Railways

The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the German Railway (DB) in Switzerland

Between 1898 and 1909 some of the largest Swiss private railway companies were nationalised. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB - Schweizerische Bundes-Bahnen) started operations in 1902. Before that the old private railways had continued operations under contract to the national railway. Today the SBB have a standard gauge net of 3172 km, much of it is now double track with some multiple track sections. The SBB also operate trains on lines that belong to private railway companies, just as private operators run trains on the SBB network. The SBB operate all public long-distance passenger services in Switzerland, even though some of the trains operated by private railway companies could also be seen as long-distance services. Buses of foreign operators are used in international services and compete with train services. Long-distance passenger service are profitable and self-supporting. But local services are partly subsidised.

The SBB have drastically modernised lines, stations and trains in recent years, so that the classic trains no longer travel through the Alpine landscapes they have been a part of for so long.

A few of the classic locomotives still appear in public on special occasions. This blue Re4/4I was displayed in Konolfingen at the 150th anniversary of the Emmentalbahn. The first series of these locomotives was put in service between 1946 and 1948. [May 2025].

Another class Re4/4I locomotive in Konolfingen that day was engine No. 10034 in TEE livery. This locomotive was from the second series that was produced in 1950 and 1951. In contrast with the first series these locos did not have front doors. [May 2025].
The classic locomotives are still admired by much of the population. A model of the class Ae6/6 travels through Swiss Miniature. [Nov 2014].
The class Ae6/6 (later Ae610) locos were introduced from 1952. They hauled passenger and freight trains, particularly over the Gotthard route. Later they were just used for freight services, such as this loco in Romanshorn. [Jul 2005].
A class Ae6/6 locomotive hauls a historic special train through Lützeflüh-Goldbach in the Emmental. Several special trains operated during the 150th anniversary of the Emmental Railway. [May 2025].
The class Re 4/4II was put into service from 1964. The locomotives are used for all services from InterCity to local freight train. One of the class Re 4/4II locos arrives in Thun with a passenger train. [Jul 2007].
To haul heavy freight trains a Re 4/4II is often paired with a class Re 6/6. A transit freight train passes through Thun station. [Jul 2007].
Before the Lötschberg base tunnel was completed in late 2007, all trains on this route traveled across the Lötschberg mountain line and through the old tunnel. This train heads through the station Blausee-Mitholz. In the new classification system the Re 4/4II received the number 420 and the Re 6/6 was designated 620. [Jul 2007].
From 1993 to 2009 international long-distance trains between Switzerland and Italy were operated by Cisalpino AG, a subsidiary of the SBB and the Italian State Railway FS. A class Re 4/4II (420) engines hauls a Cisalpino train over the Lötschberg route. [Jul 2007].
The Re 4/4II (420) was also used for track maintenance traffic. Two engines haul a track maintenance train near Samstagern on the line of the private railway comapny Süd-Ost-Bahn (SOB). [Aug 2015].
The two locos have left the train in the station of Samstagern and return beyond the station area to wait for further maneouvres. [Aug 2015].
A class Re 4/4II (420) hauls a freight train through Geneva-Secheron. [Jul 2015].
On most passenger trains the Re 4/4II (420) was replaced by new locomotives and railcars. But these locos long continued to haul the InterRegio trains from Locarno across the upper Gotthard line to Basel or Zürich. This engine heads one such InterRegio through the station Giubiasco in the Tessin region. [Jul 2015].
For several years an InterRegio train traveled from Bern to Spiez in the evenings to provide extra capacity, so that the EuroCity to Milan was not filled with commuters. This train was long hauled by a class Re 4/4II (420) loco and had still old carriages. This is the view from the train near Ostermundigen. [Apr 2014].
That is the interior of the old carriages. At least the windows could still be opened. [Apr 2014].
At the other end of the train was this old trailer with cab, here in the colours introduced in the 1980s. The InterRegio train from Bern to Spiez travels past Lerchenfeld, a suburb of Thun. [Apr 2014].
This class Re 4/4II (420) loco arrives with a relief train from Romanshorn in Zürich Main Station. Passengers were able to transfer here to the regular InterCity to Brig. [Jul 2015].
For the Zürich S-Bahn thirty Class Re 4/4II locomotives were modernised from 2011 to 2016. They received new LED front lights, a new livery and new technology to lead the S-Bahn trains. This upgrade was called LION - Lifting, Integration, Optimisation, Redesign (Neugestaltung). These locos now haul double-deck carriages, which were once part of the Class 450 S-Bahn trains. Six to ten carriages are sandwhiched between two of these Class 420 locomotives. These trains only operate during peak times. Here, two trains are stored during the weekend in Rapperswil. [May 2025].
By now the Re 4/4II locomotives show the Class 420 designation. Apart from the LION locomotives hardly any are used for passenger trains. One of the class stands with a maintenance train in Bern Station. [May 2025].
In Veytaux on the shores of Lake Geneva a Class 420 locomotive hauls a freight train, which includes several track maintenance vehicles. [Jun 2025].
A Class 420 locomotive hauls a postal train through the station of Spiez. A MIKA multiple unit of the BLS stands at another platform. A significant part of the postal traffic is still transported by rail in Switzerland. [Jun 2025].
A Class 420 locomotive stands on the Lorraine Railway Viaduct in Bern and waits for a green signal. Near the end of their service these engines are used in a wide variety of roles. [Jun 2025].
A class Re 6/6 (620) loco hauls a freight train on the Lötschberg alpine line together with a class Re 4/4II. In the background is the castle ruin Felsenburg. [Jul 2007].
The Re 6/6 (620) class entered into service from 1972 onwards and was used for heavy freight and passenger trains. Today all engines have been allocated to SBB Cargo. One of the locomotives hauls a freight train near Uttigen. [Dec 2015].
A Class 620 electric engine stands in Romont with a tank train. The locomotive is now in the livery of SBB Cargo. [Jun 2025].
In 1984 SBB purchased these railcars with trailers for service on regional lines. Dubbed New Shuttle Trains, series production started in 1987 as class 560. Most of the trains were refurbished between 2009 and 2013 and one or two low-floor carriages were added in the centre. One of the trains arrives in Turgi. [Oct 2015].
The class 560 railcars also cross the river Rhine into Germany. This train arrives in Waldshut. The Swiss line is electrified, while the German line - on the left - can only be used by diesel trains. [Nov 2015].
The SBB subsidiary RegionAlps also uses these multiple unit trains. One of the trains in Brig. [Dec 2015].
A class 560 multiple unit of RegionAlps leaves Brig towards Monthey on a journey through the Rhone valley. [Jun 2025].
A class 560 train crosses the Combe Maran Viaduct near St. Ursanne as RegioExpress to Biel. [Apr 2016].
Arriving from Delle, this train arrives at the station of St. Ursanne on its way to Biel. The station lies high above the medieval town. [Apr 2016].
Class 560 trains are also used on the railway line Solothurn - Moutier. The line belongs to the BLS, but the trains are operated by SBB. One of the trains is in Oberdorf Station near the Weissenstein Tunnel. The tunnel was closed for maintenance from 2024 to 2026 and the trains only operated between Solothurn and Oberdorf. [May 2025].
The upgrade of the Weissenstein Tunnel was very expensive and traffic on the line only covered a small proportion of its costs. Therefore it was decided to close the railway line and offer bus services instead. But local politicians and rail advocates successfully challenged this decision and were successfull in their efforts to have the tunnel renewed. This decision shows that in Switzerland not only financial factors are taken into account with regards to railway infrastructure, but also network effects and the preference for rail services. After all, a train is more attractive than a bus. On this phot the construction site at the Weissenstein Tunnel can be seen in the background. [May 2025].
A Class 560 train travels above Lake Neuchatel near Neuchatel. These trains were seen quite frequently here still. The refurbished trains with intermediate low-floor carriages are also called Domino trains. [May 2025].
As Regional train to Murten, a class 560 train arrives in the station of Avenches. In Roman times this was the location of a sizeable town and the amphitheatre and other Roman buildings can still be visited. Murten, has a largely medieval town centre and is exactly on the boundary line of the French-speaking and German-speaking areas of Switzerland. [May 2025].
The Fribourg S-Bahn is operated by SBB and TPF (Transports Publics Fribourgeois). S-Bahn lines S40 and S41 connect Lausanne with Fribourg and continue as S30 from Fribourg to Yverdon-les-Bains. A class 560/Domino train is heading southwards near Lussy. I took the photo from the historic old town centre of Romont. The train is about to arrive at the station of Romont. [Jun 2025].
At the foot of the hill is the station of Romont. A Class 560 train has arrived in Romont on its way as S41 from Lausanne to Fribourg. [Jun 2025].
The train in the opposite direction arrives a little later. From the North a Domino unit arrives in the station of Romont. [Jun 2025].
Class 560 trains also operate between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Biel. One of the trains is leaving La Chaux-de-Fonds towards the south-east. [Jul 2025].
From 1989 onwards new double decker trains were delivered for the Zürich S-Bahn. The trains consist of class 450 locomotives, which have just one cab, two intermediate carriages and a driving trailer with cab. One of the trains arrives in Baden. [Nov 2015].
From 2011 onwards the trains were refurbished and the nice rectangular head lights were replaced by these LED lights. The driving trailer is seen here in the Zürich underground station used by S-Bahn trains. [Jul 2015].
From 2011 onwards one of the middle carriages on each train was replaced with a low-flor carriage. The carriages taken out of the train sets now are used for peak-hour services with class 420 locomotives. In addition, the class 450 locos and their trains were fully modernised between 2011 and 2018, Here's one of the trains at Au. [May 2025].
On the shores of Lake Zürich an S-Bahn with a class 450 loco arrives at Richterswil. Both shores of Lake Zürich are quite densely populated, because houses with lake views are in demand. That requires also dense suburban train services. [May 2025].
The Re 460 class entered service from 1991. These engines are also known as Lok2000 (Loco2000) because they were acquired as part of the overall Swiss railway project Bahn2000. Today, these locos are mainly used for InterCity trains. One of the class passes Thun-Lerchenfeld. [Sep 2015].
Re 460 locos haul long-distance trains all across Switzerland. This InterRegio runs along Lake Geneva near Villeneuve. [Aug 2014].
A Re 460 loco hauls an InterCity train from Chur along the shore of Lake Zürich near Wädenswil. [Jul 2015].
Sometimes a Re 460 was used to haul InterRegio trains across the Gotthard mountain line, though this was mainly the preserve of the Re 420 class. A Re 460 loco hauls an InterRegio to Locarno near Lake Zug. [Jul 2015].
The IC2000 double deck carriages were always hauled by Re 460 locomotives. Only these engines were able to develop the necessary high speeds with these heavy carriages. An InterCity train from Brig to Romanshorn travels through the countryside near Uttigen. [Dec 2015].
Many InterCity trains also use the single deck standard carriages series IV. Near Uttigen a Re 460 pushes an InterCity train on its way from Basel to Interlaken. [Dec 2015].
Sometimes single deck carriages were added to the double deck trains to increase capacity. This locomotive is sandwiched between the two carriage types. [Dec 2015].
Some Re 460 locos carry an advertising livery, like this example on an InterCity train near Uttigen. [Dec 2015].
This photo was also taken near Uttigen, but from the opposite side (east). A class Re 460 loco hauls an InterCity through the snow. [Jan 2016].
One of the more picturesque sections along which the Re 460 was regularly seen, is the line from Thun to Spiez, which runs above Lake Thun. A train near Einigen. [Jul 2005].
This is the classic view of this line with the mountains Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau in the background. [Oct 2015].
This time a Re 460 in green advertising livery hauls the InterCity train. [Oct 2015].
The shadows are lengthening as another train with a Re 460 passes by. The high, steep peaks on the left are the Schreckhorn mountains. [Oct 2015].
This is a special train for football fans. Because the fans are known to cause some damage, older carriages are normally used. [Oct 2015].
I often watched the trains across the lake from Oberhofen, which is opposite Einigen on Lake Thun. This InterCity with double deck carriages is seen near Einigen. [Apr 2016].
During the night the many windows moving on the distant lakeshore were a fascinating sight. [Apr 2016].
Another view across the lake on a train hauled by a class Re 460 locomotive. [Apr 2016].
This train has reached the outskirts of Spiez. In the background is Lake Thun and on the opposite shore also the village of Oberhofen with its castle. [Jul 2015].
A class Re 460 in advertising livery departs Spiez with an InterCity train to Basel. The locomotive design honours SBB staff. [Jan 2018].
The line from Spiez to Interlaken also is close to Lake Thun in parts. An InterCity train from Interlaken to Basel passes the village of Faulensee. I took the picture from a ship. [Apr 2016].
Right against the lake, this InterCity with double deck carriages skirts the shores of Lake Thun near Därligen. [Jul 2005].
When InterCity trains to Brig still used the upper Lötschberg line, this train travelled through the Kander Valley near Mitholz. [Jul 2007].
During a snow storm this Re 460 hurries past Lerchenfeld, a suburb of Thun. [Nov 2015].
From 2014 to 2022 the class Re 460 locomotives were modernised. Their external appearance also slightly changed as part of that: the red livery is slightly lighter and shinier; and then there's the SBB logo in metal relief on the front of the engine. [May 2025].
There are still some class Re 460 locomotives that occasionally carry advertising. This loco hurries through Wankdorf with advertising for the lift producer Schindler. [May 2025].
A class 460 locomotive hauls InterCity carriages across the Lorraine railway viaduct, which cross the river Aare in Bern. [Apr 2025].
An InterCity train travels between Thun und Bern through the village of Rubigen. In the background the Stockhorn mountain range is visible. [Apr 2025].
A few minutes later follows another InterCity train with a class Re 460 locomotive train at either end. Because of the additional carriages another loco is required to get the train across the gradients of the Zürich crossrail. The final destination of this InterCity train is Romanshorn. It speeds past rape fields near Rubigen. [Apr 2025].
On this photo the locomotives at either end of the train are quite visible. The train is travelling near Einigen above the shores of Lake Thun between Spiez and Thun. [Jul 2025].
This train consists of single deck standard carriages EW IV and does not travel via Zürich. Therefore, a single Re 460 locomotive is sufficient, even though it has additional carriages. [Jul 2025].
The main line between Thun and Spiez belongs to the BLS, but is mainly used today by SBB InterCity trains. There are no stations or stops between Thun and Spiez nowadays. [Jul 2025].
A class Re 460 locomotive pushes its train near Faulensee towards Spiez. On the right is the church of Faulensee, which was built in 1963 on the spot of a former medieval chapel. [Jul 2025].
On the shores of Lake Thun a class Re 460 loco hauls an InterCity train. This is near Därligen. [Jul 2025].
On the railway line between Fribourg and Bern a class Re 460 passes through the station Bern Europaplatz with an InterCity train. [Jun 2025].
Near Veytaux a class Re 460 locomotive hauls an InterRegio train along the shores of Lake Geneva. [Jun 2025].
That's the view from Chateaux Chillon along the shore of Lake Geneva. The ugly motorway pollutes the slopes above the lake. The railway line is far more embedded in the landscape and partly travels close to the lake. A class Re 460 loco with its train passes a FLIRT class 521 railcar. [Jun 2025].
The Series IV standard carriages are single deck passenger cars for InterCity and InterRegio trains. They were built in the 1980s and have been modernised since. The driving trailers were built later, using the front design of the Re 460 class. One of these driving trailers leads a train near Thun-Lerchenfeld. [May 2014].
The InterCity trains from Basel to Interlaken Ost or Brig were travelling south with the driving trailer leading, once they left Bern. Such a train is seen near Lerchenfeld. [Sep 2015].
This is the view from Oberhofen of an InterCity at night on the other shore of Lake Thun. The train is travelling between Thun and Spiez at this moment. [Feb 2014].
An InterCity train hurries through the small station of Faulensee. [Aug 2015].
The railway line cuts right through the village of Leissigen on Lake Thun. The old church lies between the railway line and the lake. Soon, sound barriers will be erected here, separating the railway from the village. [Aug 2015].
An InterCity with Seriew IV standard carriages leading exits the Lötschberg base tunnel in Frutigen. Normally trains in Switzerland travel on the left track, but here in the tunnel this seems to be more flexible, as part of the tunnel is only single track. [Feb 2015].
This InterRegio also had a consist of mainly Series IV standard carriages. But the front carriages, from which I took the photo, were older, so that the windows could be opened. [Jul 2015].
The standard carriages IV were also upgraded. Externally they received the chrome SBB logo under the front window. The black frame around the front window was altered. The doors are now entirely in red, not just the upper half. A driving trailer is at the front of the train as it heads through Rubigen. [Apr 2025].
An InterCity train to Interlaken stands in Spiez Station, with a driving trailer at the head of the train. The doors are about to be closed and the train will head into the mountain landscape. [May 2025].
With driving trailer at the front this train is leaving Bern. On this rainy day I met it between the Lorraine Railway Viaduct and Wankdorf. [May 2025].
That's the interior of a EW IV standard carriage. The seats are not the newest, but quite comfortable. This driving trailer also has spaces for bikes. [Jun 2025].
This InterCity has come from Chur and now stands in Zürich main station. The driving trailer has spaces for bikes and families with children. [Jun 2025].
The IC2000 double-deck carriages also received the same design as the Loco2000, the Re 460 class. A train hurries past Lerchenfeld, a suburb of Thun, during a snow storm. [Nov 2015].
The driving trailers of the IC2000 carriages have a family area that includes a playground on the upper deck. On the lower deck there's space for buggies, bicycles and skis. The mountains Mönch and Jungfrau provide a backdrop to this InterCity train speeding north from Thun. [Apr 2014].
An InterCity train with double-deck carriages near Uttigen. [Jan 2016].
This InterCity train with IC2000 double deck carriages travels along Lake Thun. In Leissigen it overtakes a BLS freight train with a class 485 locomotive. [Jul 2005].
An InterCity train crosses the 1km-long Lorraine viaduct in Bern. It brings the main lines from Zürich and Thun to the main station. In front of the viaduct is the shorter Lorraine bridge for road traffic. [Sep 2015].
That's the interior of the upper deck of the IC2000 driving trailer, in particular the playground there. It’s a really good design. From my experience they can be used by children from about 9 months old to around 12 years old. Nach meiner Erfahrung können sie gut von Kindern zwischen 9 Monaten und 12 Jahren benutzt werden. [Apr 2025].
So sieht der Spielplatz von der anderen Richtung her aus. Ther are some stairs, a space to crawl along, a slide, a wee cave and a boat. [May 2025].
Late one evening an InterCity train with IC2000 carriages travels across the Lorraine Railway Viaduct. [Jun 2025].
And that's the view during the day. Here in the river Aare many people swim with the current during summer. [Jun 2025].
The IC2000 carriages were also modernised between 2016 and 2024. Their exterior also changed their appearance. The chrome SBB logo is now below the front window. The brown on the upper carriage body has gone. The windows now have black framing. The white of the carriages is somewhat brighter. The cartoon figures on the family carriage have also changed. Here it is in Bern station. [Jun 2025].
An IC2000 arrives in Thun. [Jun 2025].
From the new millenium, the SBB have mainly ordered railcars and multiple units for passenger services. These class RABe 520 railcars were supplied to SBB by Stadler Rail from 2002 onwards. This railcar stops at the station Beinwil am See in the Seetal valley. [May 2015].
The class 520 railcars were specifically purchased for the line through the Seetal valley, but are also used on other lines in the region. Along the Seetal valley the railway line runs mostly adjacent to or on the road and passes right through towns and villages. These light railcars are ideally suited for such traffic. [May 2015].
Between Mosen and Alliswil the Seetal line travels above Lake Hallwil. This photo of a RABe 520 was taken from a ship on the lake. [May 2015].
In 2013 SBB took over some articulated railcars from the BLS, which were originally placed into service by Regionalverkehr Mittelland in 2003. Today they are mainly used in the Jura Region. One of these railcars waits in Sonceboz-Sombeval, as it could not travel on to La Chaux-de-Fonds due to track maintenance. [Apr 2016].
In a wide curve a railcar from Moutier descends the loop to the village Sonceboz-Sombeval. [Apr 2016].
The railcar from Moutier also passes the spot in Sonceboz-Sombeval where the earlier picture was taken. The railcars still have the red liverz of Regionalverkehr Mittelland, but now have the SBB logo. [Apr 2016].
The SBB also have some multiple units of the FLIRT-design by Stadler Rail. These class 521 railcars are also authorised for Germany and are used for the S-Bahn around Basel. This train arrives in Glovelier. [Apr 2016].
FLIRTs entered SBB service from 2004 onwards, but these class 523 multiple units for RER Vaud entered service from 2009. This class 523 unit travels through the vineyards of Villette on the shores of Lake Geneva. [Aug 2014].
The FLIRT trains of the RER Vaud travel along the shores of Lake Geneva from Allaman to Villeneuve. This train is at Veytaux near the lakeshore. [Jun 2025].
Two class 523 units arrive at the Veytaux-Chillon railway station, which is not far from the famous Chateaux Chillon. [Jun 2025].
And that's the view from Chillon Castle towards the shore of Lake Geneva. A train of FLIRT class 523 units travels along the lake. [Jun 2025].
TILO SA is a company that belongs to the Swiss SBB and the Italian Trenord (a subsidiary of Trenitalia). TILO operates the cross-border S-Bahn trains in Ticino (Switzerland) and Lombardy (Italy). These days all trains are operated by Stadler FLIRT class 524 multiple units. A train arrives in Lamone-Cadempino. [May 2025].
From 2006 new double deck multiple units were introduced for the Zürich S-Bahn. These class 514 trains were supplied by Siemens. One of the multiple units arrives in Baden. [Nov 2015].
One of the Class 514 double deck multiple units passes vineyards near Meilen. The north-eastern shore of Lake Zürich is known as Gold Coast, because so many wealthy people live on the sunny side of the lake. [May 2025].
This S-Bahn is near Horgen on the opposite shore of the lake. Because there's less sun on the left shore of Lake Zürich, the area is sometimes called Sneeze Coast. [May 2025].
A Class 514 multiple unit stops in Au Railway Station. The station lies between the village of Au and the peninsula Au. The peninsula is popular recreation destination with gardens, historic buildings and protected meadows. [May 2025].
From 2012 another type of double deck multiple unit was introduced for the Zürich S-Bahn. These trains were supplied by Stadler Rail and are based on the KISS platform. One of these trains in the underground S-Bahn station of Zürich. On the adjacent track is a class 514 multiple unit. [Jul 2015].
In Rapperswil a SBB employee cleans the front window of a Class 511 multiple unit. The trains for the S-Bahn traffic around Zürich are dark blue below the lower windows and haves a blue stripe between the upper and lower window bands. [May 2025].
The SBB also ordered several of these class 511 multiple units in the RegioExpress version. One of the trains crosses the Lorraine Viaduct in Bern as a RegioExpress Biel-Bern. [Jan 2018].
The class 511 RegioExpress version has a different interior design, including seats and toilets, and also a different livery to the S-Bahn version. The RegioExpress multiple units have the characteristic SBB olive-brown / white livery, while the S-Bahn units are painted in a blue / white livery. The class 511 EMU passes the alternative-scene establishment to arrive at Bern Station. [Jan 2018].
A Class 511 multiple unit travels along Lake Geneva near Veytaux as RegioExpress towards St Maurice. [Jun 2025].
Two Class 511 units travel in multiple as RegioExpress through the station Veytaux-Chillon towards Geneva. All Class 511 trains were put into service by 2016. [Jun 2025].
In 2021 the SBB ordered 41 trains of the new KISS version from Stadler for use as RegioExpress and InterRegio. These have been numbered Class 512. They entered service from 2023 onwards. One of those trains arrives in Luzern during heavy rain. [May 2025].
The Class Am 841 diesel locomotives are mainly used for infrastructure maintenance by SBB. Forty of the locos were ordered from GEC Alstom in Valencia and entered service in 1996-97. Engine 841 030-0 is shunting a ballast train at the Kanderkies terminal in Thun, where ballast is transhipped from ships to wagons. In the background is the passenger ship Beatus, which belongs to BLS Shipping. [Jun 2025].
SBB Cargo became a separate subsidiary of SBB in 1999. The locomotives have their own distinctive livery. This class 843 diesel loco in SBB Cargo colours travels through Faulensee. These engines entered service between 2003 and 2009. [Jul 2007].
A Class Am 843 locomotive passes through the station Brünnen-Westside with a shunt. [May 2025].
In Solothurn a Class 843 locomotive hauls a tank train through the station yard. [May 2025].
The class Eem 923 dual power locos entered service from 2011 onwards. With their diesel motor they can also be used on tracks without electrification. The locos are used for shunting and delivery duties. A class Eem 923 loco near Einigen on Lake Thun. [Oct 2015].
In Bowil in the Emmental I came across this Eem 923, which hauled a train of waste containers. [Dec 2015].
Class Aem 940 is a hybrid locomotive used by SBB. It can draw electricity from the overhead catenary or use a diesel motor. The model is called Prima H4 by Alstom. The locos that are still with SBB were supplied by Alstom in 2023 and 2024 and are used as heavy shunting locomotives and for track maintenance trains. [May 2025].
For the Bahn 2000 project the SBB also developed several tilting trains. Class 500 tilting trains were introduced from 1999 onwards. The trains operate InterCity trains between St. Gallen and Geneva or Lausanne via Solothurn and Neuchatel and also across the Gotthard. A RABDe 500 arrives in Arth-Goldau on its service from Zürich to Chiasso. On the right is a FLIRT train of the SOB. [Jul 2015].
Two Class 500 trains coupled together as InterCity from Lugano through the Gotthard Base Tunnel to Zürich. Here the train travels along Lake Zug near Arth. In Arth-Goldau quite a few passengers changed to the Treno Gottardo to Olten via Luzern. Both trains leave Arth-Goldau at the same time. This photo was made from one train across the lake towards the other. [May 2025].
In Solothurn Station stands a Class 500 train as InterCity 5 at platform 2; at platform 3 is a Class 560 railcar with S-Bahn S21 from Solothurn to Oberdorf. [May 2025].
In the underground station Löwenstrasse of the Zürich Main Station is RABDe 500 with an InterCity to Lausanne. [Jun 2025].
Cisalpino operated several Pendolino trains. These class ETR 470 tilting trains were produced from 1994 onwards in Italy. Throughout their working lives they continued to be plagued by problems. After the dissolution of Cisalpino, the trains were distributed between SBB and FS. SBB took the trains out of service as soon as it had better trains available. A Cisalpino Pendolino arrives in Thun. [Jul 2007].
The ETR 610 is a better tilting train design. Cisalpino introduced these trains from 2007. SBB took over several of the trains and ordered more. They were now referred to as class RABe 503. Since 2015 nearly all EuroCity trains across the Lötschberg, Simplon and Gotthard are operated by these units. One of the trains travels past Thun-Lerchenfeld. [May 2014].
A class RABe 503 train with an EuroCity train from Basel to Milan awaits departure in Thun on a rainy autumn day. On the adjacent track the BLS Lötschberger train from Bern to Brig (via the old mountain line) and to Zweisimmen has arrived. [Nov 2015].
The RABe 503 is also called Astoro. This name comes from the Italian word astore, which means hawk. Here one of the trains is travelling near Rubigen between Bern on Thun in the direction of Milan. [Apr 2025].
A class 503 is about to enter the station of Bern. By now the SBB has 19 of these trains in use. The last unit entered service in 2017. Sometimes these trains travel without protected coupling. [May 2025].
These trains often travel with protected coupling. Here two Class 503 train travels through Bern together. Each of the two sets consists of seven carriages. With the introduction of the Giruno trains the Astoro trains are hardly ever used through the Gotthard. Since then Astoro trains are used between Basel and Milan via Bern and the Simplon Tunnel, between Geneva and Milan through the Simplon Tunnel, and between Zürich and Munich via Bregenz. [May 2025].
That's the interior of the 2nd class of the Astoro trains. The seats are quite comfortable and nearly like arm chairs. [Jun 2025].
A Class ETR 610 of the Italian railways FS is ready for departure in Bern. It seems that at times the Italian vehicles are used for EuroCity trains between Switzerland and Milan. [May 2025].
The SBB ordered new InterCity double deck trains from Bombardier. These units are called Twindexx Swiss Express and have given the class designation RABe 502. They are due to enter service in December 2016. One of the trains stands in Thun during tests. [Apr 2016].
However, there were delays before the trains could enter service. The first trains finally operated commercially from February 2018. Here one of the Class 502 trains leaves Bern towards Geneva as InterCity 1. [May 2025].
In the InterCity version of the Twindexx Swiss Express one of the end carriages has a family zone with playground. Between first and second class is a restaurant. [May 2025].
That's what it looks like in the family zone of the RABe 502. Because there were normally other families with us on the train, I wasn't able to show a photo with a wider view of the carriage interior. [May 2025].
Several passengers were able to go into the cab of a RABe 502 train in Lucerne on the invitation of the engine driver. [May 2025].
In their first few years in service the trains were plagued with problems. They were equipped with swaying compensation technology, which gave the trains a very unsteady sideways movement. Other technical and software errors were quite frequent, so that they were called mishap trains. [May 2025].
By now most of the problems have been resolved, travel comfort has increased and the trains are fairly reliable. In total there are 62 vehicles: 23 eight-carriage InterCity trains with 606 seats; 30 eight-carriage InterRegio trains with 682 seats; and 9 four-carriage InterRegio trains with 330 seats. [May 2025].
Often an IC set operates together with an IR set for InterCity trains. Those passengers, who are looking for a restaurant or a family zone then need to use the IC set, while those who are looking for a bit more space, often use the IR set. Such an InterCity 1 travels through Bern towards the station. [May 2025].
The Class 502 trains were developed and built by Bombardier. In 2021 Bombardier was taken over by Alstom, so that this train manufacturer is now also involved in bringing the trains up to specification. Here two train sets coupled together operate near Romont. [Jun 2025].
Often an IC set operates together with an IR set for InterCity trains. Those passengers, who are looking for a restaurant or a family zone then need to use the IC set, while those who are looking for a bit more space, often use the IR set. Such an InterCity 1 travels through Bern towards the station. [May 2025].
The Class 502 trains were developed and built by Bombardier. In 2021 Bombardier was taken over by Alstom, so that this train manufacturer is now also involved in bringing the trains up to specification. Here two train sets coupled together operate near Romont. [Jun 2025].
SBB tendered an order for 29 new international express trains in 2012. After reissuing the tender and several court cases, the contract was given to Stadler Rail. The first part-train was completed in 2016. The trains received regulatory approval in 2019 and entered service then. These are single-deck low-floor trains with 11 carriages and a maximum operational speed of 250 km/h. A Class 501 train is seen here on a train in Arth-Goldau. [May 2025].
Stadler Rail designates these trains as SMILE - Speedy Multisystem Innovative Light Express Train. The SBB has given them the name Giruno, derived from the Romansh word girun for the bird of prey Buzzard. By now 41 trains are either in operation or on order. They principally operate through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, both as EuroCity to Italy and as InterCity within Switzerland. Here two trains are coupled together passing through Melide in the Ticino canton. [Jun 2025].
The interior of the Class 501 trains is attractive and comfortable, with compartments for all requirements. That's the view of the family zone. [Jun 2025].
SBB Cargo AG is a subsidiary of the Swiss Federal Railways. Since its inception in 1999 this company has mainly bought or leased well-tried locomotive types of established rolling stock manufacturers. That's why there are several Siemens Vectron in its fleet, designated Class 193. This loco is a light engine move near the freight yard of Bern. [May 2025].
The German InterCityExpress trains are the only real high speed trains that operate in Switzerland, even though they cannot develop high speeds on the Swiss railway network. They nevertheless connect Switzerland to the German high speed net. An ICE train stands in Interlaken Ost. [Apr 2016].
With 12 intermediate carriages and a power unit at either end, the ICE trains are quite long. An ICE train is seen near Uttigen. [Dec 2015].
In Switzerland ICE trains of the first series, class 401, are used. These trains were delivered from 1991 onwards. They are operated by the German state railway DB, but in Switzerland the personnel is supplied by SBB. An ICE travels north past Lerchenfeld, a suburb of Thun. [Nov 2015].
Shortly after the train from the opposite direction passed by. [Nov 2015].
On a cloudy day this class 401 ICE train has left Spiez and now heads past Einigen towards Thun. [Oct 2015].
A few days later the sun was out and the view to the mountains of the Bernese Oberland was clear, as an ICE travels north near Einigen. [Oct 2015].
On its journey from Interlaken to Germany an ICE travels past the village of Faulensee on the shores of Lake Thun. I took this photo from the deck of a ship on the lake. [May 2014].
Between Leissigen and Interlaken West the railway line is directly beside Lake Thun, so that the train sometimes nearly seems to travel through water. This is the view from the window of an ICE train. [Oct 2015].
A class 401 ICE departs Interlaken West. [Oct 2015].
ICE trains travel from Germany to Interlaken via Basel and Bern. There are also several ICE service to Zürich and Chur. One of the ICE trains stands in Interlaken Ost. On the right is an SBB InterCity train. [Jan 2016].
All the ICE trains carry names. This train is called Interlaken. On this night I saw it in Interlaken Ost. [Jan 2016].
From 2019 onwards the new ICE 4 class 412 were used for trains going to Switzerland. These trains can carry more passengers. For Switzerland it doesn't matter that they can't go as fast. Here an ICE 4 crosses the Lorraine Railway Viaduct in Bern. [Jun 2025].
The Class 412 ICE trains have longer carriages and therefore have to drive a bit slower through the many curves on the line between Interlaken and Spiez. One of the trains travels along Lake Thun near Därligen. [Jul 2025].
In 2019 Deutsche Bahn bought 17 InterCity trains from Austrian operator Westbahn. These type KISS six-part electric multiple units were built from 2013 by Stadler Rail in Switzerland. DB used them until 2025 also between Stuttgart and Zürich via Singen and Schaffhausen and then sold them to the Austrian State Railways ÖBB. One of the trains stands in Zürich Main Station. [May 2025].
The Deutsche Bahn (DB) also operates freight trains in Switzerland. For many years it worked together with the BLS, but now more with the SBB. Class 185 locos from DB haul a train of clay waggons past Lerchenfeld. [Nov 2015].
The class 185 locomotives entered service from 2000 onwards. Two of the locomotives stand with their freight train in Thun to await a gap in the busy passenger train timetable. [Jan 2018].
Two class 185 DB locos haul a train of multimodal containers on the Lötschberg line. [Jul 2007].