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Travel guides: much-traveled routes to Switzerland explained

A Nightjet sleeper train, connecting Zurich, at the "Zürich HB" station.

Austria to Switzerland

A journey by one of the comfortable, direct trains is the best way to travel between Austria and Switzerland. Car …
TGV Lyria train at the station of Basel.

France to Switzerland

The TGV train from Paris to Basel, Zurich, Geneva, or Lausanne is the best way to travel between France and …
ICE train of the DB ("Deutsche Bahn") at the train station of Basel SBB.

Germany to Switzerland

All you need to know about the quick trains to Switzerland from German cities such as Berlin, Cologne, Munich, and …
An EC (EuroCity) train at the railway station of Visp.

Italy to Switzerland

How to take the quick trains from Milan and other Italian towns to Switzerland, and which scenic routes to choose. …

Train journeys to Switzerland

The benefits of reaching Switzerland by rail

Traveling to Switzerland by train is highly recommended. There are excellent, frequent connections from the surrounding countries Italy, France, Germany, and Austria. A train journey from other European countries is possible too.

Your benefits:

  • There are no check-in or check-out procedures as with planes. Just show up on time and board the train.
  • Many Swiss rail stations are right within the city or town center. You can continue traveling right away, without having to get from or to an airport.
  • You can choose from many day connections, and an increasing offer of night trains.
  • A rail trip to Switzerland is eco-friendly. You’ll help to protect the Swiss Alps.

Train tickets versus passes

Before purchasing a train ticket to Switzerland, find out if you’re better off with a rail pass.

  • If you plan multiple trips across Europe, a rail pass covering several countries may make sense.
  • If you have a rail pass for Switzerland, such as a Swiss Travel Pass, you can save money on your inbound trip because you only need a ticket to the Swiss border. Your pass will cover the Swiss leg.

Practical info to plan your international train journey

Ticket and pass comparison with MGB train Upper Rhone Valley.

Find your cheapest ticket or pass

Picking the best rail pass for your Switzerland trip isn’t easy. Most people buy the Swiss Travel Pass, but should …
Frecciarossa train at Milano rail station

International travel passes

The Eurail Global Pass and Interrail Global Pass include Switzerland. Most train rides in Switzerland are free. Selected Swiss cable …
Clock and departure board with Gotthard Panorama Express at Bellinzona station

Swiss timetable

The Swiss timetable is an essential tool to plan all your trips by public transport. I explain the basics to …
Rhätische Bahn train descending from Alp Grüm in a loop

Train

How to travel by rail in Switzerland: all essential info about the timetable, finding your way on the station, tickets, …

Driving to Switzerland

This is what you should know if you’re driving to and in Switzerland.

Cars on passroad in Schöllenen gorge

Car

Driving a car in Switzerland requires thorough preparation. Learn about the motorway vignette, traffic rules, driving on passroads, parking, rental …

Flights to Switzerland

About flying to Switzerland, the main Swiss airports, and the best tickets.

Plane from air company "Swiss" at Zurich Airport

Plane

About the Swiss airports of Zurich, Geneva and Basel, plane tickets for your flight to and from Switzerland, and alternative …

About MySwissAlps

We’re passionate tourists and locals. We share tips about how to plan a trip to Switzerland. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

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Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.