Switzerland Guide
Getting around
City transport
The most common form of transport within cities is buses, whether the ordinary petrol-driven kind or electric-powered trolley buses. Many cities also have trams, and a few hillside ones have a funicular or two, but the only true metro system is in and around Lausanne. Larger cities have dense networks of suburban commuter trains (S-Bahn in German, RER in French), which may extend to neighbouring towns.
Within each city or local area, all transport is integrated under one ticketing system, with no limitations on changing from buses to trams or even some boats within the time validity of your ticket. The Swiss Pass and Swiss Flexi Pass cover free travel within most cities across the country (listed on the card); tourist-oriented regional passes give free travel within their allotted area; and city tourist offices sell various day passes of their own giving free or discounted travel, which can be excellent value. You must always hold a valid ticket before boarding. Ticket inspections are common within cities.
There are plenty of metered taxis sharking around every town and city in the country, but given the density of public transport they're pretty much unnecessary, and besides you need to be on a Swiss salary to afford them: flagfalls of Fr.6, plus per-kilometre rates of up to Fr.3, are normal.