Overview
Swiss public transport (CFF, BLS, TPG, tl, VBZ, BVB) are highly sought-after employers: job security, 13th month, generous pension, paid training.
Train driver (CFF / SBB)
- Paid training: 11–15 months, trainee salary ~CHF 4,200/month
- Junior driver (post-training): CHF 78,000–85,000
- Experienced (3–5 yrs): CHF 88,000–98,000
- Senior (10+ yrs, long-distance): CHF 100,000–115,000
- Driving instructor: CHF 110,000–125,000
Allowances: night (+25–50%), weekend, holidays, special lines.
Tram driver (VBZ Zurich, TPG Geneva, BVB Basel, tl Lausanne)
- Entry-level: CHF 70,000–78,000
- 3–5 yrs: CHF 78,000–86,000
- Senior: CHF 86,000–95,000
- Instructor: CHF 95,000–105,000
Bus driver (urban and regional)
- Entry-level: CHF 65,000–72,000
- 3–5 yrs: CHF 72,000–80,000
- Senior: CHF 80,000–88,000
- Long-distance / school coaches: variable by employer
PostBus driver
- Entry-level: CHF 67,000–73,000
- Experienced: CHF 76,000–85,000
- Senior alpine / tourist lines: CHF 85,000–95,000
Conditions and perks
- 13th month
- 5–6 weeks holiday
- CFF pension fund: best on the market (~80% of last salary at 65)
- Free travel card (CFF + family)
- Free general subscription after a few years
- Paid continuing education
Profile and training
- CFF train driver: min age 19, Swiss/EU/EFTA citizenship, perfect vision, no convictions, fluent German/French/Italian
- Bus/tram: D or DE licence, 6–12 weeks paid training
- Demanding psychometric tests
Tips
- CFF train driver in shortage: mass recruitment planned 2026–2030
- Private companies (BLS, RhB, MGB) also recruiting, conditions close to CFF
- Regional buses and PostBus are a good gateway to rail
