Summer by public transport
Summer 2026 will be an exciting season for Swiss public transport. Digital platforms, international train connections, sustainability initiatives and mountain infrastructure will all benefit from major upgrades. Here are some highlights of what’s making travel in Switzerland simple, seamless and inspiring for international visitors.
travelswitzerland.com relaunch
travelswitzerland.com is being relaunched with a new design and updated content, cementing its position as the only B2B website to offer a comprehensive overview of the country’s public transport system. Aimed at international travel trade and media, the website will provide detailed information on offers, products and services to support partners in planning, selling and communicating sustainable travel to and in Switzerland.
Timetable 2026: expanded international train connections to Switzerland
The 2026 timetable brings a significant expansion of international train services to Switzerland, making travel from neighbouring countries even more convenient.
Travellers from Italy will benefit from additional direct connections between Milan and Zürich. The direct connection from Bologna will be extended to run from Florence. From the end of March to the end of May, as well as in October, the service from Genoa will operate from La Spezia, and even further south from Livorno at weekends. Due to construction work, the service is not guaranteed from June to September.
New services will operate between Germany and Switzerland: Direct ICE trains from Berlin to Brig, and direct ICE trains from Köln/Dortmund and Hamburg to Brig. The number of direct connections to and from Chur will increase to four per day in each direction, greatly improving the connectivity of the Canton of Grisons. Additionally, SBB Giruno trains will run on two connections daily in each direction between Hamburg and Basel.
In December 2025, the new generation of ÖBB Nightjet trains began operation between Hamburg and Zürich. They enhance the comfort of overnight connections between the two cities with new Mini Cabins as well as toilets and showers in every sleeping compartment.
The SBB is also expanding its luggage services: passengers returning to Germany from Switzerland can now have their luggage delivered directly to their destination.
Travel from France will be strengthened with the extension of the seasonal direct service between Lausanne and Marseille (via Geneva) from April to October. The line will operate daily from July and August and from Thursday to Monday for the rest of the period.
First hydrogen-powered passenger ship on Lake Lucerne
TA milestone for sustainable mobility on water: In summer 2026, the former motor vessel Saphir will become Saphir H₂, Switzerland’s first hydrogen-powered passenger ship. The project by the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company marks a significant step towards low-emission passenger navigation and underlines Switzerland’s role as a pioneer in sustainable transport innovation.
Updated Legends of Lake Lucerne experiences
The popular Legends of Lake Lucerne premium cruise returns with an updated operating schedule. The service will run daily (except for Mondays) from mid-May to mid-September. On Wednesdays, an evening cruise will replace the day cruise, with departure at 17:15.
TITLIS Tower and TITLIS Connect: High altitude highlights
At over 3,000 metres above sea level on Mount Titlis, one of Europe’s most ambitious new mountain landmarks is nearing completion: the TITLIS Tower. Designed by the renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, the cross-shaped structure will open at the end of May and feature a panoramic viewing platform, casual fine-dining and the world’s highest Rolex boutique.
From this summer, the TITLIS Connect cableway will operate during the dismantling of the existing mountain station and the temporary closure of the TITLIS Rotair. In the coming years, TITLIS Connect will ensure year-round access to Titlis, particularly during the TITLIS Rotair’s annual maintenance periods.
New high-capacity cableway for Mount Säntis
The existing Mount Säntis cableway is being fully modernised to be replaced by a new, high-capacity panoramic gondola. The existing system will continue to operate uninterrupted until the end of April 2026. From May, visitor services will be unavailable and the summit only accessible by foot or helicopter.
The first rides in the new cableway are planned for late autumn 2026, with an official opening scheduled for spring 2027.
FlemXpress completion and opening:
December 2025 saw the opening of the fifth and final section of the FlemXpress. The ten-person gondola cableway connects Flims to the Sardona UNESCO World Heritage Tectonic Arena. It also provides cableway access to the Cassons area for the first time in a decade. The FlemXpress operates with a world-first “Ropetaxi” system, whereby gondola cabins are delivered on-demand to passengers at the six stations. By preventing unoccupied cabins from making unnecessary journeys, the system reduces the cableway’s overall energy consumption.