Dear Community
Spring is the start of the cycling season. Many of you will be taking your bikes on the train on your way to longer rides. However, there are a few things to bear in mind.
To ensure you don’t encounter any surprises on your journey and that all passengers – whether with or without a bike – reach their destination stress-free, we’ve put together the key information for you.
Safe travels!
You can load your own bike or similar vehicle onto the train provided you purchase a valid ticket for it, there is enough space on the train and other passengers are not inconvenienced.
Important note: Escape routes, entrances and passageways must be kept clear at all times.
On trains requiring a reservation, you will need a bike space reservation in addition to valid tickets for you and your bike.
If you do not have a ticket for your bike, a surcharge for travel with a partially valid ticket will be applied.
You can find all the details on SBB.ch. Please check the current regulations before your journey.
Which trains require a bike space reservation?
Trains requiring a reservation are marked with the relevant symbol in the online timetable:
Please check the online timetable on SBB.ch or in the SBB Mobile / Preview app before every journey to see if a reservation is required. You can purchase your bike space reservation online together with your bike ticket.
Due to changes to the timetable or rolling stock as a result of engineering works, bike symbols with an ‘R’ may not be displayed correctly in the online timetable until one or two weeks before your travel date.
Where can I purchase a bike space reservation?
The best places to purchase bike space reservations are the SBB Mobile / Preview apps and SBB.ch. Alternatively, they are available:
- at staffed public transport points of sale
- by calling the SBB Contact Center on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.) up to three days before the start of your journey
Help with reserving bike spaces
Where can I stow my bike?
In zones marked with a pictogram, e.g. a pram/pushchair, a wheelchair or a bicycle, the relevant customer group has priority. If enough space is available, you may also stow your bike in a pram/pushchair space. However, if this space is needed, you will have to move your bike.
Which types of bike are not permitted on trains?
Vehicles with a combustion engine (e.g. moped), larger vehicles such as three-person tandems or multi-seater tricycles, and electric mopeds are not permitted on trains. If you are found to have a prohibited vehicle during the ticket control, you will have to leave the train at the next stop. In addition, a surcharge equal to the amount charged for travelling without a valid bike ticket will be applied.
Children’s bikes
For children under 6 years old, children’s bikes are considered hand luggage and can be transported free of charge. You do not need a reservation.
Alternatives to the self-service loading of bicycles.
Check your bicycle in as luggage.
Bicycles, trailers and special bicycles can also be checked in as luggage:
Checking in bikes as luggage
Bike rental
If taking your own bike with you is too much hassle, you can also rent one.
Go to our offers for bike rental
Best regards,
Nico