Arriving at Bern Main Station (Bahnhof)

For the most up-to-date details, check Bern travel info before you go.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Bern travel info.

Most platforms are located underground to provide a modern and convenient travel experience. The station offers many helpful facilities for travelers visiting the Christmas markets:

• Secure luggage lockers in various sizes for your heavy bags.
• Clean public restrooms located conveniently on the main station concourse.
• Many cafes and bakeries for quick and delicious holiday snacks.
• Information desks with friendly staff who speak excellent English.

Luggage storage is conveniently available on the upper floor for all arriving train passengers. Small lockers cost about 7 Swiss Francs for a full day of secure storage. This helpful service allows you to explore the festive markets completely hands-free.

Train Routes from Major Swiss Cities

Getting to Bern from Zurich is a very fast and highly efficient travel option. Direct InterCity trains depart from the main Zurich station every thirty minutes all day. The journey takes exactly one hour and six minutes through the beautiful Swiss countryside.

Basel is another excellent starting point for your festive Swiss holiday trip in 2026. Fast trains from Basel SBB reach the heart of Bern in only one hour. This route is perfect for travelers who are entering Switzerland from nearby Germany.

Travelers coming from Geneva can enjoy a very scenic lake view during their ride. The journey to Bern takes about one hour and forty-five minutes on direct trains. You will pass through the famous and historic Lavaux vineyard region along the way.

Navigating from the Station to the Markets

The holiday markets are located very close to the main Bern train station exit. You can reach the Waisenhausplatz market in just five minutes by walking on foot. Simply follow the clear signs that lead you toward the historic city center.

Checking the opening dates for Bern Christmas markets 2026 is a very smart idea. Most of the local markets usually start in late November and run through December. You will see beautiful festive decorations as soon as you leave the station.

Minster Plaza is another very popular spot for all your holiday shopping and snacks. It is a pleasant ten-minute walk from the main station through the city streets. The path takes you under the famous covered arcades that protect you from weather.

Booking Your Train Tickets for 2026

Purchasing your train tickets well in advance will save you a lot of money. The official SBB website is incredibly user-friendly and easy for international tourists to use. You can also download the SBB Mobile app for quick and easy digital tickets.

Consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass for your entire trip across the country. This pass offers unlimited travel on all trains, buses, and even local city boats. It also includes free entry to many interesting local museums in the city center.

Look for special "Supersaver" tickets to find the best possible prices for your journey. These tickets are tied to a specific train time and are often much cheaper. You can find more helpful travel advice on the Bern Welcome website.

Tips for International Travelers in 2026

The city of Bern is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site with amazing history. The train ride into the city offers a great first view of this. Most international flights will land in Zurich or Geneva before you take the train.

You do not usually need to book specific seats on most Swiss national trains. Most trains have plenty of open seating available for all passengers to enjoy freely. Simply board your train and find an empty spot in the correct travel class.

Please check the local winter events schedule before you finalize your travel plans. Some weekends in December are much busier than others due to local holiday festivals. Mid-week visits often offer a much more relaxed and quiet market shopping experience.

How to Reach Bern Christmas Markets by Train: Benefits

Choosing the train is the most sustainable and eco-friendly travel choice for everyone. It helps to protect the beautiful and fragile Swiss alpine environment for future years. You can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery while the train moves along.

Finding parking in the Bern city center is often very difficult and quite expensive. Many central streets are closed to cars during the busy holiday market season anyway. The train drops you off right where all the festive action is happening.

You can sample the best food to try at Bern markets without any safety worries. Enjoying a hot mug of local spiced wine is much easier without a car. You can simply ride the train back to your hotel after your visit.