Getting Around Switzerland
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trains for Zurich and Geneva. Rural: Rent a car for Alps exploration. Mountains: Cable cars and funiculars. For convenience, book airport transfers from Zurich to your destination.
Train Travel
SBB National Rail
Efficient and punctual train network connecting all major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Zurich to Geneva CHF 50-100, journeys under 3 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via SBB app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited journeys anywhere in Switzerland for 3-15 days from CHF 232.
Best For: Multiple city and mountain visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, SBB website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
TGV Lyria connects to France, Cisalpino to Italy, and EuroCity to Germany.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Main Stations: Zurich HB central station, with connections to Geneva Cornavin.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Alps and rural areas. Compare rental prices from CHF 40-70/day at Zurich Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: All highways require vignettes (CHF 40/year for cars).
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, trams always have priority.
Parking: Blue zones require parking discs, metered parking CHF 3-5/hour in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at CHF 1.80-2.00/liter for petrol, CHF 1.70-1.90 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Zurich during rush hours and around Geneva.
Urban Transport
Zurich Trams & Buses
Extensive network covering the city, single ticket CHF 4.40, day pass CHF 10.20, 24-hour card CHF 17.
Validation: Validate tickets in machines before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: VBZ app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
PubliBike sharing in Zurich and other cities, CHF 5-15/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths across Switzerland, especially in cities and lakeside areas.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
PostBus (yellow buses) operates comprehensive networks, including remote mountain areas.
Tickets: CHF 3-5 per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Mountain Transport: Funiculars and cable cars to peaks like Pilatus, CHF 20-50 round-trip.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Zurich or Geneva for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Montreux Jazz.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable mountain weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Switzerland including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from CHF 5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Swisscom, Salt, and Sunrise offer prepaid SIMs from CHF 10-30 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for CHF 20, 10GB for CHF 35, unlimited for CHF 50/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Zurich Airport 10km from city center, train to center CHF 6.80 (10 min), taxi CHF 50, or book private transfer for CHF 60-80.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (CHF 5-8/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and trams accessible, many mountain sites have limited access due to terrain.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large CHF 20), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for CHF 12, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Switzerland
Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Zurich Airport (ZRH): Primary international gateway, 10km north of city center with train connections.
Geneva Airport (GVA): Major hub 4km from city, bus to center CHF 3.50 (15 min).
Basel-Mulhouse (BSL): Tri-national airport 6km from Basel, convenient for northern Switzerland.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Milan or Munich and taking train to Switzerland for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
EasyJet, Swiss, and Wizz Air serve Zurich and Geneva with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee CHF 2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep CHF 50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.