Most of the time in Switzerland 🇨đź‡, you don’t need to reserve seats on trains — and that’s one of the nice things about traveling there. Here’s how it works:
🚆 Regular Trains (SBB, regional & intercity) #
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No reservation required: You can just buy a ticket (or use a Swiss Travel Pass / Half Fare Card) and hop on.
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Seats are first come, first served — and because Swiss trains are frequent and reliable, you’ll almost always find a spot.
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On peak routes (e.g., Zurich–Bern during rush hour), trains can get crowded, but you can still usually squeeze in without a reservation.
🪑 Seat Reservations (Optional) #
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You can reserve a seat for about 5 CHF per person if you want extra peace of mind, especially:
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During busy travel times (Friday evenings, holiday weekends)
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On popular scenic routes (e.g., Bernina Express, Glacier Express)
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If traveling with luggage or in a group and want to sit together
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Reservations are separate from your ticket — you need both.
đźšž Special Scenic Trains #
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Famous panoramic trains like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express, GoldenPass Express usually require reservations, and they can sell out weeks in advance.
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These reservations can cost significantly more (20–49 CHF or included in a package).
âś… Quick Summary #
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Everyday Swiss trains: No reservation needed. Just buy a ticket, hop on, sit anywhere.
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Scenic tourist trains: Reservation required (book early!).
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Optional reservations: For peace of mind on busy routes, but not necessary for most travelers.
More info about transportation in Switzerland.
