Holidays To Switzerland By Train From The UK

A most relaxing way to reach Switzerland

 

Rail travel to Switzerland is growing in popularity as more people come to appreciate the comfort and relaxed style. Although there are station and train changes it can be less hassle than air travel.

The railways have also continued to develop the routes through to Switzerland, offering faster trains with more choice and good connections into the Swiss rail network - and onwards to your chosen resort. The main route is London - Paris - Basel but there are alternatives if you wish. 

Create memories that last a lifetime with a holiday in Switzerland

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Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com


Benefits of travelling by rail
  • Shorter check in time
  • Countryside views across the continent
  • Comfortable seats with plenty of legroom
  • Opportunity to walk around and stretch your legs
  • No weight limit for your suitcases
Benefits of travelling by rail
  • Shorter check in time
  • Countryside views across the continent
  • Comfortable seats with plenty of legroom
  • Opportunity to walk around and stretch your legs
  • No weight limit for your suitcases
 
London - Paris - Basel The Eurostar high speed link from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord offers the most convenient route. Onward travel from Paris Gare de Lyon by the French high speed TGV service to Basel. Outward journey - depart London 07.01 arrive Basel 15.26. This arrival time allows for good connections to many parts of Switzerland. Return journey - depart Basel 14.34 (which allows for good connections from around Switzerland) arrive London 20.30.
London - Paris - Basel
The Eurostar high speed link from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord offers the most convenient route. Onward travel from Paris Gare de Lyon by the French high speed TGV service to Basel. Outward journey - depart London 07.01 arrive Basel 15.26. This arrival time allows for good connections to many parts of Switzerland. Return journey - depart Basel 14.34 (which allows for good connections from around Switzerland) arrive London 20.30.
 
Alternative routes Another popular rail option is to travel via Strasbourg - although a slightly longer journey with an additional change of train, we would still recommend this routing as the change in Paris is a short walk from Gare du Nord to Gare de l'Est.
There are also alternative Eurostar train departures which connect with various trains from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lausanne, Geneva, Bern or Zurich which may prove more convenient, depending on your destination. You may also like to consider travelling via Brussels and Cologne.
Alternative routes
Another popular rail option is to travel via Strasbourg - although a slightly longer journey with an additional change of train, we would still recommend this routing as the change in Paris is a short walk from Gare du Nord to Gare de l'Est.
There are also alternative Eurostar train departures which connect with various trains from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lausanne, Geneva, Bern or Zurich which may prove more convenient, depending on your destination. You may also like to consider travelling via Brussels and Cologne.
 
Eurostar trains

Travel on Eurostar is in spacious, air conditioned carriages. In standard class the buffet cars serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus sandwiches, crisps and hot snacks. Please note that there is no seating in the bar area.
First class is called Standard Premier and in addition to the improved seating and space, a meal appropriate to the time of day is included and served to you in your seat: continental breakfast up to 11am and after 11am a light cold meal with 3 cold savoury dishes and a choice of wine, beer or a non-alcoholic drink, plus tea and coffee. Special meals can be requested at the time of booking.

Luggage
The allowance is two medium sized bags per person with a maximum length of 85cm plus one item of hand luggage. Suitcases can be placed in the storage areas by the doors and hand luggage can be placed in the overhead racks.

Transfers between stations in Paris

Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon - These stations are within 2 stops on the RER line and have escalators and lifts at both stations to help with transferring your baggage. However, we would recommend travelling by taxi as a more convenient option.

Gare du Nord to Gare de L'Est - these stations are very close together and should be no more than an easy 10 minute walk. We will provide directions with your travel documents.

Eurostar trains

Travel on Eurostar is in spacious, air conditioned carriages. In standard class the buffet cars serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus sandwiches, crisps and hot snacks. Please note that there is no seating in the bar area.
First class is called Standard Premier and in addition to the improved seating and space, a meal appropriate to the time of day is included and served to you in your seat: continental breakfast up to 11am and after 11am a light cold meal with 3 cold savoury dishes and a choice of wine, beer or a non-alcoholic drink, plus tea and coffee. Special meals can be requested at the time of booking.

Luggage
The allowance is two medium sized bags per person with a maximum length of 85cm plus one item of hand luggage. Suitcases can be placed in the storage areas by the doors and hand luggage can be placed in the overhead racks.

Transfers between stations in Paris

Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon - These stations are within 2 stops on the RER line and have escalators and lifts at both stations to help with transferring your baggage. However, we would recommend travelling by taxi as a more convenient option.

Gare du Nord to Gare de L'Est - these stations are very close together and should be no more than an easy 10 minute walk. We will provide directions with your travel documents.

 
TGV Lyria trains

The journey through to Switzerland on the modern TGV trains is in comfortable and spacious carriages in both standard and first class. In the first class carriages there are larger, reclining seats and complimentary French magazines and newspapers.There is a buffet car where you can purchase hot or cold meals and there are also vending machines for drinks and snacks.

Luggage
The allowance is two bags per person plus hand luggage. Storage racks are at the end and sometimes in the middle of each carriage. 

TGV Lyria trains

The journey through to Switzerland on the modern TGV trains is in comfortable and spacious carriages in both standard and first class. In the first class carriages there are larger, reclining seats and complimentary French magazines and newspapers.There is a buffet car where you can purchase hot or cold meals and there are also vending machines for drinks and snacks.

Luggage
The allowance is two bags per person plus hand luggage. Storage racks are at the end and sometimes in the middle of each carriage. 

 
Price guide The supplements on our holiday prices will be from £98 per person in 2nd class and £365 per person in 1st class. You will also need to add a supplement for first class onward travel in Switzerland. We will only be able to advise a final price when we can actually book your seats which, because of the reservations systems used by the railways, will not be until 90 days before your departure. However, we still recommend early booking as all other arrangements are held for you and your reservations are registered when you make your booking.
Price guide
The supplements on our holiday prices will be from £98 per person in 2nd class and £365 per person in 1st class. You will also need to add a supplement for first class onward travel in Switzerland. We will only be able to advise a final price when we can actually book your seats which, because of the reservations systems used by the railways, will not be until 90 days before your departure. However, we still recommend early booking as all other arrangements are held for you and your reservations are registered when you make your booking.
 
Break your journey with an overnight stay in Paris

Paris is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. You can make the most of your journey through Paris by staying overnight at the start or end of holiday. We will be happy to supply further details and prices on request.  

Break your journey with an overnight stay in Paris

Paris is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. You can make the most of your journey through Paris by staying overnight at the start or end of holiday. We will be happy to supply further details and prices on request.  

 

Request your holiday quotation

Speak to our team today to find out more!

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

Onward travel

Your onward rail travel to resort will depart from the same station into which you arrive on the international train. This makes the final part of your journey seamless so you can sit back and relax.

Ski holidays by rail

You can travel by rail from the UK for your ski holiday too, with services running throughout the winter. If you are taking your own equipment, the skis will count as 1 of your 2 items of luggage. Ask us about our ski holidays on 0800 619 1200.

Planning your ski holiday

Call 0800 619 1200

  • Airports around the UK
  • 1st or 2nd class rail transfers
  • 3 and 4 star hotel accommodation 
  • Flexible number of nights  
  • Room upgrades
  • Bed & breakfast or half board
Request your ski holiday quote

Scenic rail holidays

Ask us about the Swiss scenic rail journeys - a great way of combining resorts to create your own two or multi centre holiday
Glacier Express
Bernina Express
GoldenPass Express
Gotthard Panorama Express

Planning your holiday 2024

Call 0800 619 1200
  • Decide where you would like to stay
  • Choose your scenic journeys
  • 1st or 2nd class rail travel in Switzerland
  • How many nights in each resort
  • Decide on bed & breakfast or half board
  • 3, 4 or 5 star hotel accommodation
  • Plan visits with your Half Fare Card
Request your holiday quote
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