S40

Overview

The S40 connects Rapperswil SG to Einsiedeln as a regional service operated by SOB within the ZVV transport region. This line bridges two distinct landscapes: starting from the lakeside town of Rapperswil SG, the train climbs inland through increasingly rural terrain toward the pilgrimage destination of Einsiedeln. It is a journey that rewards attention to the changing landscape rather than speed, offering glimpses of a quieter Switzerland that many visitors to the region overlook.

Travellers choose the S40 for three reasons: as a practical commuter link, as a scenic way to reach Einsiedeln's religious and cultural sites, or simply to experience how the landscape transforms from developed lakeside to forest and upland. The service is most reliable and frequent during weekday hours, though seasonal variation means checking the current timetable is essential before planning your trip.

This is not a luxury service, but it is a genuine one. The S40 carries local workers, school groups, and pilgrims in equal measure, and shares the matter-of-fact character of Swiss regional railways: clean, punctual, and without pretension.

Key facts

The route: from lakeside to forest

Rapperswil SG sits at the southern end of a significant lake, and the S40 departs from a station embedded in this waterside setting. The initial stretch of the journey carries you away from the water through developed areas, as the train works southward and begins a gradual elevation gain.

The landscape transforms progressively. Within the first portion of the route, buildings and gardens thin out. You move into open agricultural land interspersed with small settlements, typical of the region immediately inland from the lakeshore. This is working countryside rather than showpiece scenery—fields, small roads, ordinary villages—but it marks the transition away from the urban fringe.

As the journey continues, the terrain becomes noticeably more forested and undulating. The train passes through quieter terrain where woodland dominates and settlements become smaller and more scattered. The final approach to Einsiedeln takes you into the upland setting that has made the town a pilgrimage destination for centuries. The whole journey has a gradual, unhurried character—you are not crossing dramatic terrain, but you are steadily leaving the lowland lakeside world behind.

The route takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, though you should check the operator SOB for current journey times, as these can vary depending on the service pattern and any engineering works.

Timetable and booking

The S40 operates on a regular pattern throughout the year, but frequency and timing vary significantly by season and by day of the week. Weekday services are generally more frequent than weekend services, and you should expect fewer trains during holiday periods.

To find current departure and arrival times, consult SOB directly via their website or customer information service. Do not rely on timetables from other sources without confirmation, as the S40 is subject to seasonal adjustments and occasional service alterations.

Booking is straightforward. You may purchase tickets at ticket machines in Rapperswil SG station or in advance from SOB. For integrated journey planning within the ZVV region, checking the regional journey planner will show you the S40 alongside any connecting services. If you are combining the S40 with other ZVV services, a regional pass may offer better value than individual tickets—this is a question for the operator.

Accommodation and classes

The S40 typically carries both standard and first-class passengers. Standard-class seating is functional and adequate for a journey of this length; seats face forward and backward in equal measure, and the accommodation is clean and well-maintained. First class offers a noticeably more spacious seating arrangement, wider seats, and quieter surroundings, though the view of the landscape is fundamentally the same.

Neither class includes catering on board, so travellers should purchase refreshments before boarding if required. First-class passengers often find the extra space and reduced crowding worthwhile on peak weekday journeys, though for off-peak travel, standard class is entirely sufficient.

Both classes benefit from large windows suitable for observing the landscape as it unfolds. The rolling stock is modern and well-lit during daylight hours, though the real appeal lies in what you see outside rather than the interior furnishings.

Seating and views

The S40 does not have a designated 'scenic side,' as the landscape gradually changes along the entire route rather than presenting a single dramatic vista. That said, certain stretches reward attention: the opening minutes departing Rapperswil SG offer glimpses of the lakeside setting you are leaving behind, while the latter portion of the journey, as the train enters the more heavily forested terrain approaching Einsiedeln, gives the clearest sense of arrival in a different geographical zone.

Windows run along both sides of the train, so you lose nothing by sitting on either side—movement and change of view as the train winds through the landscape is the point, rather than a fixed panorama. If you are sitting in the train's forward-facing direction, you will see the approaching terrain before the rest of the cabin, which can be satisfying on this particular journey.

Travellers with a particular interest in observing the transition from lowland to upland terrain, or in photographing the landscape, should aim for a window seat. During peak hours, these can be in short supply in standard class, so arriving at the platform with adequate time to board is advisable.

What to expect: the journey itself

An S40 journey is a piece of ordinary Swiss life. The train is punctual and the rolling stock is modern and clean. You will share the carriage with commuters, schoolchildren, tourists, and the occasional pilgrimage group. During school holidays or religious observance days, passenger numbers can swell considerably, particularly in the final stretch toward Einsiedeln.

The journey has no special onboard service or entertainment. You are expected to occupy yourself—reading, conversation, or simply watching the landscape as it unfolds are all appropriate. During summer months, the large windows allow light and warmth into the carriage; in winter, the heating is adequate though you may find it heavy if you are wearing a coat.

The train calls at several intermediate stations between Rapperswil SG and Einsiedeln. Most are brief stops, though some larger settlements may see a small flow of passengers. This is a regional service, not an express, so you should mentally prepare for approximately 30 to 40 minutes of journey time (check SOB for the specific service) rather than anticipating a direct race to your destination.

Cleanliness standards are good; the operator maintains the rolling stock to the standard expected on Swiss railways. Toilets are available, though on a journey of this length, their use is not critical.

The experience across the seasons

Spring brings the landscape to life: trees come into leaf along the route, and the farmland between Rapperswil SG and the upland approach to Einsiedeln becomes visibly greener week by week. Morning mist sometimes hangs in the valleys during early spring, lending a softer quality to the views. Crowding on the S40 is generally moderate outside school holidays.

Summer is the busiest season. Warmer weather brings higher passenger numbers, particularly on weekends and in the final weeks before the school summer break. The landscape is fully green and the windows offer bright, clear views, but you should expect busier trains and may find seating in standard class is not guaranteed without an earlier arrival. Evenings have extended daylight, allowing journeys later in the day to retain good visibility.

Autumn brings a shift in colour along the forested sections of the route, particularly as you approach Einsiedeln. The landscape takes on the warm tones of deciduous woodland losing its leaves. Passenger numbers drop after summer, making this a pleasant time to travel. The weather remains generally stable, though morning damp can limit visibility.

Winter transforms the journey's character. The forested terrain around Einsiedeln may carry snow on the ground, and the upland setting becomes noticeably colder. Departing from lakeside Rapperswil SG and arriving in a snowy landscape near Einsiedeln illustrates the elevation difference in particularly clear terms. Passenger numbers are lowest outside school holiday periods, and you are likely to find the train less crowded. The heating in the carriage works hard, and the windows may mist in contrast with the cold outside—this is atmospheric rather than problematic.

Arriving at Einsiedeln and onward travel

Einsiedeln station is the terminus of the S40 and a junction point for other regional services. The station serves the town and its principal religious site; from here, you may connect to other transport depending on your onward destination.

The ZVV region's journey planner will show available connections from Einsiedeln station. You should check with SOB or the ZVV for current connections, as these vary by time of day and season. Some travellers use Einsiedeln as their final destination and make their own way on foot into the town; others use it as a connection point to continue elsewhere in the region.

Facilities at Einsiedeln station include ticket machines and a small waiting area. The station is well-signposted, and connections are clearly marked. If you are carrying substantial luggage or travelling with children, allow time to find your next platform or service without rushing.

A brief history

The railway line between Rapperswil SG and Einsiedeln was constructed during the period of significant Swiss railway expansion in the nineteenth century. It was built to serve both practical transport needs and, importantly, the regular flow of pilgrims traveling to the religious site at Einsiedeln. Over more than a century, the line has been progressively modernized; the current rolling stock and service pattern reflect investment in regional rail throughout the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.

The S40 as a branded service is part of the modern SOB network, which operates across the region using standardized ticketing and timetabling. The service represents the evolution of Swiss regional railways from purely utilitarian transport toward a system that balances commuter practicality with the preservation of landscape-level connectivity that tourism and pilgrimage continue to sustain.

Today, the S40 carries the same mix of purposes it always has: daily workers traveling to employment, school pupils, tourists, and pilgrims. This continuity of function across generations makes it a genuine piece of regional infrastructure rather than a heritage attraction or a scenic novelty.

Practical essentials

Tickets may be purchased at ticket machines in Rapperswil SG station, or in advance from SOB. For current fares and any special offers, consult the operator directly. The operator can also advise on the validity of travel passes or cards if you hold a general Swiss railcard or regional pass.

Check in with SOB for any service disruptions, particularly if you are traveling during summer or winter season peaks, as engineering works can occasionally affect the timetable. The operator's website includes disruption alerts and notifications.

The station at Rapperswil SG is well-served by local bus routes and is adjacent to the town centre. If you are arriving by car, paid parking is available in the town. Einsiedeln station is similarly accessible, though you should plan your onward journey before arriving if connecting to another service.

Common questions

How long does the S40 take?

The journey from Rapperswil SG to Einsiedeln takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes depending on the specific service and any intermediate stops. Check SOB for the precise time for your chosen departure, as this varies by season and service pattern.

Is the S40 worth travelling for scenery alone?

The journey offers a genuine transition from lakeside lowland to forested upland terrain, and travellers interested in observing landscape change will find it satisfying. However, this is not a dramatic or iconic scenic route; it is a regional journey that rewards attention rather than delivering showpiece vistas. If your sole motivation is dramatic scenery, other services in the region may better suit you.

What should I do if I need to check the timetable or book a ticket?

Contact SOB directly via their website or customer service channels for current timetables, fares, and booking. Do not rely on third-party sources without confirmation, as the S40 is subject to seasonal changes. The ZVV journey planner also provides integrated planning across the region.

Are there toilets on the S40?

Yes, toilets are available on board. For a journey of approximately 30 to 40 minutes, their use is not critical, but they are there if required.

Can I buy food or drink on the S40?

No catering is available on board. Purchase refreshments before boarding if you require them for the journey. Both standard and first-class passengers have the same arrangements.

On the map

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Sources & method

• OpenStreetMap route=train (ODbL) — route

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