Thun

How to Get to Thun

Thun is a central gateway to the Bernese Oberland. Most international visitors fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH), which offers the most convenient rail connections.

From Zurich Airport (ZRH)

• Direct Trains: Take the SBB train directly from the airport station ("Zürich Flughafen"). Many services are direct, while others require one simple transfer in Bern.
• Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Cost: Standard tickets typically range from €40 to €70 depending on how far in advance you book.
• Important: Download the SBB Mobile app to buy tickets, check live schedules, and store your digital ticket. Ticket machines at the station also have an English menu and accept major credit cards.
• Pro-Tip: If you plan on doing multiple trips, consider a Swiss Travel Pass, which covers this entire route and allows you to hop on any train without buying individual tickets.

From City Center

• Local Bus: The STI bus network connects the city efficiently. Lines such as Bus 3 frequently serve the central areas, taking about 4–5 minutes to reach the main train station (Thun, Bahnhof).
• Walking: Thun city center is compact. If your hotel is near the Aare River or the old town, you can often reach the station on foot in 10–15 minutes.
• Tickets: Use the SBB app or local ticket machines at bus stops.

By Taxi

• Details: A taxi from the city center to the station takes about 2–5 minutes.
• Cost: Expect to pay approximately €15–€20. Taxis are generally available at designated ranks or via local apps.

Platform Guide & Layout

Thun station is a straightforward and accessible transport hub that serves as the primary gateway to the Bernese Oberland. Unlike larger metropolitan terminals, Thun features a compact, single-level layout with a total of seven passenger tracks served by one side platform and three island platforms. Because the station is relatively small, you will find navigation intuitive, with most connections requiring only a short, level walk between platforms.

Think of the station as a linear arrangement where all trains arrive and depart from the same ground-level boarding area. There are no complex upper or lower levels to navigate, which significantly reduces the risk of getting lost. Simply follow the signage in the main concourse to locate your platform number. Because the entire facility is on one level, you can comfortably navigate between any two platforms in under 3–5 minutes, even with standard luggage. If you have limited mobility, the station is fully accessible, with level access provided throughout the boarding areas.

As the gateway to the Bernese Oberland, Thun is a major stop for both SBB intercity trains and regional BLS services. You will frequently find trains heading toward Spiez, Interlaken, and the mountain regions departing from these central platforms. While there are no complex "wings" or multi-level hazards, first-time visitors sometimes feel rushed by the frequent arrivals. Always check the electronic departure boards in the main hall or on the platforms themselves, as these provide the most accurate and up-to-the-minute information regarding your specific train’s track.

The station is designed for efficiency, and most passengers find they can comfortably orient themselves within a few minutes of arrival. If you are transferring to a boat for a Lake Thun cruise, the ship quay is located just outside the station, within a short, clearly marked walking distance. Because of the station's manageable scale, you do not need to arrive excessively early; 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled departure is plenty of time to find your platform and board your train with ease. Enjoy the relaxed pace of this beautiful lakeside hub as you begin your journey into the Alps.

Arriving in Thun is a breeze once you know the ropes. I wish someone had told me these things before my first trip to help me navigate with confidence. Don't worry, but do keep these tips in mind.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

• Download the SBB Mobile app: It is essential. It provides real-time platform changes, schedules for all Swiss trains, buses, and boats, and allows you to buy tickets in two clicks.
• Ticket strategy: You don't need to book seats on most trains in Switzerland. Simply buy a ticket via the SBB app before boarding. If you plan on traveling around, look into the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card in advance; buying them online saves time and money compared to buying individual tickets at the station.

AT THE STATION

• Toilets: The station toilets are open daily (06:00–22:00) and cost CHF 1. Access is cashless—you can pay using credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payment. Alternatively, you can purchase a toilet access card at the nearest Selecta machine using cash.
• Luggage and navigation: The station is compact and well-connected. If you have heavy luggage, look for the elevators to move between levels—don't feel pressured to use the stairs or escalators.
• Food and supplies: While the station has various shops like K Kiosk and Bretzelkönig for quick bites, the town center is just a few minutes' walk away if you want more variety.

COMMON MISTAKES

• Assuming Amex is accepted: While most shops and machines accept major credit and debit cards, American Express is not widely accepted in smaller shops or at some ticket machines. Always carry a Visa, Mastercard, or some Swiss Francs for emergencies.
• Boarding without a ticket: Never board a train without a valid ticket or pass. Ticket inspectors are very active and friendly, but they are strict rule-followers; getting caught without a ticket results in a hefty fine (often over 90 CHF plus the fare).
• Ignoring the "button" rule: If you are waiting on the platform, don't assume the doors will open automatically. You must push the button next to the train door to enter—and often to exit—the train.

Through station serving Thun, Switzerland. Originally opened in 1859, the current facility represents a unified hub formed by the 1923 merger of two historic stations. While it serves as a vital junction for regional and local rail lines—including the Gürbetal, Burgdorf–Thun, and Lake Thun lines—it is not an international high-speed terminal. Instead, it functions as a critical connection point for commuters and travelers moving toward the Bernese Oberland.

For first-time visitors, Thun station is a straightforward, manageable hub that is far from overwhelming. It operates with seven passenger tracks distributed across one side platform and three island platforms. Because it is well-signposted with clear digital displays in English, navigating between platforms is intuitive. The station is fully accessible and equipped with essential amenities, including ticket counters, shops, and direct links to local bus and boat services.

As you plan your journey, be aware that platform assignments can occasionally change up to 30–60 minutes before departure. Always check the main departure boards or the SBB mobile app upon arrival to confirm your specific platform. By allowing an extra 10–15 minutes to navigate from the station entrance to your train, you can travel with complete confidence.