Getting Around Bern 2025
Navigate Bern like a local with our transportation guide.
The Canton of Bern is Switzerland's second-largest canton, stretching from the UNESCO-listed medieval capital city to the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Home to the federal capital of Switzerland, picturesque alpine lakes, and world-class ski resorts, Bern blends political significance with breathtaking natural beauty.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Bern.
Public Transit
One of Europe's best public transport systems—punctual, clean, comprehensive, and integrated across trains, trams, buses, cable cars, and boats
Taxis
Available via apps and taxi ranks; high quality but expensive at CHF 3.90/km; useful late at night
Car Rental
Useful for rural Bern Canton exploration; not needed in the city; major companies at Bern station and BRN airport
Walking
Old Town is best explored on foot; flat riverside areas and the Münsterplattform offer excellent pedestrian routes
Getting There
How to arrive in Bern.
✈️ By Air
Bern Airport (Flughafen Bern-Belp)
Bern's regional airport operates seasonal scheduled and charter flights to European destinations. Smaller than Zurich but convenient for regional connections. Expansion and new routes are ongoing.
Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zürich)
Switzerland's main international hub with connections worldwide. Direct rail link to Bern every 30 minutes via Swiss Federal Railways. Most international flights arrive here.
Geneva Airport (Aéroport de Genève)
Second international Swiss hub with many European and intercontinental connections. Direct train to Bern runs every 30-60 minutes.
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Bern.
Bern's city centre is compact and very walkable, with the UNESCO Old Town easily covered on foot in 2-3 hours. For wider city areas, trams and buses are frequent and reliable. The Bern Ticket given by all accommodation provides free use of zones 100/101.
Walking (best for Old Town)
Tram (fastest for cross-city routes)
City Bus (neighbourhood coverage)
Funicular to Gurten
S-Bahn for suburbs and day trips
Bicycle (PubliBike sharing)
🚌 Buses
City buses and trams serve all Bern neighbourhoods; CHF 3.80 per single ride; day pass CHF 12.40
🛺 Local Alternatives
S-Bahn regional rail, Funicular to Gurten, Funicular to Marzili, PubliBike bicycle sharing
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) trains connect Bern to all major Swiss cities. Trains run every 30 minutes to Zurich (1h 10min), Geneva (1h 40min), Basel (1h), and Lausanne (1h 10min). Regional BLS trains serve the Bernese Oberland including Interlaken (1h) and Thun (20min).
Long-Distance Buses
Long-distance Flixbus and PostBus services from CHF 9; PostBus extensive rural network
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Shared taxi services available to remote Bernese Oberland villages not on rail network
Domestic Flights
Bern Airport (BRN) serves seasonal European routes; Zurich (ZRH) is main international hub 1h 10min by train
Private Car/Driver
Private car hire from CHF 60-120/day at Bern station; Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Swiss car2go available
Driving in Bern
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Yes
Driving Side
right
License Required
EU/EEA licences valid; international driving permit recommended for non-EU visitors
Road Conditions
Excellent motorways (A1, A6, A8); mountain roads may be closed in winter; vignette (toll sticker CHF 40/year) required for motorways
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Always validate your ticket before boarding—Swiss transport inspectors are thorough and fines are CHF 100+
The Bern Ticket (free with accommodation) covers city zones 100/101 including to/from Bern Airport
Swiss Half-Fare Card (CHF 120/month) gives 50% off almost all public transport—excellent value for longer stays
Swiss Travel Pass (1-15 days) provides unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats, and many mountain railways
Book Jungfraujoch and popular mountain rail journeys online at least 2-3 days ahead in summer
The 'Supersaver' advance tickets on SBB website offer up to 70% off regular rail fares
BLS network covers all of Bern Canton including Lake Thun boats and the Bernese Oberland rail routes
Night buses (N-lines) run Fri-Sat until around 04:00 when regular services stop
Useful Apps
SBB Mobile
Official Swiss Federal Railways app—buy tickets, plan journeys, real-time departures for all of Switzerland
PubliBike
Bern city bike sharing app—find and unlock bicycles at 80+ stations across Bern
Uber
Available in Bern; useful late at night or with luggage
BLS App
BLS regional rail tickets for Bernese Oberland journeys including Lake Thun boats
SBB Preview
Real-time train tracking and Swiss rail network maps
Navigate Bern Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
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