How to take the Postbus and other buses in Switzerland 

The role of buses in Swiss public transport

Buses complement the extensive train network of Switzerland. Swiss buses mainly:

• get you to towns that don’t have a rail station;
• travel within cities and towns;
• connect districts, villages, and streets in rural areas.

You rarely get to choose your mode of transport in Switzerland. If you want to travel from A to B, you can fill this out in the timetable, and it will show you whether to travel by train, bus, cable car, or anything else. If there is a train service connecting two towns, there usually isn’t a bus service too, although there are exceptions.

The national yellow Postbus and other buses

The Postbus

The yellow Postbuses service longer routes in Switzerland. They transport you between villages, get you to remote valleys, and cross beautiful passroads in the Swiss Alps. On some routes in the mountains, the buses only operate from spring to fall. So always consult the timetable. Reservations are mostly not needed, except for a few panoramic Postbus trips.

Other buses

In addition, there are lots of other bus networks in Switzerland, operated by all sorts of regional or local companies. They cover transport in larger cities and their surroundings.

Just as with train travel, it doesn’t matter which company operates your bus. You just take the one that shows up in the timetable, regardless of the company. You don’t need reservations for these buses.

Pay for the bus with a ticket or rail pass

Bus traveling with a rail pass

If you have a rail pass that’s valid for a particular bus route, you don’t need an additional ticket. Just show your rail pass to the bus driver when entering the bus. If you don’t have a rail pass that fully covers the route, you need an extra ticket.

Bus travel with a ticket

Learn how traveling with bus tickets works here.

Reservations for Swiss buses

Reservations are mostly not required

Most Swiss buses don’t require a reservation. You just show up at the bus stop and board with your valid ticket or rail pass.

A few Postbus routes do require reservations

Reservations are required for a few scenic mountain routes serviced by Postbuses. The way in which you need to make reservations, differs per ride. You may need to do this online, by phone or with the PubliCar app. This app allows you to reserve a small bus for a small travel party in remote areas.

How to tell if you need a reservation

The timetable shows whether you need reservations for your bus trip. Alternatively, you can find routes with mandatory seat reservations using the link provided here. How to make reservations is explained for each route.

Bus schedules in Switzerland

All buses can be found in the general Swiss timetable. There’s no need to consult separate bus schedules.

Getting on and off board

Scan QR codes at Postbus stops

Most stops of the Swiss Postbus network display a QR code. You can scan this for real-time data. This way, you can see when your bus is expected to arrive. This is usually on the scheduled time or with minimal delays, just as with Swiss trains.

Rules and respect

When the bus arrives, allow passengers to get off first. Only then, board the bus.

If it’s a bus with an “eye icon”, meaning that random ticket checks take place, you’re usually allowed to enter through any of the open doors. In other cases, you can only board at the front to show your pass or ticket to the driver.

Storage space for larger luggage and vehicles is usually available somewhere in the middle of the bus. However, most Swiss bus drivers stick to an important rule: if it’s too busy to safely transport all passengers and their luggage, wheelchair users and people with walking aids or prams are allowed to board first and use the luggage area or sit on the seats designated to disabled or elder people. If this means there’s no more room for you or your luggage, you’ll have to wait and hop on the next bus.

Just as on Swiss trains, it’s highly appreciated if you don’t cause noise or other disturbances, properly take care of any waste, and keep your feet off the seats.

Getting off the bus

Digital displays usually show the bus’s route, current location, next stops, and estimated departure times. Make sure you know in advance where to get off. Then, once the bus has passed the last stop before yours, press one of the many red stop buttons. A red light in front of the bus confirms that your stop request is properly registered.

More practical information for your bus journey