Just a general question about train service within Switzerland - I've noticed many of the longish train trips require one or more transfers on the way to your destination. Are they generally simple & easy to do for someone who doesn't speak the local language? Are train stations well marked? For example, train from Zurich to Grindelwald requires transfers at Bern & Interlaken - would a typical Yankee with typical smarts have any issues easily navigating? We're flying from London to either Zurich or Basel, to Grindelwald & it's a long travel day, I'm hoping to get to our hotel before it's too late in the evenings, trying to minimize or avoid any confusion along the way. Thanks in advance!
Posted by
San Diego, California
5871 posts
Swiss trains are a marvel in efficiency, dependability, and ease of use. English signage is prominently displayed. English is spoken by most folks coming in contact with tourists. The trains are clean, comfortable, and usually have charger outlets, so have you adapters handy.
Download the SBB app. You'll see platform numbers for your arrival/departure trains. Know your platforms, be ready to get off the train as soon as it stops, and be prepared for steps. Lifts are hard to find. If you miss a connection, another train will come soon.
Enjoy this beautiful country!
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9085 posts
If I remember correctly, you can find maps of the rail stations online and see how close you will be. They're meant to be easy.
Posted by
Green Bay
21413 posts
There are some direct trains from Basel to Interlaken Ost, but you will have to change at Interlaken Ost to get to Grindelwald. That is because the train to Grindelwald is a meter gauge train and the arriving trains from Zurich and Basel are standard gauge trains. You will have to use the underpassage to switch platforms there. and you will have to pay attention to which carriages you board, because the train splits half way, and half the train will go to Lauterbrunnen and the other half to Grindelwald. The carriages are marked.
If you fly into Basel, you will have to take the bus to Basel SBB station. There are direct trains from there to Interlaken Ost, although depending on what time you arrive, it may be quicker to take a train with a change at Bern or Spiez. All the ones I am seeing are simple cross platform changes, walk 20 ft to your new train.
Currently, If you fly into Zurich airport, there are 2 trains every hour, all of which require a change at Bern, The ones that depart at 45 past the hour have a simple cross platform change in Bern. The ones at 8 past the hour will require you to use the crossover bridge to switch platforms. They have escalators.
In short, 99% of the people have no trouble changing trains. The website www.sbb.ch/en will show you a map of exactly how to do this. The SBB app will show the same information.
Posted by
OP
25 posts
Thank you all - great info!
Posted by
Nashville, TN
698 posts
I would watch some youtube videos to familiarize yourself with how it all works. This will help you feel more confident upon arrival. Here are a couple good ones to give you a start:
Shows exactly how to get from the Zurich Airport to Interlaken (with just one additional transfer to get to Grindelwald) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ugnaq5PNofU
How to use the mobile SBB app to help you get around - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtVY7L4qlBQ
Posted by
OP
25 posts
Thank you.
Posted by
5333 posts
I live in a city and use public transport and have traveled a fair bit. I still had trouble knowing when to transfer--when I was not staring at the app. Definitely use the app!