SBB Accessibility

Blog post image

SBB is committed to making train travel accessible for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. They offer various services, facilities, and assistance options to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Assistance for Boarding and Disembarking

  • SBB provides free assistance for passengers needing help boarding, changing trains, and exiting.
  • This service is available at all major Swiss stations and some regional stations.
  • Reservation Required: Must be booked at least 1 hour in advance for Swiss domestic travel and 48 hours in advance for international travel.

Accessible Stations

  • Major Swiss railway stations are equipped with:
    • Step-free access.
    • Lifts and ramps.
    • Guidance systems for visually impaired passengers.
    • Tactile paving and signs for navigation.
  • Some smaller stations may have limited accessibility, so it's best to check in advance.

Accessible Train Carriages

  • Wheelchair Spaces: Reserved wheelchair-accessible seating available on most long-distance trains.
  • Step-Free Boarding: Newer trains have low floors for easy entry, while others require a mobile lift.
  • Accessible Restrooms: Available on most long-distance trains (IC, EC, TGV Lyria, NightJet).

Booking via Phone

  • Swiss Assistance Center (SBB Call Center Handicap):
    📞 +41 800 007 102 (Free call within Switzerland).
    đź•’ Operating Hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
    đź“… Book at least 1 hour in advance for Swiss domestic trains and 48 hours for international routes.

Booking Online

  • Assistance can be booked via the SBB website: SBB Assistance Booking
  • Alternatively, book assistance via SBB Mobile App under “Barrier-Free Travel”.

Traveling with a Companion

  • Swiss Disabled Passenger Card: Allows a companion to travel for free.
  • Available for passengers with mobility impairments, blindness, or cognitive disabilities.
  • Application forms can be requested from SBB Customer Service.

Guide Dogs and Assistance Animals

  • Guide dogs travel for free on all SBB trains.
  • No reservation required, but it's recommended for long-distance journeys.

Ticket Discounts

SBB offers discounts for passengers with disabilities:

  • Swiss Half Fare Card: Available to passengers with disabilities.
  • Regional and National Disability Travel Cards: Offer free or discounted travel for accredited Swiss residents with disabilities.

International Accessibility Services

For cross-border trips, SBB partners with European rail operators to provide coordinated assistance.

  • EuroCity (EC) & TGV Lyria: Wheelchair spaces & assistance available.
  • NightJet (NJ) Sleeping Trains: Wheelchair-accessible compartments available.

Contacts and Help at Stations

Station Help Points

  • Most major SBB stations have help points where travelers can call for assistance.
  • Staff are available to help with ticketing, boarding, and navigation.

Emergency Contact Numbers

  • General SBB Customer Service: 📞 +41 51 225 78 56
  • SBB Call Center Handicap: 📞 +41 800 007 102

đź”— SBB Accessibility Services: SBB Reduced Mobility Travel
đź”— Train Accessibility Information: SBB Accessible Trains

Still need help? Check out these articles

Here are some articles that may help you find what you're looking for.

Chat Assistant

Chat with our assistant to get answers to your questions.