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Top scenic and city-to-city timetables
Glacier Express: Zermatt to St. Moritz
The Glacier Express is Switzerland’s most iconic panoramic train, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz through the heart of the Alps. Expect jaw-dropping views of the Rhine Gorge, Oberalp Pass, and countless viaducts.
From Zermatt to St. Moritz
- Timings: 8:52am (main departure) from Zermatt
- Frequency: 1–3 trains daily (seasonal)
- Duration: 7.5–8 hours
From St. Moritz to Zermatt
- Timings: 8:51am (main departure) from St. Moritz
- Frequency: 1–3 trains daily (seasonal)
- Duration: 7.5–8 hours
Bernina Express: Chur/St. Moritz to Tirano
This UNESCO-listed route climbs over the Bernina Pass and descends to Italy, offering glaciers, lakes, and palm trees in a single journey.
From Chur/St. Moritz to Tirano
- Timings: 8:32am (Chur), 9:17am (St. Moritz)
- Frequency: 2–4 trains daily (varies by season)
- Duration: 4–4.5 hours
From Tirano to Chur/St. Moritz
- Timings: 2:24pm (Tirano)
- Frequency: 2–4 trains daily
- Duration: 4–4.5 hours
GoldenPass Line: Montreux to Interlaken
Travel from Lake Geneva to the Bernese Oberland, passing vineyards, alpine forests, and classic Swiss villages.
From Montreux to Interlaken Ost
- Timings: 8:44am, 9:44am, 10:44am, 12:44pm, 2:44pm, 4:44pm
- Frequency: Hourly
- Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
From Interlaken Ost to Montreux
- Timings: 9:08am, 10:08am, 11:08am, 1:08pm, 3:08pm, 5:08pm
- Frequency: Hourly
- Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Zurich to Lucerne
A fast and frequent city-to-city connection, perfect for day trips or as a starting point for scenic routes.
From Zurich HB to Lucerne
- Timings: First train 5:35am, last train 11:35pm
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Duration: 45 minutes
From Lucerne to Zurich HB
- Timings: First train 5:35am, last train 11:35pm
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Duration: 45 minutes
Interlaken to Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)
Ascend from Interlaken to Europe’s highest railway station, with spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
From Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch
- Timings: First train 6:35am, last train 2:35pm
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
From Jungfraujoch to Interlaken Ost
- Timings: First train 9:13am, last train 5:13pm
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Lucerne to Interlaken (via Brünig Pass)
A scenic journey connecting two of Switzerland’s most popular lakeside cities, crossing the Brünig Pass.
From Lucerne to Interlaken Ost
- Timings: First train 6:06am, last train 9:06pm
- Frequency: Hourly
- Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
From Interlaken Ost to Lucerne
- Timings: First train 7:04am, last train 10:04pm
- Frequency: Hourly
- Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
Zurich to Geneva
A high-frequency intercity route linking Switzerland’s largest city with its international capital.
From Zurich HB to Geneva
- Timings: First train 5:33am, last train 9:33pm
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
From Geneva to Zurich HB
- Timings: First train 5:42am, last train 9:42pm
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Lausanne to Brig (Gateway to the Alps)
This route hugs Lake Geneva before climbing into the Alps, connecting to Zermatt and the Glacier Express.
From Lausanne to Brig
- Timings: First train 5:20am, last train 10:20pm
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
From Brig to Lausanne
- Timings: First train 5:18am, last train 10:18pm
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
Lugano to Zurich (Gotthard Base Tunnel)
Experience the engineering marvel of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the world’s longest railway tunnel.
From Lugano to Zurich HB
- Timings: First train 5:33am, last train 9:33pm
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Duration: 2 hours
From Zurich HB to Lugano
- Timings: First train 5:33am, last train 9:33pm
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Duration: 2 hours
Basel to Bern
A core Swiss intercity route, ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
From Basel SBB to Bern
- Timings: First train 5:31am, last train 11:31pm
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Duration: 1 hour
From Bern to Basel SBB
- Timings: First train 5:04am, last train 11:04pm
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Duration: 1 hour
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Frequently asked questions about Swiss train schedule
How early should I arrive at the station before my train departs?
Arriving 10–15 minutes before departure is usually enough for Swiss trains, as platforms are clearly marked and trains are punctual. For panoramic or international trains, arrive 20–30 minutes early to find your seat and board comfortably.
Do Swiss trains run on time, even in winter?
Swiss trains are famous for their punctuality, even during winter. Delays are rare, but during heavy snow or maintenance, some mountain routes may be temporarily affected. Always check the SBB app or website for real-time updates.
Can I use my Swiss Travel Pass on all these routes?
Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass covers all standard intercity, regional, and most scenic trains, including the Glacier Express and Bernina Express (seat reservations required for panoramic trains). Some mountain excursions may require a supplement or offer discounts.
Are seat reservations required for Swiss trains?
Reservations are not required for most intercity and regional trains. However, they are mandatory for panoramic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, and recommended during peak travel times or for groups.
How often do trains run between major Swiss cities?
Most major city pairs (Zurich–Geneva, Zurich–Bern, Lucerne–Interlaken) have trains every 30 minutes throughout the day, making it easy to plan flexible trips.
What’s the best way to check live Swiss train schedules?
The official SBB Mobile app and SBB.ch website provide real-time timetables, platform information, and service updates for all Swiss trains.
Can I bring luggage and bikes on Swiss trains?
Yes, luggage is easy to bring on board, with overhead racks and dedicated spaces. Bikes are allowed on most trains, but a bike ticket is required and space may be limited during peak hours.
Are there night trains within Switzerland?
Switzerland has a few night trains, mainly connecting to neighboring countries. Most domestic routes run from early morning until midnight, with some late-night S-Bahn services in major cities.
Do I need to print my ticket or can I use a mobile pass?
Mobile tickets and passes are widely accepted on Swiss trains. Simply show your digital ticket or Swiss Travel Pass on your smartphone during inspection.
Are food and drinks available on Swiss trains?
Most intercity trains have a bistro or restaurant car offering snacks, meals, and drinks. Regional trains may not have food service, so consider bringing your own refreshments for shorter journeys.