Swiss train types: from international to regional trains 

Does it matter which type of train you take?

What are the main Swiss train types?

There are many different train types in Switzerland. In practice, it is rarely relevant which train you take. You can roughly divide them into two categories: long-distance trains and regional trains.

• Long-distance trains stop only in larger towns, are quicker, and are generally more comfortable.
• Regional trains are for shorter routes, stop at more locations, and are slower. They usually have fewer facilities. Still, many Swiss regional trains are very modern and comfortable.

Does it matter which type I take?

Several train types operate on the same routes. You simply take the train that takes you to your destination most efficiently according to the timetable, regardless of the train type and of the company that operates it.

Does the ticket price differ per train?

There is no price difference between trains. If you have a ticket for a specific route, you can board any train on that route to your destination (exceptions may apply to some special tickets such as Supersaver tickets). Rail pass holders can board each train type as well.

A few Swiss panoramic trains require additional reservations, which makes the overall ride more expensive than traveling the same route by normal trains.

Do I need reservations for specific trains?

Seat reservations are mostly not required: only for some special panoramic and international trains. If you want or need reservations, you have to pay for them separately.

Common train types

The Swiss timetable shows the type of train on the route you request.

Train types within Switzerland

These trains mostly operate within Switzerland:

• IC: InterCity trains connect the major cities within Switzerland.
• IR: InterRegio trains connect regions within Switzerland and typically stop in cities and mid-size towns only.
• PE: Panorama Express trains are scenic tourist trains. For more details regarding the Glacier Express and other panoramic trains, please see our scenic train pages.
• R: Regio trains operate on relatively short routes and typically stop at all stations.
• RE: RegioExpress trains are similar to IR trains but often have more stops.
• S: S-Bahn trains offer frequent connections in and around major towns and cities, and typically stop at all stations.

Train types between Switzerland and other countries

These are common train types that connect Switzerland to surrounding countries:

• EC: EuroCity trains connect Switzerland with other countries, such as Italy.
• EN: EuroNight trains are overnight EuroCity trains.
• NJ: NightJet trains are international night trains.
• ICE: the InterCityExpress is a high-speed train between Germany and Switzerland.
• RJX: Railjet Xpress trains operate between Austria and Switzerland.
• TGV: the Train à Grande Vitesse offers high-speed connections from and to France.