Bern Railway Station

Bern Railway Station (Bern Hauptbahnhof) is not only the capital's main transport hub but also the second busiest railway gateway in Switzerland. Located on the border of the historic Old Town and the modern part of Bern, this station serves hundreds of thousands of passengers daily, connecting the German-speaking and French-speaking parts of the country. Modern architecture here intertwines harmoniously with functionality, and the famous glass canopy over the square in front of the entrance has become a recognisable symbol of the city. Thanks to its compactness and thoughtful layout, the station is considered one of the most convenient in Europe for transfers.

It is important for passengers to know that the station has several levels, but navigation here is intuitive. The main platforms for long-distance trains (SBB) are located on the upper level, while regional trains (RBS) depart from the underground floor. The main entrance leads directly to tram and bus stops under the "Baldachin" glass dome. The building features elevators and ramps, ensuring barrier-free access to all tracks.

• Official website: www.sbb.ch (Swiss Federal Railways).
• Information service phone: +41 848 44 66 88 (SBB Contact Center, 24/7).
• Address: Bahnhofplatz 10A, 3011 Bern, Switzerland.
• Station opening hours: The building is open 24/7, however, most ticket counters operate from 06:15 to 21:00.
• Luggage storage: Automatic lockers are available 24/7, located on the passenger crossing level.
• Accessibility: Assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility (SBB Call Center Handicap) is available by prior request one hour before the trip.

Getting to Bern Railway Station is effortless, as it is the heart of the city's transport system.

Public Transport: Most city tram and bus routes (operated by Bernmobil) have a stop "Bern Bahnhof" right in front of the main entrance. From any point in the city, the trip will take no more than 15–20 minutes.

On Foot: The station is within walking distance of the main attractions. A walk from the Clock Tower (Zytglogge) or the Parliament building will take just 5–10 minutes.

Taxi and Transfer: Taxi stands are located at the main exit (under the canopy) and at the western exit (Welle). A trip from the outer districts of the city will take about 10–15 minutes depending on traffic.

The station premises offer a comprehensive range of services for comfortable waiting and travel. Passengers can utilise spacious waiting halls and the modern SBB travel centre, where tickets can be purchased and advice obtained.

For convenience, the following are provided:

• Ticket machines: Operate 24/7 and accept cards and cash (Francs and Euros).
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi (SBB-FREE) is available throughout the area for 60 minutes.
• Luggage storage: Automatic lockers of various sizes (from S to XXL) for suitcases and ski equipment.
• Restroom facilities: Clean paid toilets (McClean) with shower cabins and baby changing rooms.
• For citizens with reduced mobility: The station is fully equipped with elevators, induction loops, and tactile guides.

Bern Railway Station is a true gastronomic hub. If you are short on time, visit the Migros or Coop supermarkets (open late and on weekends), where you can buy ready-made salads, sandwiches, and beverages at affordable prices.

For those who wish to have a hot meal:

• Quick bite: Many bakeries (such as Brezelkönig) offer fresh pastries and coffee to go.
• Vegetarian cuisine: The popular self-service restaurant Tibits is located right in the station building.
• Coffee and desserts: Chain coffee shops and local cafes are located on all levels of the complex.

The average bill for a light snack with coffee will be around 10–15 Swiss Francs.

The history of railway communication in Bern began in 1860 with the opening of the first station. Since then, the station has undergone several large-scale renovations, reflecting the growth of the city and the development of technology.

A key stage was the reconstruction in the mid-20th century, when the current concrete and glass building, characteristic of the architecture of that time, was erected. In the early 2000s, another modernisation took place: the famous glass canopy ("Baldachin") and the new passenger terminal "Welle von Bern" (Wave of Bern) were built, improving access to the tracks from the western side. Today, the station continues to develop — work is underway to expand the underground station for regional RBS trains to cope with the growing passenger flow.

To ensure your trip goes smoothly, we recommend arriving at the station at least 10–15 minutes before your train departs. Swiss trains depart strictly according to the schedule, to the exact second.

Useful tips:

• Tickets: There are no turnstiles in Switzerland, but ticket control on trains is strict. Be sure to purchase and, if required, validate your ticket before boarding the carriage.
• Luggage: The station is safe, but do not leave your belongings unattended. For heavy suitcases, use the ramps and elevators located in sectors A and B.
• Transfers: The standard transfer time in Bern is 5–10 minutes; this is usually sufficient to move from one platform to another.
• Night waiting: Although the station is open, most services are closed at night. The waiting room may only be accessible with a valid ticket.