Navigating Switzerland: from breathtaking mountain excursions to cutting-edge rail systems

In Switzerland, the phrase 'the journey is the destination' has never been more accurate.

With deep valleys and towering peaks, prepare for unforgettable adventures – from winding road trips to trains ascending into the snowy heart of the Alps, and serene boat rides across stunning blue lakes. Traveling in Switzerland is not just visually captivating; it’s eco-friendly. The environmentally conscious Swiss excel in rail travel, with climate-neutral boats, solar-powered gondolas, electric buses, and pedestrian-friendly towns enhancing its sustainable appeal. Abundant charging stations make electric vehicle travel a breeze throughout the country.

Traveling in Switzerland is not merely about reaching your destination – it's about creating memories you'll cherish for years. Here’s how to explore this incredibly picturesque nation.

Experience the breathtaking Swiss landscape as you journey by train.

You have to admire the Swiss – their trains are truly a dream: efficient, sleek, eco-friendly, and featuring views that will keep you captivated throughout the trip.

Most major cities, such as Bern, Geneva, Zurich, and Basel, are linked by rail with daily services. Tickets aren’t required to be purchased in advance; you can buy them at the station on the day of your journey or through the official Swiss Railways website. However, keep an eye out for significant discounts when reserving “supersaver” tickets in advance.

Experience the most spectacular views by riding the panoramic trains.

Designed mainly for tourists, these panoramic trains feature cars with oversized (and exceptionally polished) windows that highlight the stunning landscapes, perfect for capturing memorable photos. Reservations are mandatory, and tickets are typically sold for specific segments of the route rather than the entire journey.

• Glacier Express: Prepare for awe-inspiring views on this iconic Alpine train ride between Zermatt and St. Moritz. The segment between Brig and Zermatt offers particularly breathtaking scenery, as does the stretch from Disentis/Mustér to Brig.

• GoldenPass Line: This route hugs the shores of some of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes, connecting Lucerne to Montreux. The trip consists of three segments, requiring two train changes. Regular trains, lacking panoramic windows, run the full route hourly.

• Bernina Express: This journey traverses 55 tunnels and 196 bridges through the Engadine Alpine valley, traveling from Chur to Tirano in four hours and reaching an elevation of 2253m (7392ft). From May to October, you can continue from Tirano to Lugano by bus.

• Mont Blanc/St Bernard Expresses: Travel from Martigny to Chamonix, France, or cross the spectacular St Bernard Pass.

• Voralpen Express: Glide between Lake Constance and Lake Lucerne, passing through St. Gallen, Rapperswil, and Romanshorn along this scenic route.

• Gotthard Panorama Express: This rail-boat combination begins with a delightful 2.5-hour cruise on Lake Lucerne to Flüelen, followed by a train journey through ravines and mountains to Bellinzona or Lugano.

Money-saving tip for scenic train rides: Regularly scheduled trains, which often cover the same routes as tourist trains, can be equally enjoyable and considerably cheaper.

Driving in Switzerland is incredibly easy.

Winding around lakes and vineyards, and ascending high mountain passes, Switzerland's roads offer breathtaking views that are nothing short of cinematic. There are countless routes that are too stunning to rush through.

The standout road trip is the 1600 km (994-mile) Grand Tour of Switzerland, a remarkable journey marked by clear signposting that connects 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and showcases the beauty of the Alpine nation from its best perspectives. Plus, it’s fully accessible for electric vehicles.

Car rental agencies can be found at airports and in various cities and towns, many of which now offer electric vehicles as well. The minimum age for renting is typically 25, although some local companies allow rentals from age 20. A credit card is always required. In winter, rental cars typically come equipped with winter tires.

Switzerland’s roads are well-marked and maintained, but it's essential to check conditions before heading into the Alps, especially during winter. The highest mountain passes are open only from June to October, and depending on the weather, you may need to use a tunnel instead.

Driving tip for Swiss freeways: To use Swiss freeways and semi-freeways, marked by green signs, you'll need to pay a one-time annual fee of Sfr40. This can be obtained as an E-vignette online or as a Vignette (sticker) at the border, at Swiss gas stations, post offices, and Swiss tourist offices abroad. The sticker must be placed on your windshield.

Buses reach secluded mountain areas.

If you're not in a rush, Switzerland’s bright yellow postal buses offer a delightful way to access remote mountain regions. The PostBus service is coordinated with train schedules, and bus stops are conveniently located next to railway stations.

Fares are comparable to those of trains. Swiss national travel passes are accepted, although some tourist-centric Alpine routes may charge an additional fee. Tickets can be purchased from the driver, but certain scenic routes over the Alps (like the one from Lugano to St. Moritz) require reservations.

Experience a ride on a mountain railway, cable car, or funicular.

What a fantastic way to travel! The cable cars, funiculars, cogwheel trains, and gondolas that ascend to the country’s highest Alpine areas are an absolute delight and a must-do in Switzerland (as long as you’re comfortable with heights!).

Ingenious feats of engineering, the mountain gondolas glide above treetops, rail-bound funiculars hug rock faces, and cable cars sway over valleys (rest assured – they are safe and regularly inspected), culminating in breathtaking snowy summits or glaciers. Be sure to explore local money-saving passes, as they can be more economical than purchasing individual tickets, especially in a country with so much elevation.

Tip for using cable cars: Always verify the time of the last cable car heading down the mountain unless you’re prepared for a long hike back. In winter, mountain resorts may have their last rides as early as 4 PM when daylight begins to fade.

Traveling by boat offers a leisurely and delightful way to navigate Switzerland's lakes.

Though Switzerland is landlocked, its expansive lakes are serviced by boats, including steamers run by Swiss Federal Railways and private companies, all of which accept national travel passes.

Passenger boats operate on Lake Geneva, Constance, Lucerne, Lugano, Neuchâtel, Biel, Murten, Thun, Brienz, and Zug. Boating is a slow yet beautifully scenic method of transport.

Tip for exploring Switzerland from the water: Visit SwitzerlandMobility for a comprehensive guide to regional and national canoe routes on lakes and rivers, stretching from Bodensee (Lake Constance) in the north to the Italian-influenced Ticino in the south.

Think about purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass

While traveling in Switzerland is both efficient and convenient, it can also add up, especially for those planning to take intercity routes. Investing in a Swiss Travel Pass is worth considering. This pass grants you unlimited access to trains (including premium panorama trains), buses, boats, local city transport, free admission to 500 museums, and discounts of up to 50% on mountain excursions.

Tip for families: Children under 16 can travel for free with the Swiss Family Card when accompanied by at least one parent holding a Swiss Travel System ticket.

Discover Switzerland intimately on a bicycle

Whether you're eager to tackle steep climbs on a road bike, race down trails on a mountain bike, or enjoy a leisurely ride through orchards and vineyards by a sparkling lake, Switzerland is exceptionally accommodating for cyclists. Many cities offer free or low-cost bike rental programs, and you can often rent bicycles and e-bikes at train stations.

Switzerland boasts numerous well-marked and picturesque cycling routes alongside rivers and lakes, ideal for biking adventures. For comprehensive information on national, regional, and local paths, rentals (including e-bikes), bike-friendly lodgings, guides, and maps, visit SwitzerlandMobility.

Tip for taking a bike on trains: Bicycles are allowed on slower trains, and sometimes on InterCity (IC) or EuroCity (EC) trains if there’s space in the luggage compartment. Advance reservations may be required.

Switzerland offers excellent accessible transportation options.

Ranked among the most accessible countries in the world, Switzerland provides great facilities for travelers with physical disabilities. Most train stations feature mobile lifts for boarding, and city buses are fitted with ramps. Additionally, most modern hotels are wheelchair accessible, although budget accommodations may lack elevators.

For comprehensive information on barrier-free travel, including airport services, assisted rail journeys, and disabled parking, check out Switzerland Tourism. You can also contact Procap, an expert in accessible travel in Switzerland. The SBB website offers valuable resources on accessible travel, covering ticketing, booking help, and trip planning.

Ready to organize your Swiss adventure? Here’s what to do next:

• When's the best time to visit? Discover ideal travel periods for Switzerland

• Bookmark these must-visit destinations in Switzerland

• Traveling on a budget? Explore this budget travel guide for Switzerland

• And here’s all the essential info you need before your trip