Switzerland Travel Guide

By Train

The Swiss Federal Railway is noted for its comfort and cleanliness. Most of the electrically operated trains have first- and second-class compartments. International trains link Swiss cities with other European centers. Intercity trains coming from Holland, Scandinavia, and Germany require a change at Basel's station, where a connection is usually available on the same platform. Most intercity trains offer the fastest connections, and since trains leave the Basel station hourly, there's never too long a wait.

It's advisable to purchase European train tickets before leaving home, especially when your itinerary is specific and complicated. All tickets are available through your travel agent.

Swiss Pass/Swiss Flexipass -- The most practical and convenient ticket for your trip to Switzerland is the Swiss Pass, which entitles you to unlimited travel on the entire network of the Swiss Federal Railways, as well as on lake steamers and most postal motor coaches linking Swiss cities and resorts. The Swiss Pass is good for a predetermined number of consecutive days.

A 4-day pass goes for 355F ($291/£152) for first class and 237F ($194/£101) for second class, an 8-day pass is 505F ($414/£216) for first class and 337F ($276/£144) for second class, a 15-day pass is 615F ($504/£263) for first class and 410F ($336/£175) for second class, a 22-day pass is 714F ($585/£305) for first class and 476F ($390/£203) for second class, and a 1-month pass costs 794F ($651/£339) for first class and 529F ($434/£226) for second class. The Swiss Pass is issued at half price to children ages 6 to 15 and is free for children 5 and under. The pass can be purchased in Switzerland.

A variation of the Swiss Pass is the Swiss Flexipass, good for a predetermined number of days to be used anytime during a 30-day period of time. A 3-day pass goes for 337F ($276/£144) for first class and 224F ($184/£104) for second class, a 4-day pass is 406F ($333/£173) in first class and 271F ($222/£116) in second class, a 5-day pass is 476F ($390/£203) in first class and 317F ($260/£135) in second class, a 6-day pass is 542F ($444/£231) for first class and 361F ($296/£154) for second class, and an 8-day pass is 630F ($516£269) in first class and 420F ($344/£179) in second class. The Swiss Family Card is just for families traveling together. This card allows children under 16 to travel free when accompanied by a parent. It's valid when traveling on a Swiss Pass or a Swiss Flexipass. Probably the best part of all about the Swiss Family Card is that it is free. Just request it when you purchase your Swiss Pass from Rail Europe.

An economical alternative is the Swiss Saverpass, which offers five consecutive-day durations to choose from including 4, 8, 15, or 22 days unlimited travel or 1 month unlimited travel. This pass requires a minimum of two people traveling together at all times and offers the choice of first- or second-class train travel. An individual traveling in first class for 4 days costs 301F ($247/£129), 8 days 429F ($352/£183), 15 days 522F ($428/£223), 22 days 606F ($497/£259), or 1 month 675F ($553/£288) with a 21F ($17/£9) fee for the optional Rail Protection Plan. Individual prices for one adult traveling in second class are for 4 days 201F ($165/£86), 8 days 287F ($235/£123), 15 days 349F ($286/£149), 22 days 405F ($332/£173), or 1 month 450F ($369/£192) with a 21F ($17/£9) fee for the optional Rail Protection Plan.

Those under the age of 26 might consider the Swiss Youth Pass, which is a discounted version of the Swiss Pass. This pass also offers five consecutive-day durations to choose from including 4, 8, 15, or 22 days unlimited travel or 1 month unlimited travel. A 4-day pass goes for 267F ($219/£114) for first class and 178F ($146/£76) for second class, 8-day pass is 379F ($311/£162) for first class and 253F ($207/£108) for second class, 15-day is 461F ($378/£197) for first class and 307F ($252/£131) for second class, 22-day is 536F ($439/£229) for first class and 357F ($293/£152) for second class, and a 1-month pass costs 597F ($489/£255) for first class and 398F ($326/£170) for second class with a 12F ($10/£5) optional fee for Rail Protection Plan.

Swiss Regional Rail Passes -- One of the country's most unusual transportation bargains is offered in the form of regional passes that divide Switzerland into about half a dozen districts. Passes, most of which are good for 5 days of unrestricted rail travel, are offered for the Lake Geneva region, the Graubunden (Grisons), the Ticino, central Switzerland, and the Bernese Oberland. If you plan to devote a block of days to exploring one of these specific regions, you might find one of these passes a great savings.

One of the most popular of these passes is the Bernese Oberland Regional Pass (Regional Pass für das Berner Oberland), which comes in variations of 3 travel days out of 7 calendar days, and 5 travel days out of 15 calendar days. They're available from any railway station in the Bernese Oberland. The 3-day option sells for 224F ($184/£96) in second class and 267F ($219/£114) in first class. The 5-day option costs 270F ($221/£115) in second class and 322F ($264/£137) in first class. Either variation allows free transport during the appropriate time frames on all but a handful of the cog railways, buses, cable cars, ferryboats, and SBB trains within the region. Note to holders of either the Swiss Pass or the Swiss Card: If you present either of those documents at the time of purchase, you'll get a 50% discount off the above-mentioned prices.

Swiss Card -- This pass, which, like the Eurailpasses, must be purchased before you leave home, is valid for 1 month, entitling the holder to a free transfer from any Swiss airport or border point to any destination within Switzerland and a second free transfer from any destination in Switzerland to any Swiss airport or border point. Each transfer has to be completed within 1 day. Additionally, the Swiss Card gives the holder unlimited half-fare trips on the entire Swiss travel system, including trains, postal coaches, lake steamers, and most (not all) excursions to mountaintops. The pass costs $187 for first class and $139 for second class. Children are charged half price.

For more information on Swiss railway passes, call Switzerland Tourism at tel. 212/757-5944.

Eurailpasses -- The Eurail Global Pass allows you unlimited travel in 18 Eurail-affiliated countries. You can travel on any of the days within the validity period which is available for 15 days, 21 days, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and some other possibilities as well. Prices for first-class adult travel are $675 for 15 days, $877 for 21 days, $1,088 for 1 month, $1,536 for 2 months, and $1,895 for 3 months. Children 4 to 11 pay half fare; those 3 and under travel for free.

A Eurail Global Pass Saver, also valid for first-class travel in 18 countries, offers a special deal for two or more people traveling together. This pass costs $571 for 15 days, $744 for 21 days, $924 for 1 month, $1,306 for 2 months, and $1,615 for 3 months.

A Eurail Global Youth Pass for those 12 to 25 allows second-class travel in 18 countries. This pass costs $440 for 15 days, $570 for 21 days, $708 for 1 month, $1,000 for 2 months, and $1,234 for 3 months.

A Eurail Selectpass offers unlimited travel on the national rail networks of any 3, 4, or 5 bordering countries out of the 22 Eurail nations linked by train or ship. Two or more passengers can travel together for big discounts, getting 5, 6, 8, 10, or 15 days of rail travel within any 2-month period on the national rail networks of any 3, 4, or 5 adjoining Eurail countries linked by train or ship. A sample fare: for 5 days in 2 months you pay $429 for three countries.

Other passes include Eurail Global Pass Flexi, allowing you to choose either 10 or 15 days of unlimited travel in 18 European countries, including Switzerland, within a 2-month period. In first class, $798 gets you 10 days of travel in 2 months, rising to $1,049 for 15 days in 2 months. Children 4-11 pay half the adult fare.

If you're under 26, you can avail yourself of a Eurail Global Pass Youth Flexi. In second class, you get 10 days of travel in 2 months for $519, or 15 days in 2 months for $681. For that you get to travel in 18 European countries, including Switzerland.

For Switzerland only, there is a Swiss Saver Flexipass, granting you 3 days of travel in 1 month for $235 in first class or $156 in second class. This pass is also available for 4, 5, 6, or 8 days of travel in 1 month. These prices are based on 2 or more passengers traveling together. Under such an arrangement, children 14 and under ride for free.

Where to Buy Rail Passes -- Travel agents in all towns and railway agents in major North American cities sell all these tickets, but the biggest supplier is Rail Europe (tel. 877/272-RAIL; www.raileurope.com), which can also give you informational brochures.

Many different rail passes are available in the United Kingdom for travel in Britain and continental Europe. Stop in at the International Rail Centre, Victoria Station, London SWIV 1JY (tel. 0870/5848-848 in the U.K.). Some of the most popular passes, including InterRail and Euro Youth, are offered only to travelers under 26 years of age; these allow unlimited second-class travel through most European countries.

Interrail -- European travelers can travel throughout Europe for up to 1 month by train with the InterRail ticket. In your home country you get a 50% reduction on the normal price. Only supplements, reservations, and special trains like the Eurostar cost extra. The ticket is sold at all European travel agents. All you need is a passport and the fee, of course.

By Car

Switzerland has excellent roads and superhighways, all marked by clear road signs. Alpine passes are not difficult to cross, except in snowstorms, when they may shut down suddenly. Special rail facilities are provided for drivers wishing to transport their cars through the alpine tunnels of the Albula, Furka, Lotschberg, and Simplon. A timetable highlighting the various rates is available from the Swiss National Tourist Office.

Car Rentals -- Several American companies operate in Switzerland. One of the most reliable firms is Budget (tel. 800/472-3325; www.budget.com); its prices are competitive with those offered by Avis (tel. 800/331-1084; www.avis.com) and Hertz (tel. 800/654-3001; www.hertz.com). Under certain circumstances, the companies offer a discount if you prepay your rental 21 days or more in advance. Budget offers one-way rentals between any two of its more than 20 Swiss offices with no extra drop-off charge. Kemwel Drive Group (tel. 877/820-0668; www.kemwel.com) offers an alternative to more traditional car rental companies, such as Budget, Hertz, and Avis, that actually own their automobiles outright. Kemwel leases blocks of cars a year in advance at locations throughout Switzerland, then rents them to qualified customers who prepay the entire rental.

Auto Europe (tel. 888/223-5555; www.autoeurope.com) is an equivalent company that leases cars, on an as-needed basis, from larger car-rental companies throughout Europe.

Note that there is a 6.5% government tax on car rentals in Switzerland, in addition to a tax of 12% of the total rental usually imposed for rentals at many of the country's airports, including Zurich. With this in mind, you might choose to skip getting a car at the airport and pick up a vehicle at one of the hundreds of downtown rental agencies run by Budget, Hertz, and Avis.

Automobile Permit -- Apart from the auto and train tunnel trips mentioned above and a toll on the road through the Great St. Bernard Tunnel, there are no toll roads in the country. Instead of tolls, Switzerland levies a single annual fee of 40F ($33/£17) per car, or 80F ($66/£34) for trailers, motor homes, and RVs, for use of the nation's superhighways; when the fee has been paid, a permit sticker is affixed to the car. Drivers of cars without the permit sticker face a fine of more than twice the permit's cost. Most rental cars come equipped with this certificate. Otherwise, the appropriate permits may be purchased at any post office in Switzerland, at the Customs office at any Swiss border, or from one of the automobile associations.

If you didn't rent your car in Switzerland, you'll probably have to purchase the permit. Permits are available at border crossings and are valid for multiple reentries into Switzerland within the licensed period. To avoid long lines at border crossings, you can buy the permit sticker in advance at the Swiss National Tourist Office in Italy, Austria, or Germany (it is not sold in France). Note: If you drive into Switzerland on a secondary road, you don't need a permit sticker, but if you drive on a Swiss superhighway without one, you risk facing that heavy fine.

Gas -- The cost varies across the country. Gas stations are usually open daily from 8am to 10pm. U.S. gasoline credit cards generally are not accepted for payment. At stations along Swiss autobahns, gas prices are higher than along secondary roads. Autobahn stations usually give 24-hour service, and electronic machines accept 10- and 20-franc Swiss notes.

Driver's License -- U.S. and Canadian driver's licenses are valid in Switzerland, but if you're at least 18 and touring Europe by car, you may want to invest in an international driver's license. Although you may not actually need one, many travelers like the added security blanket of having one, as they are recognized worldwide whereas your local driver's license isn't. In case of an accident, an international driver's license is easier to read among parties who may not understand your local license. In the United States you can apply for one at any local branch of the American Automobile Association (AAA; tel. 800/AAA-HELP or 407/444-4300; www.aaa.com). Include two 2x2-inch photographs, a $15 fee, and a photocopy of your state driver's license. Canadians can get the address of the nearest branch of the Canadian Automobile Club by phoning its national office (tel. 613/247-0117; www.caa.ca).

Note that your international driver's license is valid only if accompanied by your home state or provincial driver's license.

In Switzerland, as elsewhere in Europe, to drive a car legally, you must have in your possession an international insurance certificate, known as a Green Card (Carte Verte). Your car-rental agency will provide one as part of your rental contract.

Driving Rules -- The legal minimum age for driving in Switzerland is 18. Note, however, that car-rental companies often set their own minimum age, usually 20 or 21.

Drive on the right side of the road and observe the speed limit for passenger vehicles; it's 120kmph (about 75 mph) on superhighways, 80kmph (about 50 mph) on other highways, and 50kmph (about 30 mph) in cities, towns, and villages, unless otherwise posted. Non-Swiss drivers who exceed the speed limit by 50kmph (about 30 mph) or more are fined 1,200F ($984/£512) on the spot. Swiss citizens similarly caught have their driver's licenses revoked.

When driving through tunnels, be sure to turn on and dim your headlights, as required by law. Never pass another car from the right, even on superhighways. Always wear your seat belt. Don't permit children 11 or under to ride in the front seat. And, needless to say, don't drink and drive; driving while under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in Switzerland.

Breakdowns/Assistance -- The Automobile Club of Switzerland and its branch offices will assist motorists at all times. For help, contact Automobil Club der Schweiz, Wassergasse 39, CH-3000 Bern 13 (tel. 031/328-31-11; www.acs.ch), or Touring Club Suisse, 9, rue Pierre-Fatio, CH-1211 Geneva 3 (tel. 022/417-22-20; www.tcs.ch). The Automobile Club der Schweiz offers 24-hour breakdown service. Motorists in need of help can call tel. 0844/888-111. Most mountain roads have emergency call boxes.

By Plane

Switzerland does not have an abundance of airports, partly because of the alpine terrain and partly due to the Swiss peoples' own resistance to having planes disturb their peace and quiet. To compensate, Switzerland has one of Europe's best railway systems, linking every major city in the country. This is particularly advantageous for cities such as Bern, the capital; it relies almost exclusively on rail transport to Zurich, Geneva, and Basel for air connections to the rest of the world.

If you want to fly within Switzerland, or from Switzerland to one of about 30 regional cities in Austria, Italy, Germany, or France, Swiss (tel. 0848/700-700; www.swiss.com), a domestic airline, schedules flights from and to Basel and Amsterdam, Geneva and London, and Lugano and Geneva.

By Bus

The extremely dense network covered by the Swiss postal buses is useful for trips into the mountains. Hopping on one of the popular yellow buses is a much safer and more comfortable way of seeing the Alps than trying to do your own driving in those regions.

By Boat

In the summer, passenger boats sail on Switzerland's major lakes and rivers. More than 100 boats, with accommodations for 60,000 passengers, operate on the lakes and along stretches of the Rhine and the Aare; most of them have dining. Evening trips, with music and dancing, are also quite popular. The old paddle-steamers on the lakes of Brienz, Geneva, Lucerne, and Zurich, dating from before World War I, are particularly attractive and romantic.

Remember that your Swiss Pass or Swiss Card (half-fare travel card) entitles you to unlimited travel on lake steamers.