How to Find Train Times for Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)

Find Train Times for a Trip Between Two Cities

• 1

  Find train times on SBB rail lines by calling 011 (+41) 900 300 300.

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  Or, go to the SBB Web site (see Resources below). On the home page, type the name of your departure city in the "From" box and your destination city in the "To" box.

• 3

  Select the date(s) and time(s) you want to travel.

• 4

  Click the "Search Connection" button.

• 5

  Print the page or record the information you need by hand.

• 6

  For more information about stations and lines, go to the "Online Timetable" page (see Resources below).

Create a Personalized Timetable Booklet

• 7

  Go to the "SBB Timetable Booklet" page on the Swiss Rail site (see Resources below).

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  Type your departure city in the "From" box and your destination in the "To" box.

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  Type in your travel dates or choose from the drop-down menus.

• 10

  Select the number of train changes you are willing to make during your trip, using the drop-down menu.

• 11

  Select the modes of transportation you are willing to use. (This site incorporates high-speed and standard trains, boats, buses, monorails, trams and other options).

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  Indicate if you'll be bringing a bicycle (this option is for Switzerland only and may not be offered if your journey extends to another country).

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  Select your output as either "All connections" or "Selected connections." The first option creates a huge list, so unless you need to see them all, choose "Selected connections."

• 14

  Select a method of delivery. You can download your custom schedule from the Web site or have it emailed to you.

• 15

  Choose the format you want: PDF (which can be stored on a laptop, printed out to carry or copied from the screen by hand), PALM format (as a small file with only train changes listed or as a journey guide that offers complete train information), Psion format or a format for Java-enabled phones.

Find Train Schedules at the Station

• 16

  Find the train schedule board in the station. Most are wall-mounted poster boards. The more modern train stations will have digital timetable boards.

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  Be aware that arrival timetables have a white background. Departure timetables will be yellow.

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  Decide if you want a regular or fast train. Fast trains are in red lettering. Regular are in black.

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  Record the scheduling information you need for future reference. Know that timetables will be listed in order by time, from 0:00 to 24:00, and include departure, arrival and platform numbers. The name and number of significant stops on the particular route schedule may also be listed.

• 20

  If you have difficulty, look for an 'i' (the international symbol for "information") and ask for help.

Buy Copies of Train Schedules

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  You can buy a CD version of the most recent SBB train times for use on your home computer, your company network or your Windows mobile device for under $15. See Resources below for the link.

• 22

  You can buy a copy of the most recent schedule book at most larger bookstores online or in your city. You will find it in the "Thomas Cook European Timetable." The price is around $30.

• 23

  You can pick up a printed copy of schedules at most SSB stations for around $15.