Planning a trip to Switzerland? Whether you’re dreaming of exploring Zurich, Lucerne, or the Swiss Alps, travelling by train is the way to go. It’s fast, eco-friendly, and offers some of the most scenic views you’ll ever see. For those unfamiliar with European train systems, here’s a simple guide to buying train tickets in Switzerland online with Trainline.
Image Credit: Getty Images, James O'Neil. Image Location: Switzerland
What’s the best way to buy train tickets in Switzerland?
The easiest way to buy train tickets in Switzerland is online — and Trainline is a top pick. It is user-friendly, supports multiple languages, and accepts international credit cards. You can also book tickets for SBB, TGV Lyria, and various train operators across Europe all in one place.
Why buy train tickets for Switzerland online?
Buying train tickets online saves you time and hassle. You can book from home or on the go, avoiding long lines at ticket counters. Online booking ensures you get the best seats — and with Trainline, you can choose digital tickets, so no worries about losing paper ones.
What is the best app for booking train tickets in Switzerland?
Trainline’s app is perfect for buying train tickets in Switzerland. Live notifications, departure and arrival platforms, and updated departure times — it’s all there. You can also compare prices, find the best deals, and book tickets for over 270 train and bus operators across Europe, all at your fingertips. It’s your go-to tool for seamless travel planning.
Can I get train tickets for Switzerland on my phone?
Yes, you can! If you book with Trainline, you can choose to receive your ticket as an e-ticket where available. We’ll email it to you and it will also show up in our app. Just present the ticket’s barcode either from the PDF in the email or directly in the app. You also have the option to print the ticket at home or show the six-letter reference code to the ticket inspector, who can look up your ticket.
How to use digital tickets on Trainline in Europe
Do I need to book train tickets in advance for Switzerland?
Swiss domestic trips usually don’t need to be booked in advance. You can get regular full-price tickets in unlimited numbers, good for any train that day. Just buy your ticket when it’s convenient, show up to the station, and hop on the next train.
However, it’s good to know that SBB tickets and those from other European rail companies go on sale three months in advance. Try to book as early as possible to snag the cheapest tickets, like Supersaver tickets and the Saver Day Pass, since they get scooped up fast.
Image Credit: Getty Images, AsianDream. Image Location: Lucerne, Switzerland
How to find cheap train tickets for Switzerland?
Scoring cheap Swiss train tickets is all about timing and using the right tools. Book early for lower prices. Use Trainline’s app or website to compare deals and find the best offers.
Here’s how to buy cheap train tickets in Switzerland with Trainline:
- Punch in your starting point and where you're headed in our Journey Planner or app. Don’t sweat it if you're not sure about the station name — you can also search by city.
- Enter the date and time you’d like to leave (and return if you’re going round-trip); then, tell us how many folks are tagging along and if you’ve got a fancy Railcard or Loyalty card.
- If you’re cruising our website, hit “Get times and prices.” If you’re on our app, give “Find times and prices” a tap to kickstart your search.
- Take your pick from the train times and class options we dish out in our search results. Once you’ve found your groove, move on to pick your seat.
- On the web, toss in an email where we can send your ticket confirmation — and don’t forget to drop the full name of every passenger matching their IDs.
- Head to the checkout to lock in those tickets.
Boom! You’re all set to ride the rails in style.
How to check train fares for Switzerland?
Checking train fares with Trainline is a breeze. Just enter your departure and arrival stations, and your travel dates. The platform will show you different options including classes, fare types, as well as discounts for seniors, youths, and groups.
How to check train times for Switzerland?
Train schedules are easy to find online with Trainline. Simply enter your travel details to see a full timetable. Both the site and app give real-time updates, so you’ll always be in the know — perfect for planning multiple trips or making connections!
Image Credit: Getty Images, Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld. Image Location: Grindelwald, Bern Canton, Switzerland
Do I need to buy a train ticket for kids in Switzerland?
Kids under 6 ride free on all Swiss and cross-border trains if they don’t need their own seat. For kids aged 6 to 16, tickets are free as long as they are accompanied by at least one parent with a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card. Discounts can vary by operator, so be sure to enter the ages of all passengers when booking with us to get the right fares.
Do they check train tickets in Switzerland?
Yes, ticket inspectors do check train tickets in Switzerland, so keep your ticket handy at all times.
How can I validate my Swiss train ticket?
If you book online with Trainline, you’ll get a ticket on your phone that doesn’t need to be validated. The same goes for a Swiss Rail Pass — your details and start date are already on it, so no need to get it stamped. Just hop on and go!
Exploring Switzerland by train is a total adventure! Booking your tickets online is a piece of cake, and the views along the way are absolutely stunning. Looks like nothing’s stopping you now. Start planning your Swiss vacation today!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, © Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Filisur, Graubunden, Switzerland
