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.
Switzerland.
Purchase your ticket at SBB.ch.
For journeys in Switzerland, buy 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
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 a staffed public transport point of sale.
Of course, you can also buy tickets and reservations for journeys in Switzerland at any staffed public transport point of sale. Special counters for passengers who use wheelchairs and counters with induction loop amplifiers for people with hearing impairments are available at some railway stations.
At the entrances of larger Travel Centres, there are ticket machines for queue management. These machines have a handicap function. The buttons comply with the SIA 500 standard and are accessible for customers with disabilities.
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.
You can check the state of accessibility of your connection on SBB.ch to plan your journey better. Enter the desired connection into the timetable search bar, click on ‘Settings’ and scroll down to the menu item ‘Accessible connection’. Select which restrictions and accessibility information you would like to see during a timetable search.
Information on accessibility appears at the departure location, the transfer location and the arrival location. The following icons indicate whether a connection is accessible and whether you will need help boarding and alighting.
You can board and alight independently on this connection.
Board/alight with train crew assistance
Please contact the transport or service staff directly to request assistance.
Board/alight with staff assistance, register in advance
You require boarding/alighting assistance for this connection. Please register on swisspass.ch/handicapLink opens in new window. or with the Contact Center Handicap at least one hour before departure.
Contact Center Handicap
Every day 5am–midnight, telephone 0800 007 102 (free in Switzerland); from abroad +41 800 007 102.
By shuttle to the accessible stop, register in advance
You will need a shuttle for this connection. Please register with the Contact Center Handicap at least two hours before departure.
Contact Center Handicap
Every day 5am–midnight, telephone 0800 007 102 (free in Switzerland); from abroad +41 800 007 102.
Connection not wheelchair accessible
This connection is not wheelchair accessible. There may be an accessible boarding/alighting location nearby. Obtain information from the Contact Center Handicap.
Contact Center Handicap
Every day 5am–midnight, telephone 0800 007 102 (free in Switzerland); from abroad +41 800 007 102.
No information available
Reliable information cannot be provided for connections that are more than 21 days in the future. Please repeat your query at a later date.
Contact Center Handicap
Every day 5am–midnight, telephone 0800 007 102 (free in Switzerland); from abroad +41 800 007 102.
Train information.
Select your desired connection in the online timetable. Click on the detailed information about the connection in the right-hand column. A window will open with the journey information and the train formation. The illustration with the passenger coaches shows for each stop in which sector 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 toilets, restaurant, bicycle spaces, family coaches etc.
Important:
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.
You can register a planned journey in the Assisted Mobility Notification and Information System (AMO) with the Contact Center Handicap and check the accessibility of your connection.
You can now register your journey and request assistance if necessary. It is a good idea to register your journeys even when your connections are accessible.
The Contact Center Handicap will acknowledge your journey and inform the crew.
In the case of a disruption or evacuation, the crew will be aware of passengers with reduced mobility and can react accordingly.
When you provide the Contact Center Handicap with your e-mail address, you’ll receive a travel confirmation as well as a link with more information on the crew that will be supporting you during your journey. 30 minutes before departure, you will also receive a text message with more information.
In the SBB Mobile app, you’ll find all the information you need to optimally prepare your journey. Select the desired connection and activate the menu item ‘Connection accessibility’ in the timetable settings. Any accessibility restrictions will now be displayed in the timetable. There are the following accessible statuses that you can use to filter your results with the ‘advanced search’.
Independent boarding/alighting possible.
Boarding/alighting assistance by staff.
Boarding/alighting assistance with advance notice.
By shuttle to the accessible stop, register in advance.
No information available.
Besides timetable information, you can find information about the accessibility of each connection when you select the route. If you swipe left, the train formation 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.
The SBB Inclusive app provides visual, digital and audio customer information in all Swiss railway stations and on most trains in Switzerland directly on the smartphone. The app makes it possible for blind and visually impaired people, as well as deaf people and those who are hard of hearing, to travel more safely and independently
If you require assistance with boarding and alighting for connections within Switzerland, call the SBB Call Center Handicap at least one hour before you require this service. . In exceptional cases, the registration deadline is two hours. You can find exceptions on the detailed map for people with restricted mobility. You can reach the Contact Center Handicap free of charge from Switzerland on 0800 007 102 (from abroad: +41 800 007 102).
Assistance with boarding and alighting is provided with the Mobilift (yellow lifting platform) or with a folding ramp for non-accessible connections and stops. You can find information on the accessibility of your public transport connection in the online timetable, in the Assisted Mobility Notification and Information System (AMO) or on the synoptic map for people with restricted mobility.
SOS Bahnhofhilfe (SOS Station Assistance) staff are responsible for assistance with boarding and alighting and assistance within the stations at Basel SBB, Bern, Biel/Bienne, Geneva Cornavin, Lucerne, Olten and Zürich HB.
You can find more information about services and opening hours on the Bahnhofhilfe website.
With SBB Assist, we have tested additional options for enhanced assistance at SBB stations. From 2026, the successful SBB Assist pilot project will be adopted into the range of services for people with reduced mobility. SBB Assist helps you find your way around in the station, change trains or go up ramps. SBB Assist is free of charge.
Enhanced assistance with SBB Assist is arranged with the Contact Center Handicap. The Contact Center Handicap will then check whether there are enough staff at the station to provide enhanced personal assistance. If this is not possible and no staff are available, we reserve the right to refuse enhanced personal assistance.
Call the Contact Center Handicap at least one hour before you require enhanced personal assistance. In exceptional cases, the notification period is two hours.
You can also use the contact form to send your request for SBB Assist to the Contact Center Handicap.
For stations and stops that still cannot be used autonomously or where staff are unable to assist, a shuttle services (transport with accessible vehicles on the road) are offered as an interim measure. The shuttle service will bring you to the next stop from where you can continue your journey.
Tactile elements and customer information.
Usually, tactile elements and digital customer information systems in stations, at stops and in vehicles enable passengers with visual impairments to travel independently.
If you need help with finding your way at the station, you can request assistance through the SBB Assist pilot project.
If you have a disability, you can also purchase your public transport tickets and have them stored using the number 0800 181 181 (toll-free from Switzerland). 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 range includes most of the offers available from the ticket machines.
When ordering tickets by phone, you can pay for the tickets straight away using a credit card or by invoice within 30 days.
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. You must also show the Companion Travelcard.
The ticket range includes the following:
Point-to-Point Tickets (single journey, outward-and-return trip or round trip).
City-Ticket.
Day Pass.
Class upgrade and Day class upgrade.
Change of route.
Single ticket and Day Pass for integrated associations.
Operating information for passengers with 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 number 0800 181 181. 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.
Do you have a visual impairment and need help operating an SBB ticket machine? Call 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 Contact 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.
Help with boarding and alighting.
If you have a visual impairment, you can also request assistance with boarding and alighting on all public transport. Please contact the Contact Center Handicap at least one hour before you require assistance.
You can reach the Contact Center Handicap free of charge from Switzerland on 0800 007 102 (from abroad: +41 800 007 102).
“Sunflower lanyard” for passengers with invisible disabilities.
Passengers with invisible disabilities can get a lanyard from the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower project free of charge at 16 Travel Centres in the greater Zurich and Geneva areas. There is no need to present proof. Those affected can wear this sunflower lanyard as they see fit to discreetly draw attention to their invisible disability.
The sunflower lanyard is currently available in the following 16 Travel Centres:
You can find more information on travelling with invisible disabilities in the SBB News article “What are invisible disabilities and how does SBB provide support?”
Induction loop amplifiers for passengers with a hearing impairment.
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.
SBB Assist pilot project also for people with a hearing impairment.
Operating information for passengers with a hearing impairment 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.
Sample films in Swiss-German sign language.
In a pilot project, two SBB explanatory films were translated into Swiss-German Sign Language. The films provide simple assistance for passengers with a hearing impairment. The following films are available with translation for passengers with a hearing impairment:
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 70 cm
Length 125 cm
Height 137 cm
Weight 320 kg (maximum load for the Mobilift)
For electric scooters, the following conditions must also be met:
Turning circle: 90° in 75 cm
Safety: An effective braking system that works on both wheels on an axle
Geometry: Only e-scooters with 4 wheels
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 travel for wheelchair users.
If a wheelchair user will be travelling with you on a group trip, please let us know when you book the group trip. If possible, we will place your group in or near the passenger coach with a wheelchair compartment. At the same time, please inform the Contact Center Handicap of any assistance which may be required during boarding and alighting.
If several people are travelling in wheelchairs, a maximum of 10 people in wheelchairs can travel together on double-deck trains (IC2000/IC2020). On board all other trains, groups may only be able to travel in different compartments or split between several trains, depending on the size of the group. You can obtain further information from the SBB Contact Center on 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0 08/min.).
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 many stations. You have the choice of storing your luggage at the staffed luggage deposit in the SBB Travel Centre or in the SBB lockers.
Passengers with reduced mobility can contact the SBB Travel Centre or – outside of its hours of operation – the Contact Center Handicap if they require assistance. The required notice period is 2 hours. You can find more information about depositing your luggage at the station at sbb.ch/en/lockers.
Abroad.
Passengers with reduced mobility.
For international journeys, seat reservations are obligatory for passengers who use wheelchairs and recommended for companions. It is therefore recommended that you book your journey at the SBB Travel Centre or by calling the SBB Contact Center (0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.).
Discounts.
If you have a Companion Travelcard, you can take an accompanying person or a guide dog with you free of charge on international rail services (TCV 710 tariff).
Special counters for passengers who use wheelchairs and counters with induction loop amplifiers for people with hearing impairments are available at some railway stations.
Longer advance sales periods for journeys to and via Germany.
From 27 November 2025 until the end of June 2026 (expected), longer advance sales periods for the purchase of reservations for passengers with reduced mobility and/or tickets for companions will apply to journeys from Switzerland to Germany, as well as to journeys from Switzerland and via Germany to Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark and the Czech Republic. This is due to a change of system which is being carried out by Deutsche Bahn.
How purchasing works:
Please note the advance sales periods. The advance sales period depends on the payment method:
Passengers who use wheelchairs without a credit card: purchase of ticket/reservation at least 5 working days before the journey (working days: Mon–Fri, excluding public holidays).
Passengers who use wheelchairs with a credit card: purchase of ticket/reservation at least 3 working days before the journey (working days: Mon–Fri, excluding public holidays).
For the companion: purchase of ticket/reservation at least 3 working days before the journey (working days: Mon–Fri, excluding public holidays).
Call the SBB Contact Center on (0848 44 66 88 (24/7, CHF 0.08/min.) or come and visit an SBB Travel Centre.
Tell us what journey you would like to make.
Our staff will then contact you by telephone and reserve the wheelchair space and/or issue tickets for the companion.
You will then receive your travel documents by post.
Please note that assistance with boarding and alighting must be reserved with the Contact Center Handicap at least 24 hours in advance.
Important: If the advance sales periods are not adhered to, purchase for the date in question will not be possible. You can get more information from the SBB Contact Center on 0848 44 66 88 (24/7 CHF 0.08/min.).
Tip: If you are travelling to the Czech Republic via Austria, there are no restrictions regarding ticket purchases and reservations. What is important is to make sure that you reserve assistance with boarding and alighting with the Contact Center Handicap at least 24 hours in advance.
For train journeys abroad, reserve boarding and alighting assistance free of charge at least 24 hours ahead of time with the Contact Center Handicap on 0800 007 102 (from abroad: +41 800 007 102). Please note that 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. The staff abroad will be informed by the Contact Center Handicap about their assignment.
Travelling to/from London with guide dogs and assistance animals.
If you will be travelling with your guide dog or assistance animal on the Eurostar, please remember to register the animals at least 24 hours before your departure. The animals must also fulfil certain requirements and be provided with the correct entry and exit documents for the UK. Further information can be found on the Eurostar page on the tab ‘Travelling to and from London’.
SBB Assist: permanent introduction from January 2026.
From 1 January 2026, the successful SBB Assist pilot project will be adopted into the range of services for people with reduced mobility. SBB Assist offers additional assistance at SBB railway stations, particularly for people with visual and mobility impairments who require assistance with changing trains or boarding and alighting. Customers can also request further assistance, for example, accompaniment to a bus stop or to a shop within the station.
With SBB Assist, SBB is taking another important step towards facilitating accessible travel within its stations.
Temporary amendment of advance sales periods in the case of reservations for passengers who use wheelchairs and/or tickets for companions.
From 27 November 2025 until the end of June 2026 (expected), longer advance sales periods for the purchase of reservations for passengers who use wheelchairs and/or tickets for companions will apply to journeys from Switzerland to Germany, as well as to journeys via Germany to Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark and the Czech Republic. This is due to a change of system which is being carried out by Deutsche Bahn.
Under section 7 of the General Passenger Tariff (T600), only wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters are currently listed as orthopaedic aids (mobile equipment) and transported free of charge. However, these are not the only aids which support people with mobility impairments.
Passengers who use a bicycle-like vehicle as a mobility aid previously had to present a valid bike ticket as per the tariff.
To ensure that Swiss public transport companies can comply with the principles set out in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Federal Constitution and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), the new mobility aid bike pass is required. This creates clear conditions for journeys with mobility aids and simplifies communication between passengers and train crew.
The non-profit MyHandicap Foundation operates EnableMe.ch, the largest portal for disability and chronic illness in Switzerland – it offers a forum, peer programmes, job and apprenticeship listings and much more. The information and opportunities for discussion that it provides have a long-term positive impact on the lives of people with a disability.
Pro Infirmis Vaud intends to use this site to compile useful information for people with disabilities (specific facilities and solutions) in the Canton of Vaud.
Book the assistance you require at least 1 hour before boarding or alighting. Two hours if a shuttle service is required and 24 hours for international travel. You can find exceptions on the synoptic map for people with restricted mobility.
