Switzerland’s public transportation system is extensive, allowing travelers to reach all regions of the country, including remote mountain areas, by train and bus.
Before the advent of railways, Switzerland’s stagecoaches carried passengers like those in other countries. A network of stagecoaches was established in Switzerland starting from 1849. By 1906, the first postal bus connected Bern and Detligen, and in 1919, the Simplon route was officially opened.
The majority of postal routes are operated by CarPostal, a subsidiary of Die Post/La Poste. Nowadays, other transport companies can also obtain operating licenses through route tendering. Postal buses not only serve urban areas but also connect remote regions such as the Alps and rural areas where trains do not reach.
In urban areas, the intra-city bus network complements railway services. There are also regular commuter boats on lakes and rivers in Switzerland, although some routes are only operational during the summer.
