The average commute time to work in Switzerland was 30 minutes in 2016, or 14.8 kilometres (9.2 miles), according to the Federal Statistical Office. This is 7% more than in 2010.
Every day, 3.9 million people, out of a labour force of 4.8 million, commuted to work in 2016 – up from 2.9 million in 1990. Some 71% worked in a different municipality from where they lived and 20% travelled to a different canton, +12% compared to 1990, the statistics office reported on WednesdayExternal link.
The statistics office said the majority drove to work (52%), whilst a third used public transport (17% took a train). Almost 15% of people walked or cycled to work.
Canton Zurich had the highest net inflow of commuters (+88,000 people). In canton Basel City, 51% of commuters travelled in every day from other regions. The figures were also high for cantons Zug (+34% of commuters), Zurich (+13%) and Geneva (+11%).
The statistics office also found that 800,000 young people (pupils, apprentices and students) commuted daily to their places of study or training in 2016. On average, they covered 22 km, mostly by train or bus.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Cross-border workers
This content was published on
The number of people living abroad but commuting to jobs in Switzerland has been increasing steadily in recent years and is now close to 320,000.
This content was published on
The Swiss may be the second-richest people on earth, but all that wealth comes at a price. Five hours for meals and leisure, seven hours to sleep, one hour to commute to work, eight hours on the job and three hours for housework and paperwork: the daily grind leaves little time to stand and stare. This…
This content was published on
Plans are afoot to encourage car drivers to share their vehicles with fellow commuters in a bid to reduce road traffic and energy use by a third.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.