Anticipate Your Journey: Insights into Significant Travel Alterations in Switzerland During the Year 2025
Drive up, chums! Here's the lowdown on what's new on Swiss roads in 2025 and beyond. Buckle up, as we're diving deep into driving rules, automated driving, public transport, air travel, and travel authorizations.
New year, new driving rules:Beginning January 1st, new noise regulations are hitting the road. expect fines up to 10,000 francs for "avoidable noises," such as backfiring with the exhaust system. Existing fines related to noise pollution generated by vehicles will also increase. And don't forget, all motorcycles must comply with the European Union's exhaust fuel regulations ("Euro 5+" standard) before being registered for the first time. Stricter noise level regulations will apply for registration too.
Wanna cruise with automated vehicles? Starting March 1st, drivers of automated vehicles equipped with an autopilot system can use it, as long as it's been approved by their canton. But remember, drivers must be ready to take over at any moment if the automation system prompts them to do so.
Parking without a driver will be possible in car parks and parking spaces defined and marked for this purpose.
Public transportThe national railway company, SBB, has rolled out some exciting updates:- In the French-speaking part of the country, the Lausanne suburb of Renens will become a major rail traffic hub served by long-distance trains: InterCity IC1 and IC5, RegioExpress RE33, and InterRegio IR90 trains will stop there.- In German-speaking regions, the SBB will be making improvements too. The half-hourly schedule for mainline traffic in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley makes it possible to double the offer for commuters and people traveling for leisure.Additional IC5 connections between Eastern Switzerland and Zurich will guarantee a denser pace and more seats. To relieve congestion at Bern station, an IC connection will stop at Bern Wankdorf in the morning and another in the evening during peak hours.
As for international trains, passengers can look forward to an additional pair of Zurich-Munich trains, direct Zurich-Brig (Valais) trains running all year round, and the direct Zurich-Domodossola in Italy.
Air travel is taking flight, with airlines adding new destinations to their summer 2025 timetables. Look for flights to Dubrovnik (Croatia) from April 17th, Montpellier (France) from June 27th, Heringsdorf (Germany), from June 29th; and Niš (Serbia) from June 30th. Swiss' sister airline, Edelweiss, is adding seven new destinations from its Zurich hub to the summer timetable.
SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL WITH THE UK'S NEW ETA VISA WAIVERSwiss citizens will be required to apply for £10 digital authorization, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), while entering the UK from January 8th, 2025 (initially for non-EU nationals), then extending to all EU nationals, except Irish citizens, on April 2nd, 2025. The ETA will be valid for two years and allow multiple entries into the UK during that period. More information can be found on the official UK government websites.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPDATESWe'll keep you posted on any further changes, so keep checking back for more exciting developments in Swiss transport and travel in 2025. Until then, happy travels, my friends!
[1] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/transport/new-swiss-drive-rules-from-may-trucks-only-allowed-to-travel-with-places-of-business-in-the-country/46969482[2] https://swissroad.ch/en/news-and-updates/swiss-road-pricing-is-scheduled-to-begin-in-2025/[3] https://www.roadpro.eu/news/swiss-eu-breaking-ground-for-agreement-on-road-freight/[4] https://swissinfo.ch/eng/environment/rolling-highway-rail-transport-for-trucks-to-end-this-year/[5] https://www.germany.travel/germany/practical-for-your-journey/getting-around/driving-rules.html
- Beginning in 2025, Swiss motorcyclists must comply with the Euro 5+ exhaust fuel regulations prior to first-time registration, as stricter noise level regulations will also apply.
- Swiss citizens planning to travel to the UK in 2025 will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for a fee of £10, with the requirement initially applying to non-EU nationals and extending to all EU nationals in April 2025.
- In the realm of air travel, airlines are set to add new destinations to their summer 2025 timetables, including flights to Dubrovnik (Croatia), Montpellier (France), Heringsdorf (Germany), and Niš (Serbia).
