Help with SBB train with multiple destinations

This really confused us as well! A train with 2 destinations. Basically the SBB app and signs at train station will tell you which platform to go to but then you need to check on the actual scrolling sign on each train carriage to see which train is taking you to your destination. For us, our train went about 3 stops then at that station, the train broke apart and went along two different tracks, to two different cities.

This train has a section going to Zweisimmen, and another to Brig. So on the departure board it will be marked as "Brig/Zweisimmen". Then on the platform there are indicators that show you which part of the platform to wait depending on where you are going. The destinations are also marked on the trains, and in the trains. And there will be announcements. You really will need to wilfully ignore a lot of information in order to be on the wrong train. Do not worry. It will be very clear to you once you are here.

At least you realized ahead of time that the train will be splitting. My sister and I were one last year (to or from St. Gallen) and didn’t realize it was a train that split until the conductor looked at our tickets and said “oh no!” That’s never something you want to hear. 😊 She took my phone and put it next to her phone and pulled them apart. That’s when I realized what was going on. We just had to get off at one of the stops and get on the correct part of the train.

If you are ever uncertain, don’t hesitate to ask one of the conductors to double check. They usually stand outside while people get on and off the train. So, there should be someone around to ask. They are all very friendly and helpful.

You really will need to wilfully ignore a lot of information in order
to be on the wrong train. Do not worry. It will be very clear to you
once you are here.

Sounds like my sister and I missed all the warning signs. 😊

We had read the Rick Steve's book and there was a comment in it about the train splitting, but STILL we couldn't quite figure out what train to get on - and with the train about to leave, we were panicking! so i asked the conductor and he made a very helpful physical representation of the train splitting apart with his two fists! So i do think that it is easy to get on the wrong train in these situations.

Thanks everyone for your replies and yes, it sounds like I need to take all the information in and not be afraid to ask:)

To WengenK, can you tell me where you obtained the information that "This train has a section going to Zweisimmen, and another to Brig. So on the departure board it will be marked as "Brig/Zweisimmen"? Zweisimmen is not listed anywhere on the schedule. Just curious. Can you also answer why they list my train as RE4171 but "from Spiez as RE4271"? Is the train coming from Spiez as RE4271 but as it gets to Bern and leaves, it changes to RE4171? Again, just trying to understand why this information is listed.

Wish me luck!
LeeAnn (libbynomore)

You are overthinking this.

Why do I know this? Because I live here. I have been on that train.

Don't worry to much about train numbers. The train gets split in Spiez, and there the section to Brig proceeds with its own number.

But train numbers are not even mentioned on the departure boards. What you are looking for in Bern is a n RE with destination Brig. This will be mentioned on the departure board, on the platform indicators, on the train itself and on displays in the train. itself.
You will see when you are here that it is actually all not that hard. Wayfinding at Swiss stations is great.

Wish me luck!

Good luck!!! 😊 I’ve been fortunate to have taken multiple trips the last couple of years and I still always worry about the trains. It’s completely normally for those of us who don’t use public transportation at home.

WengenK,

Your last reply is exactly what I was looking for! Just an explanation, although that may be interpreted as overthinking:) All of it makes perfect sense now. Good to know however that train numbers do not appear on the board.

Carrie, thank you for your sense of humor and empathy! I'm sure we will be train traveling pros by the time we come back home.

Once again, thanks to you all.
LeeAnn

different countries do things differently.

Switzerland runs what is effectively a huge commuter train network which looks like a model train layout in parts. There are lots of trains - at least once an hour between all the different stations. The ticket issued is for the entire journey regardless of changes and including cable cars, boats, trains, postbuses. If there was a route operated by horse and cart they'd include that too.

You're not usually buying a train ticket you are buying transportation from A to B. So you don't need a stack of tickets like a deck of cards, just one. And the notes to beware a split. And town and city names are on the signage.

Just one country south is Italy where it is done completely differently - all the fast trains are all reserved, you need to know the train number because only some of the stops are listed, and you may wind up with several actual tickets. And the regional tickets in Italy need to be put into a validator before they are valid if from a machine.

France is different again.

So it is very valuable to know the rules in each country you will be on trains in.

Switzerland is actually one of the very easiest to use, with great punctuality and helpful staff. I love riding trains in Switzerland.

Thanks for your input NIgel!