Mobility
Getting around is easy in Zug – by train, bus, bicycle, on foot or by car. Here you will find key information about tickets, travel passes, traffic rules, cycling and walking routes, as well as driving licences and exchanging foreign licences.
Trains and Buses
Public transportation in Switzerland is very well developed. Almost every town and village can be reached by train or bus. Services are punctual, reliable, and run at regular intervals.
Public transportation (ÖV) plays an important role in Switzerland. Because most places are served several times an hour, many people travel regularly by train or bus.
There are various ways to save money when using public transportation. For example, with travel passes or dicount cards.
A popular option is the Half Fare Travelcard (Halbtaxabonnement), which allows you to travel throughout Switzerland for half price.
Anyone who wants to take the train must buy a ticket before travelling. Tickets cannot be purchased on the train.
For buses, the rules vary. There are ticket machines at every railway station and at most bus stops. Larger stations also have manned ticket counters.
Tickets can also be bought online or via mobile app.
For frequent travellers, there are several types of travel passes, such as:
- passes for specific routes,
- passes for particular regions, or
- the General Travelcard (Generalabonnement, GA).
Children up to 6 years travel free of charge.
Children and youth up to 16 years travel almost free when accompanied by their parents or grandparents holding a Junior Travelcard or Grandchild Travelcard (Junior- oder Enkelkarte).
Further information about tickets and travel passes is available from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) or bus companies.
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Within the Canton of Zug, the Zugerland Transport Company (ZVB) offers special tariffs for tickets, travel passes, and day passes.
The area is divided into several zones. Tickets and passes are valid on trains and buses within the purchased zones.
If you travel beyond these zones, you need a separate ticket.
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At weekends, buses and trains also run late at night in the Canton of Zug.
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Cycling and Walking
The Canton of Zug has a well-developed network of cycling paths. Pedestrians and hikers also find numerous walking and hiking trails.
Various paths and lanes are available for pedestrians and cyclists in the Canton of Zug. Short distances are often covered by bicycle or on foot.
Pedestrians have right of way at pedestrian crossings over all vehicles, unless traffic is controlled by traffic lights.
In the Canton of Zug, there are walking and hiking routes that can be used for leisure. Hiking trails are marked with yellow signposts.
Links:
Schweiz Mobil / Bicycle Paths in Switzerland
Zug Tourismus / Bicycle Paths in Canton Zug (DE)
No licence or test is required to cycle in Switzerland. The same traffic rules apply to cyclists as to car drivers. Where special cycling paths or lanes are available, they must be used.
Bicycles must be roadworthy and equipped with:
- two functioning brakes
- a bell
- reflectors at the front, rear and on the pedals
- front and rear lights
Wearing a helmet is not compulsory but is strongly recommended.
Cyclists should take out personal liability insurance, as they are liable for any damage they cause.
Links:
Pro Velo / Traffic rules and tips for the ride (DE)
Those who wish to learn how to ride a bicycle can complete a course. The association Pro Velo offers courses throughout the Canton of Zug.
In Lucerne and Aarau, Pro Velo holds special courses for female migrants that have not experience riding bikes or have not ridden a bicycle in a while.
Inexpensive second-hand bicycles can be found at bicycle markets (Velobörsen).
Links:
Pro Velo / Contact information for regional associations (DE)
Pro Velo Aargau / Intercultural cycling course for women (DE)
Pro Velo Luzern / Bicycle courses for female migrants (DE)
Anyone wishing to take a bicycle on a train or bus needs a special ticket. Bicycle transport is not always possible everywhere or at all times. On some trains, a reservation is required.
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Cars and Motorcycles
Switzerland has a well-developed road network. The use of most roads is free of charge. Traffic rules are very important, and fines for violations are high.
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Traffic rules are taken very seriously in Switzerland. Fines are high compared with other countries. In cases of serious violations, the driving licence can be withdrawn.
Some important rules:
- Maximum speed in urban areas: 50 km/h
- Maximum speed in rural areas: 80 km/h
- Maximum speed on highways: 120 km/h
- In urban areas, there are also zones where the speed limit is 20 km/h or 30 km/h. These zones help to reduce noise and improve safety. They are marked with signs and road markings
- Overtaking on the right is forbidden on motorwaysx
- Lighs must be switched on during the day
- All passengers in a car must wear seat belts
- Children must sit in a child seat (up to 12 years or 150 cm in height)
- Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device while driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence (blood alcohol limit 0.5‰).
- Pedestrians always have priority on pedestrian crossings, unless the crossing is regulated by traffic lights
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Roads in Switzerland are financed by the Confederation, the cantons and the municipalities. Their use is generally free of charge.
An exception applied to motorways: anyone wishing to use the motorways must buy a motorway vignette each year. There are two types:
- Adhesive vignette (sticker) - attached to the windscreen and available at petrol stations, post offices and road traffic offices.
- E-vignette - available online.
Both types are equivalent, cost 40 francs and are valid for 14 months - from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the following year.
Links:
Bundesverwaltung / Further information
Bundesamts für Zoll und Grenzsicherheit / Buying the E-vignette
Only insured motor vehicles are permitted in Switzerland. Motor vehicle liability insurance (Motorfahrzeug-Haftpflichtversicherung) is provided through private insurance companies. It covers damage to persons or property caused by the vehicle.
For damage to your own car, there are optional comprehensive insurance policies.
Note: in cases of gross negligence (for example, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs), the insurance can refuse the right to pay.
Motor vehicle liability insurance is not included in personal liability insurance.
Anyone wishing to permanently import a motor vehicle into Switzerland must meet several requirements:
- The vehicle must be declared at customs and the required duties must be paid.
- The vehicle must pass a technical inspection.
- Motor vehicle liability insurance (Motorfahrzeug-Haftpflichtversicherung) is required.
- A Swiss vehicle registration document is required.
- Swiss licence plates are required.
Further information is provided by the road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt).
Links:
Strassenverkehrsamt Kanton Zug / Contact and information (DE)
Driving Licence
To drive a car or motorcycle in Switzerland, you need a valid driving licence. Foreign driving licences must be exchanged after moving to Switzerland.
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All foreign nationals residing in Switzerland must apply for a Swiss driving licence within 12 months. To do this, an application must be submitted to the cantonal road traffic office (Strassenverkehrsamt).
The rules for exchange depend on the country where the licence was issued. In some cases, a control drive or a theory test is required.
For further information contact the road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt).
Links:
Strassenverkehrsamt Kanton Zug / Contact and information (DE)
Strassenverkehrsämter Schweiz / Information on driver's licenses (DE)
Information Sheet "Converting a Foreign Driver's License" (DE)
An exam is required in order to obtain a driving licence in Switzerland. The exam consists of a theoretical and a practical part. Individuals aged 17 and over are eligible to take the test.
The theoretical test for the categories B, A and A1 can be taken in the Canton of Zug in German, French, Italian or English.
Additional exams are required for driving lorries, buses or taxis.
The road traffic department (Strassenverkehrsamt) can provide information regarding the requirements and the detailed procedure.
Links:
Strassenverkehrsamt Kanton Zug / Contact and information (DE)
Bundesverwaltung / Further information for new drivers (DE)
Contact
«New in Zug» is a service of the Cantonal Social Welfare Office (Kantonales Sozialamt). Do you have questions, suggestions or notice missing information? We welcome your feedback at integration@zg.ch.
