We would like to do a 20 day or so trip that is like the Best of Switzerland trip but spending more time in each location, and we would not rent a car but get around by public transportation.
How easy would it be and how long would the train/bus etc trips be from place to place? (We prefer not to have long days getting places). When we look at the trainline app it looks like there are 2 or 6 minute layovers for the routes proposed which seems too short.
What would be a good order to do the stops in?
We are thinking of (yes we like what we have read about the places Rick goes to but we are open to other ideas):
Lucern
Engelberg
Lugano
Wengen
Lausanne
Bern
Thanks for your ideas!
Is the app recommended called sbb mobile?
Posted by
San Diego, California
5407 posts
When is this trip? Spring Lifts and trails usually don't open until June.
Trainline is a broker, it's better to download the SBB app and check routes directly.If your trip is many months out, just use dummy dates. Short connections is the norm for Swiss trains. Traveling with less luggage is also recommended. However, the trains run often, so if you miss one, just take the next train, ( unless you have some discount tickets.)
Note that there has been storm damage to some routes, so if you see a bus segment , most likely it's due to track repair.
Are you interested in the Bernina Express route, or any of the other scenic routes?
You're traveling in one of my favorite countries. Enjoy!
Posted by
Green Bay
20937 posts
First, download the SBB app, since you will be in Switzerland the whole time. It not only covers the trains, but buses, boats, mountain lifts, city transport.
If SBB gives you a short connection time, years of experience has shown that it is adequate to make the change. Everybody else does it, so why not you. These connection times are designed to get you to your destination ASAP without wasted time hanging around train stations. And if you did miss a connection, just wait for the next train, 30 minutes in most cases, or less.
Public transport is very frequent and convenient in Switzerland.
Posted by
OP
481 posts
Thanks for the info on the better train app for booking train tickets!
We will be traveling in July 2025 it looks like. We wanted to wait until it is likely the trails will not be muddy for hiking.
Posted by
OP
481 posts
I am looking for the SBB app. Is it called sbb mobile? Can someone describe it a little more because there are a few choices under sbb? None of the choices seem to have many reviews so I am not sure which one people mean here
Posted by
Chicago
3000 posts
click on this website
https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/apps/sbb-mobile.html
Look to the upper right corner. that red picture (looks like a line with 2 arrows) is what the app looks like. It should say SBB mobile.