In Switzerland, one of the most organized transport systems, providing communication between all, even the most inaccessible, corners of the country with a mountainous landscape. People here live without the need to wait for a bus at a stop and they do not need to freeze for half an hour in anticipation of a late train. The whole Swiss transport system works harmoniously, like a clock. Local authorities do not spare money for roads and closely monitor the state of public transport, which, you will agree, is very pleasant for both residents and guests of the country.
Public transport
The most popular way of traveling around the country is public transport. Intricate mountain roads seem insurmountable even for experienced tourists who know the art of driving, so travelers often use buses rather than rented cars. Skilled drivers know for sure how best to get to a hard-to-reach city or village.
At each stop, you can find a timetable according to which buses, trams run and, in especially large cities ( Zurich , Geneva , Basel , Bern , Lausanne , Lugano , Lucerne , etc.), trolleybuses. Doors in trams are opened only by pressing the button. By the way, do not try to bypass the payment of travel - in Switzerland with "rabbits" they charge a very substantial fine. Metro is not very popular in a mountainous country, however in Lausanne there is still one. The Lausanne metro is relatively new, because it was opened in 2008.
In Switzerland there are many sparsely populated points, between which the Postautos, the so-called "postal buses", run. They are strictly according to the schedule and sometimes carry only one single passenger. In general, the Swiss streets are very convenient to travel by bike, and it is useful, besides. In Geneva and Zurich, the rental of bicycles is absolutely free, but you will have to leave at your rental office some own document or a small amount of money as a deposit. Do not worry, nothing will happen to your money and documents, just people need a guarantee that you will return.
Taxis are very popular in cities. Once you get into the car, the initial amount is 5 Swiss francs. Further to this sum will be added 2 francs per kilometer. If passengers are two, the amount is doubled, three are tripled, and so on. In the evening and on weekends, the amount is likely to be a little more than on a working day.
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Railway transport
The city of Switzerland is connected by a network of railways. By the way, it was here that the first railway in Europe appeared. To date, the Swiss are the most active users of this type of transport.
Despite the natural features of the country, Swiss trains could share punctuality with everyone else, and still would be the best in this regard. Delays here are unacceptable, because they destroy the whole system. The fact is that all public transport is very well coordinated among themselves and by rail; This is done for the convenience and preservation of the nerves of passengers, and also to save time.
There is a state-owned SBB company in the country, but there is also a whole network of private railways with a length of 2 thousand kilometers. In general, in Switzerland there is such a thing as a "panoramic route". That is, you leave from point "A" to point "B" through the most picturesque places. For fans to look out the window, slightly swaying on the train shelf - this is the ideal way to move. For example, the route "Glacier Express" (German Glacier Express), which lasts about 8 hours. The train in this case goes from Zermatt to St. Moritz , passing through Brig, Andermatt and Cours. Having chosen this route, amazing views of mountain landscapes and snow-capped peaks are provided to you. By the way, it also passes through the Rety Railway, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The route "Golden Pass" is popular, that comes from Lucerne through the beautiful Brunig Pass, then in Montreux via Interlaken and Zweisimen. By the time it takes about 5-6 hours, no more. If you have the necessary documents to enter Italy and re-enter Switzerland, you have the opportunity to drive one of the most beautiful routes in the world - the Bernina Express . It lasts 4 hours and goes through the Cours, St. Moritz, Bernina Pass, Poskiavo and ends the road to Tirano (Lugano).
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Car rental
If public transport in Switzerland is not your liking and you have the courage to personally lead the process of driving, go to the nearest airport or to a major station - there you can always rent a car . A lot of companies are also involved in car hire, however they will have to be found out independently in the city. Naturally, you must be over 21 years old, although some cars are trusted only by persons who are older than 25. Also you need an international driver's license, at least 3 years of service and a valid credit card.
By the way, there are a lot of high-speed trails in Switzerland; they are usually indicated with a green nameplate. In order to travel through such a route, you have to pay about 40 Swiss francs. Payment can be made at a border station, gas station or post office. Afterwards you will receive an acknowledgment coupon, which the local call Vignette.
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Air and water transport
Switzerland does not have an impressive size, but air transport is developed here at a high level. The country is served by the airline SWISS, a subsidiary of German carrier Deutsche Lufthansa AG. In addition to it, dozens of private airlines operate within Switzerland. International airports are available, for example, in Zurich , Geneva and Bern . You can get to them on an ordinary bus.
The country has no access to the sea, but for the sake of beautiful lakes, a whole system of water transport has been organized here. Crossing from one bank to another can be done by ferry, and in order to simply admire the beauty and smooth water, on every major lake ( Zurich , Tuna , Firvaldshtetskoe , Geneva ) periodically cruise excursion boats. Tickets for them can be purchased at the ticket offices, which, as usual, are located off the coast.
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How to travel in Switzerland?
Swiss Travel System, perhaps, is one of the most convenient and favorite inventions for travelers. The travel system is designed to use all public transport servicing this very system. In fact, you buy a ticket with which you will be allowed both on the plane, the bus, and the ferry, gives you the right to also visit museums for free. Travel tickets are slightly different in advantages and disadvantages, so carefully study all their features when buying and make the right choice.
The most popular is the Swiss Pass , which operates for a maximum of one month. Others have a slightly shorter period, but otherwise they are no worse than the previously mentioned type of travel. By the way, if you travel with children , purchase a Family Card. This travel card entitles your children to 16 to travel free of charge, accompanied by at least one of the parents. If you do not plan to visit many cities in Switzerland, it is better to purchase a "local" travel card that will operate only within the city or canton you need. It will be cheaper and more reasonable.
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