Korean Air Partners with Swiss Federal Railways to Launch Rail & Fly Service, Bringing Seamless Travel Across Switzerland to Passengers
Korean Air, one of Asia’s leading global airlines, is significantly expanding its passenger services in Switzerland with the introduction of its new Rail & Fly program in collaboration with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). The initiative, set to launch in August 2025, aims to create a smooth and stress-free travel experience for passengers journeying between Korea and Switzerland by integrating air travel with Switzerland’s renowned rail network.
With this partnership, Korean Air passengers will be able to travel comfortably, efficiently, and affordably by train between Zurich Airport and some of Switzerland’s most prominent cities, including Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Interlaken, and St. Gallen. The arrangement enables travelers to connect from their international flight straight onto Switzerland’s punctual and well-connected trains, reducing the need for multiple bookings and making onward travel more convenient than ever before.
How the Rail & Fly Program Works
Under the Rail & Fly arrangement, passengers flying with Korean Air into or out of Zurich Airport can book their train travel as part of their flight ticket purchase. This means there’s no need to buy separate rail passes or tickets at the station upon arrival. Combined flight-and-train tickets can be easily purchased through Korean Air’s official website or via accredited travel agencies.
Passengers arriving in Zurich can use the train service either on the same day as their flight arrival or on the following day, providing flexibility for those who wish to rest overnight before continuing their journey. Similarly, for departures from Zurich, travelers can choose to take the train either on the day of their flight or the preceding day—ideal for those who prefer to arrive in Zurich early and avoid any last-minute rushes.
Ticket issuance is straightforward. Travelers can generate their train tickets up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure of their flight through SBB’s online check-in platform. For those who value a guaranteed seat, a small additional fee of CHF 5 applies for individual seat reservations, which is recommended during peak travel seasons.
Convenience Meets Switzerland’s World-Class Rail Network
Switzerland is famous for having one of the most reliable and scenic railway systems in the world. The SBB network not only connects major cities like Geneva, Basel, and Bern but also offers access to popular tourist destinations such as Interlaken, nestled in the Bernese Oberland and surrounded by the Swiss Alps.
By tapping into this network, Korean Air ensures that its passengers can enjoy the same level of comfort and efficiency on land as they do in the air. The integration also means travelers can avoid the complexities of navigating ticket machines or understanding fare zones after a long-haul flight. Instead, they can seamlessly transition from the terminal directly to a train, knowing their onward travel is already covered.
Eco-Friendly Travel Choice
In addition to convenience, the Rail & Fly program aligns with broader sustainability goals. Rail travel is widely recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation, producing significantly fewer carbon emissions per passenger compared to cars or short-haul flights.
By offering passengers an attractive alternative to domestic flights or car rentals for their onward journeys, Korean Air and SBB are contributing to greener travel habits. This move is in line with the growing global trend toward integrating different modes of sustainable transportation to reduce the environmental impact of tourism and business travel.
Strengthening Korean Air’s Swiss Market Presence
The launch of Rail & Fly also underscores Korean Air’s continued commitment to strengthening its operations in Switzerland. The airline has been steadily increasing its presence in the country, highlighted by the reopening of its Zurich office earlier this year. This decision reflects not only the growing travel demand between Korea and Switzerland but also the airline’s confidence in Switzerland as a key European market.
Currently, Korean Air operates three weekly non-stop flights between Zurich and Seoul, departing Zurich on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. These flights connect travelers directly to Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, a major hub for flights across Asia-Pacific and beyond. With the Rail & Fly program, passengers can now extend that seamless connectivity deep into Switzerland’s heartland.
Appealing to Both Leisure and Business Travelers
The benefits of Rail & Fly extend across multiple passenger segments. Leisure travelers—such as those visiting Switzerland for its world-class ski resorts, picturesque lakes, or summer hiking trails—will appreciate the ease of getting from the airport directly to tourist hubs without navigating rental cars or busy roads.
For business travelers, the program offers an efficient and dependable way to reach Switzerland’s economic centers like Geneva, Basel, and Zurich with minimal downtime. Since SBB trains are equipped with comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and quiet carriages, professionals can even continue working while in transit.
Boosting Switzerland–Korea Tourism Links
Tourism boards in both countries are expected to welcome the launch of Rail & Fly, as it supports stronger cultural and economic ties. Switzerland remains an attractive destination for South Korean tourists, offering a mix of natural beauty, rich history, and luxury hospitality. Likewise, Korean tourism has been on the rise, with more Swiss travelers exploring destinations in Korea for cultural, culinary, and technological experiences.
The easier the connection between the two countries, the greater the potential for reciprocal tourism growth. With Rail & Fly, Korean Air and SBB are providing a travel infrastructure that makes such exchanges smoother and more appealing.
Potential Expansions
While the current Rail & Fly routes cover Switzerland’s major cities and well-trodden travel corridors, there is potential for future expansion to include even more destinations—particularly in Switzerland’s mountain regions, which are a draw for international visitors year-round.
If the program proves successful, it may also inspire similar collaborations in other European countries where Korean Air operates. Given Europe’s extensive and interconnected rail networks, the concept could be replicated in markets like Germany, France, or Austria, giving passengers broader access to eco-friendly ground transportation options.
A Seamless Journey from Seoul to Switzerland’s Heart
From the moment passengers check in for their Korean Air flight in Seoul to the time they step off an SBB train in Geneva, Lausanne, or Interlaken, Rail & Fly promises a smooth, coordinated travel experience. It’s a service that acknowledges the modern traveler’s desire for convenience, sustainability, and flexibility—all while celebrating the strengths of both Korean Air’s award-winning service and Switzerland’s legendary rail network.
As air and rail travel become more integrated worldwide, Korean Air’s new partnership with SBB stands out as a model for how two different transport sectors can come together to create a truly customer-focused offering.
In the words of many travel industry observers, this launch represents more than just a new ticket option—it’s a sign of the future of travel, where seamless connections and eco-conscious choices go hand in hand.