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Carnival season is one of Switzerland’s most colourful traditions — and one of the busiest moments of the year for public transport. Whether you’re heading into the heart of the celebrations or planning a peaceful escape, knowing how to move around during Fasnacht makes all the difference.
This guide brings together the essential transport updates, special services, and practical tips to help you navigate Carnival smoothly.
What to Expect During Carnival Season
Carnival transforms Swiss cities into pedestrian zones filled with music, parades, confetti, and crowds. This means:
Road closures and rerouted buses
Extra trains and late‑night services
Packed city centres
Limited parking
Boat parades in some regions
Early‑morning or late‑night events
Public transport is by far the easiest way to get around — but it helps to know what’s changing.
Major Carnival Cities & How to Get There
Basel Fasnacht
Dates: 23-25 February 2026, begins at 04:00 on Monday (“Morgestraich”)
Transport Notes:
SBB runs additional early‑morning and late‑night trains
Trams in the city centre are rerouted or paused
Expect very high crowds around Barfüsserplatz and Marktplatz
Best viewing spots reachable by tram:
Aeschenplatz
Claraplatz
Wettsteinbrücke (bridge views)
Lucerne Fasnacht
Dates: 12-17 February 2026, Thursday to Tuesday
Transport Notes:
Boats operate special services for parades
Buses in the old town are diverted
SBB adds late‑night trains on key routes
Best viewing spots reachable by bus or on foot:
Schweizerhofquai
Bahnhofquai
Löwenplatz
Solothurn Carnival
Dates: 12-18 February 2026, Thursday to Tuesday
Transport Notes:
Buses rerouted around the old town
Easy access from Solothurn station to most events
Best viewing spots:
St. Ursen Cathedral steps
Hauptbahnhof area
Bellinzona Rabadan
Dates: 12-17 February 2026, Thursday to Tuesday
Transport Notes:
Special trains from Lugano, Locarno, and Biasca
City centre becomes a pedestrian zone
Best viewing spots:
Piazza del Sole
Viale Stazione
Zürich Carnival (Sechseläutenplatz & neighbourhood events)
Dates: 20-22 February 2026, but also varies by district
Transport Notes:
Localised tram diversions
Easy access via Stadelhofen station
Other Cities
Rapperswil: 6-17 February
Zug: 12-17 February
Bern: 19-21 February
Winterthur: 20-23 February
Zofingen: 20-23 February
Fribourg: 16-22 February
Practical Tips for Smooth Carnival Travel
1. Use public transport — parking is extremely limited
City centres are often closed to cars. Trains, trams, and buses are the fastest way in and out.
2. Check special timetables
Most operators publish Carnival timetables a few days in advance.
Look for:
Extra late‑night trains
Early‑morning services
Temporary route closures
3. Arrive early for parades
Crowds build quickly, especially in Basel and Lucerne.
4. For families: choose quieter viewing spots
Avoid the densest areas near parade starts. Bridges, squares slightly outside the centre, and second‑row streets are calmer.
5. For noise‑sensitive travellers
Bring ear protection — Guggenmusik bands are loud and wonderful.
6. If you want to avoid Carnival entirely
Use this week for peaceful outings: lakeside walks, mountain trips, or smaller towns unaffected by Fasnacht.
Carnival Alternatives (For the Non‑Carnival People)
If confetti isn’t your thing, this is a perfect week to enjoy:
Quiet lake cruises
Winter hikes
Thermal baths
Museums
Scenic train rides (Gotthard Panorama, GoldenPass, Bernina Express)
Crowds concentrate in Carnival cities, leaving many other places pleasantly calm.
Final Thoughts
Carnival is one of Switzerland’s most joyful traditions — and with a little planning, it’s easy to enjoy without stress. Whether you’re heading into the heart of the festivities or choosing a peaceful escape, Switzerland’s transport network makes it simple to move around smoothly.
Swiss We Go! will continue sharing updates, route changes, and inspiration throughout the season so you can travel with confidence. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter for deals & promotions from transport operators, plus tips to inspire you to get out and explore Switzerland.
