Switzerland by Train

Swiss trains are genuinely family-friendly. Many long-distance routes include dedicated family carriages with play areas, slides, and space where children can move without bothering other passengers. For parents of kids aged 5-12, this can completely change the mood of a travel day.

Cleanliness also matters when you’re travelling as a family, and Swiss trains generally handle this well. Toilets are typically clean, well-kept, and easy to find thanks to clear signage inside the carriages. Changing trains with a stroller is also manageable: most stations have elevators or ramps, even if they’re not always the first thing you notice.

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Ticket pricing in Switzerland is flexible rather than fixed, which is important to understand before you start budgeting.

Swiss Half Fare Card
The Swiss Half Fare Card costs CHF 120, is valid for one month, and gives 50% off trains, buses, boats, and most mountain railways. It’s widely used and works well for travellers who prefer a relaxed pace rather than changing locations every day.

Saver Day Pass & Supersaver Tickets
For long travel days, Saver Day Passes can start from CHF 52 with Half Fare or from CHF 88 without, depending on demand and how early you book. Prices are dynamic, so it’s best to describe them as “from” rather than quoting a single number.

Supersaver Tickets apply to specific trains and can noticeably reduce costs on routes such as Zurich Airport → Grindelwald, especially when travelling off-peak.

The difference between first and second class on Swiss trains is subtle, but it becomes important during busy periods. Second class is already modern, clean, and comfortable. First class adds wider seats, fewer passengers per carriage, and more space for luggage – details that matter far more when trains are full.

From practical experience shared throughout this guide, families travelling during summer, holidays, or weekends often find second class crowded, sometimes even requiring standing for part of the journey. First class, by contrast, usually has available seats and a calmer atmosphere.

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Panoramic trains such as Glacier Express and Bernina Express are well known, but they come with clear trade-offs that families should understand in advance.

Glacier Express
Seat reservation is mandatory and costs CHF 39 in low season and CHF 49 in high season, on top of the regular ticket. The full route can take up to eight hours, which is a long and sometimes tiring commitment for families.

Bernina Express
The reservation fee is CHF 36, with the same rule: the ticket and the reservation are always separate.

The local alternative
Regular regional trains run on the same tracks, offer the same views, do not require reservations, and allow flexible stops along the way. This makes them a far more practical option for families.

From my own experience, taking the Bernina line on regular trains made it possible to stop in smaller villages, stretch our legs, and avoid the “locked-in” feeling that panoramic wagons can create.

In Switzerland, the train window often replaces any screen. Waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen, alpine lakes, vineyards, glaciers, and high mountain passes appear naturally along the route, without effort or planning.

Mountain railways often use rack-and-pinion systems on steep sections, giving access to elevations that cars simply cannot reach. In some areas, trains are not just scenic – they are the only way up.

Some of the strongest moments arrive unexpectedly: a valley opening after a tunnel, a waterfall running close to the tracks, or cows grazing almost at eye level. These are the moments families tend to remember most.

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The SBB mobile app is an essential planning tool. It shows routes, platforms, transfer times, and even predicts crowd levels using simple icons.

Most transfers allow around five minutes, which is usually enough. The main exception is Zurich HB, where allowing ten minutes is safer due to its size and multiple underground levels.

Luggage storage & forwarding
Station lockers typically cost CHF 5-12, depending on size and location. Luggage forwarding through SBB costs CHF 12-20, with delivery on the next working day.

Travelling with bicycles or pets on Swiss trains is generally straightforward, but it requires a bit of planning.

Bicycles
A bicycle ticket costs CHF 14 per day, with an additional CHF 5 reservation required on InterCity trains during the high season. Space is limited, so checking availability in advance helps avoid last-minute stress.

Dogs
Small dogs under 30 cm travel free of charge. Larger dogs require a ticket costing CHF 25 per day or a Dog Day Pass. These rules are consistent across the national rail network, which makes planning much easier when travelling between regions.

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Swiss trains are efficient, but they are not perfect. During summer, holidays, and weekends, popular routes can become crowded. Since regular trains do not offer seat reservations, timing plays an important role.

Mountain railways often require separate tickets, even when travelling with national rail services, which can affect budgeting. And despite how well the system works, trains still demand more logistical planning when travelling with children and luggage.

It’s worth saying honestly: even in Switzerland, a rental car is often more convenient than not having one, particularly for families who value flexibility and spontaneous detours.

• I always check the SBB app before leaving the hotel. The crowd indicators help me avoid packed trains by waiting for the next departure, which is often only 20-30 minutes later.
• From first-hand experience, I rarely choose panoramic trains like Glacier Express. Regular trains show the same landscapes and allow breaks whenever children need them.
• I schedule longer rides early in the morning. Routes toward Interlaken and the Bernese Oberland become noticeably busier after lunch.
• When travelling with luggage, I rely on station lockers (CHF 5-12) or SBB baggage forwarding. Exploring without suitcases changes the entire day.
• I always look for family carriages on longer routes. They reduce stress and create a more relaxed atmosphere for both children and parents.
• For mountain routes such as Chur-St. Moritz-Tirano, I split the journey into shorter segments to keep kids engaged.
• Even though trains work beautifully, I still find that renting a car is more convenient overall for families – trains are perfect for scenic days, while a car adds flexibility for shopping, late dinners, and spontaneous plans.

I first travelled through Switzerland by train in June 2019, combining family travel with professional route planning. I normally prefer cars, especially with children, but Swiss trains genuinely impressed me. They are not just transportation – they shape how you experience the country. Watching lakes turn into mountains between Lucerne and Interlaken felt natural and effortless.

For families, the system works because it is predictable. Connections are realistic, stations are manageable, and scenery keeps long rides engaging. Still, honesty matters: peak hours can be crowded, and luggage always needs a plan. Lockers and baggage forwarding are not optional extras – they are practical tools.

Switzerland by train offers a rare mix of comfort, nature, and simplicity. It’s a country that reveals itself slowly through the window, valley by valley. If you want to experience it in a way that truly fits your family’s rhythm, I invite you to create a custom itinerary together with the Itinerary Expert, tailored to Switzerland and the wider region.

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