Travelling in Switzerland with kids: why the Swiss Transport System is the secret to a perfect family holiday

Travelling in Switzerland with kids is discovering a country where mobility is more than a service: it is a cultural value, a promise of reliability and a true competitive advantage. Nowhere else in Europe does a transport network work so efficiently, so smoothly and with such meticulous attention to the needs of families. The Swiss system turns trains, buses, boats and mountain lifts into a single, perfectly coordinated network that simplifies every movement and transforms even the shortest transfer into a pleasant experience.

When families evaluate a destination, they consider landscapes, attractions and accommodation. But in real life, especially when travelling with young children, the key factor is something far more practical: how easy it is to move around. Switzerland excels in this. The country has invested consistently in a transport model that reduces stress, eliminates uncertainty and offers families the freedom to discover mountains, lakes and cities without ever needing a car.

Interlaken embodies this system more than any other place. Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and at the gateway to the Jungfrau Region, the town is an extraordinary example of how public transport shapes the quality of the holiday. From here, families can reach mountain peaks, lakeside villages, panoramic trains and historic railways with minimal effort, relying on frequent connections and a system that operates with Swiss precision.

Combining insights from Travel Switzerland, Interlaken Tourism and the Rhaetian Railway, a clear picture emerges: Switzerland has created a mobility model unique in Europe, a model that empowers families and transforms the act of travelling into part of the holiday itself.

Travelling in Switzerland with kids: a Fully integrated system designed for families

The defining feature of travelling in Switzerland with kids is the seamless integration of different modes of transport. Trains, buses, boats, trams and cable cars do not operate as separate entities but as components of a single ecosystem: the Swiss Travel System. Timetables are coordinated, transfer points are clear and user-friendly, and signage is designed to be understood at a glance, even when juggling a stroller and two energetic children.

This means that a family staying in Interlaken can start the day with a train ride to Grindelwald, continue with a cable car to First or Männlichen, descend into Lauterbrunnen or Wengen, and end the afternoon with a relaxing boat trip on Lake Brienz — all without the complications of driving, parking or dealing with heavy traffic on mountain roads. The system reduces friction to almost zero, giving parents the priceless luxury of focusing on the experience rather than the logistics.

Another practical advantage is predictability. When travelling with children, delays, uncertainties and complicated transfers can quickly ruin the mood. In Switzerland, punctuality is a structural feature of the system. Knowing that a train will arrive exactly when scheduled, and that the connection will be waiting, removes stress and allows families to organise their day with confidence.

Real advantages for families: savings, simplicity and freedom

Switzerland’s transport system is not only efficient; it also includes concrete benefits for families. The most significant is the Swiss Family Card, which allows children up to 15 years old to travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one parent holding a valid Swiss Travel Pass or equivalent ticket. This dramatically reduces travel costs and encourages spontaneous exploration.

In addition, children under six years old travel for free on almost all public transport, regardless of the ticket type chosen by the adults. Some regional transport providers offer further benefits, youth passes or local child cards, adding extra savings depending on the area visited.

What makes this system so convenient is its simplicity. Parents carry the ticket; children follow without extra charges. There is no need to purchase separate, complex fare options. This freedom allows families to add extra excursions, stop in small villages along the way, take a boat simply because they feel like it, or change plans spontaneously depending on the weather.

Accessibility is a further strength. Swiss stations and transport services are exceptionally well equipped: ramps, elevators, wide platforms, stroller-friendly doors and designated family spaces are standard. Clean and well-maintained facilities, often including children’s areas in major stations, contribute to a sense of comfort and safety that parents particularly appreciate.

Interlaken: The Perfect Example of Swiss Mobility

Interlaken is the ideal starting point to understand how transport shapes the experience of travelling in Switzerland with kids. Located between two lakes and surrounded by mountains, the town has two well-connected railway stations — Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost — linking the area to major Swiss cities as well as to local destinations such as Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Grindelwald and Mürren.

Interlaken’s strategic location makes it one of the most convenient hubs in the entire Swiss Tourism System. Families staying here can enjoy the extraordinary advantage of having some of the country’s most iconic attractions within easy reach. The celebrated Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is reachable entirely by public transport, combining trains and mountain railways in an ascent that is safe, enjoyable and spectacular.

Connections to the Schilthorn – Piz Gloria, famous for its 360-degree panoramic restaurant and its James Bond exhibition, are equally smooth. A combination of trains and cable cars — now even faster and more sustainable thanks to the new Schilthornbahn generation — makes the climb effortless even with small children.

Interlaken also offers the City Train, an ecological sightseeing train that circles the town and is especially loved by young children. It helps families explore without long walks and gives a quick overview of the main sights, making orientation easier from the very first day.

Travelling in Switzerland with kids: panoramic railways where the journey becomes an experience

One of the most distinctive elements of travelling in Switzerland with kids is the chance to ride panoramic trains. These are not simple connections but attractions in their own right. Families experience the journey as a spectacle, with large panoramic windows framing mountains, valleys and lakes as if in a moving film.

The GoldenPass Express, connecting Interlaken with Montreux, is one of the most remarkable examples. The route passes through a variety of landscapes — alpine meadows, forests, dramatic passes and wine terraces overlooking Lake Geneva — offering continuous visual stimuli that keep children entertained and adults amazed.

Equally impressive is the historic railway leading to the Jungfraujoch. The ascent through tunnels carved inside the Eiger more than a century ago fascinates children, while the arrival on the glacier plateau offers an extraordinary high-altitude experience. Because demand is high, seat reservations are mandatory from 1 May to 31 August, guaranteeing an orderly and comfortable visit even during peak season.

The Rhaetian Railway and the Albula Line: a responsible approach to tourism

The Rhaetian Railway (RhB), renowned worldwide for its Bernina Line, demonstrates a uniquely transparent approach to managing tourism flows. Due to significant crowding on the Bernina section during weekends and holidays, the company openly communicates the issue and recommends an equally spectacular but less congested alternative: the Albula Line, also a UNESCO World Heritage route.

The Albula Line connects St. Moritz with Chur, crossing spiral tunnels, dramatic viaducts and deep valleys in one of the most scenic journeys in Europe. For families, it offers two essential advantages: ample seating availability and hourly connections in both directions. This makes the route far more comfortable and predictable than the Bernina, especially during the busiest periods.

From 2026 onwards, families can also enjoy Landwasserwelt, a new visitor programme centred around the iconic Landwasser Viaduct. The experience includes historical trains, panoramic viewpoints, visits to the Albula Railway Museum in Bergün, accessible hiking trails, agricultural experiences and a special road train leading directly beneath the viaduct. It is a rare opportunity for children to learn about engineering, nature and alpine culture through hands-on exploration.

Travelling in Switzerland with kids without a car: easy, sustainable and stress-free

One of the greatest advantages of travelling in Switzerland with kids is the genuine possibility of organising an entire holiday without relying on a car. Thanks to exceptional public transport coverage, families can arrive by train from neighbouring countries, reach their accommodation easily and explore the entire region using only public transport.

This approach reduces expenses such as fuel, motorway tolls and parking fees. It also removes the stress associated with driving on mountain roads, adapting to unfamiliar traffic regulations or navigating narrow parking spaces in tourist areas. Most importantly, it aligns with the values of sustainability and environmental respect that many modern families care deeply about.

By relying on this integrated transport system, families gain time, energy and peace of mind. Each day becomes richer in experiences because it is not interrupted by logistical complications. Parents do not need to choose between comfort and discovery — they can have both.

Why Switzerland is one of the best family destinations in Europe

A close look at the Swiss transport system reveals a model designed not only for efficiency but for quality of life. For families, this translates into a holiday that is smoother, safer and more enjoyable. Efficient mobility is not simply a logistical service; it is one of the pillars that defines the Swiss travel experience.

Interlaken is the ideal gateway to this world, offering proximity to iconic attractions and an extensive network of well-coordinated connections. Panoramic trains add emotional value to every journey, turning travel into a highlight rather than a necessity. The Rhaetian Railway demonstrates a responsible and forward-looking approach by promoting alternatives such as the Albula Line, ensuring comfort and preserving the integrity of its routes.

Above all, families benefit from practical advantages such as children travelling for free with the Swiss Family Card and the general free travel for kids under six years old on most public transport. These incentives, combined with outstanding accessibility and reliability, make Switzerland one of the most intelligent and family-friendly destinations in Europe.

For parents seeking a holiday centred on safety, natural beauty, organisation and stress-free movement, Switzerland offers a unique experience: a place where transport is not just a way to get around, but an integral part of the journey, enriching every moment and making discovery effortless.

Images: © Swiss Travel System AG, 2018, Fotograf: Daniel Ammann; © MOB-GoldenPass, 2022, photographer: JoBersier; © SBB CFF FFS, 2017, Fotograf: Thomas Egli; © SBB CFF FFS; © Foto Thurbo: Christof Sonderegger; © Verkehrshaus der Schweiz, 2022; © zb Zentralbahn AG; ©Lucerne Tourism, 2023, photographer: Beat Brechbühl; Swiss Travel System AG  (via Swiss Travel System AG)