London to Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich or Basel from £78 one-way, £131 return...

The Matterhorn, Zermatt.  Take the train to Switzerland!

The Thames to the Matterhorn without flying...

Buy train tickets UK to Switzerland

   
 

 

Railbookers holidays to Swsitzerland by train

small bullet point  Holidays to Switzerland by train not plane

Lunch in London, bedtime in Switzerland, by high-speed train!

London to Paris by Eurostar in only 2h20, have lunch at the Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon, then take a TGV-Lyria high-speed train from Paris to Geneva (3h05), Lausanne (3h39), Bern, Basel (3h03) or Zurich (4h03) from €29 each way.  It's more civilised, comfortable & environmentally-friendly than any flight, centre to centre with no baggage fees or airport taxes.  Infants go free & there's great scenery on the way.  This page explains the best routes, train times, fares & how to buy tickets.

small bullet point  London to Basel, Zurich & Lucerne

small bullet point  London to Geneva

small bullet point  London to Bern

small bullet point  London to Lausanne, Montreux, Gstaad

small bullet point  London to Interlaken

small bullet point  London to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen

small bullet point  London to Brig, Zermatt & the Matterhorn

small bullet point  London to Chur, Klosters, Davos, St Moritz

small bullet point  London to Vaduz & Liechtenstein

small bullet point  London to Switzerland via Brussels - avoids Paris

small bullet point  London to Switzerland by ferry from Harwich

small bullet point  London to Switzerland by ferry from Portsmouth

small bullet point  UK to Switzerland by ferry from Hull or Newcastle

small bullet point  Starting from other UK towns & cities

small bullet point  How to buy train tickets to Switzerland

Train travel within Switzerland

small bullet point  Train travel in Switzerland - a beginner's guide

small bullet point  Swiss Travel Pass, Half Fare Card

small bullet point  Map of the Swiss rail network - download map

small bullet point  The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz

small bullet point  The Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano & Milan

small bullet point  The Jungfraubahn to the Top of Europe

small bullet point  The Golden Pass - Montreux-Interlaken-Lucerne

International travel to/from Switzerland

small bullet point  Trains to Switzerland from other European cities

small bullet point  Trains from Switzerland to other European cities

Other useful information

small bullet point  Useful country information: currency, dial code...

small bullet point  Quick guide to Zurich main station

small bullet point  Holidays & escorted tours to Switzerland by train

small bullet point  Hotels in Switzerland

small bullet point  How to cross Paris by metro or taxi

small bullet point  Luggage on trains &  Left luggage at stations

small bullet point  Taking your bike  

small bullet point  Taking your dog

small bullet point  Passengers with disabilities  

small bullet point  General European train travel information

small bullet point  Travel insurance, Curve Card & VPN

Interactive map Click a destination or route
Route map, London to Switzerland by train  

A Eurostar at St Pancras International...

 

TGV-Lyria to Switzerland:  Relaxed and easy!

Useful country information

Train operator

in Switzerland:

SBB-CFF-FFS (Swiss Federal Railways) & many private operators.

For train times & fares within Switzerland see www.sbb.chMap of the Swiss rail network.  All European train times: www.bahn.de

 

 

 

 

Swiss railpasses:

 

Buy Swiss Travel Passes - See the advice here

International railpasses:

 

Beginner's guide to European railpasses

Time zone:

GMT+1 (GMT+2 from last Sunday in March to last Saturday in October).

Dialling code:

 

+41

Currency:

£1 = 1.2 Swiss Francs, €1 = 1.08 Swiss Francs, approx.  Check exchange rates

Tourist information: 

www.myswitzerland.com    Escorted tours to the Alps by train

Hotels:

Find hotels in Switzerland.   Reviews:  www.tripadvisor.com  Backpacker hostels:  www.hostelworld.com

Page last updated:

13 February 2023. Train times valid from 11 Dec 2022 to 9 Dec 2023.


London to Basel, Zurich, Lucerne

Option 1, London to Basel or Zurich via Paris

It's easy to travel from London to Basel or Zurich by train.  Take Eurostar from London to Paris in 2h20 with cafe-bar & free WiFi.  Change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi, then take a TGV-Lyria high-speed train from Paris to Basel in 3h04 or Zurich in 4h03, also with cafe-bar and free WiFi.  Why not book an earlier Eurostar and have lunch at the fabulous Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon?

Timetable outward 2023

 London ► Basel & Zurich

 Eurostar (30 min check-in):

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 London St Pancras depart:

07:01

10:22

12:24

20:01

06:31

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

08:01

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

 Paris Gare du Nord arrive:

10:17

13:57

15:57

23:27

09:47

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:17

11:20

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:27

 Cross Paris by metro to the Gare de Lyon for the TGV-Lyria train to Switzerland...

 Paris Gare de Lyon depart:

12:22

16:22

18:22

07:22

12:22

14:22

16:22

18:22

10:22

12:22

14:22

16:22

18:22

07:22

 Basel SBB arrive:

15:26

19:26

21:26

10:26

15:26

17:26

19:26

21:26

13:26

15:26

17:26

19:26

21:26

10:26

 Zurich HB arrive:

16:26

20:26

22:26

11:26

16:26

18:26

20:26

22:26

14:26

16:26

18:26

20:26

22:26

11:26

Timetable inward 2023

 Basel & Zurich ► London

 Lyria TGV:

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 Zurich HB depart:

07:34

09:34

11:34

13:34

18:34

07:34

09:34

11:34

13:34

18:34

07:34

09:34

11:34

13:34

18:34

 Basel SBB depart:

08:34

10:34

12:34

14:34

19:34

08:34

10:34

12:34

14:34

19:34

08:34

10:34

12:34

14:34

19:34

 Paris Gare de Lyon arrive

11:38

13:40

15:38

17:38

22:42

11:38

13:38

15:38

17:38

22:42

11:38

13:38

15:38

17:38

22:42

 Cross Paris by metro to the Gare du Nord for Eurostar (30 min check-in)

 Paris Gare du Nord dep.

15:03

17:03

18:13

21:03

07:03

14:13

16:13

19:03

20:13

08:13

15:03

16:13

18:13

20:13

07:03

 London St Pancras arrive

16:39

18:32

19:30

22:39

08:30

15:30

17:30

20:39

21:30

09:30

16:39

17:30

19:30

21:30

08:30

Notes for timetable

For Lucerne, change in Basel.  Hourly trains link Basel SBB & Lucerne in 1h17, check times at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

How to read these timetables:  It's easy, you read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at each grey bar.

Why not catch an earlier Eurostar and have lunch at the famous Train Bleu restaurant on the main concourse?  It's an experience in itself...

Check times & buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.  Times may vary, for example the xx:22 from Paris to Zurich sometimes leaves at xx:19.

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight stop in Paris.

By all means choose an earlier evening Eurostar outward or a later morning one inwards than the one shown.  Or a later morning TGV going south, or an earlier evening TGV going north.  Your call!  See  suggestedhotels in Paris near the Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

What are the trains like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Standard Premier & Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45-minute minimum in Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Paris Gare du Nord station guideHow to cross Paris by metro or taxi.

Eurostar e320   Eurostar e320 first class seats

A Eurostar e320 train at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

Standard Premier/Business Premier.  Larger photo.

Eurostar e320 2nd class   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria...

All TGV-Lyria trains are now 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex like the one shown below.  TGV-Lyria trains have 3 classes:  Standard class (2nd), standard premiere (1st class) and business premiere (1st class with hot meal & drinks included in the fare).  There's a cafe-bar car selling drinks & snacks.  There are power points for mobiles & laptops at all seats in all classes.  Lyria is a consortium of the French and Swiss national railways.  More information about TGV-Lyria.

TGV-Lyria train from Paris to Switzerland, at Paris Gare de Lyon

TGV-Lyria TGV Duplex train at Paris Gare de Lyon. More information about TGV-Lyria

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on upper deck car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwaved hot dishes...

 

2nd class seats on the upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   A TGV-Lyria Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon

1st class on the upper deck, a club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right. Larger photo.

 

A TGV-Lyria boarding at Paris Gare de Lyon.  You enter on the lower deck, with 9 stairs up to top deck.

What's the scenery like?

On the route from Paris to Basel & Zurich, the train soon leaves the historic Gare de Lyon behind and accelerates through the Parisian suburbs onto the high-speed line at up to 300km/h (186mph).  The train slows down to call at Dijon, the major city of the Burgundy region, with views over the city on the approach.  The train continues through the rolling hills of rural France, past pretty villages with picturesque churches onto the new Rhone-Rhine high-speed line where the train reaches 320km/h (199mph).  Calling at Mulhouse, the train continues on classic lines to enter Switzerland at Basel.

Scenery on the Paris-Zurich journey

How to buy tickets

It's easy to buy train tickets from anywhere in Britain to anywhere in Switzerland, here I'll explain the best options.  Booking online saves paying phone booking fees, and I recommend www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com as both Eurostar and TGV-Lyria can be booked in one place with .pdf print-your-own or show-on-phone mobile tickets.  You can also book by phone or get a train travel specialist to arrange a tailor-made trip although this will naturally cost more.

Option 1, buy at Raileurope.com

  Buy train tickets to Switzerland at Raileurope.com
 

For hotels...

www.booking.com allows you to book your accommodation before train bookings open, at no risk with free cancellation.

See my personal hotel recommendations in Zurich & in the St Moritz area.

 

Option 2, buy at Thetrainline.com

Option 3, buy at eurostar.com + sncf-connect.com + sbb.ch

Or ask Byway to arrange it for you...

Or ask Railbookers to arrange for you...

Or ask Tailor Made Rail to arrange it...

Escorted tours to Switzerland by train

How to buy tickets by phone

Back to top


London to Geneva

Option 1, London to Geneva via Paris

It's easy to travel from London to Geneva by train.  Take Eurostar from London to Paris in 2h20 with cafe-bar & free WiFi.  Change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi, then take a TGV-Lyria high-speed train from Paris to Geneva in 3h11, also with cafe-bar and free WiFi.

For the first part of the journey, the Paris-Geneva TGVs use the TGV-Sud Est line at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  They then slow right down over classic lines through beautiful French mountain scenery for the rest of the run to Geneva, past pretty French villages, mountain forests, dramatic viaducts and scenic lakes, see photos of the journey below.  Sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy the scenic stress-free alternative to flying to Geneva.  And why not book an earlier Eurostar and have lunch at the fabulous Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon?

Timetable outward 2023

 London Geneva

 Eurostar (30 min check-in)

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 London St Pancras depart

07:01

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

06:31

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

08:01

09:24

10:22

12:24

14:31 

20:01

 Paris Gare du Nord arrive

10:17

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:27

09:47

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:17

11:20

12:57

13:57

15:57

17:47 

23:27

 Cross Paris by metro to the Gare de Lyon for the TGV Lyria to Switzerland...

 Paris Gare de Lyon depart

12:18

14:18

16:18

18:18

08:18

12:18

14:18

16:18

18:18

10:18

12:18

14:18

16:18

18:18

20:18

06:18

 Geneva arrive:

15:29

17:30

19:29

21:29

11:29

15:29

17:30

19:29

21:29

13:29

15:29

17:30

19:29

21:29

23:29

09:29

Timetable inward 2023

 Geneva ► London

 Lyria TGV to Paris...

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 Geneva depart:

06:29

08:29

10:29

12:29

14:29

18:29

06:29

08:29

10:29

12:29

14:29

18:29

08:29

10:29

12:29

14:29

18:29

 Paris Gare de Lyon arrive:

09:42

11:42

13:42

15:42

17:42

21:42

09:42

11:42

13:42

15:42

17:42

21:42

11:42

13:42

15:42

17:42

21:42

 Cross Paris by metro to Gare du Nord for Eurostar (30 min check-in)

 Paris Gare du Nord depart:

13:03

15:03

17:03

18:13

21:03

07:03

13:03

14:13

16:13

19:03

20:13

08:13

15:03

16:13

18:13

20:13

07:03

 London St Pancras arrive:

14:39

16:39

18:32

19:30

22:39

08:30

14:39

15:30

17:30

20:39

21:30

09:30

16:39

17:30

19:30

21:30

08:30

Notes for timetable

How to read these timetables:  It's easy, you read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at each grey bar.

Why not catch an earlier Eurostar and have lunch at the famous Train Bleu restaurant on the main concourse?  It's an experience in itself...

Check times & buy tickets at www.raileurope.com.

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight hotel stop in Paris.

Outwards from London, by all means choose an earlier evening Eurostar or a later morning TGV to Geneva.  Inwards to London, by all means choose an earlier TGV to Paris or later morning Eurostar to London.  Your call!  See suggested hotels in Paris near the Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

What are the trains like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45-minute minimum in Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Paris Gare du Nord station guideHow to cross Paris by metro or taxi.

Eurostar e320 at Paris Nord   Eurostar e320 first class seats

A Eurostar e320 arrived at Paris Nord...

 

Standard Premier/Business Premier. Larger photo.

Eurostar e320 2nd class   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2.  Paris to Geneva by TGV-Lyria duplex...

All TGV-Lyria trains are now 320km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex like the one shown below.  TGV-Lyria trains have 3 classes:  Standard class (2nd), standard premiere (1st class) and business premiere (1st class with hot meal & drinks included in the fare).  There's a cafe-bar car selling drinks & snacks.  There are power points for mobiles & laptops at all seats in all classes.  Lyria is a consortium of the French and Swiss national railways.  More information about TGV-Lyria.

TGV-Lyria to Geneva at Paris Gare de Lyon

TGV-Lyria euroduplex train to Geneva, at Paris Gare de Lyon. These 320 km/h double-deckers operate most Paris-Geneva & some Paris Basel-Zurich trains.  Watch TGV Duplex video.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on upper deck car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.

 

2nd (standard) class on upper deck with a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   A TGV-Lyria Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon

1st class on upper deck, used as Standard Premiere & Business Premier.  Larger photo.

 

A TGV Duplex.  The 1 near the door indicates 1st class.  You enter on the lower deck, with 9 wide and easy stairs up to top deck.

What's the scenery like?

In 2010 they shaved another 15-20 minutes off the Paris-Geneva journey time by rebuilding the amazing 65km single-track Haut-Bugey line from Bourg en Bresse to Bellegarde.  This section of line dates from 1877-1882, but local traffic had declined and the line was partially closed in 1990.  However, a joint French-Swiss project gave it a new lease of life, rebuilt to mainline standards and reborn as a key link in the TGV network.  It shortens the distance between Paris & Geneva by 47km, trains previously had to detour south via Culoz.  The wonderful Haut-Bugey line takes Paris-Geneva TGVs at low speed through some great mountainous terrain, some of it inaccessible by road, through some 11 tunnels and over 80 bridges & viaducts including the spectacular Cize-Bolozon viaduct over the Ain gorge, a structure partly blown up by the French resistance in 1944 (it took 5 years to repair the damage after the war).  Relax and enjoy the journey!

Crossing the Cize-Bolozon viaduct on the Haut-Bugey Line, on a Geneva to Paris train   Crossing the Cize-Bolozon viaduct on the Haut-Bugey Line, on a Geneva to Paris train

The TGV leaves the high-speed line and slows down onto the Haut-Bugey Line.  Just after a short tunnel the train crosses the spectacular Cize-Bolozon viaduct over the Ain gorge (above left), the major structure on the Haut-Bugey line.  Above right, in business première the fare includes food served at your seat with wine or other drinks...

Scenery along the Haut-Bugey line, seen from the Geneva to Paris train

For the last hour or so into Geneva, the train snakes through the hills on the wonderfully scenic Haut-Bugey line...

Scenery along the Haut-Bugey line, seen from the Geneva to Paris train

More scenery as the TGV from Paris to Geneva heads through the hills along the river valley between Bourg en Bresse & Bellegarde.  The best views are on the right hand side, so keep a good lookout, although you can't pick sides when booking.

Lake seen from the Paris to Geneva train

Nearing Switzerland, the train passes a lake, probably the Lac de Nantua...

Back to top

Option 2, London to Geneva via Lille & Lyon

This takes a bit longer than going via Paris, and usually costs a bit more.  But it avoids crossing Paris, with two easy same-station changes, at Lille and Lyon.  If you have heavy luggage, kids or mobility problems, it's a good option.

Timetable outward 2023

 London ► Geneva

 Eurostar, 30 min check-in

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 London St Pancras depart

11:04

13:01

11:04

13:01

11:04

13:01

 Lille Europe arrive

13:27

15:27

13:27

15:27

13:27

15:27

 Easy change at Lille onto a high-speed TGV...

 Lille Europe depart

14:03

17:03

14:03

17:03

14:03

17:03

 Lyon Part Dieu arrive

17:00

20:00

17:00

20:00

17:00

20:00

 Easy change at Lyon onto a TER regional train...

 Lyon Part Dieu depart

17:38

20:38

18:34

20:38

17:38

20:38

 Geneva arrive

19:34

22:35

20:34

22:35

19:34

22:35

Timetable inward 2023

 Geneva ► London

 TER regional train...

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 Geneva depart

07:14

11:30

13:30

07:14

11:30

14:30

07:14

11:30

13:30

 Lyon Part Dieu arrive

09:22

13:26

15:22

09:22

13:26

16:22

09:22

13:26

15:22

 High-speed TGV...

 

   

 Lyon Part Dieu depart

11:00

14:00

16:00

11:00

14:00

17:00

11:00

14:00

16:00

 Lille Europe arrive

14:24

16:57

19:44

14:31

16:57

19:57

14:21

16:57

19:44

 Easy change at Lille onto Eurostar, 30 minute check-in...

 Lille Europe depart

16:35

18:35

21:35

15:30

18:35

20:58

16:35

18:35

21:35

 London St Pancras arrive

16:57

19:10

21:57

16:00

18:57

21:57

16:57

19:10

21:57

Notes for timetable

How to read these timetables:  It's easy, you read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at each grey bar.

Always check train times for your specific dates using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as the times shown here can vary.  Don't book any Eurostar tickets until you have confirmed onward train times.  Eurostar doesn't run on 25 December.

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

What are the trains like?

1. London to Lille by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Lille in 1h22, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45-minute minimum in Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Lille Europe station guide & tips on changing trains.

Eurostar e320   Eurostar e320 first class seats

A Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.

 

1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Eurostar e320 2nd class   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Lille to Lyon by TGV...

TGV or Train á Grande Vitesse is French Railways high-speed train, with 1st & 2nd class and a cafe-bar.  They come in various types, some single-deck, some double-deck TGV Duplex, you could get either on cross-France routes from Lille.  Most have power sockets at seats, most now have free WiFi.  The photos below show a single-deck TGV with the Christian Lacroix designer interior.  The direct TGVs from Lille by-pass Paris on a high-speed avoiding line via Charles de Gaulle Airport station.  More information about TGVLyon Part Dieu station guide.

Boarding a TGV   TGV bar car

Boarding a TGV...

 

Cafe-bar... See sample TGV bar menu

TGV interior by Christian Lacroix, second class   TGV 1st class by Christian Lacroix

2nd class with a mix or unidirectional seats & tables for 4.  Seats are 2+2 across car width. 360 degree photo.

 

1st class with a mix of unidirectional seats, solo seats, tables for 2 & for 4.  Seats 2+1 across car width.  360 degree photo.

3. Lyon to Geneva by TER regional train...

These run every couple of hours, no reservation necessary or possible, you sit where you like.  There's some nice scenery between Lyon & Geneva, too.  More information about Lyon to Geneva TER trainsLyon Part Dieu station guide Geneva station guide.

2nd class seats on Geneva-Lyon TER train   Geneva-Lyon TER train at Geneva

2nd class seats on Lyon-Geneva TER.   Larger photo.

 

A TER to Lyon at Geneva.

Scenery from the train between Lyon and Geneva

Scenery from the Lyon to Geneva TER as it follows the River Rhône.  It follows the river for much of the way, mainly on the left hand side going Geneva to Lyon, right hand side Lyon to Geneva.

Back to top


London to Bern

Taking the train is the stress-free and environmentally-sound way from London to Bern.  Eurostar links London & Paris in 2h20 from £52 one-way or £78 return.  High speed TGV-Lyria trains link Paris with Basel in 3h04 from €29 each way - change in Basel for a Swiss intercity train to Bern taking 58 minutes.  TGV-Lyrias have standard class (2nd class), standard premiere (1st class) and business premiere (1st class with flexible fares and at-seat meal & wine included).  There's a cafe-bar car selling drinks & snacks, free WiFi and power sockets at all seats.  You can find a seat numbering plan & other useful information at www.tgv-lyria.com.  Lyria is a consortium of the French and Swiss national railways.  What's it like on board a TGV-Lyria?For the ferry alternative, see here.

Timetable outward 2023

 London ► Bern

 Eurostar (30 min check-in):

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 London St Pancras depart:

07:01

10:22

12:24

20:01

06:31

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

08:01

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

 Paris Gare du Nord arrive:

10:17

13:57

15:57

23:27

09:47

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:17

11:20

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:27

 Cross Paris by metro to the Gare de Lyon for the TGV-Lyria train to Switzerland...

 Paris Gare de Lyon depart:

12:22

16:22

18:22

07:22

12:22

14:22

16:22

18:22

10:22

12:22

14:22

16:22

18:22

07:22

 Basel SBB arrive:

15:26

19:26

21:26

10:26

15:26

17:26

19:26

21:26

13:26

15:26

17:26

19:26

21:26

10:26

 Change at Basel onto a half-hourly Swiss train...

 Basel SBB depart:

15:56

19:56

21:56

10:56

15:56

17:56

19:56

21:56

13:56

15:56

17:56

19:56

21:56

10:56

 Bern arrive:

16:56

20:56

22:56

11:56

16:56

18:56

20:56

22:56

14:56

16:56

18:56

20:56

22:56

11:56

How to read these timetables:  It's very simple, you read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at each grey bar.

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight hotel stop in Paris.

By all means choose an earlier evening Eurostar outward or a later morning one inwards.  Or a later morning TGV going south, or an earlier evening TGV going north.  Your call!  See suggested hotels in Paris near the Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon

Why not catch an earlier Eurostar and have lunch at the famous Train Bleu restaurant on the main concourse?  It's an experience in itself...

Eurostar times can vary slightly so always double-check when booking.  Check these times & buy tickets online at www.raileurope.com.

Timetable inward 2023

 Bern ► London

 Half-hourly Swiss train...

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 Bern depart:

07:04

09:04

11:04

13:04

17:04

07:04

09:04

11:04

13:04

17:04

07:04

09:04

11:04

13:04

17:04

 Basel SBB arrive:

08:01

10:01

12:01

14:01

18:01

08:01

10:01

12:01

14:01

18:01

08:01

10:01

12:01

14:01

18:01

 TGV-Lyria...

 

 

 

 

 

                   

 Basel SBB depart:

08:34

10:34

12:34

14:34

18:34

08:34

10:34

12:34

14:34

18:34

08:34

10:34

12:34

14:34

18:34

 Paris Gare de Lyon arrive

11:38

13:38

15:38

17:38

21:38

11:38

13:38

15:38

17:38

21:38

11:38

13:38

15:38

17:38

21:38

 Cross Paris by metro to the Gare du Nord for Eurostar (30 min check-in)

 Paris Gare du Nord dep.

15:03

17:03

18:13

21:03

07:03

14:13

16:13

19:03

20:13

08:13

15:03

16:13

18:13

20:13

07:13

 London St Pancras arrive

16:39

18:32

19:30

22:39

08:30

15:30

17:30

20:39

21:30

09:30

16:39

17:30

19:30

21:30

08:32

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Back to top


London to Lausanne, Montreux, Gstaad

  The Golden Panoramic Express at Gstaad

Taking the train is a wonderful, stress-free and environmentally-friendly way to get from London to Lausanne & western Switzerland.  Take Eurostar from London to Paris in just 2h20 from £52, then a high-speed TGV-Lyria train from Paris to Lausanne in only 3h40 from €29 each way.  That's city centre to city centre, no baggage fees, no extra to pay to get to and from airports, and infants under 4 go free.

The TGV-Lyria travels at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) along the TGV Sud-Est high-speed line, then branches off at lower speed through pretty hills around Dijon and across rural France into Switzerland.  Frequent Swiss trains, running like clockwork, link Lausanne with Vevey, Montreux, Aigle, Martigny, & Sion.  Change at Montreux for the scenic Golden Pass route to Gstaad.  Take a bottle of wine onto the TGV with you, put your feet up and enjoy the ride.  On TGV-Lyria, business première fares include a complimentary meal and wine served at your seat.  What's it like on a TGV-Lyria train?For the ferry alternative, see here.

Pictured right:  Taking the train from London to Gstaad.  It's a very scenic train ride from Montreux to Gstaad, and some departures use panoramic coaches like these.

Timetable outward 2023

 London ► Lausanne, Montreux, Gstaad

 Eurostar (30 min check-in)

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 London St Pancras depart:

07:01

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

06:31

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

 Paris Gare du Nord arrive:

10:17

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:27

09:47

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:17

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:27

 Cross Paris by metro to the Gare de Lyon for the Lyria TGV to Lausanne...

 Paris Gare de Lyon depart:

11:56

14:18

16:18

17:56

07:56

11:56

14:18

16:18

17:56

07:56

14:18

16:18

17:56

07:56

 Lausanne arrive:

15:37

18:14

20:14

21:38

11:52

15:37

18:14

20:14

21:38

11:52

18:14

20:14

21:37

11:52

 Change at Lausanne for frequent Swiss domestic trains to Montreux, these run every 15-20 minutes...

 Lausanne depart:

15:50

18:27

20:27

21:50

12:01

15:50

18:27

20:27

21:50

12:01

18:27

20:27

21:50

12:01

 Montreux arrive:

16:10

18:57

20:57

22:10

12:26

16:10

18:57

20:57

22:10

12:26

18:57

20:57

22:10

12:26

 Quick & simple change at Montreux for the narrow gauge line to Gstaad...

 Montreux depart:

16:50

19:50

21:49

22:49

12:50

16:50

19:50

21:49

22:49

12:50

19:50

21:49

22:49

12:50

 Gstaad arrive:

18:23

21:23

23:23

00:23

14:23

18:23

21:23

23:23

00:23

14:23

21:23

23:23

00:23

14:23

How to read these timetables  It's simple, you read downwards, each column is a journey option you can take.  You change trains at each grey bar.

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight hotel stop in Paris.

By all means choose an earlier evening Eurostar outward or a later morning one inwards.  Or a later morning TGV going south, or an earlier evening TGV going north.  Your call!  See suggested hotels in Paris near the Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon

Why not book an earlier Eurostar and have lunch in Paris at the celebrated Train Bleu restaurant inside the Gare de Lyon?

Times may vary so always check exact times online.  Check these times & buy tickets at www.raileurope.com.

The 14:18, 16:18 Paris-Lausanne TGVs & 09:45, 13:45 Lausanne-Paris TGVs run via Geneva, see the scenery photos in the Paris-Geneva section.

Timetable inward 2023

 Gstaad, Montreux, Lausanne London

 

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 Gstaad depart:

-

06:36

09:36

10:36

13:36

-

06:36

09:36

10:36

13:36

-

06:36

09:36

10:36

13:36

 Montreux arrive:

-

08:11

11:11

12:11

15:11

-

08:11

11:11

12:11

15:11

-

08:11

11:11

12:11

15:11

 Change at Montreux for frequent InterCity trains to Lausanne...

 Montreux depart:

06:33

08:48

11:28

12:48

15:31

06:33

08:48

11:28

12:48

15:31

06:33

08:48

11:28

12:48

15:31

 Lausanne arrive:

07:00

09:10

11:48

13:10

15:59

07:00

09:10

11:48

13:10

15:59

07:00

09:10

11:48

13:10

15:59

 Change at Lausanne for the Lyria TGV train to Paris...

 Lausanne depart:

07:23

09:45

12:23

13:45

16:23

07:23

09:45

12:23

13:45

16:23

07:23

09:45

12:23

13:45

16:23

 Paris Gare de Lyon arrive

11:08

13:42

16:04

17:42

20:04

11:08

13:42

16:04

17:42

20:04

11:08

13:42

16:04

17:42

20:04

 Cross Paris by metro to the Gare du Nord for Eurostar (30 min check-in)

 Paris Gare du Nord depart

13:03

17:03

18:13

21:03

07:03

13:03

16:13

19:03

20:13

08:13

13:03

16:13

18:13

20:13

07:03

 London St Pancras arrive

14:39

18:32

19:30

22:39

08:30

14:39

17:30

20:39

21:30

09:30

14:39

17:30

19:30

21:30

08:30

Connections to Vevey, Montreux, Sion, Martigny

Lausanne is the ideal entry point for western Switzerland.  Frequent (at least half-hourly) trains link Lausanne with Vevey, Montreux (19 minutes), Sion, & Martigny.  Change at Montreux for the amazingly scenic narrow-gauge Golden Pass route to Gstaad & Zweisimmen.  The Golden Pass route from Montreux to Gstaad climbs spectacularly up the mountain out of Montreux, passing over the top to the valley behind.  You can check train times and fares from Lausanne to anywhere in Switzerland at www.sbb.ch.

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Back to top


London to Interlaken & region

  Take the train from London to Interlaken & Grindelwald, no flying necessary!

 

It's easy to travel by train from the UK to Interlaken and the Jungfrau region.  Take Eurostar to Paris in only 2h20 from £52 one-way or £78 return, then a 300 km/h (186 mph) TGV-Lyria from Paris to Basel in just 3h from €29 each way.  Regular Swiss InterCity trains run from Basel through the mountains and along the lake shore to Interlaken Ost in 1h58.  No airports, no flights, a chance to chill out by train not stress out by plane. 

TGV-Lyria trains have 3 classes, standard class (2nd class), standard première (1st class) & business première (1st class with a meal & wine served at your seat included in the fare).  There's a cafe-bar car selling drinks & snacks, and you'll find power points for mobiles & laptops at all 1st class seats.  Take a bottle of wine with you, put your feet up and enjoy the ride!  TGV-Lyria is a consortium of the French and Swiss railways.  For the ferry alternatives, see here.

Interlaken lies at the centre of the Jungfrau region, with narrow gauge local trains up into the mountains to skiing resorts such as Grindelwald nestling at the foot of the Eiger, and Lauterbrunnen, at the foot of the Jungfrau.  The famous Jungfraubahn rack railway climbs the Jungfrau to the Top of Europe from both Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen.

Pictured right:  Just arrived from London by train...  The local train to Grindelwald has reached the buffer stops at the end of the line from London St Pancras, no flying necessary.

Timetable outward 2023

 London ► Interlaken & Grindelwald

 Eurostar (30 min check-in)

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 London St Pancras depart:

07:01

10:22

12:24

20:01

06:31

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

08:01

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

 Paris Gare du Nord arrive:

10:17

13:57

15:57

23:27

09:47

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:17

11:20

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:27

 Cross Paris by metro to the Gare de Lyon for the TGV-Lyria train to Switzerland...

 Paris Gare de Lyon depart:

12:22

16:22

18:22

07:22

12:22

14:22

16:22

18:22

10:22

12:22

14:22

16:22

18:22

07:22

 Basel SBB arrive:

15:26

19:26

21:26

10:26

15:26

17:26

19:26

21:26

13:26

15:26

17:26

19:26

21:26

10:26

 Change at Basel onto a Swiss train...

 Basel SBB depart:

15:56

19:56

21:56

10:56

15:56

17:56

19:56

21:56

13:56

15:56

17:56

19:56

21:56

10:56

 Interlaken Ost arrive:

17:58

21:59

00:00

12:58

17:58

19:58

21:59

00:00

15:58

17:58

19:59

21:59

00:00

12:58

 Change trains at Interlaken onto a connecting narrow-gauge train...

 Interlaken Ost depart:

18:05

22:05

-

13:05

18:05

20:05

22:05

-

16:05

18:05

20:05

22:05

-

13:05

 Grindelwald arrive:

18:39

22:39

-

13:39

18:39

20:39

22:39

-

16:39

18:39

20:39

22:39

-

13:39

How to read these timetables  It's simple, you read downwards, each column is a journey option you can take.  You change trains at each grey bar.

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight hotel stop in Paris.

By all means choose an earlier evening Eurostar outward or a later morning one inwards.  Or a later morning TGV going south, or an earlier evening TGV going north.  Your call!  See suggested hotels in Paris near the Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon

Lauterbrunnen & Wengen::  Half-hourly local trains link Interlaken Ost with Lauterbrunnen, journey time 20 minutes.  Change at Lauterbrunnen for Wengen, total journey time from Interlaken to Wengen is 46 minutes.  You can check times and fares using the journey planner at www.sbb.ch.   By train up the Jungfrau.

Why not book an earlier Eurostar and have lunch in Paris at the celebrated Train Bleu restaurant inside the Gare de Lyon?

Train times may vary so always double-check for your date of travel.  Check these times & buy tickets online at www.raileurope.com.

Timetable inward 2023

 Grindelwald & InterlakenLondon

 Narrow-gauge train:

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 Grindelwald depart:

05:18

07:18

09:18

11:18

15:18

05:18

07:18

09:18

11:18

15:18

05:18

07:18

09:18

11:18

15:18

 Interlaken Ost arrive:

05:52

07:53

09:53

11:53

15:53

05:52

07:53

09:53

11:53

15:53

05:52

07:53

09:53

11:53

15:53

 Change trains at Basel onto a Swiss InterCity train...

 Interlaken Ost depart:

05:58

08:00

10:00

12:00

16:00

05:58

08:00

10:00

12:00

16:00

05:58

08:00

10:00

12:00

16:00

 Basel SBB arrive:

08:01

10:01

12:01

14:01

18:01

08:01

10:01

12:01

14:01

18:01

08:01

10:01

12:01

14:01

18:01

 Change trains at Basel onto TGV-Lyria...

 Basel SBB depart:

08:34

10:34

12:34

14:34

18:34

08:34

10:34

12:34

14:34

18:34

08:34

10:34

12:34

14:34

18:34

 Paris Gare de Lyon arr:

11:38

13:38

15:38

17:38

21:38

11:38

13:38

15:38

17:38

21:38

11:38

13:38

15:38

17:38

21:38

 Cross Paris by metro to the Gare du Nord for Eurostar (30 min check-in)

 Paris Gare du Nord dep

15:03

17:03

18:13

21:03

07:03

14:13

16:13

19:03

20:13

08:13

15:03

16:13

18:13

20:13

07:03

 London St Pancras arr.

16:39

18:32

19:30

22:39

08:30

15:30

17:30

20:39

21:30

09:30

16:39

17:30

19:30

21:30

08:30

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Back to top


Book hotels at Booking.com


London to Brig & Zermatt

  The Matterhorn, near Zermatt in Switzerland - easy to reach from London by train..!

Zermatt lies nestled at the foot of the imposing Matterhorn, surrounded by mountains.  It's a car-free resort, which can only be reached by train.  Electric 'johnny cabs' shuttle hotel guests to hotels and act as taxis.  Here is the daily all-year-round train service.

To reach Zermatt, simply hop on a Eurostar to Paris in 2h20 then take a TGV-Lyria high-speed train from Paris to Lausanne in just 3h40.  Hourly Swiss trains link Lausanne with Visp, where you board the little narrow-gauge branch line up the Mattertal Valley to Zermatt.  For the ferry alternatives via Harwich, Hull or Newcastle, see here.

For the best views of the scenery on the local line southbound from Brig or Visp to Zermatt, find a seat on the left-hand side of the train.  This narrow gauge train ascends the Mattertal Valley via a series of 'steps'.  The train uses conventional adhesion along the level sections, then rack-and-pinion to climb a series of steep sections.

Pictured right, the Matterhorn towers over Zermatt...

Timetable outward 2023

 London ► Brig & Zermatt

 Eurostar (30 min check-in)

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 London St Pancras depart:

07:01

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

06:31

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

09:24

10:22

12:24

20:01

 Paris Gare du Nord arrive:

10:17

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:27

09:47

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:17

12:57

13:57

15:57

23:27

 Cross Paris by metro to the Gare de Lyon for the TGV-Lyria train to Lausanne...

 Paris Gare de Lyon depart:

11:56

14:18

16:18

17:56

07:56

11:56

14:18

16:18

17:56

07:56

14:18

16:18

17:56

07:56

 Lausanne arrive:

15:37

18:14

20:14

21:37

11:52

15:37

18:14

20:14

21:37

11:52

18:14

20:14

21:37

11:52

 Change at Lausanne for Swiss Inter-Regional trains to Visp & Brig, these run every half hour...

 Lausanne depart:

15:50

18:50

20:50

21:50

12:21

15:50

18:50

20:50

21:50

12:21

18:50

20:50

21:50

12:21

 Visp arrive - change for Zermatt:

17:23

20:23

22:23

23:25

13:53

17:23

20:23

22:23

23:25

13:53

20:23

22:23

23:25

13:53

 Brig arrive:

17:32

20:32

22:32

23:38

14:02

17:32

20:32

22:32

23:38

14:02

20:32

22:32

23:38

14:02

 Change at Visp for the scenic narrow gauge train up the Mattertal Valley to Zermatt...

 Visp depart:

17:41

21:08

22:41

-

14:08

17:41

21:08

22:41

-

14:08

21:08

23:29

23:29

14:08

 Zermatt arrive:

18:51

22:14

23:48

-

15:14

18:51

22:14

23:48

-

15:14

22:14

00:28

00:28

15:14

How to read these timetables  It's simple, you read downwards, each column is a journey option you can take.  You change trains at each grey bar.

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight hotel stop in Paris.

By all means choose an earlier evening Eurostar outward or a later morning one inwards.  Or a later morning TGV going south, or an earlier evening TGV going north.  Your call!  See suggested hotels in Paris near the Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon

Why not book an earlier Eurostar and have lunch in Paris at the celebrated Train Bleu restaurant inside the Gare de Lyon?

Train times can vary so always check times for your date of travel online.  Check these times & buy tickets at www.raileurope.com.

Timetable inward 2023

 Zermatt & Brig London

 Narrow gauge train to Visp...

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

 Zermatt depart:

06:13

08:13

10:13

12:37

06:13

08:37

10:13

12:37

06:13

08:37

10:13

12:37

 Visp arrive:

07:22

09:22

11:22

13:46

07:22

09:46

11:22

13:46

07:22

09:46

11:22

13:46

Change at Visp for the hourly InterCity train to Lausanne...

 Brig depart:

07:26

09:57

11:26

13:57

07:26

09:57

11:26

13:57

07:26

09:57

11:26

13:57

 Visp depart:

07:35

10:06

11:35

14:06

07:35

10:06

11:35

14:06

07:35

10:06

11:35

14:06

 Lausanne arrive:

09:10

11:39

13:10

15:39

09:10

11:39

13:10

15:39

09:10

11:39

13:10

15:39

 Change at Lausanne for the TGV-Lyria train to Paris...

 Lausanne depart:

09:45

12:23

13:45

16:23

09:45

12:23

13:45

16:23

09:45

12:23

13:45

16:23

 Paris Gare de Lyon arrive

13:42

16:04

17:42

20:04

13:42

16:04

17:42

20:04

13:42

16:04

17:42

20:04

 Cross Paris by metro to the Gare du Nord for Eurostar (30 minute check-in)

 Paris Gare du Nord depart

17:03

18:13

21:03

07:03

16:13

19:03

20:13

08:13

16:13

18:13

20:13

07:03

 London St Pancras arrive

18:32

19:30

22:39

08:30

17:30

20:39

21:30

09:30

17:30

19:30

21:30

08:30

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Let Railbookers arrange it for you

Back to top


London to Chur & the Engadin

The area around St Moritz, Davos and Klosters has attracted visitors from the UK both for winter sports and summer holidays for over a century - and the journey by narrow-gauge train from Chur to St Moritz is one of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland, or indeed the world.  To get there by train from the UK, simply use any of the London-Zurich options shown in the London to Zurich section above, then use www.sbb.ch to find connections to St Moritz.  Two good options are shown below.  For the ferry alternative, see here.

London ► Chur, Davos, Klosters, St Moritz, every day

London ► Chur, Davos, Klosters, St Moritz, every day

St Moritz, Klosters, Davos, Chur ► London, every day

St Moritz, Klosters, Davos, Chur ► London, every day

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Let Railbookers arrange it for you

Places to stay near St Moritz

There's no shortage of hotels in St Moritz, just run a search at booking.com, anything with a review score over 8.0 will be great.  But for something really different and special, I recommend the amazing Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl, opened in 1907 and perched on a 2,454m high mountain with spectacular views over the Engadin Valley.  It is easily the best view I have ever had over a hotel breakfast.

To reach the Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl, take a local train from St Moritz to Punt Muragl Staz, see Muottas Muragl train route map, or you can get off the Glacier Express at Samedan (the stop before St Moritz) and take a local train to Punt Muragl.  It's then a 250m walk from either of these unstaffed halts to the lower station of the funicular railway which climbs up the mountain to the Hotel Muottas Muragl.  To check train times, simply use the journey planner at www.sbb.ch and run an enquiry from anywhere in Switzerland to Muottas Muragl, that's the name of the upper station of the funicular right next to the hotel.

The Muottas Muragl Berghotel in winter

The Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl in winter.  The upper station of the funicular railway up the mountain from Punt Muragl station is adjacent to the hotel.  See Muottas Muragl train route map.

Back to top


London to Liechtenstein

London to Vaduz

Back to top


London to Switzerland via Brussels

Going via Brussels takes significantly longer than going via Paris as shown above, but it avoids having to change trains & stations in Paris by metro or taxi.  The changes of train at Brussels Midi & Cologne Hbf are straightforward same-station changes taking only take a couple of minutes getting off one train and onto another.  This might be important to you if you have lots of luggage, kids, or a mobility issue.

London ► Basel

Basel ► London

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Another way to buy tickets

How to buy tickets by phone

Take the Rhine Valley scenic route

What's the journey like?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras (45-minute minimum in Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedureSt Pancras station guide Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels.

Eurostar e320   Eurostar e320 first class seats

A Eurostar e320 train.  More about Eurostar.

 

Standard Premier/Business Premier.  Larger photo.

Eurostar e320 2nd class   Eurostar e320 cafe-bar

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.

 

One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Brussels to Cologne & Cologne to Switzerland by ICE3...

Germany's superb ICEs have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  50 minutes after leaving Brussels the ICE calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava.  As you approach Cologne Hbf you'll see the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral on the right, next to the station.  More information about ICE3 Brussels Midi station guideCologne Hbf station guide.

ICE3M to Cologne & Frankfurt, boarding at Brussels Midi

An ICE3M to Cologne at Brussels Midi.  More information about ICE Advice on changing trains in Brussels.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Food is served on proper china with metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant on an ICE3M.  ICE3 classes 403 & 407 have a larger restaurant area.  Larger photo.

Back to top


London to Switzerland by ferry from Harwich

You might prefer the idea of cruising overnight in a comfy en suite cabin on the Stena Line superferry (watch the video!), then taking a superb German ICE train to Switzerland next day, and this route is useful If you live in East Anglia, want to avoid the Channel Tunnel, if the French are on strike again, or if all the cheap Eurostar fares have sold out.  It's one of the routes shown in dark blue on the route map above.

Incidentally, I don't recommend Dover-Calais.  Although it's more direct, it's has no through ticketing and long walks or taxis are required between station & port in both Dover & Calais.  The Harwich-Hoek route has seamless train/ferry connections & one ticket covers the British train and the ferry.

London, Cambridge & Harwich ► Switzerland

  • Day 1, travel from London to Hoek van Holland overnight by Stena Line Rail & Sail.

    You leave London Liverpool Street at 18:45 Mondays-Fridays, 19:36 Saturdays or 20:00 Sundays by direct train to Harwich International.

    You leave Cambridge at 19:47 Mondays-Saturdays or 19:45 on Sundays by direct train to Harwich International.

    At Harwich, the station is right next to the ferry terminal and you walk off the train into the terminal, check in at the Stena Line desk and walk straight onto Stena Line's luxurious overnight superferry Stena Hollandica to Hoek van Holland.

    The ferry sails at 23:00 and arrives at Hoek van Holland at 08:00 next morning, Dutch time.

    All passengers travel in cosy private cabins with en suite toilet & shower & satellite TV.  Deluxe Comfort class & Captains class cabins are also available, and there's free WiFi in the lounges, restaurants & bars on 9 deck.  You can get on board the ferry around 9pm, have a late dinner in the restaurant and settle into your cabin.

    This is an integrated train & ferry service, see the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for full details, photos & travel tips.  The special fare from London is valid from any Abellio Greater Anglia station, for example Norwich, Cambridge, Romford, Ilford, Ipswich.

Switzerland ► Harwich, Cambridge & London

How much does it cost?

  • London to Hoek van Holland by Rail & Sail starts at £55 per person each way, plus cabin.

    Cabins start at £34 for a single berth cabin or £45 per cabin for a 2-berth, and are compulsory on the night sailing.  For full details of fares and cabin types and costs, see the Stena Line Rail & Sail page.

    Hoek van Holland to Rotterdam Alexander by metro costs around €4.

How to buy tickets

What's the journey like?

Step 1, London to Holland by train & ferry...

A train takes you from London's Liverpool Street station directly to the ferry terminal at Harwich.  You walk off the train, into the terminal, get your boarding card & cabin key at the Stena Line check-in desk and walk straight onto the overnight ferry to Hoek van Holland.  The superferry Stena Britannica is the largest ferry of its kind in the world.  The journey from London to Holland is explained in detail on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page See the video...

Captain's class cabin on Stena Line ferry   Stena Line ferry at Harwich

Captain's Class cabin on the Harwich-Hoek ferry with double bed, complimentary minibar with sparkling wine, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer.  Larger photo.

 

Boarding the Stena Britannica at Harwich.  She's a floating hotel to Hoek van Holland, with easy rail connections on either side of the Channel.  Restaurants, bars, shop, kennels, cinema...

Metropolitan restaurant on Stena Line ferry   Cabin on Stena Line ferry

Dinner before bed?  Metropolitan à la carte restaurant.

 

Standard outside cabin.  Larger photo360º photo.

Step 2, from Holland across Germany to Switzerland by ICE high-speed train...

At Hoek van Holland, you walk off the ship, through passport control and straight onto the station for the frequent metro train to Rotterdam Alexander.  Change at Rotterdam Alexander for a train to Utrecht Centraal.  Then take a superb German ICE train from Utrecht to Cologne and on to Switzerland.   More information about ICE trains.

ICE3 at Amsterdam Centraal

An ICE3M to Frankfurt at Amsterdam.  More information about ICE.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Back to top


London to Switzerland via Portsmouth

This route is ideal if you live on the south coast.  It's also a good alternative to Eurostar from London if you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel or if Eurostar is expensive (for example, at short notice) - although the train/ferry/train transfers are much easier via Harwich & Hoek van Holland as stations & ferry terminals are integrated, on the Portsmouth-Caen route a taxi transfer is needed between train & ferry in Portsmouth, and a bus or taxi transfer in Caen.

Ferry arrival in Portsmouth at dawn

The luxurious Normandie at Portsmouth.

Back to top


Scotland & North to Switzerland

If you live in the North of England or Scotland, option 1 is to take a train up to London and travel from London to Switzerland as described above.  This may well be the quickest & easiest option.  Here's some advice on buying connecting train tickets to London.  If you live in Scotland, the Caledonian Sleepers will get you up to London in time for a morning Eurostar & afternoon TGV to Switzerland.

But consider option 2, by-passing London by taking a luxurious overnight cruise ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam run by DFDS Seaways or a similar overnight ferry from Hull to Rotterdam run by P&O Ferries, then taking a fast comfortable train to Switzerland.

Scotland & the North ► Amsterdam ► Switzerland

Switzerland ► Amsterdam ► Scotland & the North

Fares & how to buy tickets

What's the journey like?

1. Newcastle to Amsterdam (DFDS) or Hull to Rotterdam (P&O) by overnight cruise ferry...

Both ferries have private en suite cabins, restaurants, bars, cinema, a floating hotel.  If travelling with DFDS from Newcastle, a transfer bus takes you from IJmuiden ferry terminal to Amsterdam Centraal station next morning.  If travelling with P&O from Hull, a transfer bus takes you from Rotterdam Europoort ferry terminal to Rotterdam Centraal, from where frequent Dutch trains run to Utrecht.

Princess of Norway (now Princess Seaways) at Newcastle   A standard cabin on DFDS Seaways Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry.

DFDS Seaways Princess of Norway (now Princess Seaways) about to sail overnight from Newcastle to Amsterdam.  The ferry also has deluxe Commodore class cabins with minibar, satellite TV, shower & toilet.  See the video...

 

A standard Seaways class cabin with shower & toilet on DFDS Princess of Norway from Newcastle to Amsterdam.

P&O Ferries Pride of Rotterdam   Cabin on P&O Ferries Pride of Rotterdam

P&O Ferries Pride of Rotterdam at Rotterdam Europoort.  The ferry also has deluxe class cabins with minibar, satellite TV, shower & toilet.

 

A standard outside cabin with shower & toilet on P&O's Pride of Rotterdam from Hull to Rotterdam.

2.  From Holland across Germany to Switzerland by ICE high-speed train...

Take an ICE train from Amsterdam or Utrecht to Cologne or Frankfurt, then another ICE to Basel, Zurich with connections all over Switzerland.  There are power sockets at all seats, free WiFi and a bistro-restaurant serving drinks, snacks and meals.  More info about ICE trains.

ICE3 at Amsterdam Centraal

An ICE3M to Frankfurt at Amsterdam.  More information about ICE.

2nd class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train   1st class on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

2nd class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Erdinger Weissbier on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE train   Restaurant car on the Frankfurt-Brussels ICE3M train

Proper china, metal cutlery.  I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier!  See current month's menu.

 

Restaurant car:  This is the small 12-seat restaurant area on an ICE3M.  Larger photo.

Back to top


Guidebooks

Amazon logoDefinitely take a good guidebook.  For the independent traveller, I think this means either the Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide.  Both guidebooks provide the same excellent level of practical information and historical background. You won't regret buying one!

Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Lonely Planet Switzerland - buy online at Amazon.co.uk   Rough Guide to Switzerland - buy online at Amazon.co.uk   Click to buy - Lonely Planet Western Europe

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website, from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Back to top


European Rail Timetable & maps

Thomas Cook European Timetable -  click to buy onlineTraveller's Railway Map of Europe - buy onlineThe European Rail Timetable (formerly the Thomas Cook European Timetable) has train & ferry times for every country in Europe plus currency & climate information.  It is essential for regular European train travellers and an inspiration for armchair travellers.  Published since 1873, it had just celebrated 140 years of publication when Thomas Cook decided to pull the plug on their entire publishing department, but the dedicated ex-Thomas Cook team set up a private venture and resumed publication of the famous European Rail Timetable in March 2014.  You can buy it online at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses) or www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide).  More information on what the European Rail Timetable contains.

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map.  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Back to top


Hotels in Switzerland

Hotels in Paris near the Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon... 

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search site: www.booking.com

www.booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally prefer booking my hotels all in one place here.  You can usually book with free cancellation - this allows you to confirm your accommodation at no risk before train booking opens.  It also means you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary, and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when putting a trip together.  I never book hotels non-refundably.  I have also come to trust their review scores - you won't be disappointed with anything over 8.0.

Tip:  It can pay to compare prices across multiple hotel sites:  HotelsCombined.com is a price comparison site which compares hotel prices on Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, Accor, Agoda and many others.  Though if there's not much in it, I prefer keeping all my bookings together in one place at www.booking.com.

AirBnB:  www.airbnb.com...

www.airbnb.com began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travellers looking for a place to stay.  AirBnB is a platform which connects hosts with guests, so you can now book a room in people's homes, or an apartment, flat or house which people want to rent out.  It can be nicer than a hostel, cheaper than many hotels.

Tripadvisor hotel reviews...

www.tripadvisor.com is a good place to find independent travellers' reviews of the main hotels.  It also has the low-down on all the sights & attractions too.

Hostelworld.com logoBackpacker hostels: www.hostelworld.com...

www.hostelworld.com:  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Back to top


Holidays to Switzerland by train

 

Railbookers.com logo

0207 864 4600 (UK)

1-888-829-4775 (USA)

1-855-882-2910 (Canada)

1300 971 526 (Aus)

0800 000 554 (NZ)

 

Rail Discoveries logo

01904 730 727

 

Great Rail Journeys logo

01904 527120

If you want a holiday to Switzerland by train not plane, but want someone else to organise all the train tickets & hotels for you, several specialist companies do just that, for a holiday with no airport hassles and no long days in cramped coach seats on motorways.  Railbookers offer custom-made individual holidays with departure on any date you like, whereas Rail Discoveries & Great Rail Journeys offer escorted tours with specific departure dates.

Railbookers for holidays & breaks to Switzerland by rail...

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a tour or holiday for you as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers.  On their website you'll find a range of suggested tours & holidays which can be varied or customised to your own requirements.  And as you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the itinerary such as a strike or delay.  They get very positive reviews.  For example, they can do a 2-night short break to Geneva or a 4-night trip including the famous Glacier Express and the equally amazing Bernina Express.

UK flag  UK 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk.

US flag  US 1-888-829-4775, see website.

Canadian flag  Canada 1-855-882-2910, see website.

Australian flag  Australia 1300 971 526, see website

New Zealand flag  New Zealand 0800 000 554 or see website.

Rail Discoveries, www.raildiscoveries.com, 01904 730 727:  Escorted tours...

Rail Discoveries offers several train-based tours to Switzerland, with 3* hotels and travel from London by Eurostar and high-speed TGV.  For example, they offer an 8-day tour combining Mont Blanc with the amazing Glacier Express (see the Glacier Express page).  Check details & prices online at www.raildiscoveries.com, then book online or call 01904 730 727.

Great Rail Journeys, www.greatrail.com, 01904 527120:  Escorted tours...

GRJ offers five-star inclusive tours to Switzerland, with 1st class train travel and 5* hotels.  Their most popular tour combines 1st class overland travel from London to Switzerland by Eurostar & high-speed TGV with a ride on the famous narrow-gauge Glacier Express, which runs right across Switzerland from St Moritz to Zermatt through spectacular scenery.  Tours depart regularly throughout much of the year.  Check the tour details & prices online, then call 01904 527120 to book or use their online booking form.

Back to top


Travel insurance & VPN

 

Staysure travel insurance

 

Confused.com logo

Always take out travel insurance...

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I use an annual policy myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here.  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

UK flag  www.staysure.co.uk offers enhanced Covid-19 protection.

UK flag  You can use www.confused.com to compare prices & policy features across major insurance companies.

US flag  If you live in the USA try Travel Guard USA.

 

Curve card

Curve card saves foreign transaction fees...

Banks often give a poor exchange rate, then charge a currency conversion fee as well.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The balance goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:  1. Download the app for iPhone or Android.  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to most European addresses including the UK.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, just like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance onto whichever of your debit or credit cards you choose.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I use a Curve Blue card myself - I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I'm recommending it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card - they'll give you £5 cashback through that link, too.

 

Express VPN

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  VPNs & why you need one explained...

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN means your connection to the internet is encrypted & always secure, even using unsecured WiFi.  In countries such as China where access to Twitter & Facebook is restricted, a VPN gets around these restrictions.  And lastly, you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geographic restrictions which some websites apply - for example one booking site charges a booking fee to non-European visitors but none to European visitors, so if you're not located in Europe you can avoid this fee by browsing with a UK IP address using a VPN.  VPNs & why you need one explainedExpressVPN is a best buy and I use it myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription, and I get a small commission to help support this site.

 

Anker Powerrbank

Carry an Anker powerbank...

With tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes now often held digitally on your mobile phone, it's vital to keep it charged.  I recommend carrying an Anker powerbank which can recharge your phone several times over if you can't get to a power outlet when you're on the move.  I never travel without one.

 


Back to top

Back to home page