Survival Guide - Discover Switzerland: Experience the Best of Switzerland - page 651

COSTS
Ordinary fares are relatively expensive, about Sfr38 per 100km; best buy a rail pass.
Return fares are only cheaper than two singles for longer trips. Special deals are some-
times available in the low season.
All fares quoted in this guide are for second-class travel unless otherwise stated; first-
class fares average 50% to 65% higher.

INFORMATION
All stations can provide advice in English and free timetable booklets. Timetables are also
available online and can be personalised and downloaded onto your mobile. Train sched-
ules are revised every December; double-check fares and frequencies quoted here.
For information see www.sbb.ch or call train information & reservations (

0900

300 300) ; calls cost Sfr1.19 per minute.

LUGGAGE
Most stations have 24-hour lockers (Sfr6 for a small locker and Sfr9 for a large locker),
usually accessible 6am to midnight.
Nearly all stations allow ticket-holders to send their luggage ahead (Sfr20 per item up
to 25kg). You dispatch your bag before 9am and collect it at your destination station after
6pm the same day - useful if you're stopping off en route at other places.

RESERVATIONS & TICKETS
Seat reservations (Sfr5) are advisable for longer journeys, particularly in high season.
Some smaller, rural rail routes, marked in the timetable with a yellow eye pictogram,
have a 'self-control' ticketing system. On these routes, buy a ticket before boarding or risk
a fine. Ticket inspectors appear frequently.