Overview

SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) runs Switzerland's national network on an open, trust-based boarding system. This page also covers the SBB-operated Léman Express cross-border regional network with France; the Glacier Express and Bernina Express scenic panoramic trains have their own dedicated pages.

Classes

SBB trains generally offer 1st and 2nd class, although facilities vary depending on the train and route.

• 2nd class: SBB's standard travel class, offering comfortable seating and the onboard facilities available on the selected service.
• 1st class: Offers additional space and comfort, including more legroom, greater space between seats and, on many trains, 2+1 seating.
• Selected InterCity services may also have quiet zones and business zones in 1st class.

Facilities vary by train, so check the class and service information displayed for your journey before booking.

Luggage

Store luggage between/under seats or in overhead racks. No official weight or dimension limits, but you must be able to lift and stow your own bags. Every item must be labelled with your name, address and phone number. Prohibited: TVs, computers, jewellery, cash, and fragile artwork.

Folding bicycles should be stowed as luggage under the seat or in dedicated stowage niches.

Léman Express

A joint SBB/SNCF cross-border regional network around Geneva, using FLIRT (SBB) and Regiolis (SNCF TER) trains. Six lines: L1 Coppet–Evian-les-Bains, L2 Coppet–Annecy, L3 Coppet–Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet (not bookable via Rail Europe), L4 Coppet–Annemasse, L5 Geneva–La Plaine, L6 Geneva–Bellegarde. Trains feature power sockets in both classes, baby-changing facilities and air conditioning.

Boarding & check-in

Switzerland uses an open, gate-free system — arrive 15–20 minutes before departure, no security screening, no check-in. Reservations are optional (no assigned seating unless separately reserved); conductors check tickets onboard with no grace period for invalid ones.

Food & drinks on board

Food and drink facilities depend on the train and route. An SBB Restaurant or SBB Bistro is available on most InterCity (IC) and EuroCity (EC) trains.

• Restaurants and bistros offer meals, snacks and drinks for purchase.
• Many items can also be purchased as takeaway and enjoyed at your seat.
• Catering is not available on every SBB service, particularly some regional trains.
• Check the timetable or train information for your journey to see whether a restaurant or bistro is available.

Scenic trains & passes

Seat reservations for scenic routes: Golden Pass Line (Montreux–Zweisimmen–Interlaken–Lucerne) — optional in 2nd/1st class, required for VIP seats; Golden Pass Express — optional in 2nd/1st, required for Prestige Class; Luzern–Interlaken Express — optional both classes, recommended in peak season.

Swiss Pass types bookable via Rail Europe: Continuous Pass (3/4/6/8/15 consecutive days), Flexi Pass (same day-counts within a longer window), Regional Pass Berner Oberland (3–10 days), Swiss Half Fare Card (1-month validity, up to 50% off trains/buses/boats/most mountain railways and public transport in 90+ towns), and the Gornergrat mountain excursion. Booking: Rail Europe → "Rail Passes" → choose pass & dates → checkout — delivered as a mobile pass by email.

Swiss Half Fare Card is available only to visitors residing outside Switzerland/Liechtenstein; valid one month from your chosen start date. Children 6–16 with a cardholding parent travel free; under-6s always free. Refundable up to one day before validity starts (85% after that if unused, 0% once used).

Swiss Travel Pass Flex activation: your purchase receipt contains a reference number (not itself valid for travel) — activate at activateyourpass.com with that reference and your birthdate (MM/DD/YYYY), then choose which days to activate. You'll get a print-at-home or mobile e-ticket, and can deactivate a day before it's used if plans change.

Refunds & claims

SBB cancellation refund requests must be filed within 60 days of the original travel date, with proof of cancellation (operator notice or station staff confirmation) and, if relevant, proof of an alternate journey or of non-travel (accommodation booking or staff confirmation). SBB typically takes up to 60 days to review. Submit via Rail Europe's contact page — claims are filed on your behalf.