The Swiss Southeastern Railway (SOB) has established itself as a prominent player in Swiss rail transport, offering travelers the opportunity to travel through some of Switzerland's most scenic regions year-round. With its distinctive copper-colored trains, which are not only eye-catching externally but also impress with their modern and comfortable interior design, the SOB connects wild raised moorland areas with rugged mountain landscapes.
From the hilly regions of Appenzellerland to the majestic Alps of the Gotthard massif, SOB offers a travel experience on its lines such as the Voralpen-Express, Treno Gottardo, Aare Linth and the new Alpenrhein-Express that delights nature and culture lovers alike and presents Switzerland at its most beautiful.
A rolling living room: comfort and design in the SOB trains
Swiss Southeastern Railways (SSB) places great emphasis on providing a pleasant travel experience that goes beyond simply transporting passengers from A to B. The copper-colored exteriors of the trains are a trademark of SOB and stand out clearly from the usual appearance of many rail fleets. But it's not just the exterior design that impresses; the interior of the trains is designed with passenger comfort in mind. A modern, bright interior design concept creates a friendly and inviting atmosphere, while large windows offer views of the breathtaking scenery passing by. These large windows are a key feature for a railway that sees itself as a "panorama railway" through the most beautiful regions.
The onboard amenities leave little to be desired: Two specially designed bistro areas, equipped with vending machines for drinks and snacks, allow passengers to refuel during the journey. Power outlets are available at all seats, which is particularly beneficial for business travelers or vacationers with electronic devices. A separate family compartment also ensures a relaxed travel experience for families with children. These amenities are available on all major SOB lines – the Voralpen-Express, Treno Gottardo, Aare Linth, and Alpenrhein-Express – and contribute significantly to the positive travel experience.
Connections to Austria: Switzerland is getting closer
Switzerland, a popular destination for vacationers from all over the world, is also easily accessible from Austria. The Swiss Southeastern Railway (SOB) is actively contributing to further improving these connections and making them more attractive. Various starting points for journeys with the Swiss Southeastern Railway, such as the metropolis of Zurich (a key hub for the Treno Gottardo and the Aare Linth) or the centrally located Sargans (also located on the Aare Linth), can be reached directly from Austria with convenient day and night train connections. This allows travelers from Austria a seamless transition to the SOB network and thus into the Swiss mountains and natural landscapes.
A special innovation is the introduction of the "Alpenrhein-Express" in December 2024. This line connects the eastern Swiss metropolis of St. Gallen with Chur, the gateway to the Graubünden Alps, and is advertised as "the most beautiful connection for discovery and enjoyment." A significant expansion is the new service to the border stations of Buchs (St. Gallen) and St. Margrethen (St. Gallen). These stations are important transfer points for travelers to and from Austria, providing the Alpenrhein-Express with a direct and scenic connection to the Austrian rail network. This strengthens SOB's position as an internationally connected railway operator and facilitates access to the Swiss mountain regions for travelers from the Alpine region.
The Treno Gottardo: Spectacular crossing of the Alps from north to south
The "Treno Gottardo" of the Swiss Southeastern Railway is one of the most spectacular rail connections in Switzerland and is touted as the "most beautiful connection between north and south." This line takes travelers from important Swiss cities such as Zurich, Basel, and Lucerne over the historic Gotthard mountain route to sun-drenched Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland.
The Treno Gottardo line is both a masterpiece of engineering and nature. It winds through the majestic Alps, past deep-blue lakes, rugged rock formations, and picturesque valleys. A particular highlight are the numerous helical tunnels that allow the train to overcome significant differences in altitude in a relatively short distance. These tunnel structures, which spiral into the mountain, offer travelers continually new perspectives on the landscape and are a fascinating example of how topographical challenges can be overcome in railway construction. In the south of Switzerland, Ticino, with its Mediterranean atmosphere, its cultural offerings—from historic cities to charming villages—and its natural experiences, invites you to linger. The Treno Gottardo line thus connects not only geographical regions, but also different cultures and landscapes within Switzerland.
Voralpen-Express and Aare Linth: The diversity of Switzerland on rails
In addition to the Treno Gottardo, other important lines characterise the Swiss Southeastern Railway's offering, each offering its own special features and scenic attractions:
The Pre-Alpine Express is described as the "most beautiful combination of nature and culture" and runs from St. Gallen in eastern Switzerland via Rapperswil and Arth-Goldau to Lucerne on Lake Lucerne. This route is known for its diverse landscape, which ranges from the rolling hills of Appenzellerland to the imposing mountain backdrop. From the large panoramic windows, travelers can admire the largest contiguous raised bog area in Switzerland near Rothenthurm, a unique natural area of national importance. Several larger and smaller Swiss lakes, which are embedded in the landscape like blue eyes, can also be seen along this route. The Voralpen-Express thus offers a journey through the "green lung" of Switzerland, which is rich in traditional culture and untouched nature.
The line Aare Linth, named after two of the numerous rivers that run parallel to the route, connects the important cities of Bern, Zurich, and Chur. This west-east connection is a key to crossing Switzerland and is positioned as the "most beautiful connection between city, country, and river." Along this route are not only the vibrant metropolises of Bern and Zurich, which attract with their cultural offerings, museums, and historical sights, but also smaller intermediate stations that are ideal for sporting activities or further explorations in the surrounding area. The Aare Linth line allows travelers to experience the diversity of the Swiss landscape - from urban centers to rural areas and impressive river landscapes - on a single journey.
Attractive combination offers and flexibility for travelers
Swiss Southeastern Railway sees itself not only as a transport company, but as a provider of holistic travel experiences. Therefore, SOB offers attractive combination packages for its lines throughout the year, combining rail travel with leisure activities. These packages can include, for example, discounted admission to sights, mountain railway rides, or other tourist attractions located along SOB lines. Such offers can be conveniently booked via the SOB website and make vacation planning easier for travelers.
Another important aspect for international travelers is the validity of the so-called Swiss Travel Passes on all SOB trains. These passes are extremely popular with tourists visiting Switzerland, as they provide unlimited travel on the entire Swiss public transport network (train, bus, boat), as well as free admission to over 500 museums and discounts on many mountain railways. The acceptance of these passes on SOB trains underscores the integration of Südostbahn into the Swiss transport system and makes its attractive lines accessible to a broad international audience. This promotes tourism and added value in the regions served by SOB.
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