BLS
BLS runs Bern's S-Bahn, regional trains to the Lötschberg and Emmental, plus boats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, priced in CHF.
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A Bern-based regional network
BLS is the main regional operator around Bern, running a 420 kilometre rail network alongside buses in the Emmental and boats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Its core commuter service is the Bern S-Bahn, connecting the city with surrounding towns, and it also runs longer regional lines out toward the Lötschberg and Simplon corridors. One ticket usually covers all of it.
The historic Lötschberg line
For a scenic day out rather than a commute, BLS runs a round trip along the historic 60 kilometre Lötschberg mountain line to Brig, past the Kander Viaduct, hairpin bends around Felsenburg Castle and the Bietschtal Bridge near Raron. BLS also promotes the GoldenPass Express, a through panorama service between Interlaken and Montreux that runs without a change of train. Neither route is a fast way to get anywhere; that is rather the point.
Boats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
BLS's navigation arm runs scheduled boats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with their own fares, season tickets and on-board catering, separate from the rail network. Check the boat timetable and fares apart from your train ticket if a lake crossing is part of your plan.
Tickets and travelcards
BLS sells tickets through the shared Swiss public transport system, so ordinary point-to-point tickets, Supersaver fares (up to 50 percent off if booked early) and travelcards such as the Half Fare Travelcard and GA Travelcard all work on BLS trains. The Saver Day Pass starts from CHF 29 for a full day of travel. Visitors from abroad can use the Swiss Travel System, described by BLS as the all-in-one ticket for the whole country. Groups, hikers heading into the Bernese Oberland or Valais, and passengers bringing a bike or upgrading class each have their own ticket type, so check which one matches your trip before booking.
Car transport through the mountains
Separately from passenger trains, BLS also runs a car transport service by rail through the Lötschberg and Simplon tunnels, on the Kandersteg-Goppenstein and Brig-Iselle sections. That is a vehicle shuttle product with its own tickets, not something a train passenger needs to think about unless driving.
Where to book
Train tickets
Frequently asked questions
What does BLS operate around Bern?
BLS runs a 420 kilometre rail network centred on the Bern S-Bahn, plus buses in the Emmental and boats on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
Is the Lötschberg round trip a scenic train or a commuter line?
It is a scenic round trip along the historic 60 kilometre Lötschberg mountain line to Brig, passing the Kander Viaduct, hairpin bends near Felsenburg Castle and the Bietschtal Bridge near Raron.
How much does a BLS Saver Day Pass cost?
The Saver Day Pass starts from CHF 29.00 for a full day of public transport travel.
Can visitors from abroad use a Swiss Travel Pass on BLS?
BLS describes the Swiss Travel System as the all-in-one ticket for the whole country for passengers from abroad, alongside its own point-to-point tickets and Supersaver fares.
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