First Time on Swiss Trains? Avoid These Rookie Mistakes

Swiss trains are famous for their punctuality, smooth rides, and jaw-dropping views. But let’s be honest—your first time navigating the system might feel a bit like stepping into a Swiss clock factory.

Don’t worry! To help you travel like a seasoned pro and avoid any awkward mishaps, here are seven rookie mistakes to dodge.

Not Buying the Right Travel Pass

One of my clients’ most common mistakes is not buying the right travel pass.

There are many options, like the Swiss Travel Pass and the Half-Fare Card, each catering to different travel needs. Choosing the wrong pass can lead to overspending, so take some time to evaluate your travel plans ahead of time and dive deep into which train pass you need.

And if you need help with the maths which is required to figure out the best train pass, you can either

• grab my handy DIY Train Pass guide 
• buy my Done For You Service and leave all the stress up to me!

Not Downloading the “SBB Mobile App“

Your constant companion while traveling in Switzerland is the SBB App.

This allows you to:

• Plan almost any journey (trains, buses, trams, gondolas)
• From and to almost anywhere (your hotel, restaurant to the top of a mountain)
• See the train changes (and maps on finding platforms)

It really is one of the best apps around, so make sure you also grab an eSIM for cheap data while in Switzerland.

👉👉 CHECK OUT MY TRAIN PASS SERVICE (if you need help with pass selection)

Failing to Have A Valid Ticket

You need to ensure that the correct ticket or travel pass covers every journey you take.

If you have the Swiss Travel Pass then you are good to go for ground transport (ie not in the mountains), including:

• Train
• Boat
• Bus
• Tram

But if you do not have this pass, you need to be more careful and understand exactly what is included in your pass. If you have the Half Fare Card, you have the right ticket.

Failing to understand what ticket you need is rarely an excuse with ticket inspectors, and it can cost you up to $100 to not have a ticket.

Trust me, I have made this mistake several times, and it hurts! Not to mention it’s embarrassing, as everyone around you knows!

IMPORTANT: Even though trains are included on the Swiss Travel Pass, trains above Wengen/Grindelwald are NOT.

Missing Train Connections

Once you have the SBB App, you are on the right track (pun intended) to your destination.

However, knowing when and how to change trains is also key to a smooth journey.

It usually involves changing platforms via a tunnel or bridge. But sometimes, you may have to find a train outside the station (like in Brig when going to Zermatt) or a bus to a more remote destination.

So, have a look at your schedule while on the train.

Know when to get off and prepare 5-10 minutes ahead (pack your bag, get everyone ready, head to the door) to ensure you have adequate time to change trains.

If you learn nothing else about train travel, it’s that Swiss trains wait for no one!

Bringing Too Much Luggage

I see it all the time on my local train between Zurich and Lucerne.

People insist on bringing their whole wardrobe with them to Switzerland.

👉👉 And here is my solution to that problem

I get it. You want to look great, be comfortable, and have everything on hand when you travel.

BUT, you are going to regret it if you travel by train.

Pack as light as possible. Bring layers (see my packing list). At most, bring a medium-sized suitcase and a carry-on or backpack (which is more useful for your days out in the mountains.

Sitting in the Wrong Class

I see a lot of people on my Facebook Group complaining they got fined for “sitting in the wrong class”!

So, let me explain a few things so that you can avoid the same problem…

• Carriages are either first or second class
• They are clearly marked outside the carriage (on or next to the door) AND on the dividing doors in the train – just look for a big 1 or 2 (first and second class)
• You either have a 2nd or first class ticket or Swiss Travel Pass, so be sure you know which and get on the right carriage (or walk to it once on the train.

Not Reserving Seats on Panoramic Trains

For one of my final tips, I want to mention (or reiterate if you have heard it before) that you should reserve your Panoramic Train seats ASAP.

It can vary depending on which train you plan on taking, so I recommend you head over to my more detailed post on the topic 👉👉 here.

But mark my words – reserve those seats as soon as humanly possible! (Read the post linked above)

Ignoring Seat Reservations

The majority of trains in Switzerland DO NOT require a seat reservation. And, in fact, locals would be shocked if you did, and tried to kick them out of their seat.

However, having said that, there are some trains where I recommend you reserve a seat and watch out that others have not reserved the seat you are about to sit in.

• Any train from Zurich/Lucerne to Milan (or Lugano) is always super busy and seats are reserved
• Any panoramic train even just the Lucerne – Interlaken Ost train (reserve here)

Arriving Late to the Platform

In Switzerland, trains are famously punctual and usually depart right on time, often within seconds of the scheduled departure.

Arriving at the platform even a minute late can mean missing your train, especially since doors close just before departure.

Unlike in some countries, trains won’t wait for stragglers. To avoid unnecessary stress, aim to be at the platform at least 10 minutes early so you can find the right carriage and board calmly.

Not knowing children under 6 travel free

Children under 6 years old travel free on all trains, trams, and buses in Switzerland.

Those aged 6 to under 16 can also travel free if they are accompanied by a parent with the Junior Travelcard (Junior Card) or the Children’s Co-Travelcard, which cost only a small annual fee.

OR, if you have a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare card, you can order a Swiss Family Card  for each child (6—under 16).

Many visitors don’t realize this and end up paying full fares for their kids, missing out on big savings during their stay in Switzerland

Blocking doors or boarding before people exit

DON’T RUSH TO GET ON the train when it arrives.

Like everything in Switzerland, boarding is done with order and efficiency.

Passengers are expected to wait beside the doors and allow people to get off the train first before stepping inside.

Blocking the doorway or rushing in before others have exited slows things down and is considered rude by locals. If you stand to the side, let people off, and then board in turn, the process is smoother and you’ll blend in with local etiquette.

Not to mention it does not help you to get on while everyone is leaving as it’s like swimming upstream. Pointless, tiring, and a bit silly.

Forgetting to Enjoy the Scenery

And after all those rules and mistakes to avoid, why not focus on something positive!

Don’t forget to enjoy the scenery! After all, you don’t have to drive for a change, so why not make the most of it!