How many passengers do SBB carry each day?

In the first half of 2026, SBB carried an average of 1.45 million passengers per day, an increase of 4% compared to 1.39 million in the first half of 2025. This data highlights the growing confidence in Swiss rail transport as an alternative to private transport.

What is the punctuality of SBB trains?

Punctuality in the first half of 2026 was 94.1%, remaining at high levels. This means that over 94 out of 100 trains arrive on time, ensuring reliability for commuters and commuters alike. It is an important indicator for those who depend on rail transport for work.

How were SBB's financial results in 2026?

SBB closed the first half of 2026 with a profit of 126 million francs, significantly higher than the 48 million of the same period of 2025. The growth was driven by the demand for passenger transport, the property division and freight traffic, which is proceeding with the reorganisation according to the pre-established plans.

What are the future priorities of SBB?

President André Wyss identified three priorities: reliability (maintenance and modernisation of infrastructures), innovation (digitalisation and new technologies to make better use of the system), and financial action capacity (sustainability of investments in fleet renewal).

How much do SBB need for upcoming investments?

In the medium term, SBB needs an annual profit of about CHF 500 million to finance the renewal of railway fleets. In the long term, an even higher figure will be needed, which is why the company is aiming for increasingly sustainable and coordinated operations with the Confederation.

SBB: +4% passengers, punctuality 94% and profit growing (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 27 August 2026

Swiss railway station platform with departing SBB train

The Swiss Federal Railways close H1 2026 with 1.45 M passengers per day (+4%), punctuality 94.1% and profit CHF 126M. The priorities: reliability, innovation, investments.

Context

In a nutshell

SBB carries 1.45 M passengers per day (+4% vs H1 2025)
Punctuality at 94.1%, customer satisfaction 80.1 points
Profit H1 2026: 126M CHF vs 48M in 2025
Priority: reliability, innovation, financial capacity

Key facts

What: Positive balance sheet of the Swiss Federal Railways in the first half of 2026
When: January-June 2026
Where: All SBB railway lines in Switzerland
Who: SBB and President André Wyss (from 30 April 2026)
Passengers: 1.45 million per day
Punctuality: 94.1%
Half-yearly profit: 126 million francs

trasporto pubblico svizzero accelerates. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) reported a very positive balance for the first half of 2026. The numbers confirm the growth trend started in 2025: in the first six months of the year, SBB trains carried an average of 1.45 million passengers per day, an increase of 4% compared to the first half of 2025, when the average was 1.39 million daily passengers.

The perceived quality of service has seen tangible improvements. Customer satisfaction rose to 80.1 points, up from 79.9 in 2025. An important signal for a company that aims to consolidate the trust of commuters and regular travelers.

Punctuality remained at high levels, reaching 94.1%. This value is 0.4 percentage points lower than the same period of the previous year, however it continues to represent

Operational details

The positive balance sheet of the SBB has concrete implications for the daily lives of those who move to Switzerland. The 4% growth in daily passengers reflects a growing reliance on rail transport as a preferred choice over private transport. This trend also represents a response to the ever-evolving costo della mobilità in the Swiss cantons.

Reliability and commuters

Punctuality at 94.1% is particularly important for those who travel regularly. This data translates into tangible reliability: out of a hundred trains, over 94 arrive on time. For border crossers and commuters who depend on rail transport to get to work, this performance is crucial. A slight decline compared to 2025 (94.5%) does not undermine the overall robustness of the system, but suggests that the increasing volume of passengers brings operational challenges to be managed carefully.

The increase in customer satisfaction to 80.1 points indicates that users, although more numerous, did not register deteriorations in basic services. This balance is difficult to maintain when demand is growing rapidly. SBB reported that reliability remains at the heart of the operational strategy, with specific investments dedicated to preventive maintenance and modernisation of the busiest lines.

The growth in freight traffic represents an opportunity for diversification. A more robust freight rail service reduces trucks on the road,

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Key points

Regular users of Swiss trains can benefit from SBB's progress in a conscious manner. Growing customer satisfaction and sustained punctuality suggest that service quality remains solid, even with increasing passenger volumes. For commuters and those who travel frequently, these positive figures reflect ongoing investments in operational management and perceived quality.

How to Stay Informed and Plan

SBB makes various tools available to monitor your travel. The official website sbb.ch and the SBB Mobile app allow you to check schedules, book seats, and receive real-time notifications about route changes or delays. Those who take frequent trips should regularly review their subscription options, as fares and promotions change periodically.

A 94.1% punctuality rate doesn't mean zero problems: 5.9% of trains experience some delay. For those with tight connections or rigid work schedules, consulting timetables with a safety margin remains a recommended practice. SBB app notifications alert you in real-time about disruptions.

Evaluating the Switch to Rail Transport

Growing passenger numbers suggest that rail transport is becoming the preferred choice. The economic benefits are significant: an annual half-day subscription costs less than fuel, maintenance, parking, and car insurance. With the economic growth that SBB reports, greater fare competitiveness or new offers could emerge.

Those who work and live in different cantons should evaluate whether switching to a rail subscription makes sense. Cost simulations are available directly on sbb.ch, comparing the monthly subscription cost with private car expenses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many passengers do SBB carry each day?: In the first half of 2026, SBB carried an average of 1.45 million passengers per day, an increase of 4% compared to 1.39 million in the first half of 2025. This data highlights the growing confidence in Swiss rail transport as an alternative to private transport.
What is the punctuality of SBB trains?: Punctuality in the first half of 2026 was 94.1%, remaining at high levels. This means that over 94 out of 100 trains arrive on time, ensuring reliability for commuters and commuters alike. It is an important indicator for those who depend on rail transport for work.
How were SBB's financial results in 2026?: SBB closed the first half of 2026 with a profit of 126 million francs, significantly higher than the 48 million of the same period of 2025. The growth was driven by the demand for passenger transport, the property division and freight traffic, which is proceeding with the reorganisation according to the pre-established plans.
What are the future priorities of SBB?: President André Wyss identified three priorities: reliability (maintenance and modernisation of infrastructures), innovation (digitalisation and new technologies to make better use of the system), and financial action capacity (sustainability of investments in fleet renewal).
How much do SBB need for upcoming investments?: In the medium term, SBB needs an annual profit of about CHF 500 million to finance the renewal of railway fleets. In the long term, an even higher figure will be needed, which is why the company is aiming for increasingly sustainable and coordinated operations with the Confederation.