DB and SBB have reported a marked improvement in punctuality on the international IC service linking Stuttgart, Schaffhausen and Zurich, following timetable adjustments introduced in December 2025.
Under the revised operating concept, every second train from Stuttgart now terminates in Singen, where a scheduled connecting service continues to Zurich. In addition, SBB operates a replacement train from Schaffhausen when through services from Germany are heavily delayed, ensuring greater reliability on the Swiss section of the route.
According to the two rail operators, average arrival punctuality in Zurich has increased by around 20 percentage points to over 80% since the changes were introduced. More than 80% of IC services now arrive in Zurich with less than three minutes’ delay. The replacement train from Schaffhausen has been deployed around 100 times, helping to secure dependable connections for passengers travelling towards Zurich.
Given the positive impact, DB and SBB have jointly decided to maintain the current concept until the timetable change in December 2026. At the same time, both companies say they will continue working on further improvements to reach Switzerland’s targeted punctuality standards.
In the longer term, the partners aim to stabilise the through Stuttgart–Zurich connection while balancing the need for attractive cross-border services with reliable domestic operations within Switzerland.
