Direct Routes from Switzerland to Berlin, Milan, and Paris: Swiss Federal Railways Revolutionizes European Rail Travel – Discover How It Benefits Travelers

Published on December 15, 2025

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has taken a bold step to transform European rail tourism with the introduction of expanded international connections. Starting from December 2025, the railway operator will offer direct train services linking Switzerland with Germany, France, and Italy through new routes that will make travel across the continent easier and more accessible than ever before. This major timetable update aligns with the growing demand for sustainable, comfortable, and efficient travel options across Europe.

With seamless connectivity across multiple countries, Swiss Federal Railways is positioning itself as a key player in inter‑city European travel, offering tourists and business travelers alike new opportunities to explore Europe’s iconic cities with ease and efficiency. The increased frequency and direct international routes will not only make travel more convenient but also highlight the role of train travel in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability in tourism.

This initiative promises to reshape how travelers experience the landscape and culture of Europe, allowing for smoother connections, shorter travel times, and the ability to visit multiple countries with just a single pass. Let’s delve into how this expansion will impact European rail tourism, creating new opportunities for travelers to embark on memorable journeys across the continent.

Expanded Direct International Routes: Connecting Europe Like Never Before

Swiss Federal Railways’ expansion introduces new train services that directly connect Switzerland to major cities in Germany, France, and Italy. The increased direct services will shorten travel times between key European hubs such as Zurich, Basel, and Berlin, and will enhance the ease of access between Zurich and Milan.

Key changes in the timetable include:

• Direct trains from Zurich to Berlin: Travelers can now easily reach Berlin from Zurich, bypassing multiple transfers and enjoying a direct connection to one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.
• Expanded services to Italy: Additional daily trains linking Zurich and Milan will make it easier for travelers to explore Italy’s rich culture and landscapes.
• Improved routes to Paris: New routes between Zurich and Paris will offer more frequent services, allowing for smoother connections between the two cities and reducing the hassle of transfers at borders.

The direct connections mean that passengers no longer need to waste time navigating complicated schedules or transfer points. They can embark on their journeys knowing that they can reach their destination without the stress of additional connections. This service expansion aligns with the increasing demand for time-efficient travel, making rail an even more attractive alternative to air travel for those seeking comfort and sustainability.

How This Expansion Will Shape the Future of European Rail Tourism

This expansion of international connections isn’t just a win for travelers; it is also an important milestone for sustainable tourism. With the rise of eco‑conscious travel, train journeys offer an alternative to flying that has a much lower carbon footprint. As rail travel becomes an increasingly preferred mode of transportation, Swiss Federal Railways is well‑positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for green travel options.

Moreover, the new international routes will make it easier than ever for tourists to visit multiple countries in a single trip. Travelers will no longer need to spend hours in airports, going through security checks and delays. Instead, they can enjoy comfortable train carriages, panoramic views, and efficient services as they travel between major European cities.

With direct train connections, it’s now possible to visit cities such as Berlin, Milan, and Paris in a fraction of the time it would take by car or bus, all while contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly travel system.

What Travelers Can Expect: Convenient, Comfortable, and Scenic Journeys

Swiss Federal Railways’ expansion promises more than just faster travel. Train journeys are widely regarded as one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to travel across Europe. With the Scenic Glacier Express and EuroCity services, travelers can enjoy breathtaking views of Swiss Alps, Italian countryside, and German landscapes, turning travel time into part of the experience.

For passengers, the benefits of these new international services include:

• Comfortable, spacious seating with the ability to relax and stretch out during long journeys.
• Scenic vistas through large windows, offering panoramic views of mountains, lakes, and countryside.
• High-speed trains, such as the EuroCity and InterCity services, making long-distance travel more efficient and enjoyable.
• Seamless border crossings without the hassle of customs checks, allowing passengers to remain in the train and continue their journey without delay.

Moreover, Swiss Federal Railways continues to offer passengers a range of travel options, including luxurious first-class services and affordable second-class tickets, ensuring that all travelers can access the benefits of these enhanced international services, regardless of budget.

Strengthening Europe’s Rail Network: A Key Player in Sustainable Travel

The expansion of Swiss Federal Railways’ international connections is part of a broader effort to integrate the European rail network more effectively, encouraging travelers to choose trains as a primary mode of transportation. The European Union’s commitment to sustainable travel, coupled with the increased focus on eco-tourism, is setting the stage for a future where rail travel plays a central role in how people move across the continent.

The new routes also contribute to the EU’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and making travel across Europe more accessible, efficient, and sustainable. With this expansion, Swiss Federal Railways is not only enhancing travel convenience but also actively contributing to a greener, more connected Europe.

Seamless Travel Across Europe Awaits

Swiss Federal Railways’ expansion of international rail connections is a significant development that promises to make European travel more accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable. Whether you are a tourist, a business traveler, or an eco-conscious explorer, these enhanced connections offer a chance to experience Europe in a way that is both convenient and enriching.

With new direct routes, improved schedules, and a commitment to providing comfortable, sustainable travel, travelers will be able to visit more cities, discover more regions, and immerse themselves in Europe’s rich cultures without the stress and environmental impact of air travel.

As Europe’s rail network continues to expand and evolve, Swiss Federal Railways stands at the forefront of a new era of sustainable travel, helping to shape the way we experience the continent’s cities, landscapes, and history.