SBB CFF FFS
Switzerland's national railway connecting 11,000+ daily trains across a 3,000 km network with legendary punctuality and 80+ international connections
250 km/h
Free WiFi on international Giruno and Astoro trains; enhanced 3G/4G signal amplifiers on domestic IC trains
Free Contact Center Handicap assistance (0800 007 102), Mobilift platforms, step-free access on new trains, DDA compliance programme
Italy (Giruno/Astoro via Gotthard & Simplon), Germany (ICE/EC), France (TGV Lyria), Austria (Railjet/EC)
About SBB
SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) is Switzerland's national rail company, operating over 11,000 trains daily across a 3,000-kilometre network. Known by three names reflecting Switzerland's linguistic regions — SBB in German, CFF in French, and FFS in Italian — it is the backbone of one of the world's most efficient public transport systems. The clock-face timetable (Taktfahrplan) ensures trains depart at the same minutes past each hour, typically every 30 minutes between major cities like Zürich, Bern, Basel, Geneva, and Lucerne.
For international travel, SBB operates modern Giruno high-speed trains through the 57-kilometre Gotthard Base Tunnel — the world's longest railway tunnel — connecting Switzerland to Milan, Genoa, Bologna, and Venice. Astoro tilting trains serve the Simplon route to Milan and the Zürich–Munich corridor. SBB also partners with TGV Lyria for services to Paris and with ÖBB Railjet for connections to Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, providing over 80 daily international departures to neighbouring countries.
Swiss domestic travel requires no advance reservation — tickets are available in unlimited numbers and valid on any train that day. SBB's integrated ticketing covers trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland, with passes like the Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card offering significant savings for visitors.
SBB Fleet
Giruno (RABe 501)
Up to 250 km/h
SBB's flagship high-speed train for the Gotthard route. An 11-car single-deck EMU by Stadler Rail, the Giruno is Europe's first fully barrier-free high-speed train with step-free access throughout. It connects Zürich and Basel to Milan, with extensions to Genoa, Bologna, and Venice. In double traction, it accommodates over 800 passengers.
Key features: Step-free barrier-free access, 403 seats (117 first + 286 second), free WiFi, restaurant + bar car, pressure-sealed for tunnel operation
Astoro (RABe 503 / ETR 610)
Up to 250 km/h
A 7-car tilting Pendolino by Alstom used on the Simplon route between Geneva/Basel and Milan, and the Zürich–Munich corridor. The active tilt technology allows higher speeds through Alpine curves. Refurbished in 2018 with larger luggage racks, family zones, and improved connectivity.
Key features: Active tilt technology (8° max), 431 seats, free WiFi, restaurant car, bike racks
IC Double-Deck (IC2000/IC2020 & Twindexx)
Up to 200 km/h
The workhorses of SBB's domestic InterCity network by Bombardier/Alstom. Double-deck trains providing up to 1,000 seats per formation. The entire IC2000 fleet has been modernised (rebranded IC2020), and newer Twindexx trains are gradually joining the fleet. Both types feature dedicated family coaches with a children's playground.
Key features: Up to 1,000 seats, upper/lower deck, family coach with playground, quiet zones in 1st class
Travel Classes
First Class (1. Klasse)
Spacious seating in 2+1 configuration with wider seats, more legroom, and quieter environment. Quiet zones and business zones available. On international trains, at-seat food and drink service is offered. Power sockets at all seats. Costs approximately 75% more than Second Class.
- ✓2+1 seating configuration
- ✓Quiet zones
- ✓Business zones
- ✓At-seat service on international trains
- ✓Power sockets at all seats
- ✓Less crowded
Second Class (2. Klasse)
Comfortable seating in 2+2 configuration. Access to family coaches with children's playground on IC double-deck trains. Restaurant and bistro cars available to all passengers. Power sockets on modern and modernised trains.
- ✓2+2 seating configuration
- ✓Family coach with playground (IC trains)
- ✓Restaurant/bistro car access
- ✓Power sockets on modern trains
- ✓Bike storage areas
Popular SBB Routes on EuroTrain
Luggage Policy
No formal weight or size limits on SBB trains. Bring what you can carry and store in overhead racks, under seats, or in multi-function compartments.
- •No formal weight or piece limits — bring what you can carry and store
- •Store bags overhead, under seats, or in multi-function compartments on double-deck trains
- •Bikes allowed with a bike ticket; reservation required on popular routes Mar–Oct
- •Folding bikes in a transport case travel free as luggage
- •SBB offers a Station-to-Station luggage forwarding service for heavy items
- •Pushchairs and strollers travel free
- •Skis and snowboards allowed in designated storage areas
Bikes allowed on most SBB trains with a bike ticket. On popular routes from March to October, bike space reservations are required. Folding bikes in a transport case travel free as luggage.
Source: Carrier website
Booking Tips
No Advance Booking Needed for Domestic Travel
Swiss domestic tickets don't require advance booking — simply get a ticket at the station and take any train that day. International tickets benefit from early purchase for cheaper Supersaver fares.
Consider the Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Half Fare Card halves the price of all train tickets and is excellent value for trips lasting 3+ days. The Swiss Travel Pass gives unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats.
Use the SBB Mobile App
The SBB Mobile app provides real-time timetables, tickets, and platform information. The app shows connection accessibility and train formation details.
Seat Reservations on International EuroCity Services
For international EuroCity services to Italy, seat reservations are mandatory and included in the ticket price. Domestic Swiss services never require reservations.
Choose the Gotthard Route for Scenery and Speed
The Gotthard route (Zürich–Milan) via the world's longest tunnel offers both speed and spectacular scenery. Choose a window seat for the approach through Ticino.
Frequently Asked Questions about SBB
No. Swiss domestic tickets are available in unlimited numbers and valid on any train that day. There are no 'sold out' trains on domestic routes. However, international tickets and Supersaver fares benefit from advance purchase.
Free WiFi is available on international Giruno and Astoro trains (both classes). On domestic IC trains, SBB provides enhanced 3G/4G signal amplifiers rather than a WiFi portal — mobile internet works well if you have a local or roaming data plan.
All SBB long-distance trains offer First Class (1. Klasse) with 2+1 seating and Second Class (2. Klasse) with 2+2 seating. First Class costs approximately 75% more than Second Class and offers quiet zones, business zones, and more spacious seating.
At 57 kilometres, it is the world's longest railway tunnel, connecting northern Switzerland to Ticino and Italy. It opened in 2016 and reduced Zürich–Milan journey times significantly. SBB Giruno trains pass through it at up to 200 km/h.
Yes. SBB has no formal luggage limits. Store bags overhead, under seats, or in multi-function compartments on double-deck trains. For heavy items, SBB offers a Station-to-Station luggage forwarding service.
Yes. Contact the free Contact Center Handicap (0800 007 102) at least 1 hour before travel for boarding assistance. New trains like the Giruno offer step-free access throughout. Mobilift platforms and folding ramps are available at stations.
Yes, on most SBB trains with a bike ticket. On popular routes from March to October, bike space reservations are required. Folding bikes in a transport case travel free as luggage.
Children under 6 travel free with a valid adult ticket holder (up to 4 children per adult). Children aged 6–16 travel at reduced price, or free with a Junior Travelcard when accompanied by a parent.
Most IC and EC long-distance trains have a restaurant car or bistro car, open from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm, serving hot meals, snacks, and drinks. In First Class on some international trains, at-seat service is available.
SBB offers 80+ daily international connections: to Italy via Giruno/Astoro through the Gotthard and Simplon tunnels, to Germany via ICE, to France via TGV Lyria, to Austria via Railjet, and to the Netherlands via connecting ICE services. Night trains serve Hamburg, Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, and (from 2026) Copenhagen.
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