Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in Switzerland! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to Switzerland, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
Switzerland Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU or UK national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Switzerland currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
VISA
All non-EU citizens that intend to travel to Switzerland need to apply for a VISA. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the EU as a UK resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in Europe.
Read more about it, check your eligibility, and apply for an EHIC here.
Switzerland Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Switzerland throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zürich | -2° / 3° | -2° / 5° | 1° / 10° | 4° / 14° | 8° / 19° | 12° / 22° |
| Geneva | -1° / 5° | -1° / 6° | 2° / 11° | 5° / 15° | 9° / 19° | 12° / 23° |
| Bern | -3° / 3° | -3° / 5° | 0° / 10° | 3° / 14° | 7° / 18° | 11° / 21° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zürich | 14° / 24° | 13° / 24° | 10° / 19° | 6° / 14° | 2° / 8° | -1° / 4° |
| Geneva | 14° / 26° | 14° / 25° | 11° / 21° | 7° / 15° | 3° / 9° | 0° / 5° |
| Bern | 12° / 24° | 12° / 23° | 9° / 19° | 5° / 14° | 0° / 7° | -2° / 4° |
When to visit
Unsurprisingly Switzerland is a very popular tourist destination for Winter sports, which are best enjoyed between December and March. But for other activities, Switzerland is best visited between April and October.
The weather is warmest between June and September, which is when hikers and sun-seekers tend to flock to the country. For fewer crowds and marginally milder weather, try visiting in May or October.
Getting around in Switzerland
Children up to 16 years old travel free with a parent.
Trains
There are five different types of train in Switzerland, including the long-distance InterCity, the regional InterRegio, RegioExpress and Regio, and the local S-Bahn.
The biggest railway company in Switzerland is Swiss Federal Railways, known as SBB in German, CFF in French, or FFS in Italian.
SBB sell many different types of travel tickets, to the point where it can get a bit confusing. But as a tourist, your best option is to purchase a SwissPass for the amount of days you’re visting. It will provide you with unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats, and use of public transport in more than 90 towns and cities, as well as free admission to over 500 museums.
Current prices for the Swiss Travel Pass
| Second Class | First Class | |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day pass | 232CHF | 369CHF |
| 4-day pass (Autumn Promo) | 199CHF | 315CHF |
| 6-day pass | 359CHF | 570CHF |
| 8-day pass | 389CHF | 617CHF |
| 15-day pass | 429CHF | 675CHF |
If you don’t want to buy a Swiss Pass, you can still purchase a single day pass online, or even a point-to-point ticket for a single or return journey. Be aware that the prices of these on the SBB website will show as half-price, as it will assume you have a Half Fare travelcard. If you don’t have a Half Fare travelcard, then you will need to select ‘No discount’ in the discount cards field.
You can also purchase tickets in-person at the SBB counter in the train station, which gives you the option of reserving a seat in advance.
Buses
The majority of buses in Switzerland are run by PostBus, and you can buy tickets for the bus either at ticket machines or onboard. Luckily most of the bus companies also accept SwissPass.
Taxis
Taxis are quite expensive in Switzerland, and it’s best to take one from an official taxi stand, or Swiss Taxi can be booked online. Base fares are anything between 6-8CHF, and each KM adds 3-5CHF to the cost.
Luggage storage
SBB offer both coin lockers and staffed luggage storage at the majority of their train stations. To confirm if a specific station has these services, you can search here.
Average Locker Sizes and Prices
| Locker Size | Locker Dimensions | Cost for the first 6 hours |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 35.1×45.7×55.5 cm | 5CHF |
| Medium | 35.1x62x55.5 cm | 7CHF |
| Large | 35.1×94.5×55.5 cm | 9CHF |
| Extra Large | 52.5×45.7×85.5 cm | 10CHF |
| Extra Extra Large | 52.5×94.5×85.5 cm | 12CHF |
Staffed Luggage Storage
You can also store luggage at the staffed travel centres in SBB train stations, which costs 12CHF per day and bag (weighing no more than 25kg). It’s a good option if you’re looking for long-term luggage storage, because you can store your bags for multiple months (120CHF pm), or even a year (1,080CHF py).
For other storage solutions, try Nannybag, LuggageHero or Radical Storage to see all of their locations and prices.
Further practical information for travelling in Switzerland
What language is mainly spoken in Switzerland?
Swiss German is the official language of Switzerland, and around 45% of people speak some English.
What is the main currency of Switzerland?
The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF).
What is the emergency number in Switzerland?
If you need emergency services in Switzerland, you can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, the police and other services such as the coastguard.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Switzerland?
You will need a Type C 2-pin or J 3-pin system adapter for plugs in Switzerland. Switzerland operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Switzerland?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Switzerland.
Are public toilets free in Switzerland?
Generally, public toilets cost a small fee to use, so it’s worth carrying around a little pocket change in case you cannot pay by card.
Is there free public wi-fi in Switzerland?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in Switzerland. Look for it in places like museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Switzerland?
Tipping is not mandatory in Switzerland as the tip is normally included in the price, but you can round the bill up to the nearest round figure if you’ve received exceptionally good service.
What is the drinking age in Switzerland?
Depending on the regional requirements and the percentage of alcohol involved, the drinking age in Switzerland is either 16 or 18. At age 16, beer and wine are consumable, while you must wait until age 18 to drink cocktails and spirits.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Switzerland?
There isn’t much dangerous wildlife in Switzerland, the only concerns being the Asp Viper and the brown bear. But always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 14/06/2024
Looking to book a hotel in Switzerland? Use Booking.com to browse hundreds of hotels in the area you want to stay, using filters like price range, star rating, facilities and much more to find your ideal room. By signing up to their free loyalty program, the more you travel, the more you save, with exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, free room upgrades and more.
Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in Central Europe!