On which private railways is it possible to travel independently and autonomously?

Here you can find a list of the trains of private railways and SBB subsidiaries on which you can travel autonomously.

You can also get information on the equipment and accessibility at stations from the synoptic map for people with reduced mobility or via the SBB Call Center Handicap on the toll-free number 0800 007 102 (+41 51 225 78 44 from abroad).

However, the synoptic map does not contain any information on the rolling stock.

What does the SBB Call Center Handicap do?

What is a support station?

A support station is a station with support facilities. It is equipped with a Mobilift (hydraulic lift system). Assistance is available when boarding and alighting at these stations. A list of support stations is published in the Handicap synoptic map and in the leaflet ‘Barrierefrei unterwegs’ (Accessible travel)

Assistance is provided for accompanied long-distance trains and for some regional trains.

How much advance notice is required for organising assistance with boarding and alighting?

• One hour before the train departs. 
• For certain railway stations, two hours in exceptional cases.
  Details can be found under ‘Stations with a pre-reservation of two hours’.
• 48 hours for international journeys.
• 12 hours for registration via order form.

Can I buy my tickets from the SBB Call Center Handicap?

No, the SBB Call Center Handicap does not sell any tickets. Tickets can be purchased:

• from the SBB Contact Center on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.) (Tickets for Switzerland, international travel, reservations for seats and wheelchair spaces).
• online at SBB.ch (tickets for Switzerland and tickets for Europe, seat reservations).
• on the SBB Mobile app (tickets for Switzerland only).
• at SBB ticket counters (entire range).
• at SBB ticket machines (tickets for Switzerland).

I have booked assistance. Can I receive confirmation?

Verbal confirmation is sufficient as definitive confirmation of your request. If you would like to receive confirmation by e-mail, please tell the SBB Call Center Handicap directly when placing your order for assistance.

Can I buy international tickets for travellers with disabilities (TCV 710 fare) or make a reservation for a wheelchair space online?

As the reservation of a wheelchair space is mandatory on international trains, you can only buy tickets for travelling abroad at staffed counters or at least 48 hours before train departure from the SBB Contact Center on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.).

If you do not require a wheelchair but only need a ticket and a seat, you can also purchase and/or book your tickets for travelling abroad online at SBB.ch.

Where can I reserve wheelchair spaces in Switzerland?

Unfortunately, you cannot reserve wheelchair spaces on trains in Switzerland.

How do I proceed with my luggage?

Customer assistants will not carry any luggage. If you are able to carry your own luggage, the SBB Call Center Handicap can guarantee that you will be provided with assistance in boarding and alighting. However, if you are travelling with a lot of luggage, it is best to drop it off. Use luggage registration at a staffed railway station for this. Usually, your luggage is ready for collection two days later. More information at sbb.ch/en/luggage or from the SBB Contact Center on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.).

I've had surgery and I need help to get home from the hospital. My difficulties with travelling are only temporary in nature. Can I call on the help of the SBB Call Center Handicap?

Yes, you can call on our help even if you only have temporary difficulties with travelling. However, this is only for boarding and alighting. If you require accompaniment during the train journey, please contact COMPAGNA. This service is subject to payment.

Compagna Reisebegleitung
Eschenstrasse 1
9000 St. Gallen
Tel. +41 71 220 1607
info@compagna-reisebegleitung.chLink opens in new window.
compagna-reisebegleitung.chLink opens in new window.

I'm travelling with a walker-rollator. Can I request assistance from the SBB Call Center Handicap?

Like wheelchair users, people who use walking frames can book personal assistance. However, for safety reasons you are not permitted to access the Mobilift using the walking frame. You must therefore be capable of overcoming obstacles such as individual steps, ledges and gaps without the help of the service staff.

Important: when travelling with a walker-rollator, it is necessary to plan accordingly as regards sufficient interchange time at the transfer station. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to catch the regular connecting train for every connection. Please consider this aspect when preparing your journey.

What are the maximum dimensions for a wheelchair on the train?

• Width overall 70 cm, length 125 cm, height 137 cm
• The Mobilifts are designed to carry a load of 320kg

As a rule, no assistance can be provided for boarding and alighting with wheelchairs that are larger and/or heavier than normal. The list of permitted drivable aids is given on the page ‘Travel planning’

My electric scooter exceeds the permitted maximum weight for assistance with boarding and alighting. Am I allowed to travel nevertheless?

If you use an aid that exceeds the stated maximum weight, assistance with boarding and alighting is not usually possible. Electric vehicles that might block access to the passenger coach because of their size are not allowed on board trains. 

Can I board the train with my Segway?

No. Use of Segways, quad bikes and vehicles with a combustion engine is prohibited both at railway stations and on trains. You can find information about transporting assistance equipment on trains under ‘Travel planning’. 

I travel with a special bicycle. Do I have to purchase a bike ticket?

Yes. If you are using a special bicycle, such as a handbike, tandem, recumbent bike or tricycle, and you have a Disabled Passenger’s ID Card, you only have to buy a bike ticket. However, bicycles with an overall length of more than two metres cannot be transported on long-distance trains.

I have a disability and I would like to contact a transport service for people with disabilities or a taxi company with vehicles that can transport wheelchairs. Where can I find the contact details?

A table of travel services for people with disabilities and taxis that carry wheelchairs is available to download from this page.

How do I book assistance on the Glacier Express (MGBahn)?

In order to reserve assistance on the Glacier Express, SBB Call Center Handicap will need to know your date of travel, the train’s departure and arrival times and the number of your reserved seat.

Your ticket and seat reservation for the Glacier Express can be obtained:

• by telephone from the SBB Contact Center on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.)
• directly from the MGBahn reservation office on 0041 (0)848 642 442 or 
• by e-mail to: railcenter@mgbahn.chLink opens in new window..

Once you have this information, simply call the toll-free number 0800 007 102 twenty-four hours before your train leaves to reserve assistance with boarding and alighting.

How do I book assistance on the Bernina Express (RhB)?

To reserve assistance on the Bernina Express, SBB Call Center Handicap will need to know your date of travel, the train’s departure and arrival times and the number of your reserved seat.

Your ticket and seat reservation for the Bernina Express can be obtained:

• by telephone from the SBB Contact Center on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.)
• directly from the Rhaetian Railway on 0041 (0)81 288 65 65 or 
• by e-mail to: railservice@rhb.chLink opens in new window..

Once you have this information, simply call the toll-free number 0800 007 102 twenty-four hours before your train leaves to reserve assistance with boarding and alighting.

How can I find accessible connections in the SBB online timetable?

You can find all the information on how to find accessible connections in the SBB online timetable on the ‘Travel planning for accessible travel’ page.

In the following video, see how you can check the accessibility of train connections in the SBB online timetable.

Which trains have low-floor coaches?

The online timetable provides information about the accessibility of every connection.

Accessibility information in the online timetable is incorrectI was on the platform and the train that arrived did not have any low-floor coaches, so I could not get on board Where has this incorrect information come from?

Information about low-floor trains cannot be guaranteed to be correct. If there is a breakdown, a replacement vehicle will have to be used which might not have a low floor. The online timetable is updated three times a day. However, changes to rolling stock are always possible at short notice.

Why is there a ‘question mark’ in the online timetable?

Unfortunately, we do not have access to information from private railway companies or municipal bus companies.

Is the information about accessibility reliable on the online timetable?

Yes, the information is updated three times a day. However, very short-notice changes can occur.

Our travelling group includes a disabled person who uses a wheelchair. Can this person travel in our group?

Yes. When you book your group journey, you should mention that a wheelchair user will be travelling as well. With this information, we can reserve seats in a passenger coach with a wheelchair compartment. At the same time, notify the SBB Call Center Handicap about your journey. Groups that include more than one wheelchair user can only be carried subject to certain conditions. The double-deck trains operated by Long-Distance Services allow groups to travel together (maximum ten people in wheelchairs). On board all other trains, groups may only be able to travel in different compartments or split across several trains, depending on the size of the group.

Where can I get assistance with boarding and alighting?

You can detailed information on assistance and the SBB Call Center Handicap under ‘Assistance in Switzerland’ and ‘Assistance for journeys abroad’ on the ‘Travel planning for accessible travel’ page.

Got to assistance for journeys in Switzerland
Go to assistance for journeys abroad

Where is the meeting point to get assistance?

If you would like assistance for boarding the train with a wheelchair at a support station, the meeting point is by the Mobilift (the yellow lifting platform). We will be there waiting for your 10 minutes before the train departs. 

You can find all the information on meeting points for other forms of assistance for boarding and alighting on the ‘Accessible travel’ page.

What are the maximum dimensions and weights for wheelchairs?

• Width 70cm.
• Length 125cm.
• Height 137cm.
• Weight 320kg (maximum load for the Mobilift).

As a rule, no assistance can be provided with boarding and alighting with wheelchairs that are larger and/or heavier than these limits.

Who is responsible for providing boarding and alighting assistance at support stations?

The customer assistants are normally responsible for providing boarding and alighting assistance at the support stations. Assistance may also be provided by the train crew. The train crew will not come to you until shortly after the train has arrived at the station.

Are connections always guaranteed when changing trains?

Depending on the transfer distance and the assistance equipment involved, the minimum transfer times may not always be sufficient to ensure that you make your connecting train. Ensure sufficient time for changing trains. Please note that the SBB Call Center Handicap will only accept orders and schedule them if there is sufficient time to change trains. At sbb.ch/en/call-center-handicap you can see the interconnection times for Zurich main station. 

Is the train crew always informed about travellers with disabilities?

Yes. The train crew receives a message from the SBB Call Center Handicap about travellers with disabilities. However, this is only the case if the customer has notified the SBB Call Center Handicap.

Is my accompanying person allowed to handle the Mobilift or the folding ramp in the IC 2000?

No. Private individuals are not allowed to use the Mobilift or the folding ramp themselves. SBB cannot accept any liability in the event of damage or accidents. However, at all stations that are not support stations, private individuals are allowed to help with boarding and alighting.

My girlfriend uses a wheelchair and I want to travel with her on the IC 2000 to Zurich. I have a 2nd class GA Travelcard. Am I allowed to travel with her in 1st class?

Yes. On InterCity tilting trains (ICNs) and on double-deck trains (IC 2000), the wheelchair compartment and a toilet accessible for wheelchair users are located in 1st class. If you are travelling as an accompanying person and your girlfriend has a Companion Card (Disabled Passenger’s ID Card), then you are also allowed to travel in 1st class.

What discounts can I get in Switzerland?

On the ‘Travel discounts for passengers with a disability’ page, you can find all the travel discounts, such as the discounted GA Travelcard and the Disabled Passenger’s ID card, as well as discounts for parking in P+Rail car parks.

What discounts can I get on international services?

You can find detailed information on discounts for journeys from Switzerland to another country under ‘International travel’ on the ‘Travel discounts for passengers with a disability’ page.

What documents do I need to apply for an Disabled Passenger’s ID Card?

• A medical certificate completed and signed by your doctor.
• You must also sign the medical certificate.
• One passport photo.

What is the identity card for passengers with a disability?

The Disabled Passenger’s ID Card – also known as a Companion Card – gives travellers with disabilities (wheelchair users, people with mobility problems, blind people, people with visual impairments and people with intellectual disabilities) the opportunity to take a companion and/or a guide dog with them at no extra cost.

I'm going to be visiting Switzerland as a tourist, and I'm a wheelchair user. I've got identification documents for disabled travel that were not issued in Switzerland. Will I benefit from travel discounts in Switzerland?

No, with foreign ID documents there is no discount when purchasing tickets in Switzerland for travellers with disabilities. Please make enquiries in your country of residence about discounts and purchase your tickets for your journey in Switzerland there. 

Is a foreign identity card for passengers with a disability valid in Switzerland?

No. A disabled person's ID card issued abroad will not entitle you to any discounts in Switzerland. Please make enquiries in your country of residence about discounts.

Do I also have to pay a night supplement with the Disabled Passenger’s ID Card (Companion Card)?

No. When using the Disabled Passenger’s ID card (Companion Card), the person travelling for free is not required to pay the night supplement.

I want to order a GA travelcard for the disabled. Will I receive the GA travelcard on the SwissPass?

Yes. The GA travelcard for the disabled is only available on the SwissPass (as a red card and on your smartphone).

Where can I find general information about the GA Travelcard for disabled persons on the SwissPass?

More information about the GA Travelcard for disabled persons on the SwissPass can be found on the page GA Travelcard for disabled persons.

Where can I order my GA travelcard for the disabled?

What is the cost of a GA travelcard for the disabled on the SwissPass?

You can decide whether you would like to pay for your GA travelcard annually or monthly. You can find the prices on the offer page.

Is the identity card for passengers with a disability integrated into the SwissPass?

No, the Disabled Passenger’s ID Card is not integrated into the SwissPass. It is still in paper form and is issued exclusively by the cantonal authorities.

Disabled Passenger’s ID Card(Companion Card) in combination with other travel discounts.

In general, the following rule applies: At least one person must be in possession of a valid ticket for travel (ticket, Day Pass, GA Travelcard, point-to-point Travelcard, modular Travelcard, but not Half Fare Travelcard without a ticket or Junior Travelcard without a ticket).

Example A.

Companion Card and Half Fare Travelcard on the SwissPass = one half-price ticket is sufficient.

A person with a disability holding a Companion Card is travelling with another person holding a Half Fare Travelcard. The passenger with the disability travels free of charge and their travelling companion with the Half Fare Card buys a half-price ticket.

Example B.

Companion Card and GA Travelcard on the SwissPass = the GA Travelcard is sufficient.

A person with a disability holding a Companion Card is travelling with another person holding a GA Travelcard. The passenger with the disability travels free of charge and their travelling companion travels using the GA Travelcard.

Example C.

Companion Card, Half Fare Travelcard on the SwissPass and Junior Travelcard = one half-price ticket is sufficient.

One parent holds a Half Fare Travelcard. He is travelling with two children. One child has a Junior Travelcard. The other child uses a wheelchair and holds a Companion Card. The parent with the Half Fare Travelcard buys a half-price ticket, the child in the wheelchair travels free of charge with the Companion Card, the other child travels free of charge with the Junior Travelcard. The Junior Travelcard is only valid with a valid ticket (in this example, the ticket of the parent with the Half Fare Travelcard).

Where do I get my identity card and how do I renew it?

The Disabled Passenger’s ID Card can be ordered from the relevant cantonal authority. All you need is your medical certificate and a passport photo. The addresses for the cantonal offices can be found via the following link on the ‘Travel discounts’ page under ‘Downloads’. There is also a template for the medical certificate. 

The renewal processes are explained in simple language via the following link.

How long is the Disabled Passenger’s ID Card valid for?

The Disabled Passenger’s ID Card (Companion Card) is valid for four years. The current period runs from 2017 to 2020. The card is issued in paper format. Simply renew your card shortly before the end of this period. The process is the same as for ordering a card initially.

I am blind. Can I buy a ticket from a ticket machine?

Yes. If you are blind or visually impaired, call 0800 11 44 77 to access the SBB ticket machine helpline. Give the person on the telephone the ticket machine number, which is located above the screen in tactile lettering. The SBB ticket machine helpline will help you choose the right ticket and if requested, it will select the required product on the ticket machine for you through remote control. You can then pay for the ticket directly at the ticket machine, where it will also be printed as usual. The SBB ticket machine helpline is open every day, 24 hours a day.

When will stations be converted to be accessible in accordance with the DDA?

Information on the status of implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) at SBB stations and those of many private railways can be found on the synoptic map for people with reduced mobility. 

• Enter your chosen station in the search box and then click on the station. A box with lots of information will appear.
• If a station is 100% accessible, this will be indicated in the first title of the expanded box. You will find details under ‘Equipment’ (e.g. without stairs, lifts etc.). 
• If a station is not yet accessible, a predicted date of when the station will be accessible is given under the heading ‘Implementation of DDA’.

Go to the synoptic map for people with reduced mobilityLink opens in new window.
Go to general information on the DDA

How is an ‘accessible station’ defined?

Stations which are wholly or largely accessible, where autonomous travel is possible.

What criteria need to be fulfilled for a station to be considered ‘accessible’? 

A station is classed as accessible if at least one platform at the station is P55 (step-free boarding) and can be accessed without using stairs. Exceptions (stations which are not yet P55 and cannot yet be accessed autonomously) are detailed in the description. Side entrances may therefore not be fully accessible without the use of stairs.  

How is a ‘non-accessible station’ defined?

A station is defined as ‘non-accessible’ if autonomous travel is not possible at the station, i.e. all platforms are not P55 and/or cannot be accessed autonomously (not accessible without using stairs).

How is a ‘support station’ defined?

A support station is any station where support from the SBB Call Center Handicap can be ordered using the toll-free number 0800 007 102. The support request must be made at least an hour in advance. 

What is the threshold for defining a station as ‘accessible’? 

A station is defined as accessible if at least one platform at the station is P55 (step-free boarding) and can be accessed without using stairs. Exceptions (stations which are not yet P55 and cannot yet be accessed autonomously) are detailed in the description.

Why is a station defined as accessible even though it still needs to be renovated?

A station can be usable for customers with reduced mobility but still not meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). To meet the requirements of the DDA, a station must be 100% accessible (including architecturally and in terms of customer information). The DDA implementation forecast shows when a station is expected to fully meet all requirements.

Why is a station shown as ‘non-accessible’ even though it can be used autonomously? 

This is a mistake. The data comes from different sources and is regularly updated. However, there may be inaccuracies or information which is not up-to-date. You can report these to the person responsible for the map by e-mailing handicap@sbb.chLink opens in new window.

What does ‘without stairs’ mean? 

‘Without stairs’ means that at least one platform at the station is accessible autonomously via a ramp, lift or directly from the concourse. Exceptions are detailed under ‘Equipment’.

What does station equipment cover?

This field covers all accessibility equipment available at the station: ramps, lifts to the platforms, tactile safety lines, P55 platform height, wheelchair accessible ticket counters, induction loop, wheelchair accessible toilets, Eurokey toilets, mobilift.

If this equipment is not listed, it means that either the information is not available or the equipment is not available.

Is the time indication under DDA implementation reliable?

The data is based on specific SBB Infrastructure construction projects. Planning is carried out in coordination with the FOT supervisory authority and other partners (including the municipality). Therefore, the indication given is only a forecast.

Who should I contact to give feedback?

Please send feedback directly to the person responsible for the map at handicap@sbb.chLink opens in new window..

How up-to-date is the information?

The data comes from different sources and is regularly updated as soon as the information is communicated to handicap@sbb.chLink opens in new window.. However, updating in real time is not always possible because we rely on the relevant groups and organisations sending us their updates. 

Important: Trafimage map users must regularly delete cookies to ensure the latest information is shown.

As a wheelchair user, for example, how can I still travel from a station which does not conform to the standards?

Travel in a wheelchair from a non-accessible station is generally only possible if the station has support facilities. You can ask for a support at these stations by calling the SBB Call Center Handicap on 0800 007 102 (toll-free number) at least one hour in advance.

I can’t shrink or expand the map.

Close the browser, delete all cookies and relaunch the webpage in a different window. 

If it still doesn’t work, you can e-mail handicap@sbb.chLink opens in new window. to report technical problems. 

The station I am looking for can’t be found, or there is no symbol and information.

Please report missing stations directly by e-mailing the person responsible for the map at handicap@sbb.chLink opens in new window..

I’m blind. Can I use the map with a screen reader?

Yes, the map can be navigated with the TAB key. If you are blind, you can contact the SBB Call Center Handicap staff (toll-free number 0800 007102, 6am to 10.30pm) for information. 

If a station on the map is defined as accessible, does this mean that the rolling stock serving the station can also be used autonomously?

The map is static and shows the status of the station infrastructure. Information about accessibility of services is available in the SBB online timetable and the SBB Mobile app. 

Please contact the SBB Call Center Handicap, our Centre of Excellence for accessible travel, if you have any further questions (toll-free number: 0800 007 107, 6am to 10.30pm).

Is the data reliable?

The data is reliable. However, technical inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors in SBB web content cannot be excluded. SBB assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness or current validity of the information, fares, price lists etc. published on SBB websites.

How can I find accessible connections in the SBB Mobile app?

You can find all the information on how to find accessible connections in the SBB Mobile app on the ‘Travel planning for accessible travel’ page.

In the following video, see how you can check the accessibility of train connections in the SBB Mobile app. 

What is the SBB Inclusive app?

SBB Inclusive is a customer information app that makes travelling on public transport easier, particularly for visually impaired and blind people. The app provides visual and digital customer information for stations and long-distance trains directly in your smartphone and always shows you the information relevant to your location.

Is the SBB.ch website accessible?

SBB is continuously optimising many of its services on websites, apps and in PDF documents to make them fully accessible, ensuring that we make good use of assistive technology. For instance, blind and visually impaired customers can read PDF documents on sbb.ch/handicap using a screen reader.

In March 2019, the ‘Access for All’ foundation certified the accessibility of SBB.ch. An independent team of accessibility specialists tested whether the website was accessible and whether the standards for certification were met.