Public transport in Fribourg
Frimobil (DE/FR) is Fribourg's cantonal transport network that provides information on all aspects of public transport within the Canton of Fribourg and parts of Vaud. Purchase tickets at any SBB/CFF counter or ticket machine. Public transport in Fribourg is run by TPF (DE/FR). Check their website for maps, prices and discounts on bus and train travel in Fribourg.
Note: You must carry exact change for the ticket machines in Fribourg. They do not accept cards, nor do they give change. Buying a ticket through Zone 10 is a good option for most people and will allow you to travel most places in Fribourg.
Travel passes and basic tips
There are several common travel passes that are useful for families and individuals. A few include the Half-Fare pass, Junior pass, GA pass and day passes. Check out this article on the Swiss public transport system to learn about standard regulations and ticket options. Also, keep an eye out for frequent seasonal and holiday offers from SBB/CFF.
Here are a few helpful tips to get you started on Swiss public transport:
- You must purchase your ticket before boarding (exceptions made for rural routes with no machine at the stop).
- Children under six years of age travel for free.
- Travelling with a dog: Dogs over 30 cm tall (about 12 inches) need to pay second-class half fare (there are also day cards and GA passes for dogs). Small dogs can travel for free in a carrier or basket.
- Travelling with a bicycle: You are required to buy a supplementary bike ticket. You can bring your bicycle or unloaded bike trailers onto most SBB/CFF trains, private railways and PostBuses. Folded bikes can be stored as hand luggage for free. Note: Capacities for bicycle transport may be restricted during peak traffic periods.
- Utilise the excellent SBB/CFF apps for iPhone and Android.
Cycling in Fribourg
Like the rest of Switzerland, Fribourg is a great place for cycling. Pro-Velo Switzerland is the national cycling association of Switzerland which provides comprehensive cycling information for all levels. Visit Veloland, Bikemap, and Routeyou to find national, regional, and local cycling routes in English, as well as maps and other useful information. Fribourg Tourism also offers great ideas for cycling routes in the area.
PubliBike is a national bike-sharing network active in Fribourg. Fricycle (FR) also promotes cycling in Fribourg and recently opened a free cycling museum (FR).
Fribourg on foot
Although steep in parts, it is easy to explore Fribourg's significant heritage on foot. Fribourg Tourism offers several walking activities and themed guided tours (try their urban golfing!) The WWF walking trail (DE/FR) is a great way to discover Fribourg's urban biodiversity.
Find more Fribourg activity suggestions in Enjoying Fribourg.
Parking in Fribourg
Street parking can be difficult to find in most of Switzerland. For most street parking you need to buy a ticket from a meter to place in your window. Blue zones allow free parking up to 1.5 hours with a parking disc marking your arrival time in the window (buy this at the post office). You can also find parking at most main SBB/CFF stations.
Fribourg is small, but expect some traffic before and after work. Mobility car sharing is a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to owning a car. Fribourg also has the Agglo Fribourg Park and Ride system (DE/FR). These are parking lots on the outskirts of the city with monthly parking options available for those with no parking at their home.
You may also be interested in the article Driving and owning a car.
Photo:Swiss-image.ch/Christoph Sonderegger
