View source for Rail transport in Switzerland

{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is a legitimate description when the title is already adequate; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox rail network
|name            = Rail network of Switzerland
|color           =
|logo            =
|image           = [[File:Treno Gottardo bei Lavorgo.jpg|285px]]
|caption         = [[Südostbahn|SOB]] [[SOB Traverso|Traverso]] on the [[Gotthard Railway]]
|nationalrailway = [[Swiss Federal Railways]]
|infrastructure  =
|majoroperators  = Swiss Federal Railways (SBB&nbsp;CFF&nbsp;FFS)<br/>[[BLS AG]] (BLS)<br/>[[Rhaetian Railway]] (RhB)<br/>[[Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn]] (MGB)
|ridership       =
|passkm          =
|freight         =
|length          = {{convert|5323|km|abbr=on}}<ref name=PTfigs/> |alternative calculation:{{convert|{{#expr: 3173+436+123+(14.46+10.36)+384+144+97.8+85.209+77.209+(62.43+12.86)+(10.51+10.2) round 0}}<ref group=note name=ic/><!-- SBB+BLS+SOB+SZU+RhB+MGB+zb+CJ+AB+MOB+MVR ... to be completed! -->|km|mi|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=SBBZuF/><ref name=BLSFacts/><ref name=SOBN/><ref name=SZUZF/><ref name=RhBProfil/><ref name=MGBBD/><ref name=zbGB/><ref name=CJGB/><ref name=ABGB/><ref name=MOBRG/>
|doublelength    =
|ellength        = 99% |alternative calculation: {{convert|{{#expr: 3173+436+123+(14.46+10.36)+384+144+97.8+85.209+77.209+(62.43+12.86)+(10.51+10.2) round 0}}<ref group=note name=ic/><!-- SBB+BLS+SOB+SZU+RhB+MGB+zb+CJ+AB+MOB+MVR ... to be completed! -->|km|mi|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=SBBZuF/><ref name=BLSFacts/><ref name=SOBN/><ref name=SZUZF/><ref name=RhBProfil/><ref name=MGBBD/><ref name=zbGB/><ref name=CJGB/><ref name=ABGB/><ref name=MOBRG/>
|freightlength   =
|hslength        = {{convert|{{#expr: 35+45+57 round 0}}<ref group=note name=ic>incomplete figure</ref><!-- LötschbergBaseTunnel+Neubaustrecke+GBT -->|km|mi|1|abbr=on}}
|ogauge          =
|ogaugelength    =
|gauge           = {{RailGauge|sg|allk=on|nowrap=on|disp=/}}
|hsgauge         = standard gauge
|gauge1          = {{RailGauge|metre gauge|allk=on|nowrap=on|disp=1}}
|gauge1length    = {{convert|{{#expr: 384+144+97.8+74.316+69.559+(62.43+12.86)+(10.51+10.2) round 1}}<ref group=note name=ic/><!-- RhB+MGB+zb+CJmg+ABmg+MOB+MVR ... to be completed! -->|km|mi|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=RhBProfil/><ref name=MGBBD/><ref name=zbGB/><ref name=CJGB/><ref name=ABGB/><ref name=MOBRG/>
|gauge2          = {{RailGauge|800mm|lk=on|disp=1}}
|gauge2length    = {{convert|55.2|km|mi|1|abbr=on}}
|gauge3          = {{RailGauge|750mm|lk=on|disp=1}}
|gauge3length    = {{convert|13|km|mi|1|abbr=on}}
|gauge4          = {{RailGauge|1200mm|lk=on|disp=1}}
|gauge4length    = {{convert|1.964<!-- AB1200 -->|km|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=ABGB/>
|el              = [[15 kV AC railway electrification|15 kV 16.7 Hz]]
|el1             = standard gauge
|el1length       = {{convert|{{#expr: 3173+436+123+(14.46+10.36)+10.893+5.686 round 1}}<ref group=note name=ic/><!-- SBB+BLS+SOB+SZU+RHB+CJsg+ABsg ... to be completed! -->|km|mi|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=SBBZuF/><ref name=BLSKFInfra/><ref name=SOBN/><ref name=SZUZF>{{cite web |url=http://www.szu.ch/unternehmen/bahn-s4s10.html |title=Bahn S4/S10 |publisher=Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn SZU AG |location=Zurich, Switzerland |language=de |access-date=2015-04-22}}</ref><ref name=CJGB/><ref name=ABGB/>
|el2             = metre gauge
|el2length       = {{convert|{{#expr: 384+144+97.8+(62.43+12.86)+(10.51+10.2)+74.316+69.559 round 1}}<ref group=note name=ic/><!-- RhB+MGB+zb+MOB+MVR+CJmg+ABmg ... to be completed! -->|km|mi|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=RhBProfil/><ref name=MGBBD/><ref name=zbGB/><ref name=MOBRG/><ref name=CJGB/><ref name=ABGB/>
|el3             =
|el3length       =
|notunnels       = {{#expr: 317+71+19+0+115+29+17+8+4+19+13}}<ref group=note name=ic/><!-- SBB+BLS+SOB+SZUmissing+RhB+MGB+zb+CJ+AB+MOB+MVR ... to be completed! --><ref name=SBBZuF/><ref name=BLSKFInfra/><ref name=RhBProfil/><ref name=MGBBD/><ref name=zbGB/><ref name=CJGB/><ref name=ABGB/><ref name=MOBRG/><ref name=MVRRG/>
|tunnellength    = {{convert|{{#expr: 275+64.754+(3.557+0)+0+58.69+26.2770+(4.039+0)+0+0.259+5.024+1.762 round 1}}<ref group=note name=ic/><!-- SBB+BLS+SOBpartlyMissing+SZUmissing+RhB+MGB+zbPartlyMissing+CJmissing+AB+MOB+MVR ... to be completed! -->|km|mi|2|abbr=on}}<ref name=SBBZuF/><ref name=BLSKFInfra/><ref name=SOBN/><ref name=RhBProfil/><ref name=MGBBD/><ref name=zbGB/><ref name=ABGB/><ref name=MOBRG/><ref name=MVRRG/>
|longesttunnel   = [[Gotthard Base Tunnel]] {{convert|57.09|km|2|abbr=on}}
|nobridges       = {{#expr: 5926+402+177+606+60+133+38+63+103+50}}<ref group=note name=ic/><!-- SBB+BLS+SOB+SZUmissing+RhB+MGB+zb+CJ+AB+MOB+MVR ... to be completed! --><ref name=SBBZuF/><ref name=BLSKFInfra/><ref name=SOBN/><ref name=RhBProfil/><ref name=MGBBD/><ref name=zbGB/><ref name=CJGB/><ref name=ABGB/><ref name=MOBRG/><ref name=MVRRG/>
|longestbridge   =
|nostations      = 1838<ref name=PTfigs/> |alternative calculation: {{#expr: 794+132+35+20+103+44+31+28+65+39+47}}<ref group=note name=ic/><!-- SBB+BLS+SOB+SZU+RhB+MGB+zb+CJ+AB+MOB+MVR ... to be completed! --><ref name=SBBZuF/><ref name=BLSKFInfra/><ref name=SZUZF/><ref name=RhBProfil/><ref name=MGBBD/><ref name=zbGB/><ref name=CJGB/><ref name=ABGB/>
|highelevation   = [[Jungfraujoch railway station]]
|highelat        = {{convert|3454|m}}
|lowelevation    = [[Piano di Magadino]]
|lowelat         = {{convert|200|m}}
|map             = [[File:Railwaysystem Switzerland 2017.svg|285px|Swiss railway network]]
|}}

'''Rail transport in Switzerland''' is noteworthy for the density of its network,<ref>{{cite web |title=3000km for 41 000km<sup>2</sup> |page=6 |url=http://www.osaka-sandai.ac.jp/ce/rt/19xx/07/WCTR-070501j.pdf |publisher=Osaka-sandai |access-date=2015-04-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012013539/http://www.osaka-sandai.ac.jp/ce/rt/19xx/07/WCTR-070501j.pdf |archive-date=2013-10-12 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Keiser |first=Andreas |url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/bigger--faster--longer_rail-network-modernises-to-stay-on-track/33124756 |title=Rail network modernises to stay on track |publisher=Swissinfo.ch |date=19 July 2012 |location=Berne, Switzerland |access-date=2021-04-18}}</ref> its coordination between services, its integration with other modes of transport, timeliness<ref>{{cite web |url=http://goeurope.about.com/od/switzerland/a/swiss_passes.htm |title=Swiss Rail Passes and Transportation Information - Switzerland Trains |publisher=About.com |access-date=2015-04-17 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304121932/http://goeurope.about.com/od/switzerland/a/swiss_passes.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gemut.com/switzerland-transportation/70-switzerlands-trains-boats-buses.html |title=The Swiss Travel System: Trains, Boats, Buses, Cable Cars |publisher=Gemüt.com |access-date=2015-04-17 |archive-date=2016-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901215527/http://www.gemut.com/switzerland-transportation/70-switzerlands-trains-boats-buses.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and a thriving domestic and trans-[[Alps|Alp]] freight system. It is made necessary by strong regulations on [[truck]] transport,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Railway_upgrades_include_no_fast_track.html?cid=8540784 |title=Railway upgrades include no fast track - SWI |publisher=Swissinfo.ch |location=Berne, Switzerland |date=2010-03-24 |access-date=2015-04-17}}</ref> and is enabled by properly coordinated [[Intermodal freight transport|intermodal logistics]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/freight/swiss-operators-optimise-short-haul-railfreight.html |date=20 September 2012 |title=Swiss operators optimise short-haul railfreight |author=Anitra Green |periodical=International Railway Journal |publisher=Simmons-Boardman Publishing Inc. |access-date=2015-04-21}}</ref>
 
With {{convert|5200|km}} network length, [[Switzerland]] has a dense railway network,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transport – Facts and Figures |url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/wirtschaft/verkehr/verkehr---fakten-und-zahlen.html |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=www.eda.admin.ch |language=en}}</ref> and is the clear European leader in kilometres traveled: {{cvt|2,505|km}} per inhabitant and year (2019).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Imwinkelried |first=Daniel |date=18 September 2022 |title=Das Klimaticket soll Österreicher zum Umsteigen bewegen |language=de |work=[[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]] |url=https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/bahn-statt-auto-guenstige-preise-sollen-die-oesterreicher-zum-umsteigen-bewegen-ld.1702799?reduced=true |access-date=2022-09-19}}</ref> Worldwide, only the [[Rail transport in Japan|Japanese]] travel more by train. 

Virtually 100% of its network is electrified, except for the few tracks on which steam locomotives operate for tourism purposes only. There are 74 [[List of railway companies in Switzerland|railway companies in Switzerland]]. The share of commuters who travel to work using public transport (as the primary mode of transport) is 30%. The share of rail in goods transport performance by road and rail (modal split) is 39%.<ref name=PTfigs>{{cite web |url=https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/en/home/statistics/mobility-transport/cross-sectional-topics/public-transport-rail-freight.html |title=Public transport (incl. rail freight) - overview |publisher=Federal Statistical Office |location=Neuchâtel, Switzerland |format=XSL |date=15 December 2016 |access-date=2017-01-16}}</ref>

Switzerland was ranked first among national European rail systems in the 2017 European Railway Performance Index for its intensity of use, quality of service and strong safety rating.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bcg.com/en-ch/publications/2017/transportation-travel-tourism-2017-european-railway-performance-index.aspx  |title=the 2017 European Railway Performance Index |date=8 January 2021 |publisher=Boston Consulting Group}}</ref> Switzerland had excellent intensity of use, notably driven by passenger traffic, a good rating for quality of service, and an excellent rating for safety. Switzerland captured high value in return for public investment with cost to performance ratios that outperform the average ratio for all European countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bcg.com/en-ch/publications/2017/transportation-travel-tourism-2017-european-railway-performance-index.aspx  |title=the 2017 European Railway Performance Index |date=8 January 2021 |publisher=Boston Consulting Group}}</ref>

Passenger trains have two [[travel class]]es: [[first class travel|1st class]], sometimes with larger windows (e.g. in the [[Gotthard Panorama Express]]), and [[second-class carriage|2nd class]]. Long-distance trains feature an [[dining car|on-board restaurant]] (or at least a [[vending machine]]) in the middle of the train and sometimes a "kids area" at one end of the train. Rail and most other modes of public transport operate under [[clock-face scheduling]]. There is a national [[integrated ticketing]] system for rail, bus and other modes of transport, grouped in [[List of Swiss tariff networks|tariff networks]].

Switzerland is a member of the [[International Union of Railways]] (UIC). The [[UIC Country Code]] for Switzerland is 85.<ref name="uic">{{cite web |url=http://www.uic.org/spip.php?article312 |title=UIC country codes, Leaflet 920-14 |publisher=International Union of Railways |location=Paris, France |language=de, fr, en |format=XLS or XML |date=18 April 2014 |access-date=2011-05-15}}</ref>

==Standard-gauge railways==
[[File:Thurbo GTW 28 ueber dem Rheinfall.jpg|thumb|Regional train near the [[Rhine Falls]]]]
[[File:L02 492 Bf Zweisimmen, RABe 528 102.jpg|thumb|right|[[BLS AG|BLS]] [[BLS RABe 528|MIKA]] in {{rws|Zweisimmen}}]]
[[File:SOB-Flirt Neckertal.jpg|thumb|right|[[Südostbahn|SOB]] [[Stadler FLIRT]] in [[Toggenburg]]]]
Three quarters of the Swiss rail network is at [[standard-gauge]], comprising {{convert|3773|km|mi|1|abbr=on}}, administered mostly by three companies. Important railway stations are the [[Zürich Hauptbahnhof|Zürich HB]] (398,300 passengers per day in 2023), [[Bern railway station|Bern]] (175,400 ppd), [[Luzern railway station|Luzern]] (99,400 ppd), [[Winterthur railway station|Winterthur]] (99,100 ppd), [[Basel SBB]] (98,600 ppd), [[Lausanne railway station|Lausanne]] (96,700 ppd), [[Oerlikon railway station|Zürich Oerlikon]] (82,200 ppd), and [[Geneva railway station|Geneva]] (79,500 ppd).<ref name=SBB>{{cite web |url=https://data.sbb.ch/explore/dataset/passagierfrequenz/table/?disjunctive.kt_ct_cantone&disjunctive.isb_gi&sort=dwv_tmjo_tfm&q=Bussigny&refine.jahr_annee_anno=2023 |title=Passagierfrequenz (2023) |publisher=[[SBB CFF FFS]] |location=Lausanne, Switzerland  |date=2023 |via=data.sbb.ch – SBB DATA PORTAL |access-date=4 August 2024}}</ref> The main operators of the standard gauge railway lines are Swiss Federal Railways (SBB&nbsp;CFF&nbsp;FFS), BLS, and Südostbahn (SOB). Other standard gauge operators are [[Chemins de fer du Jura|CJ]], [[Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn|SZU]], [[Transports publics Fribourgeois|TPF]] and [[Transports publics Neuchâtelois|TransN]].

==={{ric|Swiss Federal Railways}} Swiss Federal Railways===
{{Main|Swiss Federal Railways}}
Swiss Federal Railways ({{langx|de|SBB}}, {{langx|fr|CFF}}, {{langx|it|FFS}}) is the largest railway company in Switzerland and handles most of national and international traffic. It operates the central east–west track in the [[Swiss Plateau]] area serving all larger Swiss cities and many smaller ones, and the north–south routes through the [[Swiss Alps|Alps]] via the [[Gotthard Line]] through the [[Gotthard Base Tunnel]] (Milano-Chiasso-Lugano-Luzern/Zurich-Basel line) and the [[Simplon Tunnel]] (Domodossola to Brig-Lausanne-Geneva line).<ref name=SBBZuF>{{cite web |url=http://geschaeftsbericht.sbb.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/Downloads/SBB_Zahlen_und_Fakten_2014.pdf |title=Die SBB in Zahlen und Fakten. 2014 |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways |location=Bern, Switzerland |language=de |page=S31 |type=Jahresbericht |access-date=2015-04-11 |archive-date=2016-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803204529/http://geschaeftsbericht.sbb.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/Downloads/SBB_Zahlen_und_Fakten_2014.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> It operates most long-distance services, including [[EuroCity]] (EC), [[InterCity (Switzerland)|InterCity]] (IC, domestic only), [[InterRegio]] (IR) and [[RegioExpress]] (RE) services. SBB and its subsidiaries (e.g. [[Thurbo]], [[RegionAlps]]) also runs many [[Regional train|Regio]] (R) and [[S-Bahn]] (S) lines. Its subidiary [[SBB GmbH]] operates regional trains serving stations in Germany, including two lines located entirely in Germany, near the border with Switzerland. [[SBB Cargo]] handels freight operations.

*''Total route length:'' {{convert|3173|km|mi|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name=SBBInfra>{{cite web |url=http://www.sbb.ch/en/group/the-company/facts-and-figures/infrastructures.html |title=Infrastructures |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways |location=Bern, Switzerland |date=2014 |access-date=2015-04-11 |archive-date=2017-02-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214042423/http://www.sbb.ch/en/group/the-company/facts-and-figures/infrastructures.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==={{ric|BLS}} BLS===
{{Main|Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon railway}}
[[BLS AG|BLS]] (short for [[Bern]]-[[Lötschberg]]-[[Simplon, Valais|Simplon]]) operates 10% of the Swiss standard-gauge network. It manages the second major Alpine route (Bern-[[Brig-Glis|Brig]]), via both Lötschberg tunnels ([[Lötschberg Base Tunnel|base]] and [[Lötschberg Tunnel|summit]]) and connection at {{rws|Brig}} with SBB's [[Simplon Tunnel]] to Italy.<ref name=BLSFacts>{{cite web |url=http://www.bls.ch/e/unternehmen/blsag-facts.php |title=Facts at a glance |publisher=BLS AG |location=Bern, Switzerland |date=31 December 2013 |access-date=2015-04-11 |archive-date=2016-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831050549/http://www.bls.ch/e/unternehmen/blsag-facts.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> BLS operates [[InterRegio]] (IR), [[RegioExpress]] (RE, one service extends to Italy) and [[Regional train|Regio]] (R) services. It also operates [[S-Bahn]] (S) trains for [[Bern S-Bahn]] and [[Lucerne S-Bahn]]. [[Freight train]]s are operated by its subsidiary BLS Cargo.

*''Total route length:'' {{convert|436|km|mi|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name="BLSKFInfra">{{cite web |date=31 December 2013 |title=BLS AG Infrastructure - Key Figures |url=http://www.bls.ch/e/infrastruktur/kennzahlen.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619102527/http://www.bls.ch/e/infrastruktur/kennzahlen.php |archive-date=2016-06-19 |access-date=2015-04-11 |publisher=BLS AG |location=Bern, Switzerland}}</ref>

==={{ric|Südostbahn}} SOB===
{{Main|Südostbahn}}
The ''Schweizerische Südostbahn AG'' (SOB) owns railway lines in [[Central Switzerland|Central]] and [[Eastern Switzerland]]. It operates services over its own network and lines owned by SBB, partly as joint-ventures. Since the early 1990s, it operates a long-distance service between {{rws|St. Gallen}} ({{rws|Romanshorn}} until 2013) and {{rws|Lucerne}} under the [[named train|name]] ''[[Voralpen Express]]''. This [[InterRegio]] (IR) service runs hourly via [[Herisau]], the main town of the canton of [[Appenzell Ausserrhoden]], the [[Toggenburg]] valley, the [[Seedamm|lakeside dam]] on [[Lake Zurich]], the high moorland of [[Rothenthurm]], [[Lake Zug]] and [[Lake Lucerne]].<ref name=SOBN>{{cite web |url=http://www.sob.ch/unternehmen/ueber-uns/in-zahlen.html |title=Die SOB in Zahlen |publisher=Schweizerische Südostbahn AG |location=St. Gallen, Switzerland |language=de |access-date=2015-04-21}}</ref> Since 2020, the SOB also operates the ''[[Südostbahn#Treno Gottardo|Treno Gottardo]]'' over the old [[Gotthard railway]] between {{rws|Basel SBB}}/{{rws|Zurich HB}} and {{rws|Locarno}}, and since 2021 the ''[[Südostbahn#Aare Linth|Aare Linth]]'' between {{rws|Bern}} and {{rws|Chur}} (both are IR services). SOB also runs some [[S-Bahn]] (S) services of [[Lucerne S-Bahn]], [[St. Gallen S-Bahn]] and [[Zurich S-Bahn]].

*''Total route length:'' {{convert|147|km|mi|1|abbr=on}}, of which {{convert|123|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} are their own.

===Rail links to other countries===
[[File:IR 75 Konstanz - Zürich HB hält in Kreuzlingen (2024).jpg|thumb|right|Special livery [[Re 460]] locomotive of SBB CFF FFS [[Push–pull train|hauling]] [[IC 2000]] coaches]]
[[File:EC250 "Giruno" on test run.jpg|thumb|Operated by the [[Swiss Federal Railways]], the [[Giruno|EC 250 Giruno]] provides international connections across the [[Alps]] through the 57 kilometre-long [[Gotthard Base Tunnel]]]]
[[File:EuroCity - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (50968378493).jpg|thumb|Special livery [[New Pendolino]] operating as EuroCity to Germany and Italy]]
*Standard gauge {{RailGauge|1435mm}}
**{{Flag icon|Austria}} [[Rail transport in Austria|Austria]] – same voltage 15 kV, 16.7&nbsp;Hz AC
**{{Flag icon|France}} [[Rail transport in France|France]] – voltage change 15 kV, 16.7&nbsp;Hz AC / 25 kV, 50&nbsp;Hz AC or 1,500 V DC
**{{Flag icon|Germany}} [[Rail transport in Germany|Germany]] – same voltage 15 kV, 16.7&nbsp;Hz AC
**{{Flag icon|Italy}} [[Rail transport in Italy|Italy]] – voltage change 15 kV, 16.7&nbsp;Hz AC / 3 kV DC
**{{Flag icon|Liechtenstein}} [[Rail transport in Liechtenstein|Liechtenstein]] – same voltage 15 kV, 16.7&nbsp;Hz AC

Although Austria, Germany and Liechtenstein all use the same voltage as Switzerland, dedicated types of locomotives are necessary due to Switzerland using narrower [[Pantograph (rail)|pantographs]].

;Germany
Several railway lines cross the [[Germany–Switzerland border]]. The most important one is the [[Mannheim–Basel railway|Mannheim–Basel line]], which links stations in Germany with [[Basel Badischer Bahnhof]] in the Swiss city of [[Basel]]. This station is also the western terminus of the [[High Rhine Railway]], which runs east–west along the [[High Rhine]] and across the [[cantons of Switzerland|Swiss canton]] of [[canton of Schaffhausen|Schaffhausen]], and of the [[Wiese Valley Railway]] to {{stn|Zell (Wiesental)}}. Stations along these lines, including those in Switzerland, are owned by the German [[Bundeseisenbahnvermögen|BEV]], except [[Schaffhausen railway station]], which is jointly owned with [[Swiss Federal Railways]] (SBB). Other cross-border lines include the [[Eglisau–Neuhausen railway]], corresponding to the shortest route between {{rws|Zurich HB}} and Schaffhausen, which passes over German territory with two active railway stations ({{rws|Jestetten}}, {{rws|Lottstetten}}), both owend and operaded by SBB (and its subsidiary [[Thurbo]]). Another [[Turgi–Koblenz–Waldshut railway line|railway line]] connects the border stations of {{rws|Koblenz|Switzerland}} (Switzerland) and {{stn|Waldshut}} (Germany) via a [[Waldshut–Koblenz Rhine Bridge|bridge]] over the High Rhine. A loop of the [[Lake Line]] links Switzerland with the German border city of [[Konstanz]] on [[Lake Constance]]. Another railway line, the [[Etzwilen–Singen railway]], is only used by [[heritage train]]s.

[[Deutsche Bahn]] (DB) operates long-distance trains from Germany to Swiss cities, including [[Intercity-Express]] (ICE) services to {{rws|Basel SBB}}, Zürich HB, {{rws|Bern}}, {{rws|Chur}} and {{rws|Interlaken Ost}}. DB also operates an [[InterCity]] (IC) service between Zürich HB and {{rws|Stuttgart Hbf}}, and an [[Interregio-Express]] (IRE) over the High Rhine line between Basel Badischer Bahnhof and {{stn|Friedrichshafen Hafen}}. On the other hand, SBB runs [[EuroCity]] (EC) services between Zurich HB and {{rws|München Hbf}}, via {{rws|Bregenz}} in Austria. There is also one [[InterRegio#Switzerland|InterRegio]] (IR) line and one [[RegioExpress]] (RE) line with {{stn|Konstanz}} as their terminus. [[SBB GmbH]], SBB's German subsidiary, also operates a regional line, [[named train|named]] the ''[[Seehas]]'', and one line of [[Basel S-Bahn]] entirely on German territory close to the Swiss border.  

;France
There are a few railway lines crossing the [[France–Switzerland border]], the most-frequented ones being the [[Lyon–Geneva railway]] and the [[Strasbourg–Basel railway]] lines. [[TGV Lyria]], a joint-venture between SBB and the French [[SNCF]], operates high-speed trains from [[Paris]] or southern France to {{rws|Genève-Cornavin}} and {{rws|Lausanne}} or Basel SBB and Zurich HB. Some [[RegioExpress]] (RE) trains of SBB also connect with stations in France. The [[Léman Express]] is a commuter rail system linking [[Geneva]] with stations in Switzerland and France. Some cross-border regional trains services are provided by [[Transport express régional|TER]].

;Austria and Liechtenstein
Only one standard gauge railway line crosses the [[Austria–Switzerland border]], the [[St. Margrethen–Lauterach line]], while another one, the [[Feldkirch–Buchs railway]] line, connects the two countries via the Principality of Liechtenstein. [[Austrian Federal Railways]] (ÖBB) operates the [[Railjet]] and the ''[[Transalpin]]'' (a EC service) between Zurich HB and several destinations in Austria. The services run via {{rws|Buchs SG}} and through Liechtenstein (without stopping) to either [[Wien Hauptbahnhof|Wien Hbf]] or [[Graz Hauptbahnhof|Graz Hbf]] and call, among others, at [[Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof|Innsbruck Hbf]] and [[Salzburg Hauptbahnhof|Salzburg Hbf]]. The other line is used by EC trains (Zürich–Munich) and regional trains of [[Bodensee S-Bahn]].

Rail transport to Liechtenstein is provided by [[Vorarlberg S-Bahn]], operated by ÖBB.<ref>https://www.oebb.at/en/regionale-angebote/vorarlberg/s-bahn-vorarlberg</ref> There are also [[Liechtenstein Bus|bus links]] between Swiss railway stations and Liechtenstein.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to Visit Liechtenstein by Rail |url=https://www.interrail.eu/en/magazine/destinations/how-to-visit-liechtenstein-by-rail#:~:text=The%20easiest,%20if%20coming%20from,reducing%20the%2030-minute%20trip. |access-date=2024-11-06 |website=Interrail |language=en-GB}}</ref>

;Italy
The main railway lines linking Switzerland with Italy are the [[Gotthard railway]] and the [[Simplon railway]]. SBB and the Italian [[Trenitalia]] jointly operate EC services across the [[Italy–Switzerland border]]. These services run between {{rws|Genève-Cornavin}} and {{rws|Milano Centrale}} or even {{rws|Venezia Santa Lucia}} via the [[Simplon Tunnel]]. Between Basel and Milan via Bern and the [[Lötschberg Base Tunnel|Lötschberg Base]] and Simplon Tunnels, and between Zurich HB and Milan via the Gotthard route. These routes were previously operated by ''[[Cisalpino]]''. Other standard-gauge lines crossing the border are operated by regional trains of [[Treni Regionali Ticino Lombardia|TILO]].

;Night trains
There are also [[EuroNight]] (EN) services between Switzerland and other European countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EuroNight {{!}} SBB |url=https://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/europe/night-trains/euronight.html |access-date=2024-11-06 |website=www.sbb.ch |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=International Night Train Connections |url=https://www.travelswitzerland.com/en/services/international-night-train-connections/ |access-date=2024-11-06 |website=Swiss Travel System Media & Trade Plattform |language=en-US}}</ref> The Austrian ÖBB operates [[Nightjet]] (NJ) trains between Swiss and Austrian and German destinations.<ref name=":0" />

==Narrow-gauge railways==
{{see also|List of narrow-gauge railways in Switzerland}}

===RhB and MGB===
[[File:Landwasser Viaduct.jpg|thumb|The [[Glacier Express]] (here on the [[Landwasser Viaduct]]) is the longest long-distance train in Switzerland. It runs from [[Zermatt]] ([[Valais]]) to [[St. Moritz]] ([[Grisons]]), on both the MGB and RhB networks]]
The [[Rhätische Bahn]] (RhB), {{lit|[[Rhaetia]]n Railway}}, is the longest [[metre-gauge railway]] network in Switzerland. Located in the eastern [[Swiss Alps]], it links [[Arosa]], [[Disentis]], [[Davos]] and [[St. Moritz]] with [[Chur]] in the [[cantons of Switzerland|canton]] of [[Grisons]] ({{lang|de|Graubünden}}). One [[Bernina railway line|line]], operated by the [[Bernina Express]] (a [[Panorama Express]], PE), crosses the [[Italy–Switzerland border]] to [[Tirano]] in the [[Valtellina]] valley. The [[Bernina Pass]] is the highest point on this line, at an [[altitude]] of {{cvt|2253|m}}. It is also the [[List of highest railways in Europe|highest rail crossing in Europe]]. {{rws|Chur|}} and {{rws|Landquart}} are RhB's rail junctions with the [[Swiss Federal Railways]]' [[standard gauge]] network. RhB's  lines pass through the [[Landquart (river)|Landquart]], [[Vorderrhein]] and upper [[Alpine Rhine]] valleys and several side valleys, as well as the [[Engadin]]e, the upper valley of the river [[Inn (river)|Inn]]. The network has a total length of {{cvt|366|km}}.<ref name=RhBProfil>{{cite web |url=https://www.rhb.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/redaktion/Ueber_die_RhB/Unternehmen/Dokumente/Unternehmensprofil/Unternehmensprofil_2014.pdf |title=Profil 2014. Faszinierend anders unterwegs |publisher=RhB Rhätische Bahn |date=2015 |location=Chur, Switzerland |language=de |page=27 |access-date=2015-04-11 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> 

The [[Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn]] (MGB), {{lit|[[Matterhorn]] [[Saint-Gotthard Massif|Gotthard]] Railway}}, was founded in 2003 through the merger of the ''[[Furka Oberalp Bahn]]'' (FO) with the ''[[Brig–Zermatt railway line|Brig–Zermatt Bahn]]'' (BVZ; BVZ means [[Brig-Glis|Brig]]–[[Visp]]–[[Zermatt]]).<ref name=MGBBD>{{cite web |url=http://www.matterhorngotthardbahn.ch/de/footer/ueber_mgbahn/betriebsdaten/Pages/default.aspx |title=Betriebsdaten |publisher=MGB matterhorn gotthard bahn |date=2015 |location=Brig, Switzerland |language=de |access-date=2015-04-11}}</ref> The former ''Furka Oberalp Bahn'' was a [[metre-gauge]] railway in the high southern [[Alps]]. Its name refers to two passes, the [[Furka Pass]] and the [[Oberalp Pass]]. The Furka Pass lies at the upper end of the [[Rhône]] valley. The Oberalp Pass is the highest point on this line at {{cvt|2033|m}} above sea level, and lies at the upper end of the [[Vorderrhein|Rhine]] valley. The line runs from {{rws|Disentis/Mustér}} to {{rws|Brig}}. At {{rws|Andermatt}}, the line connects with the former ''[[Schöllenenbahn]]'' to {{rws|Göschenen}} on the standard gauge [[Gotthard Railway]] of Swiss Federal Railways. Brig in the canton of [[Valais]] is a rail junction with standard gauge lines of Swiss Federal Railways and [[BLS AG|BLS]]. It sits at the north end of the [[Simplon Tunnel]] on the [[Simplon Railway|Milan–Lausanne line]] and [[Lötschberg Railway|Milan–Bern line]]. The total length of the FO railway was {{cvt|100|km}}. The former ''Brig–Zermatt Bahn'' was a short line between Brig and {{rws|Zermatt}}. It passes through the valleys of the [[Vispa]] and [[Matt Valley|Matter Vispa]], tributaries of the [[Rhône]]. The total length of the BVZ line was {{cvt|43|km}}.

The ''[[Glacier Express]]'' (GEX), a [[Panorama Express]] (PE), runs on the combined route, using lines of RhB and MGB ({{rws|St. Moritz}} - {{rws|Filisur}} - {{rws|Chur}} - {{rws|Disentis/Mustér}} - {{rws|Andermatt}} - {{rws|Brig}} - {{rws|Visp}} - {{rws|Zermatt}}). A one-day trip in panoramic-view cars takes tourists from St. Moritz to Zermatt, or vice versa, through some of the most spectacular scenery of the Alps. It is the longest long-distance train service in Switzerland. The journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz takes about 8 hours.

===Further narrow-gauge railways===
;[[Eastern Switzerland]]
The ''[[Appenzeller Bahnen]]'' (AB), {{lit|[[Appenzell]] Railways}}, with its total of {{cvt|77|km}} of mainly metre-gauge tracks just recently combined (2006) the earlier separate [[Trogenerbahn]] from {{rws|St. Gallen}} to {{rws|Trogen}}, the [[Rorschach–Heiden railway|standard-gauge railway]] (partial [[rack railway]]) from [[Rorschach, Switzerland|Rorschach]] to [[Heiden, Switzerland|Heiden]], the [[Rheineck–Walzenhausen mountain railway|funicular]] from [[Rheineck]] to [[Walzenhausen]], as well as the previous ''Appenzeller Bahnen'' (including [[Altstätten–Gais railway|another rack railway]]). The AB connects towns within the [[cantons of Switzerland|cantons]] of [[Appenzell Innerrhoden]] and [[Appenzell Ausserrhoden]] with the city of [[St. Gallen]] and other towns in the [[canton of St. Gallen]].<ref name=ABGB>{{cite web |url=http://www.appenzellerbahnen.ch/Portals/0/AB_geschaeftsbericht_2013.pdf |title=AB Fahren, Geschäftsbericht 2013 |publisher=Appenzeller Bahnen AG |date=2014 |location=Herisau, Switzerland |page=32 |type=Annual Report |language=de |access-date=2015-04-12 |archive-date=2015-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923172709/http://www.appenzellerbahnen.ch/Portals/0/AB_geschaeftsbericht_2013.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Since 2021, the narrow-gauge [[Frauenfeld–Wil railway]] (FWB), linking [[Frauenfeld]] in the canton of [[Thurgau]] with [[Wil, St. Gallen|Wil]] in the canton of St. Gallen, also belongs to Appenzell Railways. All AB lines are used by services of [[St. Gallen S-Bahn]].

;[[Bernese Oberland]] and adjacent areas
[[File:20040529K243-27.jpg|thumb|A [[Golden Pass]] train near [[Gstaad]]]]
The [[Montreux Oberland Bernois Railway]] (MOB) runs {{cvt|75|km}} long [[Montreux–Lenk im Simmental line]] from [[Montreux]] on [[Lake Geneva]] to [[Zweisimmen]], with a connecting line to [[Lenk]] in the [[Simmental]]. The section from Montreux to Zweisimmen, approximately {{cvt|63|km}} long, is part of the "Golden Pass Panorama" trip from Montreux to [[Interlaken]] (and further to Lucerne), a trip which combines rides on the MOB, for some connections the BLS, and from Interlaken onwards the Zentralbahn (zb).<ref name=MOBRG>{{cite web |url=http://www.zentralbahn.ch/sites/default/files/GB2014_final.pdf |title=2014 Rapport de gestion |publisher=Compagnie du Chemin de fer Montreux - Oberland bernois SA |location=Montreux (VD), Switzerland |date=2015 |language=fr |page=4 |type=Annual Report |access-date=2015-07-13}}</ref><ref name=MVRRG>{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenpass.ch/assets/media/cms/images/global/Rapports_de_gestion/MVR_2014.pdf |title=2014 Rapport de gestion |publisher=Transports Montreux - Vevey - Riviera SA |location=Montreux (VD), Switzerland |date=2015 |language=fr |page=3 |type=Annual Report |access-date=2015-07-13 |archive-date=2015-11-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123051148/http://www.goldenpass.ch/assets/media/cms/images/global/Rapports_de_gestion/MVR_2014.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

From [[Interlaken]], the narrow-gauge [[Brünigbahn]] section of the [[Zentralbahn|Zentralbahn (zb)]] runs {{cvt|74|km}} further to [[Lucerne]]. It skirts [[Lake Brienz]] and passes through the range of mountains to the north of the lake via [[Brünig Pass]], and then drops into [[Obwalden]] (the [[Sarner Aa]] valley) to Lucerne. The zb also runs the line between Lucerne and [[Engelberg]].<ref name=zbGB>{{cite web |url=http://www.zentralbahn.ch/sites/default/files/GB2014_final.pdf |title=zb Geschäftsbericht 2014 |publisher=zb Zentralbahn AG |location=Stansstad (NW), Switzerland |date=2015 |language=de |pages=31–33 |type=Annual Report |access-date=2015-07-13}}</ref>

[[File:Overlooking Lauterbrunnen.jpg|thumb|left|Narrow-gauge lines are renowned for their scenic views (here the WAB between [[Lauterbrunnen]] and [[Wengen]])]]
The [[Berner Oberland Bahn]] (BOB) is a {{cvt|24|km}} long line from [[Interlaken]] to {{rws|Lauterbrunnen}} and {{rws|Grindelwald}}. It begins at {{rws|Interlaken Ost}} and divides at {{rws|Zweilütschinen}}, about {{cvt|10|km}} south of Interlaken. The western branch leads to Lauterbrunnen, while the eastern branch leads to Grindelwald. It is possible to make a loop by taking the Lauterbrunnen branch and returning via the Grindelwald branch. The two branches are connected by the Wengernalp Bahn.

The [[Wengernalpbahn]] (WAB) is a {{cvt|19|km}} long line between the villages of [[Lauterbrunnen]] and [[Grindelwald]], leading over the Eiger ridge at the {{rws|Kleine Scheidegg}} junction station at [[Kleine Scheidegg]]. In the winter, this junction is a ski resort served by many lifts and trails, as well as the rail line. Skiers can ride the train from the valleys below to return to the top of the runs.

The [[Jungfraubahn]] (JB), which is also rack-and-pinion throughout, starts at Kleine Scheidegg and runs {{cvt|9|km}} through tunnels in the [[Eiger]] and [[Mönch]], leading to the "Jungfraujoch", a saddle between the Mönch and the [[Jungfrau]] summits. At the saddle are a visitor centre and an observatory. The [[Aletsch Glacier]], largest in Europe, runs to the south toward the [[Rhône]] valley.

The [[Bergbahn Lauterbrunnen-Mürren]] (BLM) is {{cvt|6|km}} long, divided into two independent parts, the first part being a cable car (which runs above the old [[funicular]] railway, which was replaced in 2006), the second an [[Rail adhesion|adhesion]] railway.

At {{rws|Brienz}} the [[Brienz Rothorn Bahn]] (BRB), a steam-hauled [[rack railway]], ascends to near the summit of the [[Brienzer Rothorn]].

;[[Western Switzerland]] and [[Valais]]
The [[Chemins de fer du Jura]] (CJ), the railways of the [[canton of Jura]] in northern Switzerland, is an {{cvt|85|km}} long rail network of which {{cvt|74|km}} is metre gauge, the remaining {{cvt|11|km}} being standard gauge. It connects {{rws|La Chaux-de-Fonds}} to {{rws|Glovelier}} and {{rws|Tramelan}}, both via {{rws|Le Noirmont}}.<ref name=CJGB>{{cite web |url=http://www.les-cj.ch/unternehmen/in_zahlen |title=Die CJ in Zahlen & Geschäftsbericht 2013 |publisher=Chemins de fer du Jura |location=Tavannes, JU, Switzerland |date=14 May 2014 |language=fr, de |type=Annual Report |access-date=2015-05-21 |archive-date=2018-01-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108062528/https://www.les-cj.ch/unternehmen/in_zahlen |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other narrow-gauge railway lines in the [[Jura Mountains|Swiss Jura]] include the [[La Chaux-de-Fonds–Les Ponts-de-Martel railway]] and [[Le Locle–Les Brenets line]], both operated by [[Transports publics Neuchâtelois|TransN]].

In the [[canton of Vaud]], metre-gauge railways include the [[Chemin de fer Nyon-St-Cergue-Morez]], the [[Chemin de fer Bière-Apples-Morges]], the [[Chemin de fer Yverdon–Ste-Croix]], the [[Chemin de fer Bex–Villars–Bretaye]] and the [[Chemin de fer Lausanne–Echallens–Bercher]], as well as part of the longer [[Montreux–Lenk im Simmental line]]. Another [[Aigle–Ollon–Monthey–Champéry railway line|railway line]] links {{rws|Aigle}} with [[Champéry]] in the canton of Valais.

The [[Chemin de fer Martigny–Châtelard]] (MC) is {{cvt|19|km}} long, with one rack railway section, in the canton of Valais. It runs from {{rws|Martigny}} to {{rws|Le Châtelard VS}} and connects with the [[Saint-Gervais–Vallorcine railway]] in France, the joint services being marketed as ''Mont-Blanc Express''.

The [[Gornergrat Bahn]] climbs for {{cvt|9|km}} from an elevation of {{cvt|1600|m}} near {{rws|Zermatt}} station of the Zermatt RR to a {{cvt|3000|m}} high top station on the shoulder of the [[Monte Rosa]] Mountain. The entire route is a [[Rack railway|rack-and-pinion railway]].

;[[Ticino]]
The [[Ferrovia Lugano–Ponte Tresa]] (FLP), in canton Ticino, runs {{cvt|12.3|km}} from [[Lugano]] to [[Ponte Tresa]]. The [[Monte Generoso railway]] (MG) operates between {{rws|Capolago-Riva San Vitale}} (or {{rws|Capolago Lago}}) and [[Monte Generoso]].

;Other
The [[Aargau Verkehr]] company operates two unconnected narrow gauge lines. The [[Menziken–Aarau–Schöftland railway line|Menziken–Aarau–Schöftland line]] operates in the centre of the [[canton of Aargau]] as S14 service of the [[Aargau S-Bahn]]. The [[Bremgarten–Dietikon railway line|Bremgarten–Dietikon line]] operates across the border between the [[canton of Zurich]] and eastern Aargau as S17 service of the [[Zurich S-Bahn]]. The two lines have a total length of {{convert|51|km}}.

The [[Forch railway]] ({{langx|de|Forchbahn}}, FB) is a [[meter gauge]] railway in the canton of Zurich that operates from {{rws|Zürich Stadelhofen FB}} to {{rws|Esslingen}} as S18 service of the [[Zurich S-Bahn]]. It uses the [[Trams in Zurich|Zurich tram tracks]] between Stadelhofen and {{rws|Zürich Rehalp}}, while operating on its own tracks outside of the city of [[Zurich]]. It is owned and operated by the Forchbahn AG.

[[Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn]] (RBS) operates three services for [[Bern S-Bahn]] on  meter gauge lines: the S7 on the [[Worb Dorf–Worblaufen line]], the S8 on the [[Solothurn–Worblaufen railway|Solothurn–Worblaufen line]] and the S9 on the [[Zollikofen–Bern railway|Zollikofen–Bern line]].

[[Aare Seeland mobil]] (ASM) operates two [[S-Bahn]] services (S11, S12) on three meter gauge railway lines in the cantons of [[canton of Bern|Bern]] and [[canton of Solothurn|Solothurn]]: the [[Langenthal–Oensingen railway line|Langenthal–Oensingen]], the [[Langenthal–Melchnau railway line|Langenthal–Melchnau]] and the [[Solothurn–Niederbipp railway line|Solothurn–Niederbipp]] lines.

The [[Waldenburg railway]] links {{rws|Liestal}} with [[Waldenburg, Switzerland|Waldenburg]] in the canton of [[Basel-Landschaft]]. Since 2016, it is operated by line 19 of [[Baselland Transport]] (BLT).

=== Narrow-gauge links to adjacent countries ===
* {{Flag icon|France}} [[Rail transport in France|France]] – {{RailGauge|metre gauge|allk=on|nowrap=on|disp=/}}:
** [[Martigny–Châtelard Railway]] / [[Saint-Gervais–Vallorcine railway]] ({{lang|fr|[[Mont Blanc|Mont-Blanc]] Express}}), partially a [[rack railway]]

* {{Flag icon|Italy}} [[Rail transport in Italy|Italy]] – {{RailGauge|metre gauge|allk=on|nowrap=on|disp=/}}:
** [[Bernina Railway]] ([[Rhaetian Railway]]), [[break-of-gauge]] and voltage change at [[Tirano]]
** [[Domodossola–Locarno railway line]] ([[Regional Bus and Rail Company of Ticino|FART (ferrovie autolinee regionali ticinesi)]]) through the Swiss [[Centovalli]] and Italian [[Valle Vigezzo]]

* {{Flag icon|Austria}} [[Rail transport in Austria|Austria]] – {{RailGauge|750 mm gauge|allk=on|nowrap=on|disp=/}} gauge:
** The [[International Rhine Regulation Railway]], a former industrial railway (now a [[heritage railway]]) along and across the [[Alpine Rhine]]

==Urban rail==

===Trams===
{{Main|List of town tramway systems in Switzerland}}
There are trams operating on nine systems in seven Swiss cities. Street-running tramways are nearly
all {{RailGauge|1000mm}}. The [[Chemin de fer Bex–Villars–Bretaye]] (BVB)
in [[Bex]] is more of a mixed interuban light rail line connected to a [[rack railway]] but it does have some street running portions, particularly in Bex where the BVB operates along the right of way of a tramway system originally built in the 1890s. Also the ''[[Trogenerbahn]]'' operated by [[Appenzell Railways]] (AB) operates on streets in the city of [[St. Gallen]] as well as the ''[[Frauenfeld–Wil railway|Frauenfeld–Wil-Bahn]]'' (FWB) in the city of [[Frauenfeld]] the ''[[Forchbahn]]'' in the city of [[Zurich]] and the ''[[Chur–Arosa railway line|Chur–Arosa-Bahn]]'' in the city of [[Chur]].

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! City
! System
! Start of<br/>electric<br/>operations
! Gauge
! notes
|-
| rowspan=2 | [[Basel]]
| [[Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe]] (BVB)<ref name=buckley>{{cite book |title=Tramways and Light Railways of Switzerland and Austria |last=Buckley |first=Richard |year=2000 |publisher=Light Rail Transit Association |isbn=0-948106-27-1}}</ref>
| 6 May 1892<ref name=buckley/>
| {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}}
| 8 lines
|-
| [[Baselland Transport]] (BLT)<ref name=buckley/>
| 6 October 1902
| {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}}
| 4 lines, {{convert|65.2|km|abbr=on}}, 100 trams, serves suburbs
|-
| [[Bern]]<ref name=buckley/>
| [[Städtische Verkehrsbetriebe Bern]]
| 1 July 1902
| {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}}
| &nbsp;
|-
| [[Bex]]
| [[Bex–Villars–Bretaye railway]] (BVB)
| 1898
| {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}}
| Connects to rack railway in [[Villars-sur-Ollon]]
|-
| [[Geneva]]<ref name=buckley/>
| [[Transports Publics Genevois]]
| 22 September 1894
| {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}}
| &nbsp;
|-
| [[Lausanne]]
| [[Tramway du sud-ouest lausannois]]
| 2 June 1991
| {{RailGauge|1435mm|allk=on}}
| Switzerland's only [[urban rail transport|metro]] system
|-
| [[Neuchâtel]]<ref name=buckley/>
| [[Trams in Neuchâtel]]
| 16 May 1897
| {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}}
| &nbsp;
|-
| rowspan = 3 | [[Zurich]]<ref name=buckley/>
| [[Trams in Zurich]]
| 8 March 1894
| {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}}
| Operated by [[Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich]] (VBZ)
|-
| [[Stadtbahn Glattal]]
| 10 December 2006
| {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}}
| Operated by VBZ and [[Verkehrsbetriebe Glattal]] (VBG)
|-
| [[Limmattal light rail line|Limmattalbahn]]
| 11 December 2022
| {{RailGauge|1000mm|allk=on}}
| Its western terminus is in the canton of [[Aargau]]
|}

===S-Bahn===
{{Further|S-Bahn#Switzerland}}
In many parts of Switzerland suburban commuter rail service is today known as [[S-Bahn]]. [[Clock-face scheduling]] in commuter rail has been first put in place on the line {{rws|Worb Dorf}}–{{rws|Worblaufen}} near [[Bern]] in 1964. In 1968, the ''[[Goldcoast (Switzerland)|Goldcoast]] Express'' on the [[Lake Zürich right-bank railway line|right side]] of [[Lake Zurich]] followed. In 1982, clock-face scheduling was introduced all over Switzerland. The term ''S-Bahn'' has been used since 1990 for the [[Zürich S-Bahn]], since 1995 for [[Bern S-Bahn]] and since 1997 for the [[Basel S-Bahn]]. Other S-Bahn services include [[Lucerne S-Bahn]], [[St. Gallen S-Bahn]], [[Aargau S-Bahn]], [[Chur S-Bahn]] and [[Schaffhausen S-Bahn]]. Additionally, other terms for commuter rail are in use, like ''[[Zug Stadtbahn|Stadtbahn Zug]]''.

Around [[Fribourg]] ([[RER Fribourg]]) and [[Lausanne]] ([[RER Vaud]]), it is known as {{lang|fr|Réseau Express Régional}} (RER), whereas in the region of [[Geneva]] the term is [[Léman Express]]. In the [[cantons of Switzerland|canton]] of [[Valais]], [[RegionAlps]]  offers S-Bahn services, while in the [[canton of Ticino]] such services are provided by [[Treni Regionali Ticino Lombardia|TILO]].

The commuter rail networks of Zurich, Basel, St. Gallen, Geneva, Schaffhausen and Ticino provide also cross-border transportation services into Austria, Germany, France and Italy, respectively. The Austrian [[Vorarlberg S-Bahn]] operates services with Swiss border stations as their terminus, with one service operating through [[Liechtenstein]]. The Italian [[Milan S Lines]] includes a service operating until the Swiss border station of {{rws|Chiasso}}. [[Bodensee S-Bahn]] groups several S-Bahn services around [[Lake Constance]] ({{lang|de|Bodensee}}) in Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

==Funiculars==
{{Main|List of funiculars in Switzerland}}

==Tourist railways==
*[[List of heritage railways and funiculars in Switzerland]]
*[[List of mountain railways in Switzerland]]
*[[Panorama Express]]

==High-speed railways==
{{main|High-speed rail in Switzerland}}

==Train categories==
{{Main|Train categories in Europe#Switzerland}}

==Rolling stock==
{{For|Swiss Federal Railways|List of stock used by Swiss Federal Railways}}
{{For|BLS|BLS AG#Rolling stock}}
{{For|Südostbahn|Südostbahn#Rolling stock}}

==Integration of services==
===Between rail services===
Services on the Swiss railway network are integrated with each other and with other [[mode of transport|modes]] of [[public transport]], such as local railways, buses, boats/ferries and cable transports, often either in direct proximity or short walking distance, to minimise transfer times. Unlike its European neighbours, Switzerland has not developed a comprehensive [[high-speed rail in Switzerland|high-speed rail network]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Railway_upgrades_include_no_fast_track.html?cid=8540784 |title=Railway upgrades include no fast track - SWI |publisher=Swissinfo.ch |date=2010-03-24 |access-date=2015-04-17}}</ref> with the running speed on high-speed lines, the [[Mattstetten–Rothrist new line|Rothrist–Mattstetten line]] and [[Gotthard Base Tunnel]], being {{cvt|200|km/h}} and {{cvt|230|km/h}}, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rts.ch/video/info/journal-19h30/120993-rail-2000-le-nouveau-troncon-rothrist-mattstetten-permet-de-relier-zurich-a-berne-en-moins-d-une-heure.html |title=Rail 2000: le nouveau tronçon Rothrist - Mattstetten permet de relier Zurich à Berne en moins d'une heure - Le 19h30 - TV - Play RTS - Radio Télévision Suisse |publisher=Rts.ch |access-date=2015-04-17}}</ref> Instead the priority is not so much the speeding up of trains between cities, but the reduction of connection times through the [[Transport hub|nodal system]].<ref>{{cite web |page=3 |url=http://www.osaka-sandai.ac.jp/ce/rt/19xx/07/WCTR-070501j.pdf |title=Comparative Analysis of Swiss and Japanese Trunk Railway Network Structures |publisher=Osaka-sandai.ac.jp |access-date=2015-04-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012013539/http://www.osaka-sandai.ac.jp/ce/rt/19xx/07/WCTR-070501j.pdf |archive-date=2013-10-12 }}</ref> Journey times on main lines between hubs are multiples of 15 minutes so that on the hour or half-hour all trains stand in the [[junction station|nodal stations]] at the same time, thus minimising connection times. Indeed, the above-mentioned Rothrist–Mattstetten line reduces journey times from {{rws|Bern}} to {{rws|Zurich HB}} from 72 minutes to 57 minutes,<ref name=LFSTP>{{cite thesis |url=http://upcommons.upc.edu/pfc/bitstream/2099.1/13979/1/LEARNING%20FROM%20SWISS%20TRANSPORT%20POLICY_Lydia%20Alonso.pdf |type=Dissertation |title=Learning From Swiss Transport Policy |author=Lydia Alonso Martínez
|publisher=UPC Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – Barcelona Tech |location=Barcelona, Spain |access-date=2015-04-17}}</ref>{{rp|29}} in keeping with the [[clock-face scheduling]].

{|style="margin:1em auto;"
|-
| [[File:Zürich Hauptbahnhof Querhalle, 2010.jpg|thumb|right|[[SBB Clock]] and main timetable display at [[Zürich HB]]. Note the national and international departures<!--Fernverkehr side--> after 16:30 and 17:00]]
| [[File:Aigle gare TPC.jpg|thumb|Regional trains waiting at [[Aigle railway station]]]]
| [[File:Postauto-Haltestelle am Bahnhof Bellinzona.jpg|thumb|right|Postal buses waiting outside [[Bellinzona railway station]]]]
|}

===Between modes of public transport===
* {{rint|bus}} Rail timetables are integrated<ref name=LFSTP/>{{rp|36}} with the extensive<ref name=LFSTP/>{{rp|18}} network of [[PostBus Switzerland|postal buses]] (branded as ''PostBus'', {{langx|fr|CarPostal}}, {{langx|de|PostAuto}}, {{langx|it|AutoPostale}}), which serve both plain and high mountain villages, as well as with many other [[List of bus operating companies#Switzerland|Swiss bus companies]]. For example, on postal bus line 12.381<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fahrplanfelder.ch/fileadmin/fap_pdf_fields/2011/12.381.pdf |title=Sion-Les Hauderes timetable |publisher=Fahrplanfelder.ch |access-date=2015-04-17}}</ref> the 10:35 from the mountain village of Les Haudères is planned to arrive in the regional city of Sion at 11:20 where a train departs the station (located next to the bus station) at 11:24 for Visp. Indeed, it is a familiar sight to for the postal cars to be already lined up outside the station for the arriving train. From this perspective, the Swiss rail network functions as the core of a wider public transport network.

Other modes of transport concerned by the integrated timetable are:
* {{rint|ferry}} Boats/ferries: for example at {{rws|Flüelen}}, {{rws|Lucerne}}, {{rws|Rapperswil}}, {{rws|Romanshorn}}, {{rws|Thun}}
* {{rint|cable}} Cable cars: for instance at {{rws|Fiesch}}, {{rws|Jakobsbad}}, {{rws|Le Châble VS}}, {{rws|Unterterzen}}, {{rws|Wasserauen}}
* {{rint|incline}} Funiculars (for example at {{rws|Cossonay-Penthalaz}}, {{rws|Linthal Braunwaldbahn}}, {{rws|Lugano Paradiso}}, {{rws|Vevey-Funi}}, {{rws|Wabern bei Bern}}) and other [[mountain railway]]s (for instance at {{rws|Alpnachstad}}, {{rws|Arth-Goldau}}, {{rws|Göschenen}})
* {{rint|metro}} Metro: at {{rws|Lausanne}}, {{rws|Lausanne-Flon}}, {{rws|Renens}}
* {{rint|heritage|rail}} Heritage railways: at {{rws|Bauma}}, {{rws|Etzwilen}}, {{rws|Hinwil}}

===Links to airports===
* {{rint|air}} The two main airports, [[Zurich Airport]] and [[Geneva Airport]], both have their own subterranean railway stations, {{rws|Zurich Airport}} ({{lang|de|Zurich Flughafen}}) and {{rws|Geneva Airport}} ({{lang|fr|Genève Aeroport}}). Zurich Airport also has [[Glattalbahn|tram links]] to the city. Other airports have bus links to/from nearby railway stations: [[EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg]] with {{rws|Basel SBB}}, [[Bern Airport]] with {{rws|Belp}}, [[St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport]] with {{rws|Rheineck}} and [[Sion Airport]] with {{rws|Sion|Switzerland}}. [[Lugano Airport]] is close to {{rws|Agno}}.

== Integration with private transport ==
[[File:Bici TiLo 240520.jpg|thumb|Bicycle transport on a [[Treni Regionali Ticino Lombardia|TILO]] train]]
* {{rint|PARKING}} About 600 railway stations feature [[park and ride]], known as P+Rail<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/private-transport/car-parking/park-and-rail.html |title=P+Rail – your parking space at the station |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways |access-date=2024-11-10}}</ref> in Switzerland, which allows commuting partly by [[private transport|private]] and partly by [[public transport]]. [[Mobility Carsharing|Mobility]] is a cooperative for [[car sharing]]. Mobility cars are available at many railway stations.

* [[File:BSicon CARSHUTTLE.svg|22px]] There are also [[car shuttle train#Switzerland|car and truck transportation services]] ({{langx|de|Autoverlad}}) on some lines, mainly in mountainous areas.

* {{rint|BICYCLE}} Some trains feature an area (indicated either near or on the doors), or even an entire railroad car (e.g. trains on the [[Altstätten–Gais railway]] line), for transportation of bicycles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/individual-needs/travelling-with-bikes/carriage-bikes-train.html |title=Carriage of bikes on the train |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways |access-date=2024-11-16}}</ref> Most railway stations have a [[bicycle parking]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/private-transport/bike-parking.html |title=Bike parking – your bicycle space at the station |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways |access-date=2024-11-16}}</ref> and/or [[bicycle parking station]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/private-transport/bike-parking/secure-cycle-parks.html |title=Keep your bike safe in a secure cycle park at the station |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways |access-date=2024-11-16}}</ref> Some railway stations also offer bicycle washing and repair services.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/individual-needs/travelling-with-bikes/bicycle-services.html |title=Bicycle services – more at the station for your bicycle |publisher=Swiss Federal Railways |access-date=2024-11-16}}</ref>

==Costs and subsidies==
[[File:Crossrail BR 185 Hohtenn.jpg|thumb|A goods train on the [[Lötschberg railway|Lötschberg summit line]]. About CHF&nbsp;18&nbsp;billion have been spent on modernizing the [[Gotthard Pass|Gotthard]] and [[Lötschberg]] axis,  both part of the [[NRLA]] project]]
Although public investment is positively correlated with a given railway system's performance, the European Railway Performance Index finds differences in the value that countries receive in return for their public cost. The 2017 Index found Switzerland captures high value for money relative to the average ratio of performance to cost among European countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bcg.com/en-ch/publications/2017/transportation-travel-tourism-2017-european-railway-performance-index.aspx  |title=the 2017 European Railway Performance Index |date=8 January 2021 |publisher=Boston Consulting Group}}</ref>

===Passenger transport===
In 2012, the total costs for passenger transport on Swiss railway network was CHF&nbsp;8.88 billion, of which [[Swiss Franc|CHF]]&nbsp;4.46 billion (50%) were due to infrastructure costs, CHF&nbsp;3.98 billion (45%) were costs of transportation means, CHF&nbsp;427 million due to environmental and health costs, and CHF&nbsp;25 million due to accidents.<ref name=costs>{{cite web |url=http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/news/publikationen.html?publicationID=6862 |title=Kosten und Finanzierung des Verkehrs Strasse und Schiene 2012 |publisher=Swiss Federal Statistical Office |location=Neuchâtel, Switzerland |date=10 December 2015 |pages=6, 9, 11 |format=PDF |language=de |access-date=2015-12-20}}</ref>

CHF&nbsp;4.28 billion, or 48.2%, were paid by passengers, and CHF&nbsp;4.15 billion (or 47%) came from [[rail subsidies]] provided by federal, cantonal, and municipal contributions.  CHF&nbsp;426 million (or 4.8%) were contributed by the common weal (accident and health insurances, environmental funds etc.).<ref name=costs/>

===Freight transport===
In 2012, the total costs for freight transport on Swiss railway network was CHF&nbsp;2.063 billion, of which CHF&nbsp;779 million (37.8%) were due to infrastructure costs, CHF&nbsp;900 million (43.6%) were costs of transportation means, CHF&nbsp;59 million due to environmental and health costs, and CHF&nbsp;325 million (15.8%) due to accidents.<ref name=costs/>

CHF&nbsp;1.058 billion, or 51.3%, were paid by customers, and CHF&nbsp;122 million (5.9%) by transporting companies, while CHF&nbsp;555 million (26.9%) were subsidised by federal, cantonal, and municipal contributions. CHF&nbsp;328 millions (15.9%) were contributed by the common weal (accident and health insurances, environmental funds etc.).<ref name=costs/>

==History==
{{main|History of rail transport in Switzerland}}
[[File:Lokomotive Rhein 1867.jpg|thumb|Locomotive used by the [[Swiss Northern Railway]] (1868 photograph)]]
The construction and operation of Swiss railways during the 19th century was carried out by private railways. The first internal line was a 16&nbsp;km line opened from [[Zürich]] to [[Baden, Switzerland|Baden]] in 1847, operated by the [[Swiss Northern Railway]]. By 1860 railways connected western and northeastern Switzerland but the Alps remained an insurmountable barrier for railways, which need low gradients. The first trans-alpine railway and north–south axis in Switzerland finally opened in 1882. It was the [[Gotthard Railway]], with at its heart the [[Gotthard Tunnel]], passing well below the [[Gotthard Pass]]. A second line was opened even lower under the [[Simplon Pass]] in 1906 (the [[Simplon Railway]]), and a third under the [[Lötschberg]] in 1913 (the [[Lötschberg Railway]]).

In 1901 the major railways were nationalised to form [[Swiss Federal Railways]]. During the first half of the 20th century they were electrified and slowly upgraded. After the [[Second World War]] rail rapidly lost its share of the rail market to road transport as car ownership rose and more roads were built. From 1970 the Federal Government has become more involved in upgrading the railways, especially in urban areas and on trunk routes under the [[Rail 2000]] project. In addition, two major trans-alpine routes—the Gotthard Railway and the Lötschberg approach to the Simplon—were rebuilt under the [[NRLA]] project. As a consequence, two new flat routes through the Alps opened in the early 21st century: The [[Lötschberg Base Tunnel]] in 2007 and the [[Gotthard Base Tunnel]] in 2016.

Between 1869 and 1976, [[goods wagon]]s were carried from {{rws|Romanshorn}} station across [[Lake Constance]] using [[Lake Constance train ferries|train ferries]].

==See also==
*[[List of railway companies in Switzerland]]
*[[Swiss locomotive and railcar classification]]
*[[Transportation in Switzerland]]
*[[:Category:Railway stations in Switzerland by canton]]
*[[List of busiest railway stations in Switzerland]]
*[[List of highest railway stations in Switzerland]]
*[[List of railway museums in Switzerland]]
*[[List of mountain railways in Switzerland]]
*[[List of aerial tramways in Switzerland]]

==Notes and references==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|group=note}}

===References===
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book|last=Organ|first=John|title=Swiss Narrow Gauge: featuring steam in the Alps|series=Narrow Gauge Branch Lines series|date=2003|publisher=Middleton Press|location=Midhurst, West Sussex, UK|isbn=190170694X}}
*{{cite book|last=Organ|first=John|title=Northern Alpine Narrow Gauge: Interlaken to Puchberg|series=Narrow Gauge Branch Lines series|date=2012|publisher=Middleton Press|location=Midhurst, West Sussex, UK|isbn=9781908174376}}
*{{cite book|last=Organ|first=John|title=Southern Alpine Narrow Gauge: Montreux to Tirano|series=Narrow Gauge Branch Lines series|date=2012|publisher=Middleton Press|location=Midhurst, West Sussex, UK|isbn=9781908174222}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Rail travel in Switzerland}}
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.rail-info.ch/index.en.html Swiss narrow-gauge railways]

{{Rail transport in Europe}}
{{Rail gauge in Europe by country}}
{{Switzerland topics}}

[[Category:Rail transport in Switzerland| ]]