Furka car transport FAQ
Here you will find the answers to your questions.
Tickets & Prices
The easiest way is to purchase your ticket online. When you register your car licence plate the barrier at the loading station will open automatically and you can just drive through. Of course, you can also buy your ticket at the automatic ticket dispenser at the loading stations in Oberwald and Realp.
If you plan to use the service frequently then a Furka multi-trip pack can be useful.
Price Single trip CHF 33.00 Prices Furka multi-trip tickets (only available online)
Furka-Abo 10 – valid 1 year CHF 300.00 Furka-Abo 20 – valid 2 years CHF 560.00 Furka-Abo 30 – valid 2 years CHF 720.00
Price Furka annual season ticket (only available at the ticket office) Numberplate obtained- valid 1 year CHF 3'500.00
Dimensions:
Under 3.5 tonnes and under 3.05 m
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Loading procedure information
Before arrival
Buy your ticket online and register your license plate number and the barrier will open automatically when you approach it.
Important: always carry the receipt with the QR code with you. If the barrier does not open automatically, you can scan the QR code to open the barrier.
If it is not possible to buy your ticket online you can buy one at the machine next to the barrier. After a successful purchase the barrier will open automatically.
Before loading
Going up the ramp you must follow the instructions given by personnel.
Assigned parking zones must be observed.
It may be necessary to measure a vehicle, which could lead to a vehicle being denied transport should the published maximum dimensions not be adhered to .
Loading onto the train
The vehicle may not stand across two wagons.
The instructions given by personnel must be followed at all times.
Engage the handbrake and first gear or P in automatic vehicles.
During the trip
The general loading conditions listed on the back of the ticket apply.
During the journey on the car train, it is not allowed to perform any updates on vehicles.
Emergency number in Switzerland: 112 or Oberwald/Realp stations.
Emergency information is broadcast on the radio frequency VHF 102.2.
You must not leave the interior of your vehicle during the trip.
Unloading your vehicle
Any damage that may have occurred during the transport must be immediately reported and recorded on arrival at the destination.
With the Furka-Abo, you travel at a lower cost:
Furka-Abo 10– valid 1 year CHF 300.00 Furka-Abo 20– valid 2 years CHF 560.00 Furka-Abo 30– valid 2 years CHF 720.00
Why do I need to create a customer account to purchase a Furka subscription?
Through your account, you have full visibility of your purchased products at any time. You can see exactly when you've used the car transport service and how many trips are still available on your subscription. If the barrier doesn't open automatically, you can use the QR code in your wallet to open it manually.
For changes such as updating or adding vehicle license plates, as well as for refunds after purchase and during the validity of the subscription, we require customer identification.
Can I extend the validity of my Furka subscription if I haven't used all the trips within the validity period?
No, an extension is not possible. The discount is intended for guests who use the car transport service regularly. Unused trips expire at the end of the validity period. However, you can request a pro-rated refund from the customer service center. In this case, the remaining amount for the unused trips will be refunded, minus the discount already applied and a service charge.
Can I recharge my Furka subscription?
No, recharging the Furka subscription is not possible. Once all the trips on your current subscription have been used, you can simply purchase a new subscription online. The validity of the new subscription starts from the purchase date, even if an older subscription is still active.
If there are still unused trips on the old subscription, they will be used first before the new subscription is charged. The deduction will always be made from the subscription that was purchased first.
Price one way: CHF 66.00
Dimensions:
Under 3.5 tonnes
Under 3.05 m height with trailer
Over 3.05 m height without trailer
Loading only under personnel supervision
Maximum dimensions:
Maximum height: 3.50 m
Maximum width: 2.60 m
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Loading procedure information
Please observe before arrival
Vehicles carrying dangerous loads are not permitted according to ADR/SDR.
If the loaded area is open or outside the vehicle the freight must be well secured and made safe.
Before loading
On the ramp, the instructions from the supervising personnel must be followed.
Assigned parking areas must be observed.
It may be necessary to measure a vehicle which could lead to a vehicle being denied transport should the published maximum dimensions not be adhered to. During the measurement the vehicle must be lowered.
Materials that catch fire easily, e.g. hay, straw, expanded polystyrene etc. may only be transported in an enclosed vehicle (danger of sparks from overhead power supply).
Loading onto the train
The vehicle may not stand across two wagons.
The instructions given by personnel must be followed at all times.
Engage the handbrake and first gear or P in automatic vehicles.
During the journey
The general loading regulations listed on the back of the ticket apply.
During the journey on the car train, it is not allowed to perform any updates on vehicles.
Emergency number Switzerland: 112 or Oberwald/Realp station.
Emergency messages are transmitted on the radio frequency VHF 102.2.
During the entire journey, drivers must not leave the interior of their vehicle.
Unloading from the transport train
The vehicle may still be earthed. The vehicle must not be moved until the personnel give permission.
Any damage that may have occurred during the transport must be immediately reported and recorded on arrival at the destination.
Price one way: CHF 230.00
Dimensions
Over 3.5 tonnes
Buses with a capacity of 10+ seats
Maximum dimensions:
Maximum weight: 20 tonnes per vehicle
Maximum height: 3.50 m
Maximum width: 2.50 m
Special conditions:
These vehicles’ transport must be registered in advance.
Loading may only be carried out under the supervision of personnel.
Large-capacity vehicles with a trailer are excluded from the transport.
Large-capacity vehicles must be ready 15 minutes before the departure of the train.
Reservation:
Reservations departing from Oberwald Tel: 027 927 76 66
Reservations departing from Realp Tel: 027 927 76 76
Buses and coaches
For reasons of safety, passengers in vehicles with more than 16 seats may not be transported on the vehicle transport train. They are required to travel with a regional passenger service train between Realp and Oberwald or vice-versa. (Included in the price).
Realp departure: every xx:50 / travel time 19 minutes
Oberalp departure: every xx:42 / travel time 23 minutes
Loading procedure information
Please observe before arrival
A reservation at the loading stations Oberwald and Realp is mandatory. Without a reservation, longer waiting times must be expected.
Large-capacity vehicles with trailers are excluded from loading.
Large-capacity vehicles must be ready on site 15 minutes before departure.
Vehicles with a dangerous cargo according to ADR/SDR are prohibited for loading.
In case of open loads, the cargo must be well secured and made safe.
The 20 tonne limit must be strictly adhered to by the vehicle driver. The maximum weight of 20 tonnes is the total weight of cargo with the vehicle. Possible misleading information is safety related and therefore strictly prohibited.
Before loading
When purchasing a ticket, the vehicle licence must be presented in all circumstances and without request.
On the ramp, the instructions from the supervising personnel must be followed.
Assigned parking areas must be observed.
It may be necessary to measure a vehicle which could lead to a vehicle being denied transport should the published maximum dimensions not be adhered to. During the measurement the vehicle must be lowered.
Antennas must be retracted and dismantled. Antennas must not be extended while the vehicle is in motion. Contact with the overhead line must be prevented at all costs. Possible consequences: major damage to the vehicle, to railway equipment, damage to other vehicles, personal injury or blockage of the tunnel as a result of failure to comply.
The rear view mirrors must be retracted or removed when instructed to do so.
Materials that catch fire easily, e.g. hay, straw, expanded polystyrene etc. may only be transported in an enclosed vehicle (danger of sparks from overhead power supply).
Loading onto the train
The vehicle may only be loaded onto the train under the supervision and instruction of the loading personnel on site.
The vehicle must be placed longitudinally in the centre and centred laterally on the car train car.
Vehicles with air suspension must be lowered and not raised after loading is complete.
The vehicle must be secured by the vehicle operator - tighten spring lock and engage neutral gear.
The vehicle will be earthed by the loading personnel. The vehicle must not be moved again without the instruction of the loading personnel.
During the journey
The general loading regulations listed on the back of the ticket apply.
Coaches/buses may only be loaded without passengers. Passengers travel through the Furka tunnel on the hourly regional trains.
The driver travels in the passenger compartment of the train.
Emergency number Switzerland: 112 or Oberwald/Realp station.
Emergency messages are transmitted on the radio frequency VHF 102.2.
During the entire journey, drivers must not leave the interior of their vehicle.
Unloading from the transport train
The vehicle may still be earthed. The vehicle must not be moved until the personnel give permission.
Price one way CHF 33.00
Conditions:
To load your motorcycle be at the loading point 15 minutes before departure.
Motorcycles are transported in an enclosed wagon. Please apply to the personnel at the ticket counter.
The loading of motorcycles without the supervision of the personnel is forbidden.
Bicycles:
Cyclists may not use the vehicle transport. Please use a regional train.
Realp dep: every xx:50 / travel time 19 minutes
Oberwald dep: every xx:42 / travel time 23 minutes.
The loading of bicycles and the carrying of passengers is permitted only outside the operating hours of regional transport and at the discretion of the employee on site.
Loading procedure information
Please observe before arrival
At the loading station Realp vehicles must be ready to load 15 minutes before departure.
Loading a motorcycle on a transport train
The vehicle/motorcycle (?) may only be loaded onto the train under the supervision and instruction of the loading personnel on site.
The vehicle/motorcycle (?) is transported in the driving trailer (red closed car) and may not be on open loading cars during the journey.
When loading in Realp, the car train will be driven to the driving trailer.
When loading in Oberwald, the vehicle will be loaded backwards to the driving trailer.
The vehicle must always be parked in the direction of travel.
The vehicle must be secured by the rider.
During the trip
Emergency number in Switzerland: 112 or Oberwald/Realp stations.
Emergency information is broadcast on the radio frequency VHF 102.2.
You must not leave the driving trailer during the trip.
Unloading from the transport train
When unloading in Realp the train will be driven to the unloading zone.
When unloading in Oberwald the motorcycle will be taken backwards from the driving trailer.
Timetable & waiting times
The Furka car transport operates every 30 minutes on weekends and hourly on weekdays. Check the exact timetable before departure: .
On certain days during the high season the high demand leads to waiting times. These are usually during the Swiss holiday weeks, the Christmas period and the Easter weekend. We recommend you travel on weekdays if possible, or to aim for one of the earlier or later connections. If this is not possible then it might make sense to use an alternative route.
Please find information before you begin your journey to discover if there are long waiting times or disruptions on the line. You can find this information in the ‘Verkehrsinformationen’ field above.
If there are currently long waiting times and how long their duration will be, you will also find this information in the ‘traffic information’ field above. Swiss radio SRF also provides traffic information and announces the expected waiting times in the traffic bulletin.
The announced waiting time is calculated to the time of the next departing train.
Example: the half-hourly schedule: You arrive at the loading station at 11.15 am and the next scheduled departure is 11.35 am. The waiting time is designated as 30 minutes – the earliest you can load will be 12.05 pm.
Example: the hourly schedule: You arrive at the loading station at 11.15 am and the next scheduled departure is 11.35 am. The waiting time is designated as 60 minutes – the earliest you can load will be 12.35 pm.
A reservation is not possible. The space available at the loading stations is too small to allow an extra lane of cars and consequently there is no room to allow reserved cars to bypass other waiting vehicles.
An increase in the loading capability with more connections or longer trains is not possible. The single-track Furka tunnel operates at full capacity with the regional trains, the Glacier Express and the car transports.
Employing longer trains is also not possible due to the length of the loading ramps and track layout at the loading stations.
The trains cannot run faster. The HGe4/4 locomotives that pull the vehicle transports have a maximum permitted speed of 90km/h and the tunnel itself does not have the infrastructure for higher speeds.
We increase the frequency of our vehicle transportation during the week when, according to our experience, a very high demand is likely to occur. For instance, before public holidays we employ the half-hourly schedule, instead of the hourly one.
As an increase in loading capacity with more connections or longer trains is not possible, the focus is to optimize the loading process and avoid disruptions and breakdowns.
The following measures have already been implemented, are being implemented or at the planning stage:
Customer channelling on site for high traffic volume
Renewal program for locomotives
Expansion to two access lanes
Extension of the loading ramps
In the long term, the renovation of the Furka tunnel will also increase reliability
Despite all these measures, the waiting times during peak demand cannot be completely eliminated due to the limited loading capacity.
A denser schedule with additional loading trains will not be feasible in the long term, as studies have shown that the necessary infrastructure expansion is not achievable.
However, as part of the procurement of new loading and ramp wagons, technical solutions are being explored to transport more vehicles per train by using longer trains. If ordered by the government, this is expected to be implemented from 2028 onwards.
Procedure & security
Before arrival
Buy your ticket online and register your license plate number and the barrier will open automatically when you approach it.
Important: always carry the receipt with the QR code with you. If the barrier does not open automatically, you can scan the QR code to open the barrier.
If it is not possible to buy your ticket online you can buy one at the machine next to the barrier. After a successful purchase the barrier will open automatically.
Before loading
Going up the ramp you must follow the instructions given by personnel.
Assigned parking zones must be observed.
It may be necessary to measure a vehicle, which could lead to a vehicle being denied transport should the published maximum dimensions not be adhered to .
Loading onto the train
The vehicle may not stand across two wagons.
The instructions given by personnel must be followed at all times.
Engage the handbrake and first gear or P in automatic vehicles.
During the trip
The general loading conditions listed on the back of the ticket apply.
During the journey on the car train, it is not allowed to perform any updates on vehicles.
Emergency number in Switzerland: 112 or Oberwald/Realp stations.
Emergency information is broadcast on the radio frequency VHF 102.2, Radio Rottu.
You must not leave the interior of your vehicle during the trip.
Unloading your vehicle
Any damage that may have occurred during the transport must be immediately reported and recorded on arrival at the destination.
It is not unusual for the train to stop for a short time. There are two crossing points in the tunnel, where trains from opposite directions can pass each other.
If you observe anything unusual, contact the customer service 0848 642 442
In case of emergency call 112.
Tune your radio to 102.2 MHz for traffic and train updates on Radio Rottu Oberwallis.
Stay calm and remain in your vehicle
Be sure to follow the instructions of the railway personnel
Never leave the train without being asked to do so by the railway staff.
The vehicle must not stand on two loading carts.
Tune your radio to 102.2 MHz for traffic and train updates on Radio Rottu Oberwallis.
Do not throw smoking products or other objects out of the window.
Secure your roof luggage or place it in the car.
Any damage must be reported immediately at the unloading station.
During the journey on the car train, it is not allowed to perform any updates on vehicles.
Keep your ticket on you during the journey - it is valid as proof of transport.
Antennas on large vehicles must be retracted and dismantled. Antennas must not be extended while the vehicle is in motion. Contact with the overhead line must be prevented at all costs. Possible consequences: major damage to the vehicle, to railway equipment, damage to other vehicles, personal injury or blockage of the tunnel as a result of failure to comply.
Tariff adjustment
There will no longer be a distinction between summer and winter prices. The summer price will be raised to the level of the winter price, meaning for a car from CHF 27.00 to CHF 33.00.
The winter price remains unchanged.
Furka-Abo for 10, 20, or 30 trips will remain available. Their prices will change as of December 1, 2024.
The price for motorcycles will be adjusted to match that of cars, as motorcycles require higher operational costs. The price will increase from CHF 20.00 to CHF 33.00.
The rate for large vehicles will rise from CHF 200.00 to CHF 230.00.
The tariffs of the Furka car transport were last adjusted in January 2014, which was more than 10 years ago.
Since then, operating costs have risen significantly due to increased energy prices, higher personnel costs, and more expensive rolling stock. Additionally, various schedule expansions have been implemented, which incur additional costs. Despite higher revenues, thanks to increased frequencies and productivity improvements, the costs can no longer be fully covered even with federal compensation. The new prices take these developments into account to ensure sustainable operations going forward.
The service provided by the Furka car transport remains the same throughout the year. Therefore, starting from December 1, 2024, the summer price will be aligned with the winter price to create a uniform pricing structure.
No, the winter price for cars remains unchanged at CHF 33.00. Only the summer price will be adjusted to match the winter price.
Motorcycles incur higher costs as they must be loaded separately in the enclosed control car. To cover these additional operating costs, the price for motorcycles will be raised to the level of cars, that is, to CHF 33.00.
The Abo for 10, 20, or 30 trips will remain available. The prices will be adjusted upwards starting in December 2024.
10 trips CHF 300.00 ➔ Price per trip CHF 30.00
20 trips CHF 560.00 ➔ Price per trip CHF 28.00
30 trips CHF 720.00 ➔ Price per trip CHF 24.00
The price for large vehicles, which require the highest operational effort, will be increased from CHF 200.00 to CHF 230.00.
The new prices and changes will take effect from December 1, 2024.
Further questions
At both loading stations at Oberwald and Realp, there are free public toilets. Additionally, there are accessible toilets, and the ladies' restrooms are equipped with changing facilities for toddlers.
In Oberwald the ‘Bahnhof Buffet’ is open daily. The exact opening hours can be found on their website.
In Realp there are vending machines for drinks and snacks. On very busy days, when there are longer queuing times, we try to organise a mobile food stand to offer a variety of snacks and drinks to waiting motorists.
Cyclists may not use the vehicle transport. Please use a regional train.
Realp dep: every xx:50 / travel time 19 minutes
Oberwald dep: every xx:42 / travel time 23 minutes.
The loading of bicycles and the carrying of passengers is permitted only outside the operating hours of regional transport and at the discretion of the employee on site.
The loading of large vehicles on the Furka car transport is possible with a prior reservation. Large vehicles are defined as motor vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons, as well as buses with a capacity of 10 or more people. Large vehicles with trailers are excluded from transport.
Travel buses with more than 16 (15+1) seats and/or with a total weight over 3.5 tons may only be transported on the Furka car transport without passengers for safety reasons. Passengers of these buses will travel on regional trains, which run hourly in both directions between Oberwald and Realp. A reservation is mandatory.
Reservations can be made at:
Oberwald, Tel. +41 (0)27 927 76 66,
bahnhof.oberwald@mgbahn.ch
Realp, Tel. +41 (0)27 927 76 76,
bahnhof.realp@mgbahn.ch
Before Arrival:
A reservation at the loading stations Oberwald and Realp is mandatory. Without a reservation, longer waiting times should be expected.
Large vehicles with trailers are excluded from transport.
Large vehicles must be ready 15 minutes before departure.
Vehicles with dangerous cargo according to ADR/SDR regulations are prohibited from transport.
For open cargo areas, the cargo must be securely fastened and secured.
The 20-ton limit must be strictly adhered to by the driver. The maximum weight of 20 tons includes both the vehicle and its cargo. Incorrect declarations are safety-relevant and strictly prohibited.
Before Loading:
When purchasing a ticket, the vehicle registration must be presented without being asked.
The instructions of the loading staff must be followed on the ramp.
Assigned waiting areas must be respected.
Vehicle measurements may be taken and could lead to a refusal if the published maximum dimensions are not adhered to. During measurement, the vehicle must be lowered.
Antennas must be retracted and dismantled. Antennas must not be extended during the journey. Contact with the overhead line must be avoided at all costs. Consequences could include significant damage to the vehicle, railway infrastructure, damage to other vehicles, injury to persons, or blocking the tunnel due to non-compliance.
Mirrors must be folded in or removed upon instruction.
Easily flammable materials such as hay, straw, Styrofoam, etc., may only be transported in closed trucks or trailers (risk of sparks from the pantograph).
Loading onto the Car Train:
The vehicle may only be loaded onto the train under the supervision and guidance of the loading staff on-site.
The vehicle must be positioned in the longitudinal direction in the center and laterally aligned on the car train car.
Vehicles with air suspension must be lowered after loading is complete and must not be raised again.
The securing of the vehicle must be done by the driver—apply spring brakes and engage neutral gear.
The vehicle will be grounded by the loading staff. The vehicle may not be moved without the instructions of the loading staff.
During the Journey:
General loading regulations, which are listed on the back of the ticket, apply.
Travel buses may only be transported without passengers. The passengers will travel on the regional trains running through the Furka Tunnel.
From 16 June 2025, drivers of large vehicles will be required to leave their driver’s cabs and move into the passenger compartment of the train.
Emergency number in Switzerland: 112 or Oberwald/Realp station.
Emergency communications will be relayed via radio frequency FM 102.2.
During the entire journey, do not leave the interior of your vehicle.
Unloading from the Car Train:
The vehicle is still grounded. The vehicle may only be moved after the instructions of the loading staff.
The points card offer will be cancelled
With the introduction of new, separate ticketing and access systems at the car loading terminals of MGBahn and BLS, mutual use of point cards is no longer be possible since June 1, 2024.
Do you have an MGBahn points card (number 2xxxxxx)?
The MGBahn points cards have a number that begins with a two (2xxxxxx). These can still be used at the Furka car shuttle til 30. november 2025. Recharging your loyalty card or purchasing a new one is no longer possible with the MGBahn since december 2022. Starting from June 1, 2024, MGBahn point cards cannot be used at BLS anymore.
Do you have a BLS points card (number 1xxxxxx)?
BLS point cards starting with the digit one (1xxxxxx) can still be used at the car loading terminals at Lötschberg and Simplon. However, starting from June 1, 2024, the use of BLS point cards (1xxxxxx) at the Furka car loading terminal will no longer be possible. As the holder of such a points card, you can find more information here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I recognize if I have a BLS or MGBahn points card?
The first number on the points card is the indicator: BLS cards begin with 1xxxxxx and MGBahn Railway cards with 2xxxxxx
Why is mutual use of point cards no longer possible starting from June 1, 2024?
As a result of the preparations and technical system adjustments, the reciprocal use of points cards with BLS will no longer be possible from 1 June 2024.
What are the alternatives?
Frequent travellers on the MGBahn can benefit from the Furka - Abo.
I won’t require my points card when I am unable to use the vehicle transport on the Lötschberg/Simplon. Can I get a cash repayment for the unused points?
You can use your MGBahn points card as usual at MGB car transport till 30. november 2025. Until then the current General Terms and Conditions apply (only refunds from cash credit possible).
How long can I continue to use my points card?
MGBahn point cards (2xxxxxx) can be used at the Furka car loading terminal until their expiration date, but no later than November 30, 2025. BLS point cards (1xxxxxx) can be used until further notice at the car loading terminals at Lötschberg and Simplon.
Until when can I buy a new points card or recharge my existing card?
You can neither buy or recharge points cards with the MGBahn. MGBahn points cards can be used up to 30.11.2025 on the Furka vehicle transport.
I would like to change my points card into the new pass now.
We recommend you use up the remaining points on your card.
Can I return a points card from the BLS (1…) with the MGBahn (because I only use the MGBahn transport)?
No. Any remaining credit on a BLS points card must be claimed from the BLS.
Why can’t I return my BLS points card to the MGBahn as it was charged with the MGBahn?
Revenue from charging is managed by the transport company that issued the card.
Where can I claim a refund on my MGBahn points card?
You can reclaim your credit on your MGBahn points card according to the General Terms and Conditions at the vehicle loading station in Oberwald.
Where can I reclaim the CHF 10.00 deposit I paid for the points card?
At the loading stations in either Realp or Oberwald.