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Switzerland is about more than chocolate and watches, although both those things are pretty great, so you’d be missing out if you thought a stay in just one city was enough to tap into the real Switzerland. After all, there are plenty of fab Swiss cities to explore, and the capital is right up there. The lure of lakes might bring you to this stunning country, but let Bern, and a pretty fantastic train route, take you a little bit further.
Upping your Alpine adventure takes less than 2 hours, so transitioning from Geneva to Bern by train is simple. Plus the comfy train journey on SBB trains (which have handy ticket options for day trips and round trips too) means it’s all stress-free. So, start your adventure as you mean to continue riding on high on the Mont-Salève Cable Car.
Make sure you’re on time for your train in the prettiest of ways by visiting the Horloge Fleurie (or 'Flower Clock'). Not to be out-done on impressive clocks, the Zytglogge in Bern is an ornate astronomical clock, catch it on the hour and you can see the bears in its design do their cute parade - although real bears can be found in the Bear Pit, urban home to several brown bears. Set for some Swiss exploration? Start by exploring our route information below and get your train tickets from Geneva to Bern with us.
First train | 7:31 am | |
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Last train | 9:15 pm | |
Departure station | Geneva | |
Arrival station | Bern Hbf | |
Journey time | From 8h 24m | |
Distance | 80 miles (129 km) | |
Frequency | 14 trains per day | |
Changes | 2 changes | |
Train and bus operators |
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
Take advantage of the dining car which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Traveling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual power outlets (German + Swiss).
You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided.
Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are power outlets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.
There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family car.
You can take your bicycle on board SBB Intercity trains. Between 21st March and 31st October, it's compulsory to reserve a bike space on some Intercity trains. You must also buy a ticket for your bike at a ticket office, ticket machine or online.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Geneva to Bern Hbf by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
The average journey time by train between Geneva and Bern Hbf is 13 hours and 39 minutes, with around 14 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The fastest journey time by train from Geneva to Bern Hbf is 8 hours and 24 minutes.
No, there are no direct train services from Geneva to Bern Hbf. Travelling from Geneva to Bern Hbf by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
The first train from Geneva to Bern Hbf leaves at 07:31. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Geneva to Bern Hbf leaves at 21:15. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
Trains travelling from Geneva to Bern Hbf cover a distance of around 80 miles (129 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Bern Hbf to Geneva.