Exterior view of Bahnhof Neu-Solothurn station building

Solothurn Railway Station

Visiting Solothurn Railway Station: Tickets, Hours, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to Solothurn Railway Station

Solothurn Railway Station is a pivotal gateway to the historic city of Solothurn, Switzerland, seamlessly connecting modern transport infrastructure with the city’s celebrated Baroque Old Town. As a major junction in the Swiss railway network, it accommodates both standard- and metre-gauge trains, facilitating direct travel to key Swiss cities including Zürich, Bern, Lausanne, and Geneva. Its strategic position and multi-operator services underscore its significance in both regional and national mobility (Wikipedia; SBB Station Info).

The station’s location—just 500 meters from the iconic Old Town—allows travelers immediate access to Solothurn’s remarkable architectural heritage, including the St. Ursus Cathedral and the historic city gates. Enhanced with comprehensive amenities such as shops, cafes, luggage storage, and full accessibility features, Solothurn Railway Station is designed for comfort, efficiency, and inclusivity. This guide provides a detailed overview of the station’s facilities, travel tips, cultural context, and nearby attractions, ensuring visitors make the most of their journey (Wikivoyage; solothurn-city.ch).

Historic Neu-Solothurn railway station building from 1884

Historical Development of Solothurn Railway Station
Architectural Features and Layout
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Tours
Cultural and Urban Significance
Amenities and Transport Connectivity
Preservation and Modernization
Exploring Solothurn: Key Sights, Gastronomy, and Day Trips
Practical Information and FAQs
Sources

Historical Development of Solothurn Railway Station

Founded during the rapid expansion of Swiss railways in the 19th and 20th centuries, Solothurn Railway Station quickly became a vital junction for multiple railway lines. Today, it serves as a nexus for six major lines, providing direct connections to Zürich, Bern, Lausanne, Geneva, Biel, and more (Wikipedia). The station’s evolution mirrors the city’s transformation from a regional market town into a thriving administrative and cultural center.

Architectural Features and Layout

Station Design

Solothurn Railway Station reflects functional modernism, prioritizing efficiency, natural light, and accessibility. The main building integrates ticketing, shops, and passenger services, highlighted by large glass windows and robust materials such as steel and concrete. Signage is multilingual, and the design ensures barrier-free access for all travelers (SBB Station Info).

Platform Configuration

The station’s platform arrangement accommodates its role as a major hub:

Main Platforms: One side platform and two island platforms for SBB and BLS trains (standard gauge).
Regional and Metre-Gauge Platforms: Separate island platforms for RBS (Regionalverkehr Bern-Solothurn) and a dedicated track for Aare Seeland mobil (asm) on Luzernstrasse (Wikipedia).
Access: Underpasses and elevators facilitate safe, step-free movement between platforms.

Integration with the City

Located just south of the Aare River and a short walk from the Old Town, the station is well-integrated with Solothurn’s urban landscape. The forecourt accommodates buses, taxis, and bicycles, while nearby underground car parks provide ample space for drivers (Wikivoyage).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Tours

Visiting Hours

Station: Daily, 5:00 AM to midnight (may vary on holidays).
Ticket Counters and Shops: Typically 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
For current hours, see the SBB Solothurn Station page.

Ticketing

Where to Buy: Automated machines, staffed counters, and online via the SBB Mobile app or website.
Ticket Types: Single journeys, day passes, Swiss Travel Passes, and group discounts are available.
Mobile Ticketing: Digital tickets for ease and convenience.

Guided Tours

While the station itself does not offer tours, the adjacent tourist information center provides maps and assists with booking guided walks of the Old Town and local attractions. For details, visit the Solothurn City tourism portal.

Cultural and Urban Significance

The station’s presence has fueled Solothurn’s economic vitality, supporting commerce, events, and tourism. It is a focal point during major festivals, such as the Mozart Festival and the Solothurn Film Festival, when the city welcomes visitors from across Switzerland and beyond (Solothurn City).

Architectural Context

Contrasting with Solothurn’s Baroque Old Town, the station’s modern design complements, rather than competes with, the city’s architectural treasures. The juxtaposition underscores Solothurn’s blend of tradition and progress (BLS).

Amenities and Transport Connectivity

Facilities

Retail and Dining: Shops, bakeries, cafés, and service providers.
Lockers: Secure, 24/7 luggage storage options.
WiFi: Complimentary throughout the station.
Mobility Services: P+Rail parking, Mobility car-sharing, and extensive bike parking.
Accessibility: Elevators, ramps, and tactile guidance for travelers with reduced mobility.

Transport Links

Major Cities: Direct trains to Zürich (approx. 1 hour), Bern (30 min), Geneva, Lausanne, Biel, and more.
Local Connections: Bus and tram services for city and regional travel (Wikivoyage).

Preservation and Modernization

Ongoing renovations ensure that the station remains modern, safe, and accessible. Recent upgrades focus on expanding retail, improving accessibility, and integrating sustainable mobility solutions. The station promotes eco-friendly travel, supporting Switzerland’s environmental goals (SBB Station Info).

Exploring Solothurn: Key Sights, Gastronomy, and Day Trips

Architectural and Historical Highlights

St. Ursus Cathedral: Baroque masterpiece with panoramic tower views; open daily 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, free entry (tower climb CHF 5 adults) (solothurn-city.ch).
Bieltor (Biel Gate): Late Gothic/Baroque city gate with unique dual clocks (explorial.com).
Kunstmuseum Solothurn: Art museum open Tues–Sun, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, CHF 12 admission.

Local Gastronomy

Solothurner Torte: Hazelnut and meringue cake, available at local bakeries (wanderlog.com).
Absinthe Bar “Die Grüne Fee”: For a taste of the city’s unique beverage culture.

River Cruises and Nearby Excursions

From May to October, Aare River cruises connect Solothurn to Biel/Bienne, passing through scenic villages (bls.ch). The Weissenstein Jura Mountains and the bilingual city of Biel/Bienne are excellent day-trip options.

Practical Information and FAQs

Accessibility

Step-Free Access: Elevators, ramps, and tactile paving.
Assistance: Personal support available by request (Tel.: 0848 44 66 88).
Signage: German, French, and English.

Mobility and Parking

Bike Parking: Covered racks and bike-sharing.
Car Parking: Underground and surface options with real-time updates (Official Parking Info).
Car-Sharing: Mobility vehicles at the station.

Visitor Tips

Use the SBB Mobile app for real-time updates and digital tickets.
Visit major attractions on foot, starting from the station.
Check solothurn-city.ch for guided tour availability.
Most shops are open 9:00 AM–6:30 PM (Mon–Fri), shorter hours on Saturday, closed Sunday.

Safety

CCTV, security personnel, and emergency call points ensure a safe environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the station’s opening hours?
A: Generally 5:00 AM–midnight; ticket counters and shops 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.

Q: How do I buy train tickets?
A: At machines, counters, or online via the SBB Mobile app.

Q: Is the station fully accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, and guidance systems.

Q: What are the top nearby sights?
A: St. Ursus Cathedral, Bieltor, Kunstmuseum, Old Town, and Aare River promenade.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, book via solothurn-city.ch.

Visuals and Media

Modern facade blending practical design with urban integration.

Platform area showing multi-operator configuration.

Map highlighting proximity to Old Town and transport connections.

Additional Resources

Cultural Context: Solothurn’s Heritage and Local Life

Solothurn is renowned as Switzerland’s finest Baroque town, with a cityscape shaped by Italian, French, and German influences. The symbolism of the number 11—seen in the city’s 11 churches, fountains, and towers—is woven throughout the urban fabric (solothurn-city.ch). The city celebrates its multiculturalism, bridging German and French linguistic traditions, and hosts vibrant festivals such as the Solothurner Märetfescht and Fasnacht Carnival (explorial.com; bls.ch).

Key museums like the Kunstmuseum Solothurn and Museum Altes Zeughaus, as well as the city’s thriving literary and artistic scene, further enrich the visitor experience (wanderlog.com). Local gastronomy and riverfront leisure add to Solothurn’s unique charm.

Call to Action

Plan your visit with the Audiala app—your travel companion for Swiss railways, offering real-time schedules, tickets, and guided audio tours. For the latest updates and inspiration, follow us on:

Summary

Solothurn Railway Station stands as a model of Swiss efficiency, sustainability, and cultural integration. It provides seamless connectivity, modern amenities, and direct access to Solothurn’s historic and cultural riches. By leveraging digital tools like the SBB Mobile app and the Audiala travel assistant, visitors can enjoy a smooth, informed, and memorable journey through Solothurn (SBB Station Info; solothurn-city.ch; BLS; Wikivoyage; Audiala; SBB Mobile App).