On DE-CH international journeys, when is the "Zugbindung" really lifted?
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 20 Jul, 2023
- |
Zugbindung in Switzerland is done based on departure time, and not on train number. So if for example the 7:59 to Frankfurt is cancelled, but a replacement Zurich – Basel leaves at the same time you need to take that train, as your ticket is only valid from 7:59 onwards. That leaving an earlier direct train would be more comfortable is irrelevant. The Swiss Railways does not consider forcing an extra transfer as imposing inconvenience on you. (Changing trains is a normal and expected feature of train travel after all…)
So leaving earlier because you have found out in advance that your intended train is going to require a transfer is not permitted.
However taking a later train because a train got completely cancelled without replacement, or because you missed a connection due to a delay is not an issue. I have been in such situations several times (even on separate tickets) and never had an issue.
To give you an example: Recently I returned from Vienna on the NJ. I had a ÖBB Nightjet ticket Vienna – Zürich, and a SBB supersaver ticket for the connecting trains to Interlaken. SBB supersaver tickets are not flexible, so you are supposed to take the train you picked when buying.
My NJ was late by an hour, and I just took the next available train. When the conductor came and scanned my ticket her terminal flagged me as being on the wrong train. But then I told her that I was on the delayed NJ, and thus everything was fine.
In general: If you miss a connection due to a fault of the railways (any railway) you can take the next available train. But pre-emtively taking an earlier train because you expect issues is not permitted. Your right to flexibility only starts at the moment that there is an actual issue.
Credit:stackoverflow.com‘
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