page_title: Rail transport in Switzerland
hierarchical_section_title: Rail transport in Switzerland
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Die Ge 6/6 II 706 der Rhätischen Bahn (RhB) auf dem Landwasserviadukt.
context_page_description: The Swiss rail network is noteworthy for its density, its coordination between services, its integration with other modes of transport, timeliness and a thriving domestic and trans-alp freight system. This is made necessary by strong regulations on truck transport, and is enabled by properly coordinated intermodal logistics.
  In 2015, with 5,323 kilometres network length, Switzerland has not only the world's most dense railway network despite the Alps covering about 60% of its surface, but it is also a world leader in kilometres traveled: 2,459 km per inhabitant and year. Virtually 100% of its network is electrified, except for the few tracks on which steam locomotives operate for tourism purposes only. There are 74 railway companies in Switzerland. The share of commuters who travel to work using public transport is 30%. The share of rail in goods transport performance by road and rail is 39%.
  Switzerland was ranked first among national European rail systems in the 2017 European Railway Performance Index for its intensity of use, quality of service and strong safety rating.
context_section_description: The Swiss rail network is noteworthy for its density, its coordination between services, its integration with other modes of transport, timeliness and a thriving domestic and trans-alp freight system. This is made necessary by strong regulations on truck transport, and is enabled by properly coordinated intermodal logistics.
  In 2015, with 5,323 kilometres (3,308 mi) network length, Switzerland has not only the world's most dense railway network (128.9 km/10³km², except for very small countries and city-states) despite the Alps covering about 60% of its surface, but it is also a world leader in kilometres traveled: 2,459 km (1,528 mi) per inhabitant and year (2015). Virtually 100% of its network is electrified, except for the few tracks on which steam locomotives operate for tourism purposes only. There are 74 railway companies in Switzerland. The share of commuters who travel to work using public transport (as main mode of transport) is 30%. The share of rail in goods transport performance by road and rail (modal split) is 39%.
  Switzerland was ranked first among national European rail systems in the 2017 European Railway Performance Index for its intensity of use, quality of service and strong safety rating. Switzerland had excellent intensity of use, notably driven by passenger traffic, and a good rating for quality of service and a very good rating for safety. Switzerland captured high value in return for public investment with cost to performance ratios that outperform the average ratio for all European countries.
  Switzerland is a member of the International Union of Railways (UIC). The UIC Country Code for Switzerland is 85.
caption: A Ge 6/6 II on the Albula Railway crossing the Landwasser Viaduct between Schmitten and Filisur
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