In Switzerland, the journey is the destination. It's a country of scenic road trips, train lines that lead to the Alps and dreamy boat journeys.
Travel in Switzerland is both beautiful and eco friendly. Climate-neutral boats, solar-powered cable cars, electric buses and car-free towns and resorts are just some of the things the Swiss have to offer. There are plenty of charging stations for electric cars in the country.
In Switzerland, journeys are more than just getting from A to B, they are travel moments you will remember for a long time.
Explore the planet's most surprising adventures with our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
The Swiss trains are the epitome of efficient, slickly modern, eco-friendly and with views that keep you riveted to the window for the whole journey. Regular scheduled services, which often ply the same routes as the tourist trains, can be just as enjoyable and cheaper.
Most of the major cities are connected by rail. The tickets can be purchased at the station on the day of travel or on the official Swiss Railways website. When booking "super saver" tickets, look for big discounts.
The panoramic trains are usually aimed at tourists and have large windows to make the most of the amazing scenery. The tickets are usually sold for a specific leg on the route rather than the whole journey.
Switzerland's roads are beautiful on a cinematic level, and the country has a lot of scenic drives that are too scenic to rush.
The Grand Tour of Switzerland is a road trip that spans 1600 km and shows off the Alpine nation from its most flattering angles. What about the environment? It is completely safe by electric car.
Car rental companies can be found at airports and in towns. Electric cars are also rented out by many. The minimum rental age varies from firm to firm. A credit card is always needed. Rental cars have winter tires.
You have to pay an annual fee to use Swiss freeways and semi-freeways. The charge can be paid in cash at Swiss gas stations, post offices and at Swiss tourist offices abroad. You will receive a sticker on your car after you pay the tax.
You should always check the road conditions before heading up into the Alps in the winter. Depending on the weather, you may need to use a tunnel if you want to go to the highest passes.
Switzerland has bright yellow postal buses that are fun to use. The country has a PostBus service that is synchronized with train arrivals.
The prices are comparable. Swiss national travel passes are valid but there is a surcharge on some Alpine routes. Reservations are required on some scenic routes over the Alps, for example the Lugano to St Moritz run.
It's a great way to commute. The cable cars, funiculars, cogwheel railways and gondolas that climb up to the country's highest Alpine reaches are an absolute joy to experience.
The mountain gondolas, funiculars, and cable cars are all safe and subject to regular checks before they reach their destinations. If you want to save money, you should check out what money-saving passes are available locally because they often work out cheaper than individual tickets and costs can quickly rise up in a country with so much vertical.
The last cable car down the mountain should always be checked. It's early in the afternoon in mountain resorts.
Switzerland's large lakes are serviced by steamers operated by Swiss Federal Railways or private companies for which national travel passes can be used.
There are passenger boats on many lakes and rivers. Traveling by boat is a great way to travel.
Visitors to Switzerland should consider investing in a Swiss Travel Pass because of the high cost of travel in the country. unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, as well as local public transportation in cities and free entry to 500 museums are included with this transport pass.
Switzerland is a great place to ride a bike, whether you want to ride up hills on a road bike, tear down trails on a mountain bike or just ride along a lake. Bicycle and e-bike rentals can be found at train stations in many cities.
Switzerland is a great place for two-wheel adventures, with many well-signed and scenic cycle routes. Check SwitzerlandMobility for details on national, regional and local routes.
There is room in the luggage carriage for bikes on slower trains. Sometimes it's necessary to book in advance.
Switzerland is one of the easiest countries to navigate for people with physical disabilities. The majority of train stations and city buses have mobile lifts. Most modern hotels have access to wheelchairs.
If you want to learn more about barrier-free travel in Switzerland, you can contact Switzerland Tourism or Procap.
You can download a free accessible travel guide.
The article was first published in August 2021.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
