SBB celebrates its 125th anniversary

Excursions in SwitzerlandAnniversary

125 Years of SBB – an anniversary for the whole of Switzerland

In 2027, SBB will celebrate its 125th anniversary with its customers, the public, partners and employees. A nationwide campaign will bring railway history to life, offer attractive deals for passengers and look ahead to the mobility of tomorrow.

SBB/CFF/FFS (Text), SBB CFF FFS (Photos)
Published on 21.10.2026, Reading time 3 minutes

On 1 January 1902, Switzerland brought its main railway lines under a single umbrella. In doing so, it laid the foundations for SBB. The history of SBB is closely linked to the development of Switzerland. The railways promote social cohesion, economic development and quality of life throughout the country.

This anniversary is therefore not just about SBB. It is also a tribute to our customers, the public, politicians, our partners and generations of employees who have made the railways possible and helped shape them over the past 125 years.

Activities and experiences across all regions of Switzerland

In this anniversary year, customers will benefit from specific offers and experiences. These include the 125 years pass, which offers discounted day passes, as well as events and activities across all regions of Switzerland. These events will bring the history of the railway to life while also looking to the future.

After all, this anniversary is not only an occasion to look back, but also a mission for the future. Mobility, society and customer needs are changing. SBB is therefore working with the federal government, the cantons, the public transport sector and other partners to upgrade the rail network and public transport.

The railways will continue to provide reliable connections across Switzerland and make a significant contribution to a prosperous, liveable and climate-friendly Switzerland. The anniversary invites us all to explore and shape this future together.

The anniversary programme in detail

SBB anniversary tour, Zurich/Lausanne/Olten. 28 January 2027 (for invited guests and the media): with its SBB anniversary tour, SBB is recreating the historic inaugural journey of 1902 with two special services (Zurich–Olten and Lausanne–Olten) that combine the historic with the modern. Customers can win tickets at sbb.ch/en/125years.
SBB light show at Zurich main station. 6 – 14 March 2027 (evenings): experience the history of SBB at a free light and sound show for big and small alike at Zurich main station.
SBB Future Workshop at the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne. 24 March – 10 October 2027: this temporary exhibition marking the SBB’s anniversary focuses on innovation and the interplay between people, mobility and technology, and presents an artistic vision of the future of public transport.
SBB Railshow, Limmattal marshalling yard. 29 – 30 May 2027: in addition to a unique parade of historic and modern trains, visitors can take a glimpse behind the scenes at the marshalling yard.
SBB Moments, the Bellinzona-Locarno railway line. 24 July – 4 September 2027: whether on foot, by train or by bike, there are countless sights and fascinating installations to discover between Bellinzona and Locarno.
SBB light show, near Lausanne station. 30 September – 3 October 2027: experience the history of SBB at a free light and sound show for big and small alike near Lausanne station.
SBB Trail, Geneva and Basel SBB train stations. February to December 2027: discover new aspects of the station and the history of SBB through an interactive treasure hunt.

To ensure that everyone can discover the anniversary programme, there will be a special offer for customers in early 2027. Further details will follow in early 2027.

More information about the anniversary at sbb.ch/en/125years.