If the good life is what you're after, a trip from Zurich to Geneva is really second to none. According to a 2006 survey, Zurich and Geneva ranked one and two respectively as the most livable cities in the world. It's hard to beat that! Follow these steps to start planning your trip.
Decide on the route you'd like to take on the way to Geneva. While the fastest route will take you along a more northerly route through Biel, a more scenic route will take you right through the heart of the Alps and Interlaken. Direct travel through Biel will take a little less than 3 hours. The more scenic route will be closer to 6 hours.
Look at the train options available and determine which is best suited for your style of travel. At close to 3 hours on the quickest route, the trip is just long enough to warrant a first-class upgrade if you have the means. On this trip, first class will run about $50 more than second-class.
Visit the English-language version of the Swiss Railways Web site (click on the link in Resources below). Enter your departure and destination city in the appropriate boxes.
Enter "Interlaken Ost" in the "via" field below the destination box if you'd like to take the long route through the mountains. Leave this field blank if you want to travel directly to Geneva.
Book a trip with restaurant car if the trip will fall around lunch or dinner time. A growling stomach may put a damper on your otherwise enjoyable trip. The Web site will give you information on the services offered on each train, including whether or not the train has food service.
Grab a seat in a "quiet" car if you want to catch a few zzz's on the way to Geneva. The quiet car prohibits the use of cell phones, radios or any other distraction. Make sure you follow the rules. Conversation is still allowed--just keep it down!
Call Rail Europe at 877-257-2887 to book train tickets from Zurich to Geneva by phone.
