Public transport in Schaffhausen

Schaffhausen is idyllically located between vineyards and the Rhine River. Yet, it is still easily accessible from large urban areas. Reach Zurich city and Zurich Flughafen airport in 40 and 45 minutes by train respectively. Likewise, Basel is one hour and Stuttgart is one and a half hours by train. An integrated railway and bus network covers the city and there are easy connections to towns and villages in southern Germany and the neighbouring cantons of Zurich and Thurgau. 

Z-Pass (DE) is Schaffhausen's tariff network and offers a range of regional public transport passes. Visit SBB/CFF for detailed information on tickets and transport options. Thurbo (DE) is the regional transport provider in Schaffhausen. They offer regular promotions for day trips and excursions. Schaffhausen Bus (DE) is the regional bus network.

Boats and ferries on the Rhine

The boating season on the Rhine runs from April through October. During this season the Rhyfall Express (DE) runs directly to the Rhine Falls and back. Numerous boating companies also offer river cruises. There are regularly scheduled boat trips, special promotions and the option to hire boats privately. A few companies that operate on the river include:

• URH Schifffahrtsgesellschaft Untersee und Rhein
• Rhine Cruises Wirth (DE)
• Mändli Charters (DE)
• Rhein-Kultur (DE)
• Stoll Schifffahrten (DE)
• Hunziker Schiffsbetrieb (DE)

Travel passes and basic tips 

Several other travel passes, including the Half-fare pass, Junior pass, GA travel pass and day passes are useful for individuals and families. Check out our 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 Schaffhausen

Like the rest of Switzerland, Schaffhausen is a great place for cycling. Pro-Velo is the national cycling association of Switzerland, and they provide comprehensive information on cycling. PubliBike is an active national bicycle-sharing network. Bikestation (DE) offers bike rentals and themed cycling tours. Saltamontes (DE) organises custom-made tours and courses and Randen Bike has mountain bikes to hire. 

The e-bike park of eastern Switzerland (DE) and Schaffhausen Tourism provide wonderful suggestions for cycling in and around Schaffhausen. Or visit Veloland, Bikemap, or Routeyou to find national, regional, and local cycling routes in English, as well as maps and other useful information.

Schaffhausen on foot

Schaffhausen's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. Schaffhausen Tourism provides numerous ideas for exploring Schaffhausen and nearby Stein am Rhein. One good tour to start with takes you through old town and Munot Castle. 

Take a stroll along the Rhine through the Lindli Rheinuferpark, a popular promenade. Or walk through Fäsenstaubpromenade, a landscaped park overlooking the old town. A lime tree avenue leads to a panoramic view of the Rhine countryside.

Find many more activity suggestions in our article, Enjoying Schaffhausen.

Parking in Schaffhausen

Parking can be difficult to find in Switzerland. For most street parking you are required to pay at the meter and place the ticket 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). Use parking.ch to locate parking lots. You can also find parking at most main SBB/CFF stations.

Schaffhausen's efficient and extensive road network will get you to Zurich, Winterthur and onto the German motorway quickly. Mobility car sharing is a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to owning a car.

You may also be interested in the article on Driving and owning a car in Switzerland. 

Photo:swiss-image.ch