2018 is thus the sixth record year in a row, the Swiss Federal Railways saidExternal link on Tuesday. Chinese guests were the top foreign users of public transport, with sales of CHF20.3 million, an increase of 14.9%.
They were followed by visitors from India and the United States, with sales growth of 18.1% and 14.9% respectively. The leader in 2017, South Korea, followed in fourth place, following a decline in sales of 8.2%.
The federal railways said one of the reasons for last year’s success was the Grand Train Tour of SwitzerlandExternal link. This “tourist magnet”, it said, “links the country’s most beautiful panoramic routes into a unique 1,280-kilometre route and leads foreign visitors by public transport to the highlights and sights of Switzerland all year round”.
The Swiss Travel System is a marketing company founded in 2011 by the Swiss Federal Railways, Switzerland TourismExternal link and five tourist rail companies.
More
Public transport in Switzerland
Switzerland’s system of railways, long-distance buses and local transport is regarded as among the best in the world.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
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.
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
How to save money in Switzerland
This content was published on
There’s no denying that Switzerland is pricey, but there are bargains to be had. We’ve crowdsourced some tips from our Facebook community.
Report proposes third-class rail tickets for budget travellers in Switzerland
This content was published on
Swiss railway companies should introduce a third-class category for passengers on a budget, a Federal Office of Transport report has suggested.
This content was published on
Around 580 train stations across Switzerland will be modernised by the end of 2023 and made more accessible for people with disabilities.
Swiss take the train more often, and further, than European neighbours
This content was published on
The latest Europe-wide figures confirm Switzerland’s reputation as a country of trains, with average trips and kilometres covered far higher than elsewhere.
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.