Switzerland’s Biggest Timetable Expansion in 20 Years Arrives on December 14, 2025
Switzerland is preparing for one of the most significant timetable overhauls in two decades. When the new schedule comes into force on December 14, 2025, passengers will benefit from a dramatic expansion of services, improved long-distance frequencies, enhanced international connections, and new night-train options across Europe. These changes are the result of years of infrastructure upgrades, cross-border cooperation, and a continued commitment by SBB and its partner railways to strengthen sustainable mobility.
Below, we explore the major changes in detail and what they mean for travellers across Switzerland and beyond.
Long-Distance Improvements from Basel
The Basel region is at the centre of significant upgrades. Thanks to infrastructure improvements, a through hourly IC service will be restored between Basel and Lausanne via Delémont and Biel/Bienne. The section between Basel and Biel/Bienne will operate on a half-hourly basis, in cooperation with BLS, improving connections across northwestern Switzerland and beyond.
Stronger North–South Links: Hourly Trains to Chiasso
Cross-Alpine connectivity continues to improve. With additional EuroCity trains and the extension of route IC2 from Lugano to Chiasso, there will be a continuous hourly service between German-speaking Switzerland and Chiasso. This strengthens the connection between Ticino and central Switzerland, making travel smoother for commuters and tourists alike.
More Trains Between Graubünden and Zürich
Route IC3 service between Chur and Zürich will run every half hour on weekdays, from 06:00 to 20:00, improving travel options for both leisure travellers and commuters. Additionally, five pairs of Genève-Aéroport–Bern–Zürich–Chur direct trains will operate every two hours on weekends, further improving long-distance connections to eastern Switzerland.
New Night Train: Basel to København and Malmö
From April 15, 2026, SBB will launch a new Basel SBB–København–Malmö night train, operating three times per week in each direction:
- Departures from Basel: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
- Departures from København/Malmö: Thursday, Saturday, Monday
This direct overnight service offers a comfortable way to travel to Scandinavia, though it depends on federal financial support under the CO₂ Act. Approximately CHF 47 million is planned for its operation through 2030, pending parliamentary approval.
Improved Connections to Italy
Cross-border travel to Italy will see major improvements:
- Two additional daily trains each way between Zürich and Milano, enhancing flexibility on this popular corridor.
- The direct connection to Bologna will now continue to Firenze, strengthening links into central Italy.
- We are awaiting confirmation of the extension of the Genova train to La Spezia in spring and autumn, and Livorno on weekends.
Between June and September, some services may not operate due to construction work in Italy.
These changes enhance travel options to major Italian cities and coastal destinations for both leisure and business passengers.
Expanded Services to Germany
Connections to Germany will be significantly strengthened:
- For the first time, direct ICE trains will run between Brig and Germany, improving access to the Valais.
- Four daily direct trains between Chur and Germany will now operate.
- SBB Giruno trains will serve two Basel–Hamburg connections per day in each direction.
As part of the new service concept, some existing EuroCity services between Zürich/Interlaken Ost and Dortmund/Hamburg will be withdrawn. On the Stuttgart–Schaffhausen–Zürich corridor, every second train from Stuttgart will terminate at Singen, with a dedicated replacement train from Schaffhausen maintaining a reliable half-hourly service to Zürich.
SBB is also expanding its luggage service to Germany, allowing passengers to send their bags ahead and enjoy a more relaxed journey.
Expanded Lausanne–Marseille Service in 2026
The Lausanne–Marseille TGV Lyria service will be expanded for one year in 2026. In addition to the usual daily summer trains (June 25–August 24), a Thursday–Monday service will run from April 16 to November 2, giving travellers more opportunities to reach the French Mediterranean coast directly.
New ÖBB Nightjet Trains on Zürich–Hamburg
From December 14, 2025, the Zürich–Hamburg night train will feature the new-generation ÖBB Nightjet, which includes modern comforts such as mini-cabins and private toilets and showers in all sleeping compartments. These trains are expected to be introduced on additional night routes throughout 2026.
Construction and Travel Planning
With so many service expansions, maintenance and construction work continues across Switzerland and neighbouring countries. Some journeys may take longer or require additional transfers.
SBB recommends travellers check the online timetable or SBB Mobile App before every journey. Push notifications allow passengers to receive updates about disruptions or timetable changes automatically, helping them adapt quickly and efficiently.
A Major Step Forward for Swiss Rail Travel
The December 2025 timetable change represents a major step forward for Swiss mobility. With more frequent long-distance services, improved national and international connections, and expanded night-train options, Switzerland is reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s best-connected countries. Passengers now have more choice, greater comfort, and better sustainable travel options than ever before.
Image by Dario Haeusermann © SBB CFF FFS.
