How to Find Train Times for Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)

Traveling by train in Switzerland is a relaxing way to see the countryside, and scheduling a trip on Swiss Federal Railways (SBB-CFF-FFS, or SBB for short) is easy. You can customize train schedules online, buy current train schedules on CD or in book form or view schedules in the train station. Follow these steps to find out how.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Printer
• PDA or Java-enabled mobile phone (to download information to your portable device or to access online resources while traveling)

Instructions

Find Train Times for a Trip Between Two Cities

1. Find train times on SBB rail lines by calling 011 ([phone].

2. Or, go to the SBB Web site (see Resources below). On the home page, type the name of your departure city in the "From" box and your destination city in the "To" box.

3. Select the date(s) and time(s) you want to travel.

4. Click the "Search Connection" button.

5. Print the page or record the information you need by hand.

6. For more information about stations and lines, go to the "Online Timetable" page (see Resources below).

Create a Personalized Timetable Booklet

1. Go to the "SBB Timetable Booklet" page on the Swiss Rail site (see Resources below).

2. Type your departure city in the "From" box and your destination in the "To" box.

3. Type in your travel dates or choose from the drop-down menus.

4. Select the number of train changes you are willing to make during your trip, using the drop-down menu.

5. Select the modes of transportation you are willing to use. (This site incorporates high-speed and standard trains, boats, buses, monorails, trams and other options).

6. Indicate if you'll be bringing a bicycle (this option is for Switzerland only and may not be offered if your journey extends to another country).

7. Select your output as either "All connections" or "Selected connections." The first option creates a huge list, so unless you need to see them all, choose "Selected connections."

8. Select a method of delivery. You can download your custom schedule from the Web site or have it emailed to you.

9. Choose the format you want: PDF (which can be stored on a laptop, printed out to carry or copied from the screen by hand), PALM format (as a small file with only train changes listed or as a journey guide that offers complete train information), Psion format or a format for Java-enabled phones.

Find Train Schedules at the Station

1. Find the train schedule board in the station. Most are wall-mounted poster boards. The more modern train stations will have digital timetable boards.

2. Be aware that arrival timetables have a white background. Departure timetables will be yellow.

3. Decide if you want a regular or fast train. Fast trains are in red lettering. Regular are in black.

4. Record the scheduling information you need for future reference. Know that timetables will be listed in order by time, from 0:00 to 24:00, and include departure, arrival and platform numbers. The name and number of significant stops on the particular route schedule may also be listed.

5. If you have difficulty, look for an 'i' (the international symbol for "information") and ask for help.

Buy Copies of Train Schedules

1. You can buy a CD version of the most recent SBB train times for use on your home computer, your company network or your Windows mobile device for under $15. See Resources below for the link.

2. You can buy a copy of the most recent schedule book at most larger bookstores online or in your city. You will find it in the "Thomas Cook European Timetable." The price is around $30.

3. You can pick up a printed copy of schedules at most SSB stations for around $15.

Tips & Warnings

• All phone numbers given here include the U.S. international prefix "011." When calling internationally from outside the United States, check the international prefix before dialing.

• All country codes in phone numbers given here are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign. The country code for Switzerland is +41.

• Train schedules are listed by the departure and destination cities.

• Train schedules use a 24-hour clock. (Past noon, simply subtract 12 from the hour to determine the time: 17:00 would be 5:00 p.m.)

• High-speed SBB trains may require reservations and will require additional fees.

• Some trains will offer sleeper car options for a fee.

• Nonstop service is not offered between all cities. You may need to change trains.

• Discounts are available for youth travelers (under age 26), seniors (age 60+), groups and trips spanning multiple days or multiple countries.

• Swiss trains are as dependable as Swiss watches. Expect the times listed to be accurate. Plan to arrive on time and depart on schedule.

• You must validate your rail pass within 6 months of the purchase date (and before it is used). You can get your pass validated by showing it and your passport at a ticket window in any manned station.

• Don't alter your rail pass. It may render your pass invalid.