What are trains in Switzerland like?

How to book Swiss trains

All Swiss trains, including scenic trains, can be booked via Happyrail.

Book all tickets for trains in Switzerland via the Happyrail planner
At Happyrail can book Swiss rail passes which are valid on all Swiss trains and Eurail passes valid on almost all trains.
Reservations for famous Swiss scenic trains can be made in the Happyrail planner by selecting 'Reservations'
We offer tailormade Swiss Rail Tour packages where you can book your trip to Switzerland in one click from the departure station or airport of your choice in Europe. We make the itinerary, book all tickets, seat reservations, hotels, and much more.

Check out the page Switzerland: Swiss pass, Eurail pass, tickets, or Rail Tour package?

Train types information

ICE high-speed trains Switzerland - Germany

ICE (Intercity Express) are German high-speed trains running up to 300 km/h. They run from Zürich, Basel and Interlaken to various German destinations.

All ICE tickets can be bought in the Happyrail planner.
Eurail passes are valid on all ICE services, with mandatory seat reservations on international connections, which can also be bought in the Happyrail planner.
Second class features adjustable seats in a 2+2 layout, some with tables, others airplane-style. Free wifi, plug sockets, and luggage space are available in all cars. Each train has at least one designated quiet car and one designated car for families with children.
First class features adjustable leather seats in a 2+1 layout, some with tables, others airplane-style, with more legroom and wider seat pitch than in second class. Free wifi, plug sockets, and luggage space are available in all cars. Stewards will take your order at your seat for drinks or meals from the dining car.
A dining car is also available, with both at your seat and takeaway service for all drinks and meals. Reservations are not possible for the dining car: anyone with a valid ticket can take a seat.

Eurocity (EC) international trains Switzerland - Italy/Germany

Eurocity (EC) and Eurocity Express (ECE) are high-speed trains running from several cities in Switzerland to destinations in Germany and Italy.

All ICE tickets can be bought in the Happyrail planner.
Eurail passes are valid on all EC and ECE services, with mandatory seat reservations on international connections, which can also be bought in the Happyrail planner.
Each train has at least one designated quiet car and one designated car for families with children, as well as a dinig car serving simple meals, snacks and drinks.
Second class features comfortable adjustable seats in a 2+2 configuration, others airplane-style. Free wifi, plug sockets, and luggage space are available in all cars.
First class features supremely comfortable adjustable seats in a 2+1 or 1+1 configuration, wider and with a bigger seat pitch compared to second class. Free wifi, plug sockets, and luggage space are available in all cars. First class is in a seperate part of the train with a quieter atmopshere.

Railjet (RJ/RJX) express trains to Austria

High-speed Railjet trains run from Switzerland to various destinations in Austria, via Liechtenstein. Some connections continue to Bratislava or Budapest.

Railjet trains are supremely comfortable trains with three classes (second, first, Business) also featuring a dining car and a quiet car.

All RJ & RJX tickets can be bought in the Happyrail planner.
Eurail passes are valid on all RJ/RJX services, with mandatory seat reservations on international connections, which can also be bought in the Happyrail planner.
For more detailed information please see Austria: what are Railjet trains like?

TGV high-speed trains to France

High-speed TGV trains run from Zürich, Basel and Lausanne to Paris and several other destinations in France. Tickets for all TGV connections can be bought via Happyrail.

Eurail passes are valid but there is very limited availability for Eurail pass holders, meaning a ticket bought in advance is almost always a better option. For more about seat reservations for TGV trains to France please see France: Eurail Reservations.

TGV trains are comfortable double-decker trains featruing first and second class, dedicated luggage space, free wifi and a bar/café coach with light meals and drinks. For more details on what TGV trains are like please see France: What are TGV trains like?

Intercity (IC) national express trains

Intercity trains run by state operator SBB connect all cities in Switzerland frequently. IC lines are numbered and all run at least every hour.

All IC tickets can be bought via the Happyrail planner. Reservations are not necessary and not included.
Swiss Pass and Eurail passes are valid on all Intercity trains. Reservations are possible but generally not necessary or reccommended.
IC trains are run with a fleet of various types of modern trains. The pictures below show double-decker trains, but some single-decker types exist too.
Second class features comfortable seats in a 2+2 configuration, with wifi and power sockets available. Photo Credit: SBB.
First Class features adjustable seats, wider and with bigger pitch than in 1st class, in a 2+1 configuration. Wifi and power sockets are almost always available. 1st class is in a seperate part of the train with a quieter atmopshere. Photo Credit: SBB.
Almost all IC services feature a dining car with the SBB Restaurant, serving hot meals, snacks and drinks, either at your seat in the restaurant or for take-away. The restaurant is open for passengers from both 1st and 2nd class and does not take reservations. Food and drinks are not included in IC tickets or passes. Photo Credit: SBB.

Interregio (IR) national express trains

Some longer distance services stopping at more stations than IC services are called Interregio (IR). Several types of IR trains run in Switzerland, some of which are similar to double-decker IC trains (as shown above) but don't feature a restaurant. Some are more like the single-decker type as shown below.

All IR tickets can be bought via the Happyrail planner. Reservations are not necessary and not included.
Swiss Pass and Eurail passes are valid on all Intercity trains. Reservations are possible but generally not necessary or reccommended.
Some IR trains are run by state operator SBB, others by private companies like BLS or SOB. All tickets, Swiss and Eurail passes are valid on all IR trains regardless of who operates them.
Amenities vary per IR train, but all generally feature 2+2 seating in second class with wifi, power sockets and luggage space.
Amenities vary per IR train, but all generally feature 2+1 or 1+1 seating in first class with wifi, power sockets and luggage space. 1st class is in a seperate part of the train with a quieter atmopshere.
Catering

Regional trains (RE, RB, S)

Regional trains connect all villages and cities not served by IC or IR trains. A mixture of regional trains run in various different forms, usually called RE, RB or S.

All tickets for Swiss regional trains, to all destinations in Switzerland, are available via the Happyrail planner.
Swiss passes and Eurail passes are valid on all regional trains. Reservations are not possible.
Some regional trains are run by state operator SBB, others by private companies like BLS, SOB, Rhb or Thurbo. All tickets, Swiss passes and Eurail passes are valid on all regional trains regardless of who operates them.
Second class differs per exact connection but usually has simple seats in 2+2 configuration. Wifi and power sockets are available on most trains, but this can depend on the route served. Catering ia almost never present. Photo Credit: SBB.
First class usually has more comfortable seats than 2nd class, in either a 2+1 or 2+2 configuration. The seats are wider, more adjustable, have a greater seat pitch. 1st class is in a seperate part of the train with a quieter atmopshere.
Catering is almost never available on regional trains.Picture: 1st class on an SBB regional 'S' train. Some 1st class trains, like other SBB trains or Rhätische Bahn (RhB) trains have more luxurious seats in a 2+1 configuration.

Nightjet international sleeper trains

Austrian 'Nightjet' sleeper trains run from Zürich to Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Graz and Hamburg.

All tickets for Nightjet, as well as Eurail seat/sleeping cabin reservations can be booked via the Happyrail Planner.
These trains are the same as other Austrian Nightjet trains and feature second-class seating, couchette and sleeping cabins. For more detailed information please see What are Nightjet Trains like?

Scenic trains

Switzerland is most known for its famous Scenic trains, like the Glacier Express, Berniina Express and more. You'll find detailed pages on each train including how to book them on the page Swiss Scenic Trains.

Tickets for most Swiss scenic trains can be bought in the Happyrail Planner
Swiss passes and Eurail passes can be bought via Happyrail, after which you can buy seat reservations for Swiss scenic trains in the Happyrail planner
We offer tailormade Swiss Rail Tour packages where you can book your trip to Switzerland in one click from the departure station or airport of your choice in Europe. We make the itinerary, book all tickets, seat reservations, hotels, and much more.