Internet in the trains
All long-distance trains are equipped with mobile signal amplifiers. If you have a phone with internet access, you can use this improved signal. On other trains, you can use the unamplified signal.
You can use your smartphone to pick up the signal and configure the phone as a wifi hotspot. That allows wifi-enabled equipment such as a laptop or a tablet to access the internet. Buy an appropriate SIM card or wifi hotspot to save money.
Alternatively, there is SBB FreeSurf available on long-distance trains. Trains in which this service is available are marked with 'FS' in the timetable. You need the SBB FreeSurf app and a Sunrise SIM card.
Wifi in international trains
Most trains from Switzerland to Milan (Italy) and some from Zurich to Munich (Germany) have free on-board wifi. The network is called "SBB-FREE". It also offers access to SBB Onboard: an entertainment portal with news, films, games and more. This only works if you're connected to SBB-FREE.
On-board wifi works similar to wifi at the station, but without a time limit.
Free wifi at the train stations
About 80 rail stations, including the ones in all larger towns, offer free wifi. This is how it works:
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Connect your phone to the network "SBB-FREE".
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Open your browser and go to any website.
You'll be redirected to a registration page.
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Register. You'll receive an SMS with a registration code that needs to be entered. So be sure that you have a phone with a SIM card that is able to receive the SMS.
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Enjoy internet access for 1 hour. You can start using free wifi again after a 2-hour break.
Internet in other places
Nearly all hotels offer free or paid wifi. Mobile internet is available in nearly all inhabited areas. Don't expect internet to be available in remote areas. If internet connectivity is important to you,arrange for a Swiss SIM card or mobile hotspot.