Find information here on how to plan accessible travel in Switzerland and to Europe using the online timetable at SBB.ch and plan and purchase tickets with the SBB Mobile app.
Purchase your ticket at SBB.ch.
For travel in Switzerland: Purchase your tickets online at SBB.ch. Your tickets are sent to your e-mail address. Tickets purchased online can be printed out and shown to the conductor. You can also show tickets bought online in the SBB Mobile app. To do this, you must use the same SwissPass login for SBB.ch and SBB Mobile.
For international journeys: Depending on your country of travel, you can buy tickets at SBB.ch and print them out yourself and/or order them for delivery by post. As seat reservations are obligatory for wheelchairs, we recommend that you book your international journey directly at the SBB counter or by calling the SBB Contact Center on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.) For bookings, the SBB Contact Center can also call you back.
Purchase tickets using the SBB Mobile app.
For travel in Switzerland, you can also buy tickets using the SBB Mobile app. Tickets are saved in the app and do not need to be printed out.
Purchasing tickets at the counter.
You can also get your tickets and make reservations for travel in Switzerland and abroad at the counter. Special counters for passengers who use wheelchairs and counters with induction loop amplifiers for people with hearing impairments are available at some railway stations.
If you have a Disabled Passenger’s ID Card, you can also take a companion or a guide dog with you on international rail journeys at no extra cost (TCV 710 fare).
For journeys within Switzerland, purchase seat reservations at a cost of CHF 5 online and on the SBB Mobile app.
Reservations for wheelchair spaces are not possible on Swiss transport.
International reservations.
Book seat reservations for international travel online at SBB.ch. Reservations are mandatory in some countries and are either included in the price or available separately.
Reservations for wheelchair spaces on international trains can only be obtained at a SBB ticket counter or from the SBB Contact Center on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.). It is best to purchase tickets and reservations for wheelchair spaces together. If you already have a ticket, we need to know the number of the passenger coach and the reserved seat.
In the online timetable on SBB.ch, you can check the accessibility of your connections and better plan your journey. Select a connection, click on ‘standard view’ and select ‘accessible travel’. At your boarding, changing and alighting point, there are five pieces of information on accessibility.
In the following video, see how you can check the accessibility of train connections in the SBB online timetable.
Self-boarding/alighting possible.
Assistance with boarding and alighting from the train crew.
Assistance with boarding and alighting with prior registration with the SBB Service Center Handicap.
Carriage not possible.
No information available.
Train information.
Click on ‘View train formations’ for the desired connection. The illustration with the passenger coaches shows for each stop in which section the passenger coach for wheelchairs is located and where 1st and 2nd class are. You can also find other useful information on wheelchair spaces with accessible toilet, restaurant, bike spaces, family coach etc.
Important:
The information about the trains and the accessibility of connections is updated three times per day. However, in the event of train cancellations, unforeseen changes in rolling stock or non-availability of information, the degree of accessibility for the connection may differ from the information given online.
No information is available for certain transport companies and/or stops and connections. The message ‘No information available’ is shown. In such cases, contact the relevant transport company directly.
The SBB Mobile app contains all necessary information to ensure the best possible journey. In the app settings, go to ‘Connection accessibility’ and select the items ‘With restrictions’ and ‘Show restrictions’. You can display different restrictions:
Self-boarding/alighting possible.
Assistance with boarding and alighting from the train crew.
Assistance with boarding and alighting possible with prior registration.
Besides timetable information, you can find information about the accessibility of each connection when you select the route. If you swipe left, train information and other useful information (wheelchair spaces with accessible toilet, restaurant, bike spaces, family coach etc.) is shown. SBB Mobile is free for smartphones and tablets with iOS (Apple) or Android.
SBB Inclusive: an app for blind and visually impaired passengers – and for everyone else.
SBB Inclusive is a customer information app that makes travelling on public transport easier, particularly for blind and visually impaired people. The app brings the visual and digital customer information for stations and long-distance trains directly to your smartphone and always shows you the information relevant to your location. This way, you can always be sure that you are on the right train.
Here’s how SBB Inclusive works.
You get location-specific travel information which is relevant to you sent to your smartphone.
If you are at a station, information on upcoming departures, platform allocation and train formation is automatically displayed for you.
When you get on an SBB long-distance train, the app lets you know which train you’ve just boarded and where you are in the train via a push notification. What’s more the app shows you the progress of the train and information on the upcoming stops. You can also have this information read out aloud.
The app currently works at all Swiss railway stations and on all SBB long-distance trains. Please continue to use the SBB Mobile app to plan your journeys.
If you require assistance with boarding or alighting for train journeys within Switzerland, call the SBB Call Center Handicap at least one hour before you require this service. Call the SBB Call Center Handicap on the toll-free number 0800 007 102 (+41 51 225 78 44 from abroad). Assistance is guaranteed in support stations. Support stations are equipped with a Mobilift (hydraulic lift). A list of support stations can be found in the online timetable, in the ‘Accessible travel’ brochure or on the synoptic map for people with restricted mobility.
For train journeys abroad, you can reserve assistance with boarding and alighting by calling the SBB Call Center Handicap on the toll-free number 0800 007 102 (+41 51 225 78 44 from abroad) at least 48 hours in advance. Please note: We need the seat number and passenger coach number for your reservation. Confirmation of your request can only be given after feedback from the relevant transport company. Service staff abroad are informed that they are needed by the SBB Call Center Handicap.
If you have a disability, you can also purchase your public transport tickets and have them recorded using the toll-free number 0800 181 181.
The range includes most of the offers available from the ticket machines.
Telephone ticket orders can be placed at the earliest 24 hours before your journey. Tickets can be paid for by credit card when you order or within 30 days by invoice.
A physical ticket is issued for the journey.
When the ticket is checked on the train, the train crew checks by telephone whether there is a corresponding ticket recorded for you. In addition, you must show the ‘Disabled Passenger’s ID Card’ (Companion Card).
After the journey, you receive a cancelled ticket, an acknowledgement of payment by credit card or the outstanding invoice. For this service, call ticket purchasing on 0800 181 181, select your language then select option 1.
The ticket range includes the following:
Point-to-Point Tickets (single journey, outward-and-return trip or round trip).
City-Ticket.
Day Pass and 9 o'clock travelpass for the Half Fare Travelcard.
Class upgrade / 1-day class upgrade / class upgrade from 9am.
Change of route.
Single ticket and Day Pass for integrated associations: TNW (Basel/Northwestern Switzerland fare network), Libero (Bern/Solothurn fare network), Ostwind, A-Welle (Aargau regional fare network).
Operating information for people who are blind or have visual impairments.
Would you like to be informed of platform changes or train delays during your journey? You can get all necessary operating information on the toll-free number 0800 181 181. For this service, call 0800 181 181, select your language and select option 2. Normal timetable information and fare information can be obtained from the SBB Contact Center on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.).
SBB ticket machine helpline.
Are you blind or visually impaired and in need of help when using an SBB ticket machine? Dial 0800 11 44 77 and give the number of the ticket machine, which is displayed on the start screen and also in raised lettering above the screen. The SBB Call Center will be glad to guide you through the ticket purchasing process and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We can also access the ticket machine remotely and prepare your ticket for you on request. You then pay for the ticket at the machine, where it will be printed as usual.
Induction loop amplifiers for people with hearing impairments.
Induction loop amplifiers are installed at designated railway station ticket counters for people who use hearing aids. This enables direct hearing by switching the hearing aid to position ‘T’. Open counters, such as in Bern, Gelterkinden, Weinfelden, Wil, some in Basel and Zurich main station, also make understanding easier.
Information systems.
At increasing numbers of railway stations, electronic displays and monitors give information about departure times, platform numbers and delays. Information displayed on screens is based on up-to-date train movements.
Operating information for people with hearing impairments on the train.
Passengers using public transport who are deaf or have hearing impairments can request free assistance in emergencies via the Procom text message service and also find information about service incidents, delays and service interruptions. Both services – telephone assistance and the text message service – are available in the three national languages of German, French and Italian 24 hours per day.
Procom text message service.
If you have a hearing impairment and have problems during your journey, send a text message to Procom (text message costs are charged to the sender).
German: 079 702 01 00
French: 079 702 05 05
Italian: 079 702 06 06
Procom confirms receipt, contacts the transport company on a special telephone number, deals with the issue and then reports back to the caller.
Procom can also be contacted using the free TexMee app for smartphones.
Maximum sizes and weights for wheelchairs.
In order to travel in the wheelchair compartment in the passenger coach, the following maximum sizes and weights apply. As a rule, no assistance can be provided with boarding and alighting with wheelchairs that are larger and/or heavier than the following.
Width 70cm
Length 125cm
Height 137cm
Weight 320kg (maximum load for the Mobilift)
Restrictions for larger and heavier wheelchairs.
If you use a wheelchair that exceeds the stated maximum weight, assistance with boarding and alighting is not usually possible. Electric vehicles that might block free and safe access to the passenger coach because of their size are not allowed on the trains. Use of Segways, quad bikes and vehicles with a combustion engine is prohibited both at railway stations and on trains. If you are using a special bicycle, such as a handbike, tandem, recumbent bike or tricycle, you must buy a bike ticket.
Group journeys involving a wheelchair user.
Please let us know when booking your group journey if a member of your party will be using a wheelchair. We can then reserve seats in a coach with a wheelchair compartment. At the same time, please inform the SBB Call Center Handicap about all required assistance with boarding and alighting during your journey.
Groups travelling with several wheelchair users.
The IC2000 (double-deck trains for long-distance services) enable travel in a group of up to 10 people in wheelchairs in the first passenger coach behind the locomotive.
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.
SBB owns two special carriages for wheelchair users travelling in groups. These can be hired for an all-inclusive fee that varies depending on the distance travelled. Get a quote from the SBB Contact Center on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.) or at the railway station.
Travelling with rollators.
If you use a rollator, you are entitled to personal assistance when boarding and alighting trains, just like wheelchair users. However, you must be capable of overcoming obstacles such as individual steps, ledges and gaps without the help of the service staff.
Important:
Please note that, for safety reasons, you cannot use the Mobilift with a rollator.
Travelling with a rollator requires sufficient interconnection 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 when preparing your journey and ensure sufficient time to change trains.
You have the possibility of storing your luggage at several stations. You can choose between storing your luggage at our staffed luggage deposit service at SBB Travel Centres or using the SBB lockers. Customers with reduced mobility can contact their SBB Travel Centre, or the SBB Call Center Handicap if outside of Travel Centre opening hours, to ask for assistance if required. The required notice period is 2 hours. You can find more information about depositing your luggage at the station at sbb.ch/en/lockers.
Bern region: Major timetable restrictions from 12.05.2021 to 16.05.2021.
There will be major timetable restrictions in the Bern region over the Ascension weekend. The reason for this is the renewal of points on the east side of Berne station and between Wankdorf and Zollikofen (Löchligut), the main work on which is being carried out by the SBB construction teams over Ascension Day.
Travellers to, from and via Bern must therefore expect extended travel times, connections with changes and train cancellations from Wednesday, 12 May 2021 from 9 p.m. until Sunday, 16 May 2021 until the end of operations. In addition to S-Bahn and regional services, long-distance services will also be severely affected.
SBB asks customers to consult the online timetable at sbb.ch or in the SBB Mobile App before every journey and to allow sufficient travel time. The online timetable is adapted and always suggests the best connections.
For further information, please contact the SBB Contact Center on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.)
Zug railway station: Conversion work on the passenger lifts.
The passenger lifts at Zug station are out of service due to renovation work. Access to the platforms is closed between 07:30 and 17:00.
From Monday 03.05.2021 to Friday 07.05.2021: Lift to platform 7
From Monday 10.05.2021 to Wednesday 12.05.2021: lift to tracks 5 & 6
From Tuesday 11.05.2021 to Friday 14.05.2021: lift to track 2
A taxi service is organized for customers in wheelchairs during the passenger lifts' closing times. Pre-registration deadline 3 hours. To book, call the SBB Call Center Handicap on 0800 007 102 daily between 06:00 and 22:30.
Passenger lift at Station Bern: Renovation works from 17.05.2021 to 04.06.2021.
The passenger lift at the station Bern on the west side “Welle” to the platform 1/2 will be out of service from 17 May 2021 to 04 June 2021. The passenger lift will be modernised and expanded to accommodate the disabled. The ramp to tracks 1/2 are accessible for customers in wheelchairs.
Brunnen railway station: Closure of the passenger subway between 12.04.2021 and 07.05.2021.
Due to reconstruction work at Brunnen station, the passenger subway to tracks 4/5 will be closed between 12 April 2021 and 07 May 2021. During the closure of the ramp, a taxi service will be available to customers in wheelchairs between Brunnen and Schwyz. Registration is via the SBB Call Center Handicap, available daily between 06:00 - 22:30 on 0800 007 102. Registration deadline: 2 hours in advance
Zofingen railway station: Closure of the north passenger subway from 06.04.2021 to 12.07.2021.
From 06 April 2021 to 12 July 2021, passenger subway on the north side (Henzmann) will be closed for construction work. Customers in wheelchairs use the subway on the south side (Brittnau side) to access tracks 2/3. For connecting passengers from/to Lenzburg with the S28 from platform 40, the transfer distance increases.
Zurich main station: Renovation of the lifts to tracks 41/42 and 43/44.
From mid-January to the beginning of July 2021, the four lifts to tracks 41/42 and 43/44 will be renovated in stages, as they have reached the end of their service life. The lift refurbishment will ensure that passengers can continue to access the tracks safely and without steps in the future.
Redevelopment plan:
18 January to 26 February 2021: Track 43/44, Sector A
1 March to 9 April 2021: Track 41/42, Sector A
13 April to 21 May 2021: track 41/42, sector D
25 May to 2 July 2021 Track 43/44, Sector D
During the refurbishment, tracks 41/42 and 43/44 are accessible without steps at all times. However, longer transfer times are to be expected due to the detours.
Passengers with reduced mobility can contact the SBB Call Center Handicap (Tel. 0800 007 102).
Extension of the Disabled Passenger’s ID card (Companion Card).
The Disabled Passenger’s ID Card (Companion Card) lets the holder take a companion or a guide dog (or both) for free when travelling on the routes of Swiss transport companies running direct passenger services. Travellers with reduced mobility can apply for the Companion Card from the relevant cantonal office. The Companion Card is currently valid for 2017-2020; it is issued on green paper.
Our aim is for the new Companion Card to be more customer-friendly and to be available in a smaller format at the request of customers. Digitalisation, simplification and harmonising the issuing of the new Companion Card are also priorities. The current paper version of the Companion Card will no longer exist. We are currently looking into storing it on the SwissPass, but cannot yet say when this would be implemented. Therefore, the current Disabled Passenger’s ID card (Companion Card) valid in 2017-2020 will be extended by one year to 31 December 2021. Customers and the issuing offices do not have to take any further action to extend the card’s validity.
We will keep you updated as things progress.
Alliance SwissPass SBB CC Handicap
Further content
Contact.
SBB Call Center Handicap
Reserve free assistance for boarding and alighting when travelling by train.
Please phone us at least one hour before you require the assistance (or send an e-mail at least 12 hours in advance). For travel abroad: at least 48 hours in advance.
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