Local city transport
Public transport in the city and agglomeration of Lucerne is run by Verkehrsbetriebe Luzern (VBL)
Central Switzerland, or more precisely the Cantons of Lucerne, Obwalden and Nidwalden, are served by Passepartout.
Zug and its surroundings are served by ZVB – Zuger Verkehrsbetriebe
Public transport in the Canton of Schwyz is run by Auto AG Schwyz.
Public transport in Zurich
In Zurich, there are two public transport networks:
VBZ: Public transport in the city.
ZVV: Public transport in the greater Zurich area – this includes the neighbouring cantons.
Zurich has a very good network of public transportation called the Zürcher Verkehrsbund (VBZ). Punctuality is of the highest priority, so don’t get angry if the tram driver won’t wait for you when you try to jump on board at the very last moment.
VBZ has trams, buses, S-Bahn trains and even some boats on the river. Trams, buses and S-Bahn trains run daily from 5.30am until midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, the city and suburbs are served by night buses and the S-Bahn.
Timetable and information on tickets
The public transport network is divided into zones. The price for a ticket is calculated by the number of zones you cross, including the destination.
Ticket machines
Ticket machines are not always easy to understand. Here's an explanation on the different types of tickets offered.
Please note that you must always buy a ticket or validate it before you get on any tram, S-Bahn, bus or train because there are no tickets sold on on board, except for buses and post buses that go beyond the city borders (the driver will be able to issue tickets).
Züri Card
This is a ticket that includes buses, trams and trains for Zurich and the surroundings areas with free or reduced admission to 43, 50% discount on the Zurich Old Town Walking Tour and many more experiences.
- Adults: CHF 27 for 1 day or CHF 53 for 3 days
- Children up to 16 years: CHF 19 for 1 day or CHF 37 for 3 days
PS: Tram drivers are also called pilots. They take driving lessons in a simulator valued at millions of Swiss francs before they are allowed on the tracks. Security is of utmost importance at VBZ.