Switzerland Train Routes — Compare Pass Prices
Browse popular routes and compare Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card, and Saver Day Pass options to find the most cost-effective combination.
Popular intercity routes
The most common city-to-city train routes in Switzerland.
Zurich HB to Lucerne
Duration: 45 min
Frequency: Every ~30 minutes (most of the day)
Highlights: Fast direct trains · Great base for Mount Rigi / Pilatus
Zurich HB to Bern
Duration: 1h
Frequency: Every ~30 minutes
Highlights: Frequent direct intercity trains · Easy day trip to the capital old town
Zurich HB to Interlaken Ost
Duration: 2h
Frequency: 1–2 trains per hour (varies by connection)
Highlights: Gateway to Jungfrau region · Scenic lake and mountain views on many routes
Zurich HB to Geneva
Duration: 2h 45m
Frequency: About 2 trains per hour
Highlights: Long-distance intercity with frequent departures · Great for connecting to Lake Geneva region
Zurich HB to Basel SBB
Duration: 55 min
Frequency: Every ~30 minutes
Highlights: Fast direct intercity trains · Convenient for France/Germany connections
Zurich HB to Lausanne
Duration: 2h 15m
Frequency: About 2 trains per hour
Highlights: Direct long-distance trains · Easy gateway to Lake Geneva region
Geneva to Zermatt
Duration: 3h 30m
Frequency: Usually at least hourly with transfers
Highlights: Classic route to Matterhorn region · Scenic valleys and mountain towns
Geneva to Montreux
Duration: 1h 5m
Frequency: 2–3 trains per hour
Highlights: Lake Geneva scenery · Great for Chillon Castle and lakeside promenades
Lucerne to Interlaken Ost
Duration: 1h 50m
Frequency: Typically hourly (Luzern–Interlaken Express)
Highlights: One of the most scenic standard routes · Lakes, valleys and mountain views · Key stops often include Brünig-Hasliberg, Lungern and Meiringen
Bern to Interlaken Ost
Duration: 55 min
Frequency: Every ~30 minutes
Highlights: Fast access to the Jungfrau region · Easy day trip from the capital
Lausanne to Geneva
Duration: 40 min
Frequency: Every ~15–30 minutes
Highlights: Very frequent trains · Perfect for day trips along Lake Geneva
Basel SBB to Bern
Duration: 1h
Frequency: Every ~30 minutes
Highlights: Fast direct trains · Easy connection between major hubs
Scenic & attraction routes
Routes focused on mountains, lakes and classic scenic corridors.
Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch
Duration: 2h 30m
Frequency: Multiple connections per hour (varies by season)
Highlights: Top-of-Europe experience · Spectacular alpine scenery
Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald
Duration: 35 min
Frequency: Typically every 30 minutes (with transfers)
Highlights: Base for First / Jungfrau area · Short scenic ride to the mountains
Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen
Duration: 25 min
Frequency: Usually every 30 minutes
Highlights: Valley of waterfalls · Best gateway to Wengen / Mürren
Lucerne to Mount Rigi
Duration: 1h 30m
Frequency: Multiple connections per hour (boat + mountain railway options)
Highlights: Classic lake + mountain day trip · Beautiful views over Lake Lucerne
Lucerne to Mount Pilatus
Duration: 1h 30m
Frequency: Multiple connections per hour (seasonal variations)
Highlights: Iconic peak near Lucerne · Cable cars and panoramic views
Lucerne to Engelberg
Duration: 45 min
Frequency: Usually hourly
Highlights: Titlis base town · Easy rail access from Lucerne
Montreux to Zermatt
Duration: 2h 45m
Frequency: Usually hourly with transfers
Highlights: Scenic alpine valleys · Popular access to Matterhorn region
St. Moritz to Zermatt
Duration: 8h
Frequency: Limited daily options; often requires reservations on scenic services
Highlights: Iconic Glacier Express corridor · Full-day panoramic scenery across the Alps
Airport transfers
The most common airport-to-city and airport-to-hotspot routes.
Zurich Airport to Zurich HB
Duration: 12 min
Frequency: Very frequent trains (often every 5–15 minutes)
Highlights: Fastest way into the city · No reservation needed
Zurich Airport to Lucerne
Duration: 1h 10m
Frequency: 1–2 trains per hour (varies)
Highlights: No need to go via Zurich HB for many connections · Easy start for lake + mountain trips
Zurich Airport to Interlaken Ost
Duration: 2h 30m
Frequency: Usually 1–2 connections per hour
Highlights: Straight to the Jungfrau region after landing · Often 1 transfer
Geneva Airport to Geneva
Duration: 7 min
Frequency: Very frequent trains (often every 10–15 minutes)
Highlights: Fast airport transfer · Easy access to the city center
Geneva Airport to Lausanne
Duration: 50 min
Frequency: Usually 1–2 trains per hour
Highlights: Direct access to Lake Geneva region · Easy start for Montreux/Lavaux trips
FAQ
Are prices on route pages real-time?
These pages provide fast comparison guidance. Actual fares change by date, train and discounts. Use the trip planner for results closer to your travel dates.
Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card — which is better?
Swiss Travel Pass tends to work best for multi-day travel with city transport/boats/museums. Half Fare Card is flexible if you have fewer paid rides. Compare with your exact itinerary.
When is Saver Day Pass worth it?
It is often worth comparing on days with multiple rides (intercity + local + nearby trips), and it is usually cheaper when booked early.
Is Eurail Pass good for Switzerland?
It can be great if you also travel beyond Switzerland and have enough pass travel days. Coverage for mountain railways/private lines varies by segment.