By public transport, guests enjoy carefree travel across Switzerland – and it is even climate-friendly. In addition to means of transportation that operate in an environmentally friendly way, there are many more examples of sustainable mobility. These help to turn travelling in and across Switzerland into a special experience.
An electric car produces 13 times more CO2 than a railway.
Railway traffic contributes only 0.2% to the total of CO2 emissions of overall traffic.
SBB operates with 90% hydropower.
A train ride produces 27 times less CO2 than a comparable car drive.
pedestrians and bicycles are more ecological than trains.
Source: vöv, litra
Rhaetian Railway: on track with hydropower
The operators of the world-famous Bernina Express attach great importance to the origin of the energy they procure as well as further developments in the area of sustainability. Already since 2013, they have used 100% of hydropower for their locomotives and properties. Their energy requirement on trains and at railway stations is being optimised on an ongoing basis: whether with CO2-minimised external air controls, renewable energy for heating or modern recycling concepts.
MS Diamant – climate-neutral on Lake Lucerne
The modern motor vessel is a landmark achievement in Swiss navigation when it comes to quality and innovation. Underwater view, a lake-water footbath and the inner gallery with its impressive glass dome: this boat is unsurpassed in technological finesse and luxury. In addition, it sets new standards as Switzerland’s first climate-neutral regular-service boat. The vessel is powered by hybrid propulsion, which leads to a significantly lower fuel consumption and therefore lower CO2-emissions.
Solar Cableway Staubern – with solar power towards the Alpstein
This public transport highlight impresses with environmentally friendly state-of-the-art technology: It is the world’s first battery-powered cableway that leads to the summit by relying exclusively on solar energy. The summit greets visitors with a breathtaking view as far as Lake Constance. As the Staubern cableway not only produces but also stores energy, evening rides pose no problem whatsoever. The track cables of both gondolas have built-in wiring that supply the nearby mountain restaurant with power.
Solar Catamaran MobiCat – solar power ahoy!
The solar-powered MobiCat is a unique feel-good and slow movement boat. Smoothly and silently it glides over Lake Biel and delights passengers with wonderful vistas as well as an excellent energy footprint: since its construction in 2001, it has transported more than 40,000 people over a total of 20,000 kilometres – all with the power of the sun. With its state-of-the-art technology it is not only self-sustaining as regards energy but also feeds the local power grid.
E-PostBus – experiencing Interlaken sustainably
Experiencing Interlaken in no ordinary way: on the e-bus by PostBus, the holiday destination with its many mountains and lakes can be explored in comfort and in an environmentally friendly fasion to boot. In order to charge its battery, the PostBus relies entirely on renewable energy and falls back on the natural resource of hydro-electric power. Another advantage: e-buses produce much less noise. Pure relaxation!
Swiss Federal Railways: Switzerland’s biggest provider of sustainable mobility
The country’s biggest transport company generates the electricity for its trains from hydropower, and this at the rate of 90%. Energy procurement for stations, offices as well as company and production buildings is already 100% CO2-neutral. By 2025, all electricity is planned to come from renewable sources.
Funi – a marvel of the art of engineering
The “Funi” (short for “funicular”) is Switzerland’s last existing water-powered funicular railway and only a few minutes’ walk from the railway station Freiburg. This nostalgic railway has been operating since 1899 – completely without electricity or exhaust fumes. The funicular is not powered by a motor but by residual water from the upper town. It uses filtered waste water from a 3,000-litre tank and thus overcomes 56.4 metres in altitude.
Car-free Zermatt – a village with charm
Many know Zermatt for its famous landmark: the Matterhorn. Apart from the “Horu”, as the mountain is affectionally dubbed by the locals, beautiful timber chalets and luxurious hotel buildings characterise the villagescape. In order to safeguard this charm, the holiday destination is only accessible by train or on foot. Panoramic mountains such as Gornergrat and Sunnegga can be comfortably reached by mountain railway. All is set for a restorative excursion.
The Eco Calculator
How much CO2 do I save by a train ride compared to travelling by car? The SBB eco calculator will show you the possible energy savings for each journey.
Simply enter your departure and destination on sbb.ch and compare. Each search includes a link for an analysis detailing comparative values like CO2 or fine dust are compared.
