Plan your trip

Getting to Bern

Bern is easily accessible from anywhere in the world, whether you're traveling from within Europe or overseas. The city is well-connected through Switzerland’s major international airports and efficient rail system.

By Air

The nearest major airports are Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Geneva Airport (GVA), both offering frequent direct trains to Bern.

From Zurich Airport, the train ride to Bern takes about 1 hour.
From Geneva Airport, it’s around 2 hours.

These airports serve as major gateways to Switzerland, with direct flights from cities across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Common carriers include SWISS, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, United, and American Airlines. Whether you're flying from London, Paris, Amsterdam, New York, Dubai, or Tokyo, you’ll find convenient options to reach Switzerland.

Train stations are located directly at both Zurich and Geneva airports, making the transfer to Bern quick and seamless.

By Train

Bern is a central hub in Switzerland’s rail network, served by fast and frequent trains from cities like Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, and Lucerne. International travelers can also arrive by train from Paris (via TGV), Milan (via ItaliaRail), and other European cities.

To plan your journey and book tickets, visit the Swiss Federal Railways website: SBB – Swiss Railways.

Bern’s main train station (Bahnhof Bern) is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance or a short tram ride from most hotels and conference venues.

Accomodation

Bern offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget—from charming boutique hotels in the Old Town to modern business hotels near the train station or conference venues. Please book hotel accommodation directly with your preferred hotel, travel booking website, or via your institutional travel booking system.

Recommended Areas to Stay:

Old Town (Altstadt): Perfect for those who want to stay in the heart of Bern, surrounded by medieval architecture, restaurants, and cultural sites.
Near the train station (Bahnhof Bern): Ideal for convenience and quick access to public transport and the conference location.
Langgasse & Kirchenfeld: Quiet residential neighborhoods with easy tram connections.

We recommend booking early, as availability can be limited during conference periods.

For more accommodation options and planning tools, visit the official Swiss tourism platform: Where to stay - Bern Welcome.

Note: Although the IPS Symposium finishes on the 21st August, the closing banquet will take place that evening, so please bear this in mind when you book accommodation.

Disclaimer: Travel routes can and do change periodically. The options above are not an exhaustive list of routes, and are subject to change without the knowledge of the IPS or organising committee. Delegates are responsible for researching and booking their own travel.

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