There are a number of train types in Switzerland ready to transport you across the country, and to and from other European countries by day and night. Switzerland's national railway company is the SBB (Schweizerische BundesBahn). Use the Eurail train timetable or SBB timetable to check times for trains in Switzerland.

Regional trains in Switzerland

The main rail network in Switzerland is made up of the following regional and intercity trains:

• RegioExpress trains link regional destinations with larger Swiss cities.

• Regio trains connect local towns. 

• InterCity trains link major Swiss cities like Basel and Geneva.

• InterRegio trains connect Zurich and Geneva with cities across the whole of Switzerland. These trains make more stops than InterCity trains.

• S-Bahn (suburban trains) is a network of trains that operate within most big cities. Your Eurail pass is valid for the S-bahn.

Travel tip:

There's an international regional train connection between Chiasso and Milan (Italy). This connection is a great option if you want to avoid reservation fees.

On the Eurail timetable RegioExpress trains are listed as "RE", and Regio trains as "R". InterCity trains are listed as "IC", and InterRegio trains as "IR". Regional and Intercity trains do not require seat reservations. Reservations are however recommended for Intercity trains during high season (May-September) and public holidays.

High-speed trains in Switzerland

International high-speed trains in Switzerland 

These high-speed trains operate to and from Switzerland:

• ICE connects Switzerland to Germany and the Netherlands.

• RailJet connects Zurich with Vienna (Austria).

• EuroCity connects Zurich, Basel and Geneva to Milan (Italy).

• TGV connects Zurich, Basel and Geneva to Paris (France).

Domestic high-speed trains in Switzerland

Swiss domestic high-speed trains are called InterCity Neigezug (ICN). ICN trains transport passengers quickly and in comfort from one side of the country to the other.

Night trains in and between Switzerland

International night trains

The following night trains connect Switzerland with Austria, Germany, Croatia, Hungary and Serbia.

• ÖBB Nightjet:
  Zurich – Basel - Berlin - Hamburg
  Zurich – Linz - Vienna

• EuroNight:
  Zurich – Graz (Austria)
  Zurich – Vienna (Austria) – Budapest (Hungary)

• D-train:
  Zurich – Villach (Austria) – Ljubljana (Slovenia) – Zagreb (Croatia) – Belgrade (Serbia)

Scenic train routes in Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for its beautiful scenic landscapes. The following scenic train routes offer special conditions for Eurail pass holders:

• Bernina Express: Chur - Lugano via Tirano (Italy)

• Chocolate train: Montreux - Broc-Chocolat

• Centovalli Railway: Locarno (Switzerland) - Domodossola (Italy) 

• Golden Pass: Luzern - Interlaken - Montreux

• Glacier Express: Davos/St. Moritz - Zermatt

Private railway companies in Switzerland

The Swiss railway network is operated not only by the SBB. There are a lot of private railway companies as well. Some of these companies are included in your Eurail pass while other companies offer discounted travel. 

For more information on private railway companies:

• Private railway companies that are included in your Eurail pass

• Private railway companies that offer a discount

We suggest the following routes to travel between Switzerland and other European countries:

• France – Switzerland
  Travel to Paris on the TGV train from Zurich (4hr), Basel (3hr) or Geneva (3hr).

• Italy – Switzerland
  Travel by EuroCity (EC) train directly to Milan from the Swiss cities of Bern (3hr), Geneva (4hr) and Zurich (3hr 30min).

• Austria – Switzerland
  Take a RailJet train from Zurich to Vienna (7hr) or travel by night to Graz on EuroNight trains.

• Germany – Switzerland
  Travel from Zurich to Berlin and Hamburg on the ÖBB Nightjet night train, or travel by day on ICE trains from Switzerland to German cities like Frankfurt.