The figures for Swiss transport in 2022 are impressive: more than 17 billion passenger-kilometers (17,000,000!) were covered by more than 7,000 trains running every day, and at Zurich’s main station alone, an average of more than 300,000 people board or disembark a train every day! Almost half of the Swiss population has a season ticket (usually a general season ticket or at half price) and, on average, a Swiss person travels around 50 times a year by public transport, covering a total of more than 1,500 km for work, shopping or leisure. However, this only refers to long-distance and agglomeration transport. In addition, there are equally impressive figures for urban transport in medium-sized and large cities (streetcars and buses).

The Swiss love of public transport

So what explains the fascination and love of public transport, apart from the punctuality mentioned at the beginning? There are several factors that play a role, depending on the reason for the trip:

• More and more working people are realizing that they generally arrive at work more relaxed and on time by bus or S-Bahn than when they are stuck in traffic jams for part of the journey in their own car during rush hour. They use the time on the train to read the newspaper, work on their laptops or, on longer journeys, to get some sleep. As the trains are usually very busy, but not overcrowded, the journey is comfortable and safety on the trains is high. On bus routes, regular passengers and drivers often know each other, and other regular passengers traveling at the same times also provide a sense of familiarity.

• People who go on an excursion appreciate the fact that they don’t have to start their journey back at the same place where, for example, they started a hike. They cross a mountain, take an excursion boat or walk along a river and start the journey back at the point where the excursion ends. With the extremely dense route network and the interval schedule, which guarantees fast connections even when trains change, the journey time is generally no longer than that of a passenger bus.

• Many routes pass through particularly beautiful landscapes. This is appreciated not only by tourists, who can enjoy the landscape with its deep blue lakes and white mountain peaks during a trip between two destinations, but also by locals, who remember school trips or family vacations when they were children during this type of trip.

• Longer train journeys have the advantage of being combined with a relaxed snack. Sandwiches, sweets and drinks can be bought at most stations and, on long-distance trains traveling at lunchtime or in the evening, an on-board restaurant offers a small but good selection of international and local dishes.

Switzerland Destination Tips

Now, some tips for a perfect trip:

• Postaustos (buses) on mountain routes usually have a three-tone horn. On request, drivers activate them before cornering, a particular highlight for children (but adults like it too)! The same applies to historic ships or steam trains, whose buzzing sound or high-pitched whistle brings nostalgia to the excursion.

• Bicycles can be taken on all forms of transport. But beware: although transportation on certain bus routes is free, you have to buy a ticket (½ price) for streetcars and trains.

• Mountain train tickets tend to be much more expensive than other forms of public transport. However, this does not apply if the route is open to permanent residents as part of the public service. In this case, you pay the normal price and the Swiss Travel Pass is fully valid.

• Watch out for special offers: For young people, people over 63 or 65, groups and tickets bought in advance for less frequented routes, considerable reductions are sometimes offered. When making a travel inquiry with Destination Switzerland, taking these possibilities into account is part of the inquiry and worthwhile.

Destination Switzerland is committed to recommending eco-friendly travel and knows exactly what public transport offers are available for all destinations in Switzerland and final trips to European cities. Of course, individual transfers in limousines, vans and buses are also part of the offer, but we are happy to show you the most relaxed and attractive way to get around Switzerland.

Source: Litra