Read real reviews from real users
It’s just an hour from Bern to Lucerne so there’s no real excuse not to swap the capital for this picturesque city to the east. You’ll travel by SBB trains and the handy ticket options make it easy to make this a day trip with travel through your destination city all included. A city that could have just stepped out of a fairytale, get into a magical mood by walking along Chapel Bridge. It’s the oldest bridge of its kind in the world with an even older water tower at one end, plus it’s an all-weather attraction being a covered bridge too! For amazing design on an even grander scale, visit the Lion Monument, a huge lion carved into a cliff front as a memorial to those who died in the French revolution. Overlooking the water, it’s a beautiful spot for a bit of calm reflection.
Hofkirche St. Leodegar should be your next stop, a stunning church that dates back to 1633 and built on the remains of a Roman basilica. We’ve saved the best suggestion to last though, and it is the best because it involves a train. The world’s steepest train. Mt Pilatus railway has some seriously exciting/white-knuckle-inducing climbs that will earn you some amazing views over the mountains, well worth a bit of climbing. Ready to go? Then get reading our route information below!
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
Take advantage of the restaurant carriage which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Travelling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual plug sockets (German + Swiss).
What luggage limits are there? | You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided. |
---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | There are plug sockets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family carriage. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You can take your bicycle onboard SBB Intercity trains. Between 21st March and 31st October, it's compulsory to reserve a bike space on some Intercity trains. You must also buy a ticket for your bike at a ticket office, ticket machine or online. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities. |
What special assistance is available? | SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet. |
What else do I need to know? | There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains. |
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.