How to Book Train Travel From Basel to Bern

Switzerland is a country at the very heart of Europe, and one of the most frequented on the continent. Mountains, medieval towns, art and culture all call to visitors from around the world. Taking the train is also one of the best ways to see it all, especially if you plan to get to and from cities like Bern and Basel.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Valid passport and all appropriate visas.
• Computer with Internet access.

Know the Train Route

1. Begin your journey to Bern at the Basel SBB train station. This is the primary train station in Basel, serving all of Switzerland.

2. Arrive in Bern at the main station in the city center. Bern Station is the only major stop in the city, but you can transfer to other modes of transportation from here.

3. Take a more scenic route to Bern from Basel to experience the Swiss countryside. Train stops that are also available include Olten, Zurich, Lucerne and Neuchatel.

4. Expect the direct trip from Basel to Bern to take about an hour. The train system in Switzerland is incredibly efficient, and delays of more than a few minutes are uncommon.

Purchase Your Ticket

1. To book tickets, contact Eurail at 1-866-638-7245 or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). Use the feature called 'Train Tickets and Schedules,' visible in the left-hand column. Just fill in the details as prompted and select the itinerary that works best for you.

2. Relax in a more spacious seat when you book your ticket in the first class section of the train. First class Swiss compartments are arranged with only two seats per side, as opposed to three in the economy section.

3. Plug in your laptop and get some work done in the business section. These compartments are equipped with power outlets so you can plug in while you travel from Basel to Bern.

4. Buy a Swiss Eurailpass if you're going to be touring Switzerland for more than a few days. The Swiss Eurailpass offers unlimited tickets for the duration of the pass, allowing you to travel from city to city without needing to buy additional tickets at each stop.

5. Book a seat in economy class for your trip. Seating is comfortable enough for a one- or two-hour journey, and at about $50 per person, there's little need for an upgrade unless you really want to splurge.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy the optional Rail Protection Plan when you purchase your ticket to prevent any serious problems should your ticket be lost or stolen. Otherwise, you'll have to buy a brand new ticket.

• Make sure you indicate whether you want a seat in the smoking section. Swiss trains default their ticketing to the non-smoking section.