First Time on Swiss Trains? Avoid These 7 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 lots of 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 are stuck for help, you can either grab my handy DIY Train Pass guide or use my Done For You Service and just 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.

Failing to Have A Valid Ticket

sbb ticket inspector

If you are going to buy the Swiss Travel Pass – you can stop reading here. That is your ticket.

But if not, then you need to make sure that every journey you take is covered either by the correct ticket or travel pass.

Failing to understand what ticket you need is rarely an excuse with the ticket inspectors and it can run you up to $100 for not having 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!

Missing Train Connections

sbb train in zurich
SBB Train in Zurich HB

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

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

It usually involves just changing platforms via a simple 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 you need to get off and prepare 5-10 minutes ahead (pack your bag, get everyone ready, head to the door) and make sure 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

Some examples of “too much luggage” and no space to put it

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

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

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.

Not Reserving Seats on Panoramic Trains

Swiss trains
Swiss train over the Landwasser Viadukt

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!

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!

Written by Ashley Faulkes
As a twenty-year resident of Switzerland, I am passionate about exploring every nook and cranny of this beautiful country, I spend my days deep in the great Swiss outdoors, and love to share these experiences and insights with fellow travel enthusiasts.

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