I’ve traveled 5,120 miles on trains in the US, Canada, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Germany.
My rail journeys in these seven countries have varied greatly. I’ve booked a range of classes on day trips and overnight rides. I’ve even been on the 21st-century version of a legendary luxury train— the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
But none of those experiences were as unique as my ride on the Polybahn in Zurich in 2022.
The Polybahn is a funicular, like a train on a steep incline (sometimes called a hillavator). The rails go up and down, making it feel like a slow roller coaster.
I thought the Swiss funicular was a great tourist attraction similar to an aerial tram because you can see a range of views of the surrounding areas. It’s also a cool experience for history buffs, as the transportation mode has served Zurich since 1886, according to the company’s website.
And for just over $1, it’s the cheapest travel activity I’ve ever paid for — and one of the best.
My journey started at Central Polybahn station in Zurich’s Altstadt neighborhood.
At the station, I used an automated machine to purchase a ticket. One ride cost me $1.30.
Inside, I walked up a set of stairs to the only platform and immediately noticed the tracks were on an incline.
The Polybahn pulled up within minutes.
According to the Polybahn website, the train arrives every five minutes. It has two cars that each carry 50 people at a time.
As I stepped on board, I was excited by the car’s bold red exterior, wide windows, and unique shape.
I noticed that there were no staff members on board. Since 1996, the train runs automatically.
There were less than a dozen people on board. Some looked like fellow tourists with phones and cameras out; others seemed like locals.
But none were employees. According to the company’s website, the Polybahn was upgraded in 1996 and has since operated completely automatically.
From the elevated train, I had wide views of Zurich from start to finish.
I saw a range of architectural styles, an abundance of greenery, and the hilly streets of the Swiss city from a window seat. A wide window at the back of the train reminded me we were moving up as the tracks sloped downward behind us.
Just two minutes later, my journey was over far too soon.
I could have spent at least an hour gazing at the city from the Polybahn, but just two minutes after departure, I arrived at Polyterrasse — a viewing deck at the University of Zurich.
With a panoramic scene of Zurich in front of a mountain range, I had an optimal view of the city I’ll never forget.
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