Interrail Switzerland
Interrail Switzerland: Everything you need to know
Switzerland is a fantastic country to explore by train. The routes are spectacular, public transport is perfectly organised, and you can travel comfortably through the stunning Alpine landscape. During a mother-daughter trip, Tessa used an Interrail pass to experience Switzerland in a unique way. If you dream of a sustainable and adventurous journey, Interrail Switzerland is perfect for you.
What is Interrail?
Interrail is a train pass that lets you travel flexibly across Europe. You choose a pass for a certain number of travel days within a set period, and you can go wherever you want. There are passes for a single country or multiple countries.
Note: for people living outside of Europe, the Interrail pass is called Eurail, but it works the same way: you get a flexible train pass that allows you to explore multiple countries in Europe without buying separate tickets.
For those who want to focus entirely on Switzerland, the Interrail Switzerland One Country Pass is ideal. It allows you to travel easily and affordably throughout the country by train.
We chose the Interrail Global Pass because we also travelled to Switzerland and back home by train. With this pass, we could explore not only Switzerland but also surrounding countries without extra tickets, making our trip even more flexible and adventurous.
Why travel Switzerland by Interrail?
Interrail is a smart and cost-effective way to explore Switzerland, especially since public transport can be expensive. With an Interrail pass, you can travel unlimitedly without buying separate tickets each time. In most cases, you only need to pay reservation fees for certain trains.
Switzerland is made for train travel. The rail network is incredibly efficient, trains are almost always on time, and everything is clean and well-maintained. And the views? Simply breathtaking. Along the way, you’ll see lakes, mountains, valleys, and waterfalls, sometimes all on one route. Switzerland has some of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe. Interrailing here is not just practical—it’s a visual experience you won’t forget.
Our Interrail Switzerland route
A beautiful and varied Interrail route through Switzerland starts in Basel, a lively city on the border with France and Germany. Here, we explored the old town and got our first taste of Swiss culture.
From Basel, we travelled to Interlaken, a popular spot between two lakes, surrounded by mountains. It’s a perfect base for hikes, mountain trips, or a train ride to Jungfraujoch—the highest railway station in Europe.
Next, we went to Lucerne, a charming lakeside city with mountain views, known for the Chapel Bridge and cosy old town. From there, we travelled south to Lugano, in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. The atmosphere immediately felt different: palm trees, pastel-coloured buildings, and a Mediterranean vibe by the lake.
Our next stop was Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city and the starting point of the famous Bernina Express. From here, we took one of Europe’s most beautiful train routes, with views of glaciers, viaducts, and deep valleys.
Then it was time for Zermatt, a car-free mountain village at the foot of the Matterhorn. Here, we hiked, took the cogwheel train, or simply enjoyed the peace and fresh mountain air.
Finally, we returned to Basel, completing the circle of this amazing Swiss train journey. This route lets you see the best of Switzerland – from cities and lakes to mountains and charming villages – all comfortably accessible by train.
For the full detailed itinerary, read our extensive blog about this Swiss train adventure!
Practical tips for Interrail Switzerland
For a smooth Interrail experience in Switzerland, it is useful to download the Rail Planner app. This allows you to plan your routes and check train times easily, without needing paper tickets. The digital map gives you a clear overview, and you can even make changes while travelling.
It’s also smart to use local apps, like the SBB app, which keeps you updated on timetable changes so you can adjust your plans quickly if needed. Keep in mind that some trains, such as the Glacier Express, require seat reservations, which can often be booked in advance. Bringing your own snacks and a refillable water bottle is practical, saving money and allowing you to stay hydrated, as there are plenty of places along the route to refill your bottle.
It is also important to use your travel days wisely: you only need to activate your Interrail pass on the days you actually travel. Night trains count as just one travel day even if the journey takes two days, which makes it easier to plan efficiently.
Additionally, the Interrail pass offers discounts on various activities and local transport. For example, you can get 25% off the cogwheel railway in Interlaken if you want to reach the top of Jungfraujoch. This makes travelling and exploring Switzerland even more enjoyable and affordable.
Costs of Interrail Switzerland
For young travellers under 27, a 5-day Interrail Global Pass within one month costs around 239 euros per person, while for adults the price is approximately 318 euros. On top of this, there are reservation fees for popular panoramic trains, such as the Glacier Express (around €50), the Bernina Express (around €35), and the Golden Pass (around €10).
Of course, you should also budget for accommodation, food, and activities during your trip. Switzerland is known as a relatively expensive country, but you can choose how luxurious or simple you want your trip to be.
If you prefer a stress-free option without having to plan everything yourself, you could consider a guided train journey, like the ones offered by Treinrondreis (Dutch). They organise everything for you, and the price is not much higher than booking everything independently, allowing you to travel comfortably and make the most of your Swiss adventure.