Trains in Switzerland 2026 – How to Use the Swiss Rail Network, Scenic Routes & Passes

The Swiss train system is one of the easiest in Europe: trains are frequent, clean and very punctual. Most visitors can travel the whole country without renting a car, including with kids and luggage.

• Main cities like Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Geneva, Bern and Zermatt are connected by direct trains.
• Famous scenic routes (GoldenPass, Glacier Express, etc.) run on the same network, using special panorama coaches.
• You can pay with simple tickets or choose a rail pass such as the Swiss Travel Pass.

This article focuses on the basic structure: trains, tickets, passes and itineraries. For mountains and cable cars, combine it with the separate Swiss mountains guide.

Use these Tripmoo guides while you plan your 2026 train itinerary:

• 9-day Switzerland itinerary »
• Swiss Travel Pass guide »
• GoldenPass train guide »
• Swiss mountains guide »
• Flights to Switzerland 2026 »
• Switzerland hotels guide »
• Zurich city guide »
• Interlaken guide »

You will see several train categories on timetables and apps like SBB Mobile:

• IC / ICN (InterCity): fast trains linking major cities (Zurich–Geneva, Zurich–Basel, etc.).
• IR (InterRegio) & RE (RegioExpress): regional fast trains connecting cities with smaller towns – for example Zurich–Lucerne or Lucerne–Interlaken.
• S-Bahn: local suburban trains around big cities like Zurich and Geneva.
• Panorama & tourist trains: branded routes such as GoldenPass or Glacier Express with big windows and scenic views.

For most 2026 itineraries, you will mix regular IC / IR trains with a few scenic segments, rather than riding panorama trains every day.

In 2026 you usually choose between point-to-point tickets or one of the Swiss rail passes. The most famous is the Swiss Travel Pass.

Point-to-point tickets

• Good for short trips or when you only take 2–3 main train rides.
• You can buy standard tickets or discounted options like SuperSaver for fixed times.
• Works well if you already have a car for part of the trip.

Swiss Travel Pass & other passes

• The Swiss Travel Pass covers most national trains, many buses and boats, plus offers discounts on mountain railways.
• Ideal if you plan to move almost every day by train over 4, 8 or more days.
• Families can benefit from the Swiss Family Card, helping kids travel free with parents.

For a clear decision, open the dedicated Swiss Travel Pass guide in another tab and compare with your exact 2026 route.

Swiss trains are designed to handle suitcases, strollers and families without stress:

• Most trains have racks at carriage ends and overhead shelves for smaller bags.
• Platforms are typically level or only a small step from the train, making it easier with prams and older travellers.
• Some long-distance trains offer family zones and play corners on select routes.
• Keep a small day bag with snacks, water and important documents separate from big luggage.

Many 2026 family itineraries base in Lucerne or Interlaken because they offer direct trains plus lots of day trips without changing hotel too often.

These are simple example patterns that work well with trains in 2026. Adjust nights and mountains based on your family’s pace:

• Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Zurich: a classic first trip focusing on lakes and the Jungfrau Region.
• Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Montreux → Geneva: adds the GoldenPass route and Lake Geneva views.
• Zurich → Zermatt → Interlaken → Lucerne: ideal if you want both Matterhorn and the Jungfrau area.

Once your basic route is set, you can layer in mountain excursions and cable cars on top of these train connections.

• Download the official SBB Mobile app to check live timetables and platforms for all of Switzerland.
• Arrive at the platform 10–15 minutes early when travelling with heavy luggage or kids.
• Seat reservations are usually optional on regular trains, but recommended or required on some scenic routes in peak season.
• Always check the connection time when changing trains – Swiss stations are compact, but 4–5 minutes can feel tight with children or multiple suitcases.
• Keep your ticket or pass ready for occasional spot checks by train staff.

Use these to complete your 2026 Switzerland itinerary:

• 🇨🇭 Switzerland travel hub – main regions, cities and planning basics.
• 🗺️ 9-day Switzerland itinerary – suggested bases and routes.
• 🎫 Swiss Travel Pass guide – when a pass makes sense vs tickets.
• 🌄 Swiss mountains guide – main peaks and viewpoints.
• ✈️ Flights to Switzerland 2026 – arriving via Zurich or Geneva.
• 🏨 Switzerland hotels guide – choosing Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken and more.

This trains in Switzerland guide 2026 gives you a simple way to think about rail travel: decide your bases and route, then choose between point-to-point tickets or a rail pass, and finally add 1–2 scenic train segments.

With that structure in place, Swiss trains become the easiest part of your trip – letting you focus on mountain days, lakes and cities instead of transport stress.