SBB FreeSurf

Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB

About this app

Internet access free of charge from the app. SBB FreeSurf is available on all SBB long-distance trains (IC and IR). SBB FreeSurf is based on the excellent mobile phone coverage along the Swiss rail routes – passengers can benefit from a faster and smoother internet connection with more bandwidth than you get with conventional train Wi-Fi. Customers with a digitec, Quickline, Salt (Das Abo, GoMo, Lidl Connect are included), Sunrise or Swisscom mobile phone contract can surf the internet for free with die SBB FreeSurf app.

Passengers from abroad will be able to surf the internet for free with a SIM card (also eSIM) from a mobile phone provider participating in SBB FreeSurf. Trains with a free internet connection are marked with «FS» (for FreeSurf) in the online timetable.

When boarding the train, the customers can open the SBB FreeSurf app. Automatic recognition takes place using a beacon. After registering successfully, the customers will receive an SMS text confirming that they can surf for free via their mobile phone provider. When alighting from the train or switching off the connection, you will receive a message stating that free internet access is no longer active. We only need customers to provide the mobile number to be used for registration.

https://www.sbb.ch/en/station-services/during-your-journey/on-board-service/freesurf.html

Ratings and reviews

Well I get the concept. But the execution is disastrous and after quite a few years of the system being in place and numerous negative reviews there's still no improvement. The app still cannot be used if one doesn't own a swiss phone number, great for tourists and internationals isn't it? And if you manage to get into the system you'll still randomly get disconnected at any point of the journey. Some ICE or IR aren't even detected by the system at all. From CFF, disappointing

This is one of the most swiss solution I've seen in a while : Ridiculously over-complicated while technologically unsound. App needs Bluetooth plus location plus data usage. You'd better not forget your charger.... It's completely asinine. Tailored to one use case. It excludes anyone with a laptop, a mobile device running a less popular os and tablets without a sim card. You'd be better off doing nothing. On the bright side, the app works well.

The App only works for customers of Digitec, Quickline, Salt, Sunrise, and Swisscom. Having noticed in the app, I now see that it does actually say that in the app description. Still, for clarity, I'd recommend renaming the app "SBB NationalSurf-No Foreigners please". (Incidentally, foreigners are obviously the ones most in need of free wifi because they are on roaming.)

What’s new

Compatibility with Android 16 improved.