Transport and Driving in Switzerland

You will have access to some of the world’s best public transport in Switzerland. Trains run like clockwork, and Swiss scenic driving routes are generally well maintained, so you should have little trouble getting around.

Getting Around in Zurich 
Getting Around in Geneva

Public transport in Switzerland

Public transport in Switzerland consists of an integrated network of trains, buses, trams and boats. The system is renowned worldwide for its punctuality, cleanliness and comprehensive coverage.

The ticketing system can seem complex, but numerous discounts are on offer because costs are typically high. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) mobile app greatly simplifies buying tickets and researching timetables.

You can buy a Swiss Half Fare card, which gives a 50 percent discount on most trains, boats, trams and buses. You can also use the Swiss Family Card and Junior Travelcard if you have a family. 

The SwissPass functions as an all-in-one mobility card, integrating public transport passes with bike-sharing, car-sharing services, ski passes and even hotel discounts.

Tickets can be bought online or at station ticket offices and automated machines. For frequent travellers, consider the Swiss Travel Pass, which offers unlimited travel for three to 15 consecutive days, or the more flexible Swiss Travel Pass Flex, which allows travel on selected days within a month.

Trains

The Swiss railway network is extensive and consists of several kinds of trains, so it can initially seem daunting. InterCity (IC) trains connect major cities quickly, while InterRegio (IR) and RegioExpress (RE) trains serve regional hubs with more frequent stops. For commuting around cities, the S-Bahn suburban network is your best bet.

Making reservations on regular trains usually isn’t necessary, except for scenic routes like the Bernina Express between Chur and Tirano or the Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt. The newer GoldenPass Express now runs directly between Montreux and Interlaken without changing trains at Zweisimmen. You can buy tickets online on the SBB website or at the station.

Morning and evening rush hour trains between major cities get crowded, but Swiss trains boast an impressive 92-percent punctuality rate, with most delays under five minutes.

Buses

Buses in Switzerland complement the train network by serving areas where trains don’t reach. The distinctive yellow PostAuto buses are the backbone of rural transport, connecting even the most remote alpine villages with hourly services.  The beauty of Swiss transport planning is that buses are meticulously synchronised with train arrivals and departures, so you won’t wait long for a connection.

Intercity bus services from providers like FlixBus and Eurobus connect major cities but are typically slower than trains.

Tickets can be purchased online or at major stations, and Half Fare Cards are usually valid on long-distance buses. Most regions offer their own passes covering buses, trams and local trains at competitive rates for frequent travellers.

Metros

Metro systems in Switzerland are limited but efficient. Lausanne boasts the country’s only true metro system, with its M1 and M2 lines serving the city and surrounding areas. Geneva’s Léman Express functions as a hybrid metro-rail network connecting the city with its suburbs and neighbouring France.

Trams

Trams form the backbone of urban transport in several Swiss cities. Zurich, Basel, Bern and Geneva all feature extensive tram networks that glide through city centres with remarkable frequency. Basel’s international tram system even crosses borders into both Germany and France. Swiss trams are typically low-floor models with excellent accessibility features and operate from early morning until around midnight, with extended services on weekends.

Useful links

• Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
• PostAuto – Swiss Bus Network
• SwissPass – All-in-one Mobility Card
• SBB Mobile App

Taxis in Switzerland

Taxis and ride-hailing in Switzerland offer convenience at a premium. Swiss taxis are meticulously maintained and drivers are knowledgeable, but fares rank among the highest in Europe.

Ride-hailing has firmly established itself in major Swiss cities. Uber operates in Zurich, Basel, Geneva, and Lausanne. Bolt entered the Swiss market in 2024, starting in Zurich with plans to expand. FreeNow (formerly MyTaxi) provides service in large urban centres, while the Swiss-based alternative IDOSH has gained popularity in Zurich and Geneva.

For a more local experience, several Swiss-specific taxi apps stand ready to serve you. In Zurich, Taxi 444 and ZuriTaxi are popular choices. Geneva and Lausanne residents often use Taxiphone, while Basel locals favour Taxibus. These apps allow cashless payments and advance bookings, features that business travellers particularly appreciate.

Useful links

• Uber Switzerland
• Bolt Switzerland
• FreeNow Switzerland
• Taxi 444 (Zurich)
• Taxiphone (Geneva)

Driving in Switzerland

Driving in Switzerland can be a scenic pleasure – as long as you stick to the speed limit. Speed cameras are ubiquitous in Switzerland, and the authorities are uncompromising. If you are caught speeding, you may face hefty fines and possibly even jail time.

The Swiss road network is well maintained, and signage is clear, but parking can be expensive and scarce in busy city centres. Most major cities offer Park & Ride facilities outside the centre, making it practical for suburb-dwellers to combine driving with public transport for the final leg of their journey.

You will need a Swiss Motorway Sticker (vignette) to use the major Autoroutes or motorways. These vignette stickers are valid for a year, and driving a car without one will result in a fine. As of 2024, Switzerland introduced a digital vignette linked to licence plates, gradually replacing physical stickers.

Winter driving will be a new experience for many newcomers. Cars in Switzerland are often equipped with snow tyres, but in areas with heavy snow, you may have to chain your tyres. Winter tyres are strongly recommended from October through April, and using improper tyres during winter conditions can actually void your insurance in case of an accident. During heavy snowfall, the authorities may close some roads, especially mountain passes.

Switzerland boasts one of Europe’s highest densities of EV charging stations, with fast chargers available along all major highways. Some cities offer incentives for electric vehicles, including tax reductions and free parking in select locations.

Driver’s licences

You will need to get a Swiss driving licence after 12 months of living in the country, and depending on where you’re from, you may have to take a local driving test. Most EU/EFTA licences can be exchanged without a test, while drivers from non-EU countries like the US, Canada, or India may need to complete a practical assessment.

The exchange process requires your current foreign licence, residency permit, and an eye test certificate. Swiss licences are valid indefinitely, although seniors aged 75 and over must undergo medical checks every two years. New drivers receive a probationary licence valid for three years.

Useful links

• Swiss Motorway Vignette Information
• Swiss Driving Licence Exchange Rules
• Swiss EV Charging Network

Domestic flights in Switzerland

Domestic flights in Switzerland connect its largest cities, although the country’s exceptional train system often proves more cost effective and time efficient. Geneva International Airport, Zurich Kloten Airport, Bern Airport and Lugano Airport are the main Swiss airports.

Currently, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) operates several daily flights between Zurich and Geneva, with a flight duration of around 45 minutes. The Swiss railway system offers trains between Zurich and Geneva every 15 to 30 minutes, just under three hours – frequently faster than flying if you factor in airport security and travel to and from airports.

For business travellers, domestic flights might make sense when connecting to international flights, but for most journeys within this compact country, the train network remains the transport method of choice for locals and visitors alike. Swiss airports do boast excellent connectivity to city centres, with Zurich Airport just ten minutes from downtown via SBB trains and Geneva Airport a mere 7 minutes from its city centre.

Useful links

• Swiss International Air Lines
• Zurich Airport
• Geneva Airport