How can I easily travel by train in Switzerland?

Travelling by train in Switzerland is easy, thanks to one of Europe's most reliable rail networks. Trains serve both major cities (Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken) and mountain regions. Connections are optimized, trains are punctual and stations are well connected to buses, streetcars and boats.

What is the best value train pass in Switzerland?

The choice depends on your itinerary. Visit Swiss Travel Pass is most interesting if you travel a lot over a short period of time Visit Swiss Travel Pass Flex suitable if you alternate travel days with days on site Visit Swiss Half Fare Card is often the most economical solution for longer journeys or those with fewer legs. As a general rule, a pass becomes profitable as soon as you make several long-distance trips.

Is it possible to visit Switzerland without a car?

Yes, and it's one of the best countries in the world for car-free travel. Trains provide easy access to iconic destinations such as Zermatt, Interlaken, St. Moritz and the Jungfrau region. Numerous hikes, lakes and Alpine villages are accessible by public transport.

Do you need to reserve seats on trains in Switzerland?

Most Swiss trains don't require a reservation: you can ride freely with your ticket or pass. 👉 Exception: some panoramic trains (such as the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express) require an additional reservation, even with a pass.

How do we process your data?

We use cookies to improve your browsing experience and personalize our content. They are mainly used for statistical purposes.

Our guide

Suisse

Discover Switzerland by train from France: inspiration and itineraries

Would you like to discover Switzerland in a different way? The majestic Alps and sparkling lakes offer a unique panorama in every corner of the country. Switzerland is accessible from France by train from Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux, and by entering directly at Geneva, Zurich, Basel or Lausanne. And as a bonus: the Swiss panoramic trains: a magical experience to be enjoyed at least once in your life, if you get the chance!

Article

Switzerland by panorama train: the ultimate tour of Switzerland's most beautiful landscapes

Once you're here, you'll have easy rail links to cities like Zurich and Geneva, the Alps of Zermatt and St. Moritz, and the lakes of Lake Geneva and Lake Constance, thanks to a dense, fast rail network.

Our photos & videos

How to reach Suisse by train?

The easiest way to reach Switzerland by train from France is to take a TGV Lyria departing from Paris Gare de Lyon to Geneva, Lausanne, Basel or Zurich.

From Paris, the main direct connections are with TGV Lyria, with several daily departures depending on destination. TGV Lyria links France and Switzerland on 4 direct axes. These connections are direct and fast, with journey times of around 3h to Basel and Geneva, 3h40 to Lausanne and 4h to Zurich.

There are also trains from Marseille to Geneva in summer (but it's more limited than from Paris.) For other French cities, you'll often have to connect, for example via Basel or Geneva depending on itinerary.

Practical tips:

Book early to get the best rates.
Check whether your departure city has a direct connection or requires a connecting flight.
For journeys to central western/southern Switzerland, Geneva and Lausanne are often the most convenient; for the north and east, Basel and Zurich are very useful

Where to go by train in Suisse?

High-speed rail

Main line

Branch line

Bâle

Genève

Zurich

Lausanne

Montreux

Zermatt

Coire

Gstaad

Nyon

Visp

Build your itinerary for Suisse

What to do and discover in Suisse?

In Switzerland, the atmosphere varies from region to region: visit the cosmopolitan city of Zurich stroll through the historic streets of Geneva discover the charm of Lucerne enjoy the Alpine scenery at Zermatt or the softness of Lake Geneva... Not to mention Swiss chocolate and the horological precision of Swiss watches!

And for a turnkey panoramic train tour:

Article

Switzerland by panorama train: the ultimate tour of Switzerland's most beautiful landscapes

Article

GoldenPass Express: 4 days to discover Switzerland on a luxury panoramic train

Article

Switzerland by train: 4 days aboard the legendary Glacier Express and Bernina Express

Bâle

Genève

Zurich

Lausanne

Montreux

Zermatt

Coire

Deals and passes

🇨🇭 Swiss Travel Pass: the unlimited pass

The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited rail, bus and boat travel on the entire Swiss network for 3 to 15 days. It also includes urban transport, admission to over 500 museums and discounts on many ski lifts.

- Ideal for a complete itinerary such as Zurich → Lucerne → Interlaken → Zermatt.

- Cost-effective if you're on the road a lot.

🔄 Swiss Travel Pass Flex: more freedom

Same principle, but with non-consecutive travel days over the course of a month. Perfect if you alternate trains, hikes and breaks in a particular region.

💸 Swiss Half Fare Card: the most economical option

Visit Half Fare Card allows you to travel -50 % on most transport services for 1 month.

- Often the best choice for slow or short trips.
- It's more flexible and quickly pays for itself.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Bonus

With the Swiss Family Card Children under 16 travel free with their parents.

To remember:

👉 In Switzerland, taking a pass is often cheaper than buying individual tickets, especially if you move around a lot.

Swiss Travel Pass → for unlimited travel
Flex → for greater flexibility
Half Fare Card → to cut costs

Practical FAQ