Bern Railway Station Guide: Transfers, Exits & Construction

Illustration: a planning schematic, not a photograph or a geographical map. The diagram highlights the subject of this guide; it does not guarantee a specific train, stop, connection or ticket inclusion.

Getting your bearings at Bahnhof Bern

Bern's main railway station is a through station. The main underpass provides access between platforms and the central station areas. The Welle footbridge offers another route at the western end. These are different paths through the station, so the best choice depends on where you arrive and where you need to go.

The official SBB station plan and station description are useful companions to your itinerary. Match your arrival and departure tracks first, then choose the signed connecting route. In German, Gleis means track and Ausgang means exit.

Changing trains during construction

SBB describes ongoing expansion work at Bern, with platform access and routes subject to restrictions. Temporary signs take priority over an old screenshot or a remembered shortcut. Check the station and disruption information again before a journey that depends on a tight interchange.

There is no single transfer time suitable for every traveller. Your carriage position, the platform pair, walking speed and lift requirements affect the walk. Search for the complete itinerary and choose a longer connection when you need time for children, heavy luggage or assistance.

Tracks 49 and 50 are western extensions of the mainline platform area. If your itinerary uses either, inspect the station plan and allow for the longer walk rather than assuming they sit beside the central concourse. Do not substitute a fixed extra number of minutes for checking the actual route.

Keep the next train's departure time and destination available while walking. Confirm its current track on the departure display, since a platform assignment can change. If a delay breaks your connection, check the next itinerary and ask your ticket seller or railway staff about the conditions applying to your ticket.

Welle, city exits and regional connections

The Welle footbridge leads towards Schanzenstrasse. The main underpass leads towards central station facilities and the city. Choose an exit by the destination address or onward stop rather than using Welle automatically for every journey.

The RBS railway has a separate underground station area; follow RBS signs when your itinerary uses it. Local buses, trams and PostBus services also have their own stops and boarding areas. Check the exact stop name in the journey planner, particularly during works.

If you plan a short visit between trains, map the return to the correct track before leaving. Budget time for collecting luggage and navigating the station as well as the walk to your chosen attraction. The Zurich–Bern route guide and Bern–Interlaken guide can help with common onward plans.

Luggage, shops and practical stops

Use the official station listing for current luggage storage and service locations. Check locker dimensions, the charging period and payment options before leaving a bag. An empty suitable locker is not guaranteed, and a price for one size should not be described as a universal daily rate.

Bern station has shops and food outlets, but each business or staffed service has its own hours. Plan a ticket-office visit, food purchase or luggage collection separately from the platform transfer. Save your issued ticket on your device before travelling and keep any required identification or discount card accessible.

Accessibility and ticket checks

Check the accessibility of both your trains and the path through the station. If you need help boarding or changing trains, contact SBB's accessibility service in advance. A short interchange shown in the timetable may not provide enough time for an assisted transfer.

Before continuing, confirm that the ticket covers the actual route, class and travel date. Local transport within Bern is not automatically included in every intercity fare. For a train-specific ticket, check the departure restrictions rather than assuming you can board any later train after a sightseeing stop.

Official planning sources

• SBB: Bern station and current plan
• SBB: Bern station layout and access description
• SBB: Bern rail development and construction
• SBB: accessible travel assistance

Editorial information checked on 11 October 2026. Check the live timetable and the conditions of your selected ticket before travel.