Bernina Express
RequiredBernina Express panoramic coaches
Seat reservations
Which Swiss trains need a reserved seat?
Reservations are generally optional on ordinary domestic trains. Scenic and international services follow their own rules.
- Optional seats on selected InterCitys
- Bernina and Glacier have own rules
- Check each international service
Reservation status
Reservation rules by train and class
Some trains distinguish between ordinary coaches, special classes and additional bus sections.
Bernina Express
RequiredBernina Express Bus Tirano–Lugano
Valid: 14 December 2025 to 12 December 2026
Glacier Express
RequiredAll travellers
GoldenPass Express
RecommendedIndividual travellers in 1st or 2nd class
GoldenPass Express
RequiredPrestige Class
Gotthard Panorama Express
RequiredTrain section, all travellers
Valid: 18 April 2026 to 18 October 2026
Lucerne–Interlaken Express
RecommendedIndividual travellers
Check that the reservation, fare, route and date all match.
Reservation status by train type
Updated August 2026. The selected service in the current timetable remains decisive.
| Train or service | Status | Where to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Swiss InterCity | Usually optional; SBB lists CHF 5 per seat | SBB.ch, SBB Mobile, ticket office or Contact Center | |
| Bernina Express | Panoramic coach requires a reservation | RhB or SBB booking | |
| Glacier Express | Mandatory reservation | Official Glacier Express shop | |
| GoldenPass Express | Separately reservable; note Prestige | GoldenPass webshop | |
| Gotthard Panorama Express | Check the exact product and supplement | SBB or operator | |
| TGV or train to Italy | Reservation mandatory and included in the ticket | Together with the international ticket |
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Tickets and passes
Scenic trains with different seat rules
Check whether each offer includes the fare, the seat reservation or both.
Essentials
Keep ticket, seat and bicycle place separate
Table of Contents
Ordinary trains within Switzerland
You generally do not need a reservation on ordinary Swiss domestic trains. Board with a valid ticket and choose an available seat in the booked class. SBB nevertheless sells optional InterCity reservations for CHF 5, which can help groups or travellers on busy dates.
Scenic trains
The Bernina Express and Glacier Express require a reservation: the travel ticket covers the route, while the supplement provides the panoramic seat. GoldenPass travel tickets and seats can be booked separately, with a dedicated Prestige reservation. For the Gotthard Panorama Express, check the exact train, class, supplement and possible boat component together.
A valid pass can change the fare but not automatically the seat. Select a discount only when the pass covers the section and class.
International trains
The exact service determines the rule across borders. SBB lists mandatory reservations included in the ticket on TGV services to France and trains to Italy. Reservations are often optional but available or recommended towards Germany and Austria. Check the selected connection.
Bicycles have separate reservation rules
A seat reservation says nothing about a bicycle. You may need both a bicycle ticket and a reserved bicycle space. SBB lists a bicycle-space requirement on many InterCity trains between 21 March and 31 October. Self-loading bicycles is not permitted on the Bernina Express.
Updated August 2026. See SBB seat reservations for current rules and prices.
Seat reservations
Common questions
Is a seat reservation also a valid ticket?+
No. A seat-only reservation does not authorise travel. You also need a valid ticket or recognised pass.
What happens after a coach change?+
SBB warns that a reservation can lose validity after a short-notice rolling-stock change. Ask onboard staff to confirm the case and follow the refund process.
Do children need their own reserved seat?+
When a product requires reservations, every passenger needs a seat. A free or reduced fare does not automatically remove that charge.
Is a bicycle reservation the same thing?+
No. Bicycle tickets and bicycle spaces follow separate rules. Many InterCity trains require bicycle-space reservations during the season.
Scenic train in your itinerary?
Compare the fare, reservation and class for your chosen train.