by all modes of public transport. Be sure to read the instructions on this page before using it.

SBB|CFF|FFS
From
To
Via (optional)
Via (optional)
Departure date
Example: 01.07.= 1 July
Departure time
Example: 13:15=1:15 PM

Basic timetable

Use this basic Trainline timetable for a quick easy search for train schedules in Switzerland: https://www.thetrainline.com/en-us

Before you start: you can skip the ‘SwissPass’ account

You can be asked to log in with a SwissPass account on the SBB timetable website or in the SBB app. You don’t need this as a tourist. It’s not the same as the Swiss Travel Pass. Simply choose to proceed as a guest without a SwissPass login.

If you did set up a SwissPass account, you may be trying to add your digital rail pass (such as a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card) to this account. This is often not possible, and it’s not necessary either.

We explain all about the SwissPass here.

How to find travel times and connections in the SBB timetable

Finding connections: the basics

Enter your departure location in the “From” field, your arrival location in the “To” field, your travel date (day.month.year), and your preferred arrival or departure time (24-hour format, so 5 PM is 17:00). Details:

  • Make sure to spell your departure and arrival locations correctly.
  • When you start typing, you can often select your location from a drop-down list that appears.
  • The location name can be a train station, but also the name of a bus stop, boat dock, or cable car station. You can even enter an address.

Nearly all trains, buses, boats, trams, and mountain transport can be found in the timetable. It doesn’t matter whether they’re operated by the SBB or another public transport company.

Entering locations through the touch timetable and the map (only available in the app)

In the SBB app, you can also find locations through the “Touch timetable”. It consists of larger tiles in which your most recently searched locations are stored. You can swipe from one tile to another to find connections.

In addition, you can use the “Map” section in the app. This allows you to select a specific location from a detailed map of Switzerland. Zoom in to see all train, bus, boat, and cableway stops. Tap on a location and choose whether to use it as your departure location or as your destination.

Information in the list of connections

Once you’ve entered your journey details, you’ll see a list of travel options. For each single connection, this list shows:

  • the departure time
  • the duration of the trip
  • the arrival time
  • the number of changes (indicated by an open circle on the black line that represents your journey)
  • the type of the (first) train, bus, boat, et cetera
  • the final destination of the (first) train, bus, boat, cableway, et cetera
  • the lowest possible from-price
  • the number or letter indicating the exact location from which the (first) train, bus or boat departs. Train platforms are indicated by the abbreviation “Pl.”, bus platforms by “Stand”, boat docks by “Pier”.
  • whether there are construction works

Details per connection

Click on any connection for more details. The journey is now displayed vertically in detail. Each individual segment of the connection is listed.

The connection details show:

  • if and where you need to change
  • how much time is available to change
  • the departure times of each train, bus, boat, cableway et cetera on the route
  • from which platform, bus stop, or shipping pier you’ll depart and at which platform, stop, or pier you’ll arrive;
  • the name and type of trains, buses, boats, et cetera
  • the main features of the trains and other means of transport. These symbols indicate, for example, if there’s an on-board restaurant or a family zone.
  • whether you need reservations (which is rarely the case in Switzerland)
  • if construction works or other disruptions are going on. If so, you can click the message for further details.

The meaning of each symbol is explained under the header “Legends” below the connection information.

Details per segment of a connection

Click on a segment of a connection for even more details. You can do so for your departure location, for each train/bus/boat/cableway leg, for each change, and for your arrival location.

For each route, the intermediate stops are displayed. On the timeable website, you’ll also get to see a map of the location or route.

At the bottom of this screen, you can use the arrows to scroll to previous or following segments of the connection. Click on the cross in the upper right corner of the map to close this screen and return to the overview of all connections.

For example, a journey Zurich-Zermatt via the Lötschberg Base Tunnel and Visp is broken down into 5 segments which can all be viewed in detail:

  1. the departure station: “Zürich HB”
  2. the train from Zürich to Visp
  3. the change of trains in Visp
  4. the train from Visp to Zermatt
  5. the arrival station: Zermatt

Why you need other prices than the lowest possible “from” fares

You’ll see discounted fares by default

The prices in the SBB timetable are 50% discounted by default. This is because the SBB timetable is mainly geared toward Swiss residents. Many of them have a half-fare subscription that allows for 50% discounted trips. Even cheaper options, such as Supersaver tickets, can be displayed too.

The basic timetable linked to on this page may show discounted options too.

These are usually not the prices you’ll be paying as a tourist though.

Reasons to look for other prices than the 50% discounted ones

1. You may travel with rail pass

The 50% reduced prices are probably not what you’ll be paying as a tourist. Only if you have the Swiss Half Fare Card, or another pass that happens to provide a 50% discount for the routes you’re searching, the 50% discounted fares apply to you.

But if don’t have a rail pass granting 50% discount, other prices apply:

  • If you travel without a rail pass, you’ll have to pay regular full prices.
  • If you have a pass that allows unlimited traveling, such as the Swiss Travel Pass, you don’t need tickets at all for most train, bus, tram, and boat routes. For such routes, you can simply ignore any fare presented by the timetable.

2. You may want to compare rail pass savings with normal full fares

If you want to compare rail passes, you’ll need to find out how much money you’ll be saving. You’ll only get a realistic outcome if you compare the prices you’d pay with a rail pass to the full, non-discounted fares you’d pay without a pass.

That’s why you should also ignore special deals such as the Saver Day Pass and Supersaver tickets:

  • Their prices and availability fluctuate and they have restrictive conditions. Other than normal tickets, the displayed prices only count for the specific date and connection that are displayed.
  • The displayed fares only count if you buy the tickets right now. Prices can be different the next week, day, or even hour. So these are not reliable prices if you want to calculate rail pass savings.

How to find non-discounted fares on the Swiss timetable website

How to find prices on the basic timetable website

The basic Trainline timetable shows prices for most routes in, from, and to Switzerland: https://www.thetrainline.com/en-us.

  1. Enter a connection, your travel date, and departure time. Don’t add any railcards. Click the green button to start you search. If you don’t have a specific date and time yet, fill out tomorrow’s date and a time of 10:00.
  2. Set the currency to Swiss francs (CHF) under the country flag icon in the upper bar.
  3. You’ll see an overview of standard (2nd class) and 1st class prices. Click on the highest 2nd or 1st-class price for details.
  4. Look at the (Semi-)Flexible prices. These are the standard ticket prices.
  5. Ignore the ‘Lowest Price’ offers for Supersaver tickets of Saver Day Passes. These have varying availability and prices, and are not a good basis if you’re calculating rail pass savings.

How to find prices on the SBB website

The advanced SBB timetable shows prices for nearly all routes in, from, and to Switzerland. This is how to find full-fare prices for your journey:

  1. Enter a connection, your travel date, and departure time.
  2. A list of connections appears. You’ll already see prices there, but those are not standard prices.
  3. Click on a connection for details.
  4. Click on the red button “Tickets from…”.
  5. Ignore the header “Enter passengers” and information about the SwissPass account. You don’t need this. Scroll down to “Travel options” instead.
  6. Under “Travel options”, change the pre-selected option “Half Fare Travelcard” into “full price”.
  7. Choose a single or return journey, and 2nd or 1st class.
  8. Under “Choice of ticket”, pick “Point-to-point Ticket”.
  9. Ignore Supersaver tickets or Saver Day Passes. These have varying availability and prices, and are not a good basis if you want to calculate which passes or tickets are best for your holiday.

How to find non-discounted fares in the Swiss timetable app

In the SBB mobile app, you may have to tap the “Plan” section first. If there’s a “Tickets & Travelcards” section, you can ignore that. It’s hidden under a SwissPass account and you don’t need that as a tourist.

  1. Tap the icon “Timetable”.
  2. Enter your journey. The app will then automatically show connections. You can change the date and departure time if you want.
  3. Tap on a connection and click the red button “Tickets from CHF…”.
  4. If you’re asked to specify travelcards, select “No travelcard”. You may need to enter passenger information first. Give your name and date of birth and then select “No travelcard”.
  5. You’ll now see non-discounted prices for your connection.
  6. Choose “Point-to point Ticket”. Ignore other alternatives.
  7. Use the buttons at the top to choose between a single and return journey, and between 2nd and 1st class.

How to find prices for the rail pass you’ll be using

Fares if you’re using a Swiss Travel Pass

You don’t have to create a SwissPass account or select a travelcard in the timetable. That’s mostly meant for Swiss residents. Things are very simple if you’re traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass:

  • You can ignore most prices: you don’t need tickets for pretty much all trains, buses, and boats. Under “Settings”, you can even choose not to see prices at all.
  • Mountain transport is mostly discounted. In many cases, the 50% discounted fares presented by the timetable apply.

Check our Swiss Travel Pass guide for a full overview of discounts per route.

Fares if you’re using a Swiss Half Fare Card

If you’re traveling with a Swiss Half Fare Card, the 50% discounted fares in the timetable are mostly the ones you’ll be paying. So you don’t have to change any settings or select any travelcards.

Find all coverage details our Swiss Half Fare Card guide.

Fares if you’re using other rail passes

Discounts for other passes, such as regional passes or international passes, are not reflected in the timetable. Use our rail pass comparison tools to find out what you’ll be paying with such passes. Or check each individual rail pass page for validity details.

Fares if you’re using Supersaver tickets and Saver Day Passes

If you want to use Supersaver tickets or Saver Day Passes, you can check their availability and prices through the “Tickets from…” button. But:

  • Find out if you’ll be using a rail pass first. With a rail pass, you often don’t need (additional) tickets or Saver Day Passes. Our free rail pass finder tools can be found here.
  • Make sure you know about the restrictions of these products: consult our Supersaver ticket and Saver Day Pass information.

How to select a travelcard

Selecting a travelcard in the timetable doesn’t have any benefits. But if you do want to select a travelcard that more or less matches the discounts provided by the Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card, you can do so via the passenger info.

  • On the Swiss timetable website, click “Add passenger” when checking prices for a route.
  • In the Swiss timetable app, tap the pencil icon at the right of “Passenger 1” when checking a price.

This is what to select:

  • If you’ll be having a Swiss Travel Pass, you can select “GA Travelcard” in 1st or 2nd class. This “General-Abonnement” for Swiss residents provides roughly the same discounts as the Swiss Travel Pass.
  • If you’ll be traveling with a Swiss Half Fare Card, you can select “Half Fare Travelcard“. This subscription for Swiss residents mostly provides the same discounts as the Swiss Half Fare Card for tourists.

How to deal with short train transfer times

The SBB timetable only shows connections that are doable. The Swiss public transport system is designed for optimal travel times. Quick changes are part of this.

You’ll rarely be the only passenger making the same switch. Your next train may be leaving from the same platform or a nearby platform. Finding your way at rail stations is easy.

If your train is delayed, your connecting train may wait for it. Should you miss your train anyway, then there’s always a next one.

A bit more slack can be useful if you connect to a train you have seat reservations or special tickets for: they’re not valid for other trains. Use the “Settings” to select a minimum interchange time.

Find more practical tips in our guide about train traveling in Switzerland.

How to find a specific route in the timetable

Why you may need to find an alternative route

The SBB timetable presents the quickest routes from A to B by default. But you may need information about another route: that of a scenic train for example. You can add via-stations. This forces the timetable to provide details about your specific route.

How to add via-stations and specify your route

Enter your departure location and your destination. Then, click or tap the “Settings” button. This can be found in the lower right corner under the “From” and “To” fields. Select “Via”. You can now enter one or more via-locations.

An example

Let’s say you want to travel from Interlaken to Montreux via the GoldenPass route. If you just enter Interlaken as your departure station and Montreux as your destination, the timetable will present the quickest routes: via Visp in the Valais, or via Bern and Lausanne. But those are not GoldenPass route.

You can check the exact route on our GoldenPass page. Then add a few via-stations on the GoldenPass route. Do so in the right order between Interlaken and Montreux. In this case, you can add Zweisimmen and Gstaad as via-locations. The timetable will now show you the longer GoldenPass route.

Similarly, routes of other scenic trains can be found through this page.

How to select a specific mode of transport

The timetable shows the quickest connections. But in some cases, you may want to enjoy a longer alternative. For example: you want to travel from Thun to Interlaken by boat instead of by train.

Click or tap the “Settings” icon, that can be found in the lower right corner just under the “From’ and “To” fields. Select “Means of transport”. Then check the travel modes you want to use, and uncheck the travel modes you want to exclude.

How to check if you need a reservation

You mostly don’t need reservations

For the vast majority of trains in Switzerland, you don’t need reservations. Traveling without reservations is the norm. Reservations are only necessary for some international trains and a few panoramic trains.

If you want, you can make reservations for most trains though.

Reservation icons in the timetable

Enter your route, click on a connection for details, and check the icons for each train:

  • An R without a rectangular means that seat reservations are possible.
  • An R in a rectangular means that seat reservations are mandatory.
  • If you don’t see either of these icons, you can’t make reservations for that train.

How to check how busy your train will be

The expected occupancy of your train may help you choose a not-too-busy travel time. And it may help you decide whether or not to reserve seats. This can be useful for long connections on which it may be very busy.

The expected occupancy is available for many, but not all trains. You can find this information from about 3 to 4 weeks before your travel date. Enter your trip and check the 3-figure icon for each connection. There’s an indication for both 1st and 2nd class.

This is how to interpret the icons:

  • 1 black figure means that the expected occupancy is low.
  • 2 black figures mean that the expected occupancy is medium.
  • 3 red figures mean that the expected occupancy is high. But this still doesn’t mean it will be overly full and that you can’t find a seat.

How to find out which amenities your train will have

Click on a connection. If a connection consists of multiple legs, click once more on one of those legs. You’ll see icons providing information about the train, for example if a restaurant, quiet zone, or family zone is available. The header “Legends” explains each symbol in English.

On the day of your trip, you can often even check the train formation (see below). This shows exactly in which coaches specific features can be found, and where at the platform you should wait.

How to know where on the platform to wait

How platform sectors work

Long platforms at large Swiss train stations are divided into sectors, indicated by a letter (A, B, C, et cetera). The letters are clearly visible above the platforms.

The digital information screens above the platforms show at which sector your train will arrive. In case of longer trains, you’ll also see which coaches of the train arrive at which sectors.

When your waiting spot at the platform does not matter

You mostly don’t have to wait at a specific spot on the platform:

  • You’ll usually travel without reservations. This means you can just board the train wherever you want, and find available seats in the appropriate class. You can also walk across the wagons once you’re on board, even if the train is already on the move.
  • Smaller stations and shorter platforms don’t even have sector indications.

When your waiting spot at the platform does matter

For long trains, it can be helpful to study the train’s composition and the corresponding sector information:

  • If you have seat reservations, it’s easy to board the coach in which your seats are located, or a coach close to it.
  • If you have specific preferences for your journey that aren’t available in all wagons (such as 1st class coaches, an on-board restaurant, bike storage, or a business zone), it’s handy to know where on the platform such coaches will arrive.

Checking the train composition and platform sectors at the rail station

The train’s composition is displayed on the information screens above the platforms. So if you’re on the platform in time, you can study the info on the spot and decide where on the platform you want to wait.

Checking the train composition and platform sectors through the timetable

On the day of your trip, the timetable shows which train wagons will stop at which sectors of the platforms. This information is not available for all trains.

This is how to find the train formation on your travel day:

  1. Click on a connection. If it consists of multiple legs, click one of those legs.
  2. Scroll down. If the train formation is available, you’ll find it under the vertical display of the route. The train formation is a simplified rendering of the train, with each of its coaches and features. You’ll see the corresponding platform sections as well.
  3. The symbols and abbreviations are explained at the bottom, under “Legends”.

Why you sometimes can’t find connections

In rare cases, the timetable may not show connections for your journey. There can be several reasons:

  1. Some trains, buses, boats, and cable cars operate on a seasonal basis. For example: they’re available from spring to fall only. All of these seasonal changes are integrated into the timetable. So if you enter a travel date outside of the operation season, there won’t be results. Operation dates for many seasonal routes can be found on our activity pages.
  2. The Swiss timetable changes each year in December. The changes for the new year become available in the timetable by mid-October. So if you’re looking for a connection in the new year, before the timetable has been updated for that year, there may be no results yet. In that case, just fill out a date before mid-December to get a good impression of the options. Most connections don’t undergo major changes with the yearly timetable update. Check back after mid-October.
  3. For international routes, the SBB timetable depends on input from German, French, Austrian, and Italian travel companies. Sometimes the SBB doesn’t have this information and can’t display a connection.
  4. You may have made a typo in your departure or arrival destination. It’s important to spell your locations correctly.

Swiss timetable FAQ

  1. The timetable shows just a few minutes to change trains: is that enough?

    Yes. The SBB timetable only shows doable connections. Quick connections are a normal part of the Swiss public transport system, that’s designed for optimal travel times.

  2. How do I find my platform at Swiss rail stations?

    All platforms are numbered. The signalization at Swiss rail stations is excellent. Our practical Swiss train travel guide explains how to find your way.

    You can even study the maps of larger rail stations in advance. They show where each platform is located. Please use the link here.

  3. What do the symbols and icons in the timetable mean?

    Click on any connection for details. There will be a header “Legends”, under which the symbols are explained in English.

    In addition, there’s a separate list explaining all timetable icons. Please use the “ÖV-info” link here.

  4. What do the train type abbreviations mean?

    There are many train types in Switzerland. They’re indicated by abbreviations in the timetable.

    You can consult a list of these abbreviations and their English meaning through the “ÖV-info” link here.

  5. Are interruptions and delays visible in the timetable?

    Planned interruptions, for example for railway maintenance, are visible. The timetable will display the alternative for your travel date and time. This can be an extra change of trains, a detour, or a replacement bus.

    Sudden delays and interruptions are displayed in the timetable a.s.a.p, but it can take some before they’re visible. There will be broadcast messages (nearly always in English too) on the trains and at the stations though. The staff will answer your questions.

  6. Which location to choose from the long drop-down list in the timetable?

    Once you start typing arrival or departure stations, the timetable will come up with a drop-down list of suggestions. The very first one is often the one you’ll need. That’s the main rail station or the main bus stop of the town.

    Usually, the (main) rail stations are simply called by the town’s name, for example “Lauterbrunnen” or “St. Moritz”.

    Use these names for airports: “Basel EuroAirport” for Basel Airport, “Bern Flughafen” for Bern Airport, “Genève-Aéroport” for Geneva Airport, and “Zürich Flughafen” for Zurich Airport.

  7. Where to find panoramic train schedules?

    Scenic trains such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and GoldenPass are all in the Swiss timetable. But the timetable shows the quickest routes from A to B by default. So you may need to use the “Via” option under “Settings” to specify a particular route.

    Alternatively, you can consult separate panoramic train timetables. You’ll find links on each of our scenic train pages.

  8. Where to find boat or bus schedules?

    Nearly all boat and bus connections can be found in the timetable too. You may have to use the “Settings” and “Means of transport” function to include or exclude specific modes of transportation.

    If you prefer to consult separate boat timetables, check the links on each of our boat pages.

  9. How to find mountain trips?

    Most mountain trips can be found in the timetable. If not, you can check their separate timetables through our mountain pages.

  10. Can I see a map of my journey?

    Yes, you can on the SBB website. Select a connection and then click on any segment of that connection. A map will be displayed.

  11. Are prices in the Swiss timetable always the same throughout the year?

    Regular tickets have fixed prices. These prices change only once a year. This is in December, when the new timetable for the next year comes into effect.

    A few routes have prices that vary by season. An example is the journey to Jungfraujoch.

    Special offers, such as Saver Day Passes and Supersaver tickets, do have fluctuating prices.

  12. Where to find the route to my accommodation?

    Find the address of your hotel or your other accommodation, and enter this as your destination in the timetable. It will show you how to reach the closest bus, train, or tram stop.

    On the map of the last segment of your journey, you can even see how to walk the last part to your destination. This is often a matter of minutes.

  13. Is the Swiss timetable available on paper?

    No. But you can consult PDF files with complete schedules for each train and bus route. Please use the links here.

  14. Should I use the EasyRide function?

    EasyRide is a function in the SBB app mostly used by the Swiss themselves. We don’t recommend it to tourists. Find our advice concerning EasyRide here.

Other websites of interest

  • www.öv-info.ch: pdf timetables for all Swiss public transport connections
  • www.öv-info.ch: explanation of Swiss (pdf) timetables, symbols, and train types
  • www.sbb.ch: pdf timetables for trains operated by the SBB
  • www.sbb.ch: information about each rail station
  • www.sbb.ch: current rail traffic situation, including disruptions
  • maps.vasile.ch: monitor live train traffic

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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.