Aarau

How to Get to Aarau

Aarau is highly accessible via Switzerland’s efficient rail network.

From Airport (Zurich Airport - ZRH)

• Train: The most direct route is by train from Zürich Flughafen station. Trains run hourly, taking approximately 39–45 minutes.
• Cost: Expect to pay between €19 and €40 depending on how far in advance you book.
• Tickets & Zones: Purchase your ticket from SBB machines or the SBB Mobile app. Ensure your destination is set to "Aarau." These machines have an English language option and accept major credit cards and debit cards. Avoid paying onboard, as fines apply for missing or incorrect tickets.
• Tip: If you plan to travel further, consider the Swiss Travel Pass, which covers this journey.

From City Center Aarau’s train station is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from the historic Old Town.

• Walking: Most central hotels are within a 5–10 minute walk of the station.
• Bus: If traveling from further out, local buses (BBA/PostAuto) frequently connect the city to the station. Use the SBB app to check real-time departures for specific lines near your accommodation.
• Payment: Use the FAIRTIQ app for seamless travel; simply "swipe" to start your journey, and it automatically calculates the cheapest fare for your route.

By Taxi

• Availability: Taxis are available directly outside the main entrance of Aarau station.
• Cost & Time: A trip from Zurich Airport to Aarau by private taxi is expensive, typically costing €250–€300, with a journey time of about 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. This is generally not recommended unless necessary.

Aarau station is a straightforward, high-throughput transport hub that serves as the gateway to the capital of Aargau. For a first-time visitor, the most important thing to understand is that the station is split into two distinct, adjacent areas: the main SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) station and the separate "Aarau WSB" facility.

The main SBB station features six standard-gauge tracks, numbered 1 through 6. These are arranged in a classic through-station layout, serving regional, InterRegio, and InterCity trains that connect you to major hubs like Zurich, Basel, and Bern. These platforms are easily accessible from the main station building and are clearly marked.

Directly adjacent to the south side of the SBB yard, you will find the Aarau WSB station. This is a separate facility dedicated to the metre-gauge Aargau Verkehr (AVA) services, such as the S14 line toward Schöftland and Menziken. This sub-station consists of three tracks, numbered 11 through 13. While it operates as its own entity, it is physically connected to the main SBB station via a common pedestrian subway.

Because the station layout is relatively compact with only nine total tracks (six standard-gauge and three metre-gauge), you do not need to worry about the complex, multi-level navigation required in larger Swiss cities. It is a very manageable station; even with heavy luggage, you can comfortably move between the SBB and WSB platforms in under five minutes.

The most common point of confusion for first-time visitors is the numbering system. You may notice a "Platform 0" at the station; do not be alarmed, as this is simply a design quirk resulting from past expansions where new tracks were added without renumbering the existing ones. Simply follow the clear overhead signage in the main hall, which directs you toward either the SBB platforms (1–6) or the WSB platforms (11–13).

To ensure a smooth journey, I recommend downloading the SBB Mobile app. It provides real-time platform information and is the most reliable way to navigate your connection, especially if you are transferring between the standard-gauge SBB network and the regional WSB lines. The station is fully accessible, with elevators available to assist if you are carrying heavy bags or travelling with a stroller.

Tips for First-Time Visitors: Aarau Station

I wish someone had told me how seamless the Swiss rail system is, but even seasoned travelers can get tripped up by small details. Don’t worry, but do prepare—it will make your arrival in Aarau much smoother.

Before You Arrive

• Download the SBB Mobile app: It is your absolute lifeline. It provides real-time platform updates, schedules, and makes buying tickets effortless. Do not waste time in queues at ticket machines; buy your tickets on the app before you even step onto the platform.
• Check the app for platform changes: Platforms can change, so check the SBB app 20–30 minutes before your train departs, not hours in advance.
• Understand your ticket: If you are traveling within the A-Welle network, ensure you buy the correct zonal ticket. A mistake here can lead to an immediate fine.

At the Station

• Toilets: Restrooms are available for a fee of CHF 1. Keep a few coins handy, as card payment isn't always available at every turnstile. Note that if you are on a train, it already has free toilets on board!
• WiFi: You can use the free SBB WiFi available throughout the station to check your connections or local information.
• Food and Supplies: The station is well-equipped with shops and cafes for snacks. For cheaper, quick options, look for the various kiosks and shops within the station building before you head out to the Old Town.
• Navigation: The station is accessible with ramps and elevators, making it manageable with luggage, but be mindful of the peak commuter hours when the station can get busy.

Common Mistakes

• The "Half-Fare" Trap: The SBB app often defaults to showing the "Half-Fare" price. If you do not have a Swiss Half-Fare Travelcard, ensure you select the full-price option, or you will be fined for holding an invalid ticket.
• American Express: Avoid relying solely on an American Express card. While widely accepted at major hubs, smaller shops and machines in Switzerland often only take Visa, Mastercard, or local debit cards.
• Wrong Station: Aarau has a main station; ensure your destination is "Aarau" and not a minor bus stop or secondary station with a similar name. Double-check your app's destination to avoid going to the wrong spot.

Through station serving Aarau, Switzerland. Originally opened in 1856, the station underwent a significant reconstruction completed in 2010, which introduced a modern, all-glass facade and an integrated bus terminal. As the capital of the Aargau canton, it functions as a critical regional junction, connecting travelers via Intercity, InterRegio, and local S-Bahn services. The facility serves tens of thousands of passengers daily, effectively linking the city to major hubs like Zürich, Bern, and Basel.

For first-time visitors, Aarau station is not massive or overwhelming. It features a straightforward layout with six standard-gauge tracks and a separate, adjacent area for narrow-gauge regional trains. The station is well-signposted with clear, English-friendly digital displays. While the design is intuitive, travelers should note that platform assignments can occasionally change up to 30–60 minutes before departure; always verify your specific train number on the overhead boards upon arrival. The station is fully accessible, offering lifts to all platforms and comprehensive amenities, including shops and travel assistance, ensuring a smooth transition during your journey through the Swiss rail network.