Train and Bus

Public transportation (ÖV) is very important in Switzerland. Almost all locations are accessible several times per hour. This encourages many travelers to use the train and bus. Fares are relatively expensive, but there are various ways to save money. It may be worthwhile purchasing a travel pass or discount card. With the relatively inexpensive half-fare Travelcard (Halbtaxabo|abonnement demi-tarif), you can purchase tickets at half price anywhere in Switzerland. It is also possible to buy saver tickets for certain trains or buses.

Before boarding a train one must buy a ticket (Billett). Tickets cannot be purchased on board. Buses manage this differently. Every train station and most bus stops have ticket automats. There are staffed ticket counters in the bigger train stations. Tickets can also be purchased online or via mobile phone. Frequent travelers can benefit from various special passes. These are available for specific routes, regions, or the entire Swiss public transportation system (Generalabonnement | abonnement général). Children under the age of 6 ride with an accompanying person without charge. Under the age of 16 travelling with parents or grandparents is almost free of charge with a junior or grandchild's pass (Juniorkarte, Kinder-Mitfahrkarte | Carte Junior, carte Enfant accompagné). Information on tickets and passes is available through the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB | CFF) or bus companies.

The LIBERO fare network offers special fares for tickets, travel passes and day passes in the canton of Bern. The region is divided into several zones. Tickets and passes are valid for trains and buses within the specified zone. Travelling beyond the zone requires a separate ticket.

In many municipalities, you can buy discounted Saver Day Passes. These allow you to travel throughout Switzerland on a specific day. The passes are cheaper if you buy them at least 11 days in advance. There are not many tickets available, so you need to buy yours as early as possible. Information is available from the local municipal office.

In Canton Bern weekend busses and trains run until late at night. You can use these with normal tickets.