S24

Overview

The S24 is not a train that shouts about itself. It runs quietly across a wide stretch of country, linking a smaller eastern town with a lakeside town further south, and in between it does the useful, unglamorous job that good regional trains do: it gets people to work, to school, to connections, and lets the landscape do the talking.

There is no single dramatic set-piece view on this line. Instead there is a steady unfolding of farmland, water, small stations and the sense of a region stitched together by rail. If you want a single showpiece journey with a name and a reputation, look elsewhere. If you want a genuine working line that happens to pass through attractive country, the S24 rewards patience.

This guide covers what you actually need to know before travelling: how the route feels, how to check times and book, what the difference between classes really means in practical terms, where to sit, what to expect on board, when to go, and what to do once you arrive.

Key facts

The route: Weinfelden to Zug

The S24 runs between Weinfelden, a town in the eastern part of the country, and Zug, which sits by its own lake further south and west. It is a cross-country service in the true sense, cutting through a good stretch of territory rather than shuttling between two neighbouring towns.

The character of the landscape changes as you go. Nearer Weinfelden the countryside is gentler and more agricultural, with rolling fields and small settlements passing at a steady pace. As the train moves on, the terrain becomes more varied, with hints of higher ground and, towards the southern end of the journey, the water and townscape around Zug itself. It is a journey that feels like a genuine transect of the region rather than a point-to-point dash.

Timetable and booking

Services on the S24 run according to a regular pattern typical of this kind of regional line, but exact departure times, frequency and any seasonal variation should always be checked directly with SBB before you travel. Regional services like this one can and do change, and relying on old timetables is a common mistake.

Booking in the conventional sense is generally straightforward for a service of this type, but again the details, including how far in advance you can or should buy tickets, are best confirmed with SBB. If your journey is part of a longer trip involving connections, check the whole itinerary with the operator so you are not caught out by a missed link.

Fares and classes

As with most regional trains, the S24 typically offers a choice of classes, and the difference between them is mostly about comfort and space rather than anything exotic. The higher class generally means a quieter, less crowded carriage, more generous seating and a slightly calmer atmosphere for those who want to work or simply sit back.

The standard class is perfectly comfortable for most journeys of this length and is where most passengers, especially those travelling shorter distances or commuting, will naturally sit. Neither class on a service like this comes with elaborate extras, so choose based on how much space and quiet you want rather than expecting a significantly different experience.

For exact fares, any discount schemes, and how pricing might vary by time of day or ticket type, check directly with SBB. Do not assume a price based on similar routes elsewhere, as regional fare structures can differ.

Which side to sit, and the best views

Because the S24 crosses genuinely varied country, there is no single obviously superior side for the entire journey. The best approach is to sit on whichever side lets you look out over the more open farmland and water stretches rather than facing directly into station platforms or built-up sections, which tend to alternate depending on which way the line curves.

If lake views matter most to you, particularly as you approach Zug, keep an eye on the direction of travel and be ready to switch sides at a convenient stop if the train is not too busy. On a regional service like this, moving seats is usually easy outside peak commuting periods.

Onboard experience

Expect the standard, practical furnishings of a regional train built for a working population as much as for visitors: comfortable seating, decent-sized windows that give a good sense of the passing landscape, and the general calm of a line that is not overrun with tourists.

Catering on this kind of service tends to be minimal or non-existent, so it is worth bringing your own food and drink for a longer leg of the journey, particularly if you are travelling at a quieter time of day when there may be no trolley service at all. The appeal here is the view and the rhythm of the journey rather than any onboard indulgence.

Best time of year to travel

The character of the S24 shifts noticeably with the seasons. In spring and early summer, the farmland along the route is at its greenest and the light tends to last longer into the evening, making early evening departures particularly pleasant.

Autumn brings its own appeal, with changing colours across the agricultural land and softer light for photography through the window. Winter journeys can be atmospheric, especially if there is snow on the fields and hills, though shorter daylight hours mean you will see less of the route if you travel outside the middle of the day. Summer offers the longest daylight and the clearest long-distance views, useful if scenery is your priority.

Whatever the season, check with SBB in advance, since services can be adjusted around holiday periods.

Onward connections from Zug

Zug functions as a useful hub for onward travel, given its lakeside setting and position within the wider regional and national rail network. From here, travellers typically have a range of connecting services available to reach other towns and cities, though exact connections, journey times and frequencies should be confirmed with SBB.

If your trip continues beyond Zug, it is worth checking whether through-tickets or combined journeys are available, rather than buying separate legs, as this can simplify both planning and cost. Again, SBB is the authority to confirm this rather than assuming based on other regional lines.

A short history and context note

The S24 sits within a long tradition of regional rail development in this part of the country, where lines were gradually built and later integrated into coordinated networks to serve commuters, students and travellers across smaller towns as much as major cities.

Over time, services like the S24 have become less about romantic long-distance travel and more about dependable, everyday connection, quietly stitching together communities that might otherwise feel more remote from one another. That practical, unglamorous role is arguably the line's real charm.

Common questions

Is the S24 a scenic tourist train?

No. It is a regional service that happens to pass through attractive countryside. It is aimed primarily at everyday travellers rather than sightseers, though the views are a genuine bonus.

Do I need to book in advance?

For a regional service like this, advance booking requirements can vary. Check directly with SBB for the most accurate and current guidance before you travel.

Which class should I choose?

Choose the higher class if you want more space and a quieter carriage, and standard class if you are happy with a slightly busier but perfectly comfortable environment. Confirm exact fare differences with SBB.

Is there food available on board?

Catering tends to be minimal or absent on this type of regional train, so it is sensible to bring your own refreshments, especially for longer stretches of the journey.

What is the best time of year to travel for views?

Spring and summer generally offer the longest daylight and clearest long-distance views, while autumn and winter bring different but equally appealing atmospheric qualities to the landscape.

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Sources & method

• OpenStreetMap route=train (ODbL) — route

See our methodology for how Head Your Way sources and reviews travel data.