Today we will talk about trains in Switzerland. I am a big fan of railways, for me train stations, aprons and locomotives from childhood add up to the romance of travel, which no air transport can reproduce. Sometimes, because of this romance, I embark on strange adventures - for example, there was a case. But riding on Swiss trains is a pleasure, it's fast, beautiful and convenient.
Do you like this locomotive? At the end of the post, pictures of different trains in the country
And most importantly, it is almost always on schedule, unlike the neighboring one.
Regular readers of my blog will no doubt have noticed a constant unhealthy admiration for the Japanese rail system. I still believe that the Japanese are ahead of the rest of the world in the issue of rail transport, however, the Swiss are not so far behind them. The whole country is carefully covered with a web of railway tracks:
On this map, the yellow lines represent bus routes... And the railways are marked in red. Most of the trains in the country are owned by a state-owned railway company with a handsome name ...
1. "SBB CFF FFS", nine consonant letters that can be found throughout the country. It is an abbreviation of the name meaning "Swiss Federal Railways" in three of the main official languages: German, French and Italian. Every three letters represent an abbreviation of the same words in a different language. (Fourth official language country, romance, in official name not used, otherwise we would have to add "VFS" to the labels.)
2. All system labels are also duplicated on three main languages, and also in English. So you can not be afraid to misunderstand and miss something. Popular cities are also announced, including in English.
3. If Swiss trains have any drawback, it is their high cost. A ticket between not so distant cities can cost about $ 50. Need to travel across the country? It will already be $ 100 or more.
4. Fortunately for us tourists, the country has a railway (and not only) pass, called the Swiss Travel Pass. It is sold for 3, 4, 8 and 15 days and covers travel on most vehicles throughout Switzerland. It can be bought in first or second grade. Second class adult pass costs between CHF 216 (three days) to CHF 458 (15 days). As you can see, it becomes more profitable if you take it for longer. The pass can be bought at railway ticket offices (including the airports of Zurich and Geneva), it gives the right to free travel on trains, city systems public transport.
5. You can even use it to ride historic ferry boats on Lake Geneva!
In short, if you are planning a trip in which you will need to move around the country a lot, I advise you to purchase this pass. It's not that cheap, but in the end it comes out cheaper than individual tickets. Plus, you will also save a lot of time, since you will not have to stand in queues at the ticket office every time, but you can safely jump on the next train in the right direction.
All train routes are in Google Maps, so finding a train to the desired station is easy. Also, SBB CFF FFS has released separate applications for phones that also allow you to plan a route (there are versions for Android and iOS).
Exceptions to this subscription are various types of lifts to the top of the mountains. You need to buy tickets with them, but Swiss Travel Pass holders get a 50% discount. , and gondolas fall into this category of transport.
6. The main thing is, if you bought a second class Travel Pass, do not mix it up and do not get into the first one by mistake. The classes are easy to distinguish: each carriage has a white number "1" or "2" at the entrance.
7. Like its German neighbors, in Switzerland most of the intercity trains are double-decker. The red and white range is the corporate identity for the compositions owned by SBB CFF FFS.
8. Luxury first class seating is available on both the first and second floors. It looks like this:
9. I did not go in first class, and I do not advise you, without a corresponding ticket. And in general, it is better not to ride here without a ticket - on almost every trip in a week I came across a controller who carefully checked all the tickets. Here they are actively fighting hares.
10. However, the second class is also very comfortable - there are comfortable soft seats, and there is an opportunity to work during long journeys.
11. The table can be folded out so that it is convenient to sit down and get up, but if you wish, you can increase its area to put the computer.
13. In general, what is very pleasing about these trains is the variety of seat configurations. The Swiss understand that different passengers have different needs. Someone wants to work quietly, someone looks out the window alone, and someone wants to communicate in a friendly company. There is a place for all these people on Swiss trains. For example, here is a part of the carriage suitable for large parties (this is also 2nd class):
I have seen more than once how such funny groups of teenagers occupied themselves, who, by the way, calmly travel from one city to another without adult supervision. These guys looked to be 13 years old.
14. For younger passengers, trains have special play areas. Parents can take their kids there so they don't get bored on long trips. This is good for everyone: the child has fun, the parents do not need to invent something to do with them, and the passengers in the other carriages are calm.
I confess that I saw this on trains several years ago, for some reason I did not come across these flat cars on this trip. I hope they haven't been canceled - it's a really cool thing.
15. There are also special vestibules for bicycles on trains (though not all).
16. Special mounts are made inside them, where you can attach bikes, skis, etc.
17. Some people attach strollers here.
18. Well, what self-respecting European train can do without a dining car?
19. On double-decker trains long distance, restaurants are usually upstairs.
20. Everything here is as it should be: tablecloths, normal chairs that can be moved, the waiter and the menu. They even pour it. You sit, eat, and the Swiss beauties run through the window. However, more about them later.
21. There is a cafe on the ground floor for a less formal setting. Here you can have a quick bite to eat (if you go not that far).
22. Let's take a look at train stations and stations, because they also strongly influence the overall feeling of the railway system ... Here is the main station in Zurich - a huge building with high vaults, under which the work of sculptors is hung. There are several more underground levels here.
23. The station is so huge that a market is sometimes held in its building! Farmers all over Europe set up tents right at the station and bring their goods for sale.
24. For example, fruits and vegetables are sold to some granny from the newspaper, and a representative of the BioLand farming group. It all looked so delicious that I could not resist and bought fresh berries from him.
25. And this is the station in Bern (yes, in the very one where the drunken air of freedom played a cruel joke with Professor Pleischner). The gracefully curving awnings above the escalators to the platforms are made of wood. Looks pretty cool.
26. Monitors hang on the platforms showing when and where the next train will be, where it will stop on the platform, and where the first and second class carriages will be located, and where the restaurant will be.
27. Yes, every station is entitled to a clock. Preferably on a tower. After all, after all,.
28. Even the smallest stations have a clock tower!
The correct time is very important here, since the entire railway system of the country is debugged, like a precise clockwork. The train schedule is calculated so that most transfers last no more than ten minutes (often five!) .This takes into account the platform on which both trains arrive, in order to give passengers a chance to have time to reach a normal (but not relaxed!) Step from one train to another. In rare cases, when there are minor delays, the train you want to change to will also wait a couple of minutes.
29. But for railway platforms, the company ordered a special watch model. This movement and design was developed by the Swiss engineer Hans Hilfiker in 1944. Yes, you heard right! All over the world, the war was going on, and the neutral Swiss improved the railway clock. (On the other hand, why not, if in the USSR they could!) In short, Swiss railway watches have since become a national symbol and an example of good laconic design. They are even displayed in our New york at MoMA.
It turns out that this watch is so famous that Apple decided to steal it when it modernized the style of its iPhone firmware. In iOS 6, released in 2012, the watch icon was suspiciously similar to the Swiss design, right down to the circle at the end of the red second hand. The Swiss filed a lawsuit against the global manufacturer of gadgets, although the case did not come to court. Apple made an agreement that allows them to use this design. The exact amount of the deal is unknown, but analysts believe that the Swiss received about 20 million francs for the use of the famous dial.
By the way, the feature of this watch is not only in its appearance. The mechanism also has an interesting and unobvious feature: at the end of each minute, the second hand is slightly delayed in order to synchronize with all other clocks on the station. Thus, all clocks at the station always show exactly the same time.
30. Yes, Swiss trains are comfortable and run on time, but this is what we expect from all normal trains (unfortunately, this does not always work that way). But where they exceed expectations is in the beauty of the scenery outside the window. Sitting in the carriage by the window, you can watch the green hills sweep past you, high mountains, blue lakes, and small towns with gabled churches.
31. Often the railway is laid right a couple of meters from the lake shore.
32. Then it seems that all this magnificent landscape was created especially for you - for the passenger. For example ride along Lake Geneva- a pleasure, especially on a clear day. On the far side you can see the French coast, where the Alps rise.
33. Even if your train is not on the very edge of the water, it is still beautiful. You will be delighted by the view of green fields and vineyards.
34. And if you turn into the mountains, you can shoot snow-capped peaks right from the window of your train.
Switzerland is rich in natural beauty, and railways are one of the best ways to see it all. Where else is it so beautiful outside the carriage window? ... But here it is difficult to choose a favorite.
35. Let me show you a few different types trains that I met during the week of active use of the Swiss railways. I'll start with the cutest thing - this handsome locomotive was already in the title photo, but it's not a sin to show it again!
By the way, if someone knows the model of this or other trains, write in the comments, I will add information to the post. And then I'm in this regard, a full kettle.
36. Double decker train I have already shown you long-distance travel, but this is a more regional one that travels.
37. There are also very small trains, more like trams. They walk along narrow-gauge tracks. It was on this that we drove before.
38. By the way, not all trains in the country belong to the federal railway agency. There are also private lines. And if SBB CFF FFS cars are usually red and white, then private companies choose other colors of their liveries. For example, the green BLS trains run in the Bern district.
39. But I saw such dark blue trains near Lausanne.
40. But such a blue-and-yellow lineup lifted us up.
41. In general, on such private narrow-gauge lines leading to the mountains, you can see very nice wagons. Moreover, it is clear that many of them are quite old designs.
42. Obviously, private companies do not throw out all the obsolete cars, but leave a few in the form of a museum on the rails. What if, why not here?
43. Look how lovely it is!
44. The biggest trick on Swiss trains is to sit by the window or at the beginning or end of the train. When cornering, you will be able to photograph not only the beautiful landscape outside the window, but also the tail / head of your train, which will be in perfect harmony with the surrounding greenery.
Honestly, I can't imagine how you can not love trains. And if you love them, and are not going to Japan yet, then Switzerland - best country, in order to ride them.
Swiss railways run along scenic spots, so many travel guides recommend using this convenient view transport. The rails of the roads are built along the lakes and streams, beautiful mountains with snow-capped peaks. Trains pass through the mountains through tunnels, and canyons and gorges are crossed over beautiful bridges.
In the article, we will consider which Swiss railways are public and which are private. What are the gear trains that can even climb the top of Mount Pilate? We'll also give travelers advice on how to cut down on train travel costs, as everyone knows the high cost of transportation in this wealthy country. Consider photographs of train cars belonging to various Swiss railways.
State trains
Most of the trains and tracked tracks are owned by a state-owned company. Its name is very long, therefore abbreviations of 9 letters are usually used - SBB-CFF-FFS, which are written on all trains that are white with red and gray. They are easy to recognize at Swiss train stations by their colors.
All trains are comfortable and modern. They differ in their number of storeys. Although Switzerland is a small country, the company has more than 4,000 wagons, and the length of municipal tracks is 13,000 km. Both short and long distance passengers and cargo are transported.
Conveniences for passengers
To enter the train car, you need to press the button on the door, the same action should be performed when leaving. The seats on the trains of the Swiss railways are comfortable, soft, and the aisles are wide. Above each seat are spacious shelves for things. The carriages have the cleanest toilets with the necessary accessories.
Sitting on the train, you can not only admire the gorgeous views from the window, but also charge your phone or camera, use Wi-Fi or dine in a restaurant. For travelers with bicycles, strollers, skis and other bulky items, a special carriage with fastenings is provided. The guide will take your bike with a smile and place it on the rack. After getting out of the car, he will take him back to the platform and wish you a successful excursion.
The trains have corners for small children with toys, shells, slides. Children cannot sit still for a long time, so the company's leaders took care of the little passengers.
On the second floor, the seats are located somewhat differently: closer to each other, one after the other or opposite. Between them there are comfortable sliding tables, so you can have a snack or put a bottle of water, put a laptop or tablet. Restaurant cars are located only on the second floor, food in carts on international trains is also delivered there, but at the same time, passengers from below are notified of this using a board.
Combining a schedule
Sometimes, in order to get to your destination, you need to change trains from one train to another. The accuracy of the Swiss is known to all, electric trains also move with a scrupulous timing. If a change is required, then upon exiting the platform you will have to move quickly to another platform and immediately board the next car. The schedule is made in such a way that you don't have to wait long, as well as look for the next train at the station.
Since the Swiss railways (photo is in the article) are considered a popular and environmentally friendly mode of transport, in addition to the state company, there are several other private railways, mainly located in the mountains. Next, we will consider several popular and beautiful routes where you can climb on special gear overpasses.
Cogwheel railways
In Switzerland, there are more than 20 railways equipped with a special gear transmission. The mechanism is located between the rails and helps to lift the wagons on the slope of the mountain.
The steepest climb in the world, which the train climbs, is also located in mountainous Switzerland. The gear train climbs a 48% incline and takes tourists to the top of Mount Pilat, which is located near the city of Lucerne. In winter, closed carriages lift skiers for skiing to popular mountainous areas.
Monument from the UNESCO list
The Rhaetian railway in Switzerland is considered a real monument, a miracle of technology and human labor. Most scenic path for trains built in late XIX century. Nowadays, the Albul and Berninskaya branches are especially popular, which amaze with the height of the rails, the passage over the deepest abysses, the most beautiful views to the mountains from the windows. It delights and frightens passengers at the same time.
A narrow-gauge railway connects the small town of Tuzis with the resort town of St. Moritz. It is only 67 km long, however, construction took 14 years. The railway passes through 42 tunnels cut in the rocks and over 144 bridges over precipices with viaducts. The unique 136 meter high bridge consists of 6 arches and is the symbol of the Albulio road.
This passage for trains was built back in 1902 using technologies that were unusual for those times. This is the most amazing railway in Switzerland. Every year millions of tourists from all over the world admire the beauty mountainous country riding trains. The routes are thought out to the smallest detail, because the Swiss love their trains very much. On rails you can get to anywhere in the country, to all resorts and mountain hotels, to lakes and glaciers in the Alps.
Part of the Rhaetian road of the RhB line runs in the largest tourist area the canton of Graubünden and reaches the border with Italy at Davos and up to Tirano. The entire path with bridges and tunnels is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now part of the railway in the Swiss mountains on this route is closed for the reconstruction of tunnels.
Slowest train
The world's slowest and yet most famous train route in Switzerland leaves St. Moritz to Zermatt every day. The duration of the trip is 7.5 hours. During this time, the express passes through the mountains through 91 tunnels, crosses 291 bridges over the gorges. This Glacier Express itinerary is a must on any tour of Swiss Alps.
This legendary journey will be remembered by the guests of the country for a lifetime, as the trip combines the wonders of technology and impressive landscapes.
steep climb
The sharpest rise is carried out by trains along the narrow-gauge railway to Mount Pilat. The ascent speed uphill is 12 km / h, and back even slower - 9 km / h. The track was built back in 1967, the carriages are old, but the braking system has been improved.
The brakes are used parking, resistor, electric. They are independent from each other, which increases traffic safety.
Alpine narrow-gauge railway
The highest railway in Switzerland is also considered the highest in Europe. This is "Jungfrau" or Jungfraubahn. It belongs to the jagged lines, follows the Bernese Alps and the canton of Bern. The length of the railroad tracks is 9 km, with a height difference of 1,400 meters.
Most of the path along this route passes through tunnels (7 km) through the massif of the Eiger and Mönch mountains and ascends to the very top of the Jungfrau. This place was chosen by tourists, since at each stop along the train you can get off and admire the views. So at the station "Eigergletcher" you can see the waterfalls.
The Aigervand station offers a magnificent view of the valley and the walls of the Eiger. Stop "Eismeer" is famous for views of glaciers and magnificent cliffs.
The terminal station offers an all-round view of the Aletsch Glacier, the peaks of the nearby Jungfrau and Eiger mountains, and the magnificent Grindelwald Valley.
- Even in summer time when climbing Mountain peaks you need to wear warm clothes and be sure to take sunglasses.
- It is recommended that on trains take seats near the window in the first or last carriage of the train, since you can take not only a photo of the area, but also of the train itself at numerous turns.
- Since train tickets in Switzerland can reach 50 euros, it is recommended to take a special travel card for a week or 15 days. Swiss Travel System allows you not only to safely change from train to train without buying separate tickets, but also to ride buses, boats and even go to museums. It is very convenient and economical.
Swiss Railways don't just transport tourists from one attraction to another. They are a tourist attraction themselves. For example, Switzerland's great pride is the Rhaetian Railway, which has been operating since 1888. At one time, it was the highest mountain in Europe. It was built through incredible passes and gorges, so there are especially many viaducts, tunnels and bridges. The most picturesque railway routes run along it - Glacier Express and Bernina Express (I talked about Bernina in the post about). Sections of the paths they follow are included in the UNESCO heritage list.
Today I will talk about what the Swiss railways are so good at.
Swiss Railways (SBB) are considered the most comfortable in the world. Firstly, the road network in Switzerland is very dense, so you can get to any city and almost any village by train. Secondly, trains run with a high frequency: they run between major stations at intervals of half an hour, and you can change from one train to another in 10-15 minutes. 
Swiss trains are virtually silent, clean and comfortable. At the exits there are normal steps unusual for the Russian eye. Both a child and an elderly person will calmly climb along them, which cannot be said about the steps in Russian trains. 
There are special lifts for disabled people; there are no problems with loading people with limited mobility on the train. 
Until the middle of the last century, trains had 3 classes of carriages, but in 1956 Swiss Railways switched to a two-class system. See what the interior looks like. 
Many trains have sockets and Wi-Fi, and during the trip you can enjoy delicious food and taste Swiss wine. 
The trains have large and always clean windows. Most of the train routes run through surprisingly scenic spots, so the main thing about trains is to provide passengers with a good view. 
For tourists, the Switzerland Travel System (STS) operates here. It is ideally thought out and economical, and includes, in addition to railway, water and bus routes. The map shows that this system can actually be used to get anywhere in the country. Railway routes are marked in red. 
The system is convenient for its travel tickets: for example, with the SWISS Travel Pass, you can ride as many trains as you like throughout the country. It can be purchased for a period of four days to a month. It also operates on all types of public transport in 75 Swiss cities. And in addition, it is a pass to 470 museums in Switzerland. By the way, the winner of the quest will receive such a ticket for the duration of his trip. 
The travel system in Switzerland includes the famous panoramic routes: Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Pass, Wilhelm Tell Express and many others. If you have a pass, you can also ride them for free. But some of the nuhs will require an additional payment for booking a seat in the carriage. For lovers of nature and mountain landscapes, such trips are second to none. 
For example, on the Golden Pass route, you will see plenty of spruce forests and green pastures with grazing cows. From the height of the road, you can admire the lakes and the distant snow-capped peaks of the Alps. The Pre-Alpine Express offers views of steep cliffs and picturesque hills. And the Wilhelm Tell Express passes through the famous Saint Gotthard Pass (the same one where Suvorov led the Russian troops in 1799). Trains cross it through the tunnel. 
This year, a new tunnel will be opened at this location, which will be the longest railway tunnel in the world. Its length will be 57 km. It will save passengers about an hour. It will be tested in the summer, then freight trains will start running on it, and it will start working in full force in December. 
And of course, some of the train routes are included in the Grand Tour of Switzerland. :) You can click on the picture to see a beautiful interactive map with a description of the places through which the trains of the Grand Tour pass.
The site is available in English and German.
Switzerland railway network- one of the best in the world, and in terms of reliability and comfort, according to many travelers, it confidently takes first place. The interval of train movements even in small towns is only half an hour!
Examples of major route lines:
- Geneva - Lausanne - Zurich - St. Gallen;
- Geneva - Lausanne - Bern - Zurich;
- Zurich - Lucerne;
- Basel - Zurich - Chur;
- Basel - Bern - Interlaken;
Train types:
- "S"- electric trains on suburban routes;
- "R" (Regio / Regionalzug) – regional trains that stop at every station and connect small towns;
- "RE" (RegioExpress)- local high-speed trains stop only at large stations;
- "IR" (InterRegio)- "workhorses" of Swiss railways, intercity trains;
- "IC" (InterCity)- express trains run between the largest cities in Switzerland;
- ICN (InterCityNeigezug)- diesel express trains;
Ticket prices for some destinations
- Zurich - Geneva, one-way ticket price - 41 francs, travel time - 2 hours 43 minutes;
- Geneva - Bern, one-way ticket price - 23 francs, travel time - 1 hour 40 minutes;
- Zurich - Lucerne, one-way ticket price - 12 francs, travel time - 50 minutes;
Travel card "Swiss Pass" allows unlimited travel in Switzerland on all types of public transport (trains, buses, trams, trolleybuses, some mountain railways) for 4, 8, 15, 22 days or 1 month. The fare for travel in 2nd class is 266, 384, 465, 536 and 590 Swiss francs, respectively.
For persons under 26 years old is available Swiss Youth Pass, which is no different from the "Swiss Pass", but 25% cheaper. The cost of the Swiss Youth Pass for travel in 2nd class is CHF 200 (4 days), 288 (8 days), 349 (15 days), 402 (22 days) and 443 (1 month) CHF.
You can also buy a card Half-Fare Travelcard, with which you can buy tickets for the 1st and 2nd class of all trains with a 50% discount for 1, 2 or 3 years. Its cost is 165, 300 and 400 francs.
True fans of the railway can ride along one of the panoramic routes and admire the stunning mountain scenery.
List of some routes:
Bernina Express (Davos - Bernina Pass - Tirano, fare - 12 francs in 2nd class);
"Wilhelm Tell Express" (Lucerne - Bellinzona - Lugano / Locarno, cost - 176 francs, 39 francs with a Swiss Pass);
"Golden Pass" (Lucerne - Brunig Pass - Interlaken - Zweisimmen - Montreux, cost - 70 francs, with a "Swiss Pass" - 35 francs);
"Express Predalpier" (St. Gallen - Rapperswil - Art Goldau - Lucerne, the cost of a full trip - 45 francs);
Swiss Railways are called SBB-CFF-FFS, which is three separate abbreviations in German, French and Italian, translated as “Swiss State Railways”. During the 19th century, a single company did not exist, and all sections of railways across the country were privately owned by various companies, which led to constant competition between them and the chaotic construction of new tracks throughout the country, sometimes even duplicating existing ones.
It was extremely difficult for the state to nationalize the railways due to the country's highly developed antitrust requirements, but in 1898, following a universal vote, the state managed to take control of all companies, which led to the creation in 1902 of a national railway corporation under the full control of the state. Since 1919, active electrification of tracks began, and in 1999 the government again lost control over the railways, and the company was transformed into a joint stock company, but the shares are under strict state control.
But unlike other countries, a private railway company remained in Switzerland - the Rhaetian railway with a narrow gauge, connecting the most picturesque corners of the country - resort ski towns Davos and St. Moritz.
Switzerland has a unique relief - a huge part of the country is indented high Alps, which led to the fact that a large length of railway tracks have steep ascents and descents. For the safety of passengers and the technical possibility of ascent, a third one is laid between the main rails - with teeth, for which the gear wheels of the train cling, pushing it up. Such a cogwheel railway is built on almost every steep rise in the country.
Swiss Railways Contact Information
Swiss Railways - the official website, content is presented in 4 of the most popular languages - English, German, French and Italian for the convenience of guests from anywhere in Europe. The content of the site includes information about the company, types of trains and service classes, a set of bonus offers, a timetable, and also makes it possible to book the required tickets. The site does not have a Russian version.
SBB-CFF-FFS passengers can use any of the numerous contact numbers provided by the company to get answers to all their questions:
- + 41-848-44-66-88 - multichannel telephone hotline, around the clock.
- By clicking on the link, customers can leave feedback, complaints and wishes, leaving their contact details.
- + 41-51-229-61-61 - the telephone number of the internal police service in case of an emergency.
The headquarters of the company is located in Bern at Hilfikerstrasse 1
3000 Bern 65.
Note! Swiss railways has no representative offices in Russia, but anyone who speaks any of the 4 languages presented on the site can use all content services, book and buy a ticket from anywhere in the world where there is Internet access.
Train types and service levels on Swiss Railways
Every year millions of tourists and citizens of Switzerland use the developed network of railway roads in Switzerland. SBB-CFF-FFS, investing more than 1 billion Swiss francs in the development of the network, has a wide variety of railway trains in its depots to meet the needs of each passenger.
- Giruno, a new 405-seat express train, runs from Basel to Zurich and south of the country to Milan. The train has a WiFi zone, a conference room, a bistro restaurant, bathrooms, a quiet zone, a place for luggage and bicycles.
- The LD double-decker is a high-speed double-decker train for domestic connections, with routes running from Zurich to Geneva via Bern and Basel. The number of seats is 200, the facilities are the same as in Gurino, except for the panoramic area, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque views during the trip.
- ETR-610 - popular high-speed train for 430 seats, carries passengers between the most major cities domestically and to Italy, has a separate family area with an equipped children's room, but does not have a quiet area.
- ICN is a capacious high-speed train with almost 500 seats, among which there is both a family and a quiet zone, which transports within Switzerland.
- IC2000 is a standard train with two decks and 1st and 2nd class of service, has a full set of amenities and a panoramic upper level, including a restaurant on the second floor of one of the carriages.
- Standard couch IV / Eurocity - has 60 seats in each carriage, carries passengers throughout the country, has a full range of services for passengers, like the Gurino train.
- Flirt - Commuter train for passengers around Bern, Zurich and Geneva.
- Regio double-decker - two-level suburban train, which runs between Bern and Zurich, has a capacity of 535 people and a minimum set of features for the comfort of passengers.
- Domino, GTW, DPZ, DTZ - suburban express trains for various directions within the country.
Each high-speed train, as well as trains for transporting passengers across the country and abroad, has 2 service classes - 2nd economy class and 1st business class, the differences between which are in the comfort of the seats when traveling and the level of service and food for passengers ... Each train, regardless of class, has a high-quality finish, an internal climate system and LCD displays in each carriage, which display travel information.
Many seats are equipped with sockets for the convenience of using mobile computers and charging phones, and each carriage is equipped with a place for attaching a wheelchair for disabled people.
Map of the main routes on the Swiss Railways
Due to the presence of a developed railway scheme, as well as a huge number of passengers - about 1 million per day, combined with the country's central location on the European continent, SBB-CFF-FFS have a developed map of directions both within the country and abroad:
- Along the southern border of the country with Italy and France.
- Between the main cities - Zurich, Lausanne, Bern, Basel and Geneva.
- International routes to Italy to Milan, Austria to Innsbruck and Vaduz, France to Annecy and Paris, and Germany to Munich.
The movement on each of the routes is carried out at least once a day, which is very convenient for passengers when planning their trips.
Ticket reservations and basic fares on Swiss Railways
The main tariffs offered by the company for the convenience of travelers:
- Individual - standard rate, booked in advance, refundable, with a deduction of the service fee.
- Supersaver - the highest discounts for specific travel dates offered by the company.
- One-day pass is convenient for tourists who are going to use the train several times during one day, it makes it possible to use the services of the railway an unlimited number of times for one price.
- First grade - best places and service during the trip.
- Group - savings when buying tickets for a group of more than 10 people up to 20%.
- Children - big discounts, up to 100%, for passengers with children, regardless of whether they take a seat or not.
Swiss Railways make it possible to choose any method of booking and redeeming a train ticket for their customers:
- At ticket offices at stations or train stations throughout the country (ticket sale).
- In specialized terminals for automatic ticket vending (ticket vending machine).
- Online on the site using the link for visitors who speak one of the 4 proposed languages. Payment can be made by debit or credit card.
- Using the hotline telephone, the passenger will be connected to the ticket reservation department.
- By installing a special mobile application on a smartphone or tablet and further registration in it.
- V travel companies all over the world who can act as an agent for their clients.
Despite the fact that Switzerland is a very conservative country and until now all the old cars from the century before last have not been disposed of, but continue either to be used on special routes or turned into museums on wheels.
Advanced technologies combined with huge annual investments are rapidly developing SBB-CFF-FFS, making it a leader among competitors from other European countries.
