Riding Buses In Switzerland: A Beginner's Guide

Switzerland has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. The country's trains, buses, trams, boats, funiculars, and even cable cars are all part of this efficient, user-friendly system. Buses in Switzerland complement the country's extensive train network, getting you to towns without train stations, travelling within cities and towns, and connecting districts, villages, and streets in rural areas.

The national yellow Postbuses service longer routes in Switzerland, transporting passengers between villages, remote valleys, and across the Swiss Alps. Reservations are rarely needed, except for some scenic mountain routes. In addition to the Postbuses, there are many other bus networks in Switzerland, operated by regional or local companies, covering transport in larger cities and their surroundings.

Tickets for the bus can be purchased from the driver on Postbuses, or from ticket machines at the bus stop or inside the bus for other bus companies. It is important to note that you must have a valid ticket before boarding the bus, as fines for travelling without one are steep.

Tickets: Where to buy them and how much they cost

Switzerland's public transport system is extensive, efficient, and mostly punctual. The country is well-known for its dense railway network, but buses, cable cars, passenger ships, and trams also play a significant role in connecting towns and cities.

Bus Tickets

Bus tickets can be purchased in several ways, depending on the region and the specific bus service.

Postbuses

The iconic yellow Postbuses are a common sight in Switzerland, serving remote regions, villages, and most cities and their suburbs. They are operated by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and can be identified by their bright yellow colour. Postbus tickets can be purchased through the SBB website, which will suggest bus travel when train travel is unavailable. Tickets can also be bought at vending machines at bus stops (in and around cities), from vending machines inside the bus, or by paying the driver directly (usually in more remote areas).

City Buses

Cities and larger villages also have their own local bus networks, with tickets available from vending machines at bus stops or inside the bus, or from the driver.

Mobile Apps

Additionally, there are several mobile apps available that facilitate the purchase of bus tickets, such as the SBB app, Fairtiq, and EasyRide. These apps often include features like route planning and timetable information.

Ticket Costs

Ticket prices vary depending on the distance travelled and the type of ticket purchased. Switzerland is divided into multiple fare networks or zones, and the cost of a ticket depends on the number of zones travelled through.

Point-to-Point Tickets

Point-to-point tickets cover all modes of transport on a specific route and are valid for the entire day. They are ideal for travellers who plan to make a limited number of journeys. The price of these tickets can be reduced by purchasing a Swiss Half Fare Card, which offers a 50% discount on all rides.

Zone Tickets

Zone tickets are required when travelling within a fare network. They are valid for a certain number of zones and have a time limit, typically one to two hours, during which they can be used on any mode of transport within the specified zones.

Supersaver Tickets

Supersaver tickets offer significant discounts of up to 70% on long-distance connections. However, they are tied to specific trains, reducing flexibility, and they do sell out.

Day Passes

Day passes are available for various regions and can be purchased for multiple days. An example is the Swiss Travel Pass, which offers unlimited travel across Switzerland for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days. Discounts are available for travellers under 25 years old.

Reservations

Reservations are generally not required for Swiss buses, except for a few scenic mountain routes serviced by Postbuses. These reservations can be made online, by phone, or through the PubliCar app, which allows users to reserve a small bus for a small travel group in remote areas.

Switzerland offers a wide range of ticket options to suit different travel needs, and it is essential to consider your travel plans when choosing the most cost-effective option. The country's efficient public transport system ensures that travellers can easily navigate between towns and cities, making it a convenient destination for exploration.

Buses in rural areas

Switzerland's public transport network is recognised as one of the best in the world. Almost any part of the country can be reached by bus or train, even remote mountain areas. Buses mainly serve to connect districts, villages, and streets in rural areas.

The national yellow Postbuses, operated by PostBus Switzerland, service longer routes in the country. They transport passengers between villages, remote valleys, and across the beautiful pass roads in the Swiss Alps. On some routes in the mountains, the buses only operate from spring to fall, so it's always best to consult the timetable. Reservations are mostly not needed, except for a few panoramic Postbus trips.

In addition to the national Postbus service, there are lots of other bus networks in Switzerland, operated by regional or local companies. These cover transport in larger cities and their surrounding areas.

Tickets and Reservations

If you have a rail pass that covers a particular bus route, you don't need an additional ticket. Just show your rail pass to the bus driver when you enter the bus. If you don't have a rail pass that fully covers the route, you'll need to buy an extra ticket.

Most Swiss buses don't require a reservation. You just show up at the bus stop and board with your valid ticket or rail pass. However, reservations are required for some scenic mountain routes serviced by Postbuses. The way in which you need to make reservations differs per ride. You may need to do this online, by phone, or with the PubliCar app. This app allows you to reserve a small bus for a small travel party in remote areas.

Bus Schedules

All buses can be found in the general Swiss timetable. There's no need to consult separate bus schedules. The Swiss timetable is an essential tool to plan all your trips by public transport.

The different types of buses

Switzerland has an extensive public transport system, including trains, buses, trams, cable cars, and ferries. Buses complement the country's extensive train network, mainly serving towns without train stations, travelling within cities and towns, and connecting districts, villages, and streets in rural areas.

• National Postbuses: These distinctive bright yellow buses, known as Postauto in Swiss German, are a Swiss icon. They service longer routes, transporting passengers between villages, remote valleys, and crossing the Swiss Alps. They also operate in France and Liechtenstein. Postbuses are comfortable and spacious, with bicycle and luggage storage. They are also equipped to navigate steep, narrow alpine routes.
• Local and regional buses: Many local and regional bus companies operate in Switzerland's larger cities and their surroundings. These include Baselland Transport and Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe in Basel; Verkehrsbetriebe Biel/Transports publics biennois in Biel/Bienne; Transports publics genevois in Geneva; Transports publics de la région lausannoise in Lausanne; Verkehrsbetriebe Luzern in Lucerne; Transporti Pubblici Luganesi in Lugano; Verkehrsbetriebe St. Gallen in St. Gallen; Stadtbus Winterthur in Winterthur; and Zürcher Verkehrsverbund in Zurich.

How to pay for your ticket

There are several ways to pay for your bus ticket in Switzerland.

Using Apps

The Fairtiq app or SBB Easy Ride app (available on iOS and Android) allows you to activate your journey when you get on the bus and turn it off when you arrive at your destination. The price is then automatically calculated and charged to your card.

Cash

You can usually pay in cash on the bus, at machines at the bus stop, or at a vending machine inside the bus. However, if there is a machine at the bus stop, the driver may not sell you a ticket, as it will make them lose time on their schedule.

Credit Card

You can link your credit card to the SBB app to pay for your bus ticket.

SMS

In Geneva, you can also pay for your bus ticket by SMS text message.

The benefits of using public transport

Switzerland has one of the best public transportation systems in the world, with efficient services that sync seamlessly with one another. The country's public transport takes many forms, including trains, buses, trams, boats, funiculars, and even cable cars.

It's Less Stressful

Travelling by bus or train can be less stressful than driving, especially in towns and cities. You don't have to worry about finding a parking space, and you can avoid sitting in traffic jams during rush hour thanks to bus lanes and other priority measures.

It's Cheaper

Using public transport is also cheaper than owning and operating a car. In fact, catching public transport may be up to four times cheaper than travelling by car. It can also reduce the cost of buying, maintaining, and running additional vehicles.

It's Better for the Environment

Public transport is better for the environment as it reduces reliance on fossil fuels. One full bus can take more than 50 cars off the road, and one full train can take more than 600. Bus, train, ferry, and tram travel make public transport at least twice as energy-efficient as private cars.

It's Healthier

Walking to and from public transport is a great way to incorporate extra physical activity into your routine. It may also improve your mental health, as it's less stressful than driving, and you can read, listen to music, or unwind during your daily commute.

It Reduces Congestion

Public transport reduces congestion in towns and cities and lessens gas use and pollution.

Frequently asked questions