Sion Railway Station (Gare de Sion) is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to the heart of the Swiss Alps, the canton of Valais. The station serves both regional and international trains, acting as a starting point for tourists heading to famous mountain resorts such as Crans-Montana or Nendaz. The station features modern infrastructure, cleanliness, and intuitive navigation, making transfers here comfortable even for those visiting Switzerland for the first time.
It is important for passengers to know that the station is located in the immediate vicinity of the city centre and is combined with a large PostBus terminal, from where the yellow buses transport travellers to the mountain valleys. The station building is equipped with convenient underground passages for access to platforms, fitted with ramps and lifts.
City
Sion
Country
Switzerland
Type
Railway station
Contact Information
Official website:SBB CFF FFS (Swiss Federal Railways).
Address: Place de la Gare, 1950 Sion, Switzerland.
Station opening hours: The building is open daily from early morning until the arrival of the last train (approximately from 05:00 to 00:30). Ticket counters usually operate from 06:00 to 19:00.
Luggage storage: Automatic lockers of various sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL) are available around the clock. Payment by coins or card (at new terminals).
Accessibility: The station is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility (barrier-free access, lifts, Mobility Help Point service).
How to Get There
Getting to Sion Railway Station is very simple, as it is a central landmark of the city.
On foot: From the historic city centre and Place de la Planta, you can reach the station in just a 5–10 minute leisurely walk. Follow Avenue de la Gare — a direct avenue leading straight to the station.
Public transport: Directly in front of the station building is the main bus station (Gare routière), where city buses and regional PostBus services arrive. This makes the transfer from train to bus as quick as possible.
Taxi and car: The taxi rank is located to the left of the main exit. For private vehicles, P+Rail parking (paid) is provided, where you can leave your car for a short or long period.
Services and Amenities
At Sion station, a wide range of services is available to passengers for a comfortable wait and journey. The main hall houses the SBB Travel Centre, where you can purchase tickets, exchange currency, and receive route advice. For those who need to stay connected, free SBB WiFi is available on the station premises (one-time registration required).
Among other amenities:
Luggage lockers (automatic) for luggage of any size.
Public restrooms (usually paid, accepting coins or a Eurokey for people with disabilities).
Photo booth and ATMs.
Waiting room (heated during the cold season).
Lost & Found service.
Where to Eat
If you have time before your train departs, it is easy to find a place for a snack at Sion station and its surroundings.
At the station itself: Inside the building, small kiosks like k kiosk or Aperto usually operate, where you can buy water, newspapers, and snacks. There is also often a bakery or a "coffee to go" format cafe (for example, Brezelkönig), offering fresh pretzels and sandwiches. The average bill for coffee and pastries is about 8–12 francs.
Near the station: In the immediate vicinity (on the station square), there is a Coop Pronto supermarket (often open late), where a large selection of ready-made food, salads, and beverages at affordable prices is presented. For a more substantial meal, you can visit Buffet de la Gare or restaurants on Avenue de la Gare.
Station History
The history of Sion Railway Station is inextricably linked to the development of tourism in the Alps. The railway arrived in the capital of the canton of Valais in 1860, when the line from Lake Geneva (Ligne du Simplon) was extended. This event became a turning point, transforming the isolated mountain region into an accessible and popular destination.
Over a century and a half, the station has been reconstructed multiple times to meet the growing passenger flow. From a humble stop, it has turned into a modern multimodal hub. Recent large-scale updates concerned improving platform accessibility and modernising the station square, which allowed for the harmonious integration of the object's historical significance with modern comfort requirements.
Passenger Tips
Arrival and boarding: Swiss trains are distinguished by exceptional punctuality. It is recommended to arrive at the platform 5–10 minutes before departure. Train doors close automatically one minute before departure.
Tickets: If you have not purchased a ticket in advance online (via the SBB Mobile app), use the touchscreen machines in the hall (accepting cards and cash). Important: there are no validators on the platform; the ticket must be valid before boarding.
Luggage and skis: Trains passing through Sion usually have special areas for bulky luggage and ski equipment. Do not hesitate to ask the conductors if you cannot find a space.
Safety: Sion station is safe even in the evening, however, as in any crowded place, do not leave your belongings unattended.