Living in Switzerland - Transport

Rail

The Swiss railway system is entirely electrified; with a total line length of over 5,000 Km, it is the densest in the world. 

It is run mainly by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF), with a small part operated by private companies. The Swiss Federal Railways and other transport companies offer a wide range of ticket options: standard tickets, multiple-journey tickets and season tickets. Information is available on the Internet or at station ticket offices. 

Public transport is generally more expensive than in European Union countries, but season tickets (e.g. the general season ticket and the half-fare season ticket) allow substantial savings.

Road

There are almost 71,000 Km of roads in Switzerland. The general speed limit is 120 Km/h on motorways, 100 Km/h on ‘semi-motorways’, 80 Km/h on main roads outside built-up areas and 50 Km/h in built-up areas. 

There is a charge for motorway use in Switzerland. A motorway sticker is compulsory for all motor vehicles and is charged at a flat rate of CHF 40 per year. It can be purchased from customs offices, post offices, service stations, automobile associations and railway stations. It is valid from 1 December in the year prior to the main year of validity until 31 January in the following year.

Air

Switzerland has a high level of air traffic and the country’s airports are major hubs for international airlines. There are international airports in Zurich, Geneva, Basle, Lugano and Berne.

Text last edited on: 04/2008

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2008
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