Solothurn

How to Get to Solothurn

Solothurn is exceptionally well-connected by Switzerland’s efficient rail network. Below is your guide to navigating your arrival with ease.

From Airport (Zurich Airport - ZRH) Zurich Airport is the most convenient gateway for international travelers.

• Transport: Take the direct IC5 train from the airport station (Zürich Flughafen) to Solothurn.
• Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• Cost: Standard tickets typically cost between €35 and €65 (approx. CHF 35–65), depending on booking time.
• Pro-Tip: Book via the SBB Mobile app or the SBB website. English options are standard on all digital platforms and station machines. These machines accept major credit cards and debit cards; you do not need cash.
• Important: You do not need to worry about complex "zones" for this long-distance intercity journey. Simply purchase a point-to-point ticket from "Zürich Flughafen" to "Solothurn."

From City Center Solothurn is a compact, walkable city.

• Walking: The historic Old Town is only about a 10-minute walk from the main train station (Solothurn Hauptbahnhof). Follow signs toward the Aare River and cross the bridge for the most scenic arrival.
• Local Bus: If you are carrying heavy luggage, local buses depart frequently from the station forecourt. A short ride to the city center takes about 3–5 minutes.
• Tickets: Use the SBB app or station machines to purchase a local ticket if you do not hold a Swiss Travel Pass (which covers all local transit).

By Taxi

• Availability: Taxis are readily available at the designated rank directly outside the main entrance of Solothurn station.
• Cost/Time: A short trip within the city center is quick, usually taking 5 minutes, though costs can be high (expect €15–€25 for a short ride). Confirm the price with the driver before departing.

Welcome to Solothurn! As you arrive at this beautiful Baroque city junction, you will find a straightforward and manageable station layout. Unlike massive metropolitan hubs, Solothurn is a compact through-station featuring a total of eight tracks across three main zones, making it easy to navigate once you understand the arrangement.

Think of the station as having two primary functional areas. The main part of the station serves standard-gauge trains (SBB and BLS) across three platforms—one side platform and two island platforms—labeled as tracks 1 through 6. These are your primary hubs for InterCity, InterRegio, and regional S-Bahn services connecting you to major Swiss cities like Zurich, Bern, and Biel/Bienne.

On the south side of the station, you will find a separate island platform serving tracks 9 and 10, which are exclusively used by the Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn (RBS) lines. If your journey involves these specific regional routes, simply follow the clear signage directing you toward the "RBS" or "South" platforms. Finally, on the north side of the station along Luzernstrasse, you will find track 21, which handles narrow-gauge trains operated by Aare Seeland mobil (asm).

For first-time visitors, the main point of confusion is often the separation between these three distinct zones. While the station is quite small, do not expect to find all trains in one single row. If you are transferring from an SBB train on tracks 1–6 to an RBS train on tracks 9–10, allow yourself a comfortable 5–7 minutes to walk between the platforms. The station is fully accessible, with elevators and ramps available to assist you if you are traveling with heavy luggage or mobility aids.

Before heading to your platform, always check the large digital departure boards in the main hall or on the station concourse. These screens are your best tool for confirming the exact track number and departure time. Because the platforms are not overly long, you will find it easy to locate your train quickly. Arriving 10–15 minutes before your scheduled departure will give you more than enough time to navigate the layout, grab a coffee, and settle into your journey with ease.

Tips for First-Time Visitors: Solothurn Station

I wish someone had told me how seamless Swiss travel can be if you’re prepared. Don’t worry about the station size—Solothurn is manageable, but these specifics will help you navigate like a local.

Before You Arrive

• Download the SBB Mobile app: This is your essential travel companion. It offers real-time platform updates, schedules, and the easiest way to purchase tickets. Create a free SwissPass account before you arrive to make buying tickets or showing your pass to conductors much faster.
• Ticket Strategy: You do not need to book domestic Swiss trains in advance; prices are fixed. However, buying on the SBB app is significantly more convenient than using machines. If you use a machine, ensure it is an SBB terminal, which offers English menus and accepts credit cards.

At the Station

• Food and Shops: For cheaper snacks and essentials, look for the Coop or Avec shops within the station. They are generally more budget-friendly than the sit-down cafes like Caffè Spettacolo.
• Toilets: Station toilets often require coins. However, save your money—all trains have free, clean toilets on board. Just look for the "WC" sign at the end of the carriages.
• Facilities: You will find ATMs and various services, including a bike station in the underpass, which is great for exploring the city. If you have heavy luggage, look for the elevators—they are clearly marked and much easier than the escalators.

Common Mistakes

• The "Wrong Class" Fine: This is a classic tourist mistake. Check your ticket and look for the large "1" or "2" on the outside of the train cars. Sitting in a First Class carriage with a Second Class ticket will result in an immediate, hefty fine from the conductor.
• Platform Confusion: Platforms can change. Don't check your platform two hours early; check the SBB app 20–30 minutes before your departure for the most accurate information.
• Boarding Etiquette: Never rush the doors. Always stand to the side and wait for arriving passengers to exit completely before you step on.

Through station serving Solothurn, Switzerland. This regional junction first opened in 1876, replacing earlier local facilities, and currently serves as a vital link for six different railway lines. It is not a sprawling, intimidating hub; rather, it is a manageable station that serves as a primary transit point for travelers moving between Swiss cities via InterCity, InterRegio, and regional S-Bahn services.

If you are a first-time visitor feeling nervous about navigating the Swiss rail network, rest assured that this station features a straightforward layout. The main terminal area utilizes a clear configuration of side and island platforms that are well-signposted with standard Swiss rail signage. While the station is efficient, it is wise to check the digital display boards upon arrival, as platform assignments can occasionally change 30 to 60 minutes before departure.

The station is fully accessible and equipped with essential amenities, including shops and food services, allowing you to easily manage your connection. It is not a complex, multi-level labyrinth, so you should not feel overwhelmed. Simply allow yourself a few extra minutes to locate your platform, follow the clear signage in the concourse, and enjoy the reliable, orderly nature of the Swiss rail experience.