Transport · Trains

Riding SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways for the First Time: Tickets, Platforms & Etiquette

Everything you need to know about booking, boarding, and storing luggage on Switzerland's high-speed trains.

Everything you need to know about booking, boarding, and storing luggage on Switzerland's high-speed trains.

What travelers should know

Whether you are spending your time in Zurich, Lucerne, and Interlaken, Grindelwald & Jungfrau Region or venturing into smaller towns among Switzerland's 2,113 municipalities, a little advance preparation makes every day smoother.

Practical tips

  • Check train schedules on official SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways apps.
  • Book major sights and intercity trains ahead of peak weekends.
  • Browse our Switzerland City Directory to explore every municipality by region.

Frequently asked questions

How far ahead should I plan for Switzerland?

Book flights and flagship hotels 2–4 months ahead, and high-speed rail tickets 3–6 weeks before departure.

Official sources & further reading

Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: