I want to book the seat for a train from Geneva airport to Zermatt Bahnhof.

Morse

I looked up and selected one suitable train and then input that I have GA 2nd class travel card.
Then the total cost is CHF. 0.
But I cannot proceed to select the wanted seat.
Does that mean I do not need to make a seat reservation for my friend and myself?

RedBaron

Morse
First of all, it’s not “a” train, but at least two different trains: The one you’re hopping on in Geneva would have some serious difficulities up the Mattertal valley due to the narrower track gauge, the smaller tunnels and all that cogwhell stuff.

Anyway, optional(!) seat reservations are only available on IC or EC trains. Furthermore, you can’t select a particular seat you’re fancying if booking via SBB ticket shops, the seat would be more or less randomly assigned.

Those two trains typically involved in your planned journey are however typically IR or RE trains, which means that the only reserved seat in them is located at the very front… for the driver. 😉

More information about seat reservations in Switzerland:
https://community.sbb.ch/blog/23887-demystifying-seat-reservations-on-swiss-trains-a-comprehensive-guide

RolandP

Hello Morse

From the seat capacity perspective, you will be fine. Simply try to travel light-weight as it eases train changes and finding spaces for your luggagge on the trains.

I, personnally, rather worry that you will be travelling to the right country, to be honest… 😆

Kind regards,
Roland

Morse

RedBaron Thank you for your reply for the detailed information. This is my first time to Swiss and I just want to make my journey manageable.
Now I know that IR and RE trains do not have seat reservation service. I would like to know if it is typically crowded or not at end of April, Monday noon time. Since we will both arrive Geneva airport with luggages, I am worried if there is train capacity issue.

RedBaron

Morse
During the last decades, I have travelled the equivalent of circling around the globe maybe 8 to 10 times. And I have NEVER reserved a seat (it’s just a waste of money, nobody does it here), and I have NEVER been left behind, or have experienced conditions like on the picture below…🙂

Looks like you’ve missed the statement about occupancy rates in the blog post I’ve linked above. How much a train is deserted or crowded is not related to the month or season, there are other much more relevant “daily” factors such as commute peak times or weather conditions for leisure travel.

[img src="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01580/TRAIN-ART_1580740c.jpg"]

Morse

RolandP
Thank you for your response and it do help me a lot.
After checking the air ticket, I am pretty sure that we are talking about the same country 😅

Morse

RedBaron
Thank you for your prompt response and it’s really a great help.
I am planning my trip and looking forward to visiting this beautiful place soon.