By Train (SBB & DB)
Switzerland has the best railway system in the world — and that's no exaggeration. The SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) run precisely on time, the trains are clean, modern, and reach even the most remote mountain villages. For travelers from Germany, the train is often the most comfortable way to arrive.
Important Connections from Germany
| Route | Duration | Price from | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Munich → Zürich | 3:30h | 29 € (Sparpreis) | every 2 hrs (EC) |
| Frankfurt → Basel | 2:50h | 17.90 € (Sparpreis) | hourly (ICE) |
| Frankfurt → Zürich | 3:55h | 17.90 € | hourly (ICE) |
| Stuttgart → Zürich | 2:45h | 17.90 € | hourly (ICE/IC) |
| Berlin → Zürich | 8:00h | 29 € (Sparpreis) | 3× daily (ICE) |
| Berlin → Zürich (Nightjet) | 11:00h | 29 € (seat) | daily |
| Hamburg → Zürich | 7:30h | 29 € | 2× daily |
The Swiss Travel Pass — The Miracle Ticket
For tourists, the Swiss Travel Pass is the best offer in the world. It includes:
- All trains (SBB, private railways, panoramic trains like Glacier Express and Bernina Express)
- All buses (PostAuto — the yellow post bus reaches every mountain village)
- All ships on the lakes (steamboats!)
- Public transport in 90+ cities (tram, bus)
- Over 500 museums (free entry!)
- 25–50% discount on most mountain railways
Swiss Travel Pass Prices (2nd Class)
| Duration | Adults | Youth (16–25) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | 232 CHF | 162 CHF |
| 4 days | 281 CHF | 197 CHF |
| 6 days | 370 CHF | 259 CHF |
| 8 days | 408 CHF | 286 CHF |
| 15 days | 449 CHF | 314 CHF |
The Swiss Travel Pass Flex (selectable days within a month) costs about 10% more.
Within Switzerland
| Route | Duration | Regular Price | Supersaver from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zürich → Bern | 56 min. | 51 CHF | 17.60 CHF |
| Zürich → Luzern | 45 min. | 25 CHF | 9.80 CHF |
| Zürich → Interlaken | 1:55h | 72 CHF | 29 CHF |
| Bern → Interlaken | 50 min. | 30 CHF | 12 CHF |
| Zürich → Lugano | 2:00h | 65 CHF | 23 CHF |
| Zürich → Zermatt | 3:25h | 98 CHF | 39 CHF |
💡 Tipp
Supersaver tickets from SBB (sbb.ch/de/sparangebote) offer up to 70% discount — but only online, limited, and non-refundable. Book 2–4 weeks in advance for the best prices. Zürich → Bern for 17.60 CHF instead of 51 CHF is a difference that adds up!
