Railways & Train Travel in Geneva, Switzerland, France

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Railways & Train Travel in Geneva, Switzerland, France

Swiss trains are run by the Swiss Federal Railway Network SBB/CFF/FFS (Schweizerische Bundesbahnen, Chemins de Fer Fédéraux Suisses, Ferrovie Federali Svizzere). 

• Up-to-the-minute arrivals/departures timetable: Click here

General Information

SBB has a comprehensive website in English detailing all facilities, services and discounts to the regular train traveller. Information covered includes:

• Information for frequent travellers and commuters
• Online tickets can be bought (proof of ID required on presentation of the ticket). It is a finable offence to travel without a ticket
• Half-Fare Card allows half-price travel on trains, busses and lakeboats with the cards valid for one, two or three years. Other discounts also apply. Card can be bought online
• Dogs: all dogs may travel on Swiss trains but if over 30cm must have a half fare second-class ticket. Pets (including small dogs) under 30cm can travel for free as long as they are in a basket as they count as hand luggage. Season tickets are available for dogs
• Bicycles: if there is space in the carriage, a bike may be taken on a train, otherwise it can travel as unaccompanied luggage
• Disabled passengers: assistance available for boarding and alighting trains for people with restricted mobility. Special counters with amplifying equipment for the deaf and hard of hearing and the stations are marked with tactile warnings for the blind. Free travel passes available for carers. 

Intercity & long distance trains

Intercity train transport generally costs less than internal flights

• Swiss Travel System: various discount packages for holidays, discounts and privilege cards
• Family car: some trains have a children's play area
• Families and children tariffs reductions
• Quiet area compartments: personal stereos, mobile phones and talking are banned
• Business compartments: sockets for mobile phones and laptops (available on longer routes by advance reservation only)
• Fast Baggage: suitcases, luggage and winter sports equipment can be transported to the final Swiss destination 
• Station counters offer services including, currency exchange, sale of phone cards, currency transfer 
• Flight check-in at the train station for a flight from Geneva or Zurich up to 24 hours before take off
• Fly-Rail Baggage luggage can be transported from any airport in the world directly to the final train station in Switzerland (Please note that advance check-in and baggage transfer services are not available for travellers for the USA.)

Contact information

• CFF Travel agency 
  Tel: +41 (0)51 226 62 07
  Information: 0900 300 300
  Open: Monday to Friday 08:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 18:30 and Saturday 09:00 to 12:00

French rail connections to Geneva and Lausanne

• Boutique SNCF (French railway service) office in Geneva
  At: 2, rue Sigismond Thalsberg, 1201 Geneva
  Tel: 0900 57 10 56
  Website

The Lausanne transport system has 25 urban lines, 8 regional lines and 3 metro lines. 

• Lausanne Public Transport Office
  At: Centre de Perrelet, 15 chemine du Closel, 1020 Renens
  Tel: +41 (0)21 621 01 11
  Fax: +41 (0)21 625 01 22
  Website (information and timetables for the Lausanne area.)

Trains & Rail Transport in France

• SNCF is the national train service for France. The website allows for a route and timetable search and online booking.
• TER SNCF is the regional French rail system. You can search the timetable and book online. Information booklets with train times and destinations for a local or longer trips are available at all stations and some tourist offices. 
• TGV is the fast train network in France. Bookings must be made in advance. 

Some Tips & Points

• You must validate your ticket in the orange punching-machine in the station, before boarding; otherwise face a fine. 
• There are various discount rates available for the young aged 12 to 25, (Carte 12-25), the over 60s (25 to 50 percent off with a Tarif Decouverte/Carte Vermeil) and groups.
• Discounts and special conditions are available for the disabled, info in the Guide du Voyager à Mobilité Réduite.
• There is a service for children travelling unaccompanied. Ask for the Jeune Voyager Service.
• Dogs and cats may be taken on the trains, but there is a fee and conditions. Price depends on the size of the pet, and once aboard, a fellow passenger may, legally, request that you move.

Further Information

• See also AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Commuting between France and Geneva
• See also AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Public Transport in Geneva