Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Road conditions in Switzerland differ significantly from those in the United States.

Although many roads are mountainous and winding, Swiss road safety standards are high. Vehicle snow chains are required in some mountain areas during the winter. Road travel can be more dangerous during summer, winter holidays, the Easter break, and Whit Sunday weekend (late spring) because of increased traffic. Travel on expressways (indicated by green signs with a white expressway symbol) requires the purchase of a sticker (“vignette”), which must be affixed to the car’s windshield. Vignettes can be purchased at most border crossings points, gas stations and Swiss post offices. Drivers using the highway system without a vignette are subject to hefty fines levied on the spot. 

Public transportation in Switzerland is excellent and punctual. The Swiss tourist office and train station are the best places to obtain information about special fares for tourists.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Switzerland’s national tourist office.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Switzerland’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Switzerland’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.