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Transport

Modern double-decker passenger train on the Rhone bridge near Massongex.
Modern double-decker passenger train on the Rhone bridge near Massongex. © SBB CFF FFS

A dense transport network gives the Swiss a high level of personal mobility. After motor vehicles, trains are the country's most important means of transport. The railways also account for a substantial share of freight transport between northern and southern Europe.

Whether by rail, road or air, the Swiss are highly mobile thanks to a dense transport network. Motor vehicles are the most popular means of transport here. Nonetheless, in rail travel, the Swiss are world leaders – with each inhabitant covering an annual average of 2,400km by train.

The Swiss have built several road and railway tunnels to cross the Alps along Europe's north-south axis, including the world's longest railway tunnel. In order to reduce the impact on the population and the environment, Switzerland pursues a policy of shifting freight transport from road to rail.

Transport – Facts and Figures

Whether by rail, road or air: a dense and efficient transport network gives the Swiss a high degree of personal mobility. In terms of distances travelled by rail, the Swiss are world leaders.

Mobility

The reliability of Swiss railways is almost proverbial. However, the railways are only one of the pillars of Swiss mobility. As the location of major crossroads in the heart of Europe, Switzerland has a dense and reliable transport network.

Transit

Due to its central location right at the heart of Europe, Switzerland plays an essential part in the transport of people and goods across the Alps.

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Last update 29.01.2020