Furka car transport
Load your vehicle between Realp and Oberwald
The car trains run all year round to take you through the Furka tunnel from Oberwald Valais to Realp Uri, or vice-versa. The trip takes barely 20 minutes and gives you a time save of 45 minutes, compared to driving over the Furka pass.
Timetable | Wait | Webcam Oberwald | Webcam Realp
Buy your ticket now
Timetable from June 30, 2024 til 06 October 2024
Public holidays, timetable as on Sundays 1 and 2 January, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, 1 August, 25 and 26 December
From May to October, construction works may lead to restrictions on loading vehicles over 3 meters in height. Please anticipate possible waiting times. Vehicles over 3 meters in height with a trailer that use the car train service from Monday to Thursday must be loaded onto the car train in reverse. If reversing is not possible, the transport unfortunately cannot be carried out.
Live Webcam Oberwald Station
Live Webcam Realp Station
Vehicle categories
Prices Single trips:
Winter season 01. October – 31.May CHF 33.00 Summer season 01. June – 30.September CHF 27.00
Prices Furka multi-trip tickets (only available online)
Furka-Abo 10 – valid 1 year CHF 270.00 Furka-Abo 20 – valid 2 years CHF 500.00 Furka-Abo 30 – valid 2 years CHF 630.00
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.
Emergency number in Switzerland: 112 or Oberwald/Realp stations.
Emergency information is broadcast on the radio frequency VHF 89.4.
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.
Prices:
Winter season 01. October – 31. May CHF 66.00 Summer season 01. June – 30. September CHF 54.00
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.
Emergency number Switzerland: 112 or Oberwald/Realp station.
Emergency messages are transmitted on the radio frequency VHF 89.4.
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.
Prices: CHF 200.00
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: 2.60 m
Special conditions:
From May to October, construction works may lead to restrictions on loading vehicles over 3 meters in height. Please anticipate possible waiting times.
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.
Emergency number Switzerland: 112 or Oberwald/Realp station.
Emergency messages are transmitted on the radio frequency VHF 89.4.
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.
Motorbike Price:
Whole year CHF 20.00
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 89.4.
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.
Advice and information for your journey with the Furka car transport
To make the trip as enjoyable as possible and make boarding and disembarking as easy as we can we have put together some tips to help motorists.
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 will no longer be possible starting from 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.
How is the handling at the BLS?
The outstanding credit on a BLS points card will be carried over to a customer account. For the exact details, please contact the BLS directly.
How will I be regularly kept up-to-date?
We recommend you subscribe to the MGBahn newsletter below. Here you will be regularly informed about our products and the vehicle transport system. You can also find information on this site.
During the winter the car transport runs from Fridays to Mondays every half hour. From Oberwald at 05.35 am to 9.35 pm and from Realp from 06.05 am to 10.05 pm.
The weekday service, which runs from Tuesdays to Thursdays, offers the same time slot, but only every 60 minutes.
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.
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 vehicle must not stand on two loading carts.
Switch your radio to UKW for traffic and rail news from SRG/SSR.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We have registered the Furka Tunnel as one of the possible fields of action for the next strategic expansion stage 2040 for rail transport (STEP40). In a preliminary study, various measures on the MGB railway route network are being examined.
In Oberwald, we are currently analysing if and how we can improve the Furka car transportation system, for example, by increasing capacity. This will involve measures such as overhauling our rolling stock, the infrastructure and operations.
The study was concluded at the end of 2022. Even if the measures are incorporated into the expansion stage 2040 the realisation will only be possible at the earliest in 15 years.
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.
Switch your radio to UKW for traffic and rail news from SRG/SSR.
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.