European Rail Travel - Zurich to Basel??

First, let me say that I am new to rail travel in Europe and am seeking seasoned travelers advice on a subject I know very little about.

Now for my questions!

There are six of us (with luggage) who will be traveling from Zurich to Basel in December to catch a Christmas Markets Boat cruise.

In looking at rail options, it appears that there are two: using Raileurope or using the SBB system. I think they are different.

My questions are:

Is there any preferential rail line to use?

Do both accommodate luggage in the rail car?

Once decided, should I purchase tix for us now via internet?

Any other comments or suggestions would be welcome.

Thank you in advance to anyone who responds.

Walt

Raileurope is just a ticket reseller (usually with a hefty markup). Trains in Switzerland are run primarily by SBB/CFF/FFS, with a whole host of small, private companies (typically on more mountainous routes) and the railway companies of bordering countries.

From Zurich to Basel, it'll be SBB (well, there are a few ICE trains operated by DB on the way to Germany and TGVs to France, too). There isn't really much of a difference in which route (Olten or Brugg) that you take.

Yes, you'll have luggage accommodated inside the trains - racks, and spaces between the seatbacks. This is the normal way of doing things.

As for booking, well, it depends. Generally, it's unnecessary - Swiss railways operate a good, turn-up-and-go service, with good capacity. If you search on the SBB website, it'll show you which trains are expected to be busy. Reservations aren't necessary, and aren't included by default. Pre-printed tickets may save you a little time at the station, but there are many ticket machines at Zurich HB, and they're very easy to use.

However, if you do settle on getting a specific train, then inflexible, discount tickets will return from 27th Oct - they'll be here (http://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and-tickets/tickets-for-switzerland/supersaver-tickets.html). Generally, these are for relatively short notice, and not available on all routes.

Otherwise, I'd say, no need to overplan or overthink it - there's 4 trains an hour, it takes about an hour - I've been on metro services worse than that!

First, thank you for the information...it is very helpful.

When looking at the schedules, I do see a number of different types (e.g., EC, IR, etc.) of trains and was wondering if one type is preferable to another?

They are all comfy, clean and run on time. For the distance between Zurich and Basel, I don't think the classification of the train matters. Don't let this become a worry.

Agree with Alsacienne... but if you're curious about the different types of train:

EC = Eurocity
IC = Intercity
ICE = Intercity Express
IR = Interregio

There are Wikipedia articles about them all.

You may have to pay more to travel on ICE trains (you do in Germany), but other than that, and the fact that IR trains make a few more stops, there is really not an awful lot of difference. Just buy your tickets and get on the first train that comes along!

They are all comfy, clean and run on time. For the distance between Zurich and Basel, I don't think the classification of the train matters. Don't let this become a worry.

In my opinion the type of train matters. For example an IC is 18 minutes faster than an IR on the Zurich-Basel route (IC is a nonstop service).
As the price is the same for all trains (when buying the regular walk-up fare), I would definitely take an IC.

In my opinion the type of train matters. For example an IC is 18 minutes faster than an IR on the Zurich-Basel route (IC is a nonstop service).
As the price is the same for all trains (when buying the regular walk-up fare), I would definitely take an IC.

I would agree that an IC is better than an IR, but from a practical point of view, the OP is better off not worrying about schedules and just getting on the first train that comes.

I would agree that an IC is better than an IR, but from a practical point of view, the OP is better off not worrying about schedules and just getting on the first train that comes.

The train fastest takes 53 minutes and the slowest takes 71 minutes--it is such a short trip, so I agree with this suggestion, take the most convenient train. [On trips in the three hour range, shopping for the "best" train is certainly worth it.]

In my opinion the type of train matters. For example an IC is 18 minutes faster than an IR on the Zurich-Basel route (IC is a nonstop service).

But... scheduling is such that it is always quickest to get on the next train that comes along.

If you've missed the IC on the hour it makes a lot more sense to get on the IR at .08 than to wait for the next IC at .34

I would agree that an IC is better than an IR, but from a practical point of view, the OP is better off not worrying about schedules and just getting on the first train that comes.

That might depend on whether the OP is travelling first or second class. ICs are normally formed of the double-deck IC2000 rolling stock, which is rather tight in seat width and spacing when compared to the older single-deck EW IV stock. Though it isn't a hard and fast rule.

When travelling first class, this is less of a concern.

Neil

Agree with Alsacienne... but if you're curious about the different types of train:

EC = Eurocity
IC = Intercity
ICE = Intercity Express
IR = Interregio

There are Wikipedia articles about them all.

You may have to pay more to travel on ICE trains (you do in Germany)

Nope, not for journeys on them entirely inside Switzerland. Except some TGVs with "global fare" ticketing (though apparently not all of them) there is no differentiation by train class in fares in Switzerland.

Neil